The Best Medical Assistant Programs in Massachusetts
Credit: Matt Champlin / Moment / Getty ImagesDemand for medical assistants remains high. This guide explores how to apply and pay for a medical assistant program and outlines the top medical assistant programs Massachusetts schools offer.
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best medical assistant programs in Massachusetts, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including: academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
Keep reading to learn more about the best medical assistant programs in Massachusetts, or go straight to our list of the best medical assistant programs in Massachusetts.
What Can You Do as a Medical Assistant?
Medical assistants have both administrative and clinical responsibilities. In larger organizations like hospitals, they typically specialize in one or the other, while in smaller medical offices, they may perform both roles.
Administrative medical assistant tasks include helping with electronic health records, scheduling appointments, and insurance and billing. Clinical medical assistants also work with electronic health records, but they generally focus on adding to medical histories and test results. They maintain supplies and equipment, draw blood, and prepare samples to send for analysis.
Medical assistants must be detail-oriented, good with insurance and electronic health record software software, and excellent communicators with clinical staff and patients. They must understand and follow all rules related to patient privacy and information security.
What To Look For in a Medical Assistant Program
There are many different programs, including associate degree programs and certificate options. The right one depends on your needs, budget, and timeframe.
- 1
Admission Requirements
Most programs require a high school diploma and include open admissions. You do not need a minimum GPA to get in, but there may be prerequisites.
- 2
Program Curriculum
Certificate programs take less time, but an associate degree with a specialization in medical assisting is the best preparation for other healthcare jobs. Many medical assistants programs in Massachusetts offer certificate-to-degree programs.
- 3
Clinical Experience
Learners complete clinical experience, sometimes called an externship, as part of the program. This develops clinical skills, such as drawing blood and taking vital signs.
- 4
Accreditation
Massachusetts does not require medical assistants to graduate from an accredited program. However, you can only take the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) certification examination if you graduated from, or are completing a program accredited by, the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Other organizations also accredit programs and offer certification, but AAMA is one of the biggest ones.
- 5
Program Length
Medical assistant programs in Massachusetts vary significantly in length, depending on whether it’s an associate degree or a certificate program. Prepare to invest 9-24 months into your education.
- 6
School NCLEX Pass Rate
The NCLEX-RN pass rate is a good indicator of the school’s overall quality and local reputation. Certification pass rates are another valuable metric.
- 7
School Graduation Rate
The graduation or completion rate tells you how satisfied and successful students are in the program, an important factor in considering medical assistant programs in Massachusetts.
Applying to a Medical Assistant Program in Massachusetts
Most medical assistant programs in Massachusetts offer open admissions, but they do require a high school or GED diploma. If you were born outside the U.S., you may need to pass an English language fluency examination, such as the TOEFL, or otherwise demonstrate you can read, write, and speak in English.
Admission Materials
High school diploma or GED certificate; completed application; attend an information session
GPA Requirement
Most programs do not require a minimum GPA.
Other Requirements
Current immunizations; clear criminal background check
Why Is Medical Assistant Program Accreditation Important?
Accreditation is the process of evaluating a program to ensure its graduates are prepared to practice safely. Even though you do not need accreditation to work in Massachusetts as a medical assistant, it is still vital to program quality.
- Only graduates of accredited programs are eligible for AAMA certification. Many employers require or strongly prefer certified candidates.
- Because it assesses quality, accreditation protects you, your future employers, and your future patients.
- Most accredited programs don’t accept transfer credits from non-accredited programs.
- With the variety of accredited medical assistant programs in Massachusetts, there’s no need to risk your time and money on an unaccredited program.
Paying for Medical Assistant Programs in Massachusetts
While most medical assistant programs are affordable compared to other healthcare education, especially if you qualify for in-state tuition, it’s still a major investment. Consider program tuition and fees, the length of the program, whether you can work while studying, and other expenses, such as books and travel needs.
You may be eligible for some of the same scholarships and grants as nurses, or for other kinds of financial aid. If you currently work for a healthcare organization, they may have tuition reimbursement programs, especially for students earning their first degree.
Learn More About the Best Medical Assistant Programs and Schools in Massachusetts
Holyoke Community College
Holyoke, MA- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Holyoke Community College hosts one of the state's best nursing programs from its Holyoke campus. The medical assistant certificate program helps enrollees build skills and knowledge they can apply in the healthcare field. The school's 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio helps ensure that each learner receives personal attention from instructors.
The program introduces candidates to various theoretical and practical perspectives on the healthcare field. Simulations and lab activities help students develop these skills. Enrollees also prepare for work in healthcare facilities by participating in practicum activities.
Learners benefit from support services like academic advising, financial aid counseling, and career coaching. The institution also makes academic tutoring services in subjects such as writing and math available to certificate-seekers.
Holyoke Community College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public
Admission Rate: Data not available
Total Programs: 55
Average Amount of Financial Aid Awarded: $5,420
Average Tuition After Aid: $7,321
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $28,200
- In-State$4,824
- Out-of-state$9,768
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled4,849
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment48%
- AccreditationYes
North Shore Community College
- Danvers, MA
- 2 year
- Campus
One of the state's best nursing programs is at North Shore Community College in Danvers. Graduates who complete the medical assisting certificate program develop a specialized skill set that prepares them for careers in the healthcare industry. Enrollees benefit from personalized instructor attention in the 13-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio.
Learners receive expert training in both practical and theoretical aspects of healthcare. Simulations and lab activities help enrollees develop these skills. Students also prepare for work in healthcare facilities by participating in practicum activities.
Certificate-seekers can access comprehensive support services, such as academic advising, financial aid counseling, and career coaching. Learners can also access tutoring services for help in subjects like math and science.
North Shore Community College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public
Admission Rate: Data not available
Total Programs: 88
Average Amount of Financial Aid Awarded: $5,075
Average Tuition After Aid: $8,799
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $31,000
- In-State$600
- Out-of-state$6,168
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention Rate60%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled5,388
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment29%
- AccreditationYes
Mount Wachusett Community College
- Gardner, MA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner hosts a fantastic nursing program. The aim of the medical assisting associate program is to help graduates develop a broad base of healthcare-related skills and knowledge for future careers. Learners can be assured of personalized attention from instructors by the school's 9-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio.
Training from experienced professionals helps degree candidates grasp the major practical and theoretical approaches to healthcare. Enrollees can take advantage of lab activities and simulations to help develop these critical skills. Students also gain real-world skills for healthcare facilities by completing practicum activities.
Learners benefit further from access to several school-provided support programs like academic advising, financial aid counseling, and career coaching. The institution further invests in student success by offering academic tutoring in subjects like writing, science, and math.
Mount Wachusett Community College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public
Admission Rate: Data not available
Total Programs: 67
Average Amount of Financial Aid Awarded: $5,078
Average Tuition After Aid: $8,293
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $31,600
- In-State$600
- Out-of-state$5,520
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention Rate56%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled3,674
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment34%
- AccreditationYes
Northern Essex Community College
- Haverhill, MA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Haverhill-based Northern Essex Community College hosts a top-ranked nursing program. Completing the medical assistant certificate program helps graduates build skills and knowledge that are integral to the healthcare field. Each learner receives individual attention from instructors due to the school's 20-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Experienced trainers help certificate-seekers gain a mastery of both theoretical and practical aspects of healthcare. Hands-on opportunities like simulations and lab exercises help learners develop these skills. Students also prepare for work in healthcare facilities by participating in practicum activities.
Support services like career coaching, financial aid counseling, and academic advising help enrollees succeed in their programs. Academic tutoring in subjects like writing, science, and math is also available.
Northern Essex Community College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public
Admission Rate: Data not available
Total Programs: 94
Average Amount of Financial Aid Awarded: $5,797
Average Tuition After Aid: $7,941
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $30,400
- In-State$600
- Out-of-state$6,384
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention Rate58%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled4,932
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
Bristol Community College
- Fall River, MA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
One of the best nursing programs in Massachusetts is at Bristol Community College in Fall River. Graduates of the medical assistant certificate program receive a specialized education that prepares them for work in the healthcare field. Close attention to learners by instructors comes naturally from the school's 16-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio.
Medical assistant candidates cultivate a strong understanding of theoretical and practical approaches to healthcare under expert training. Learners build these skills through simulations, lab activities, and other types of hands-on education. Students also prepare for work in healthcare facilities by participating in practicum activities.
Career coaching, financial aid counseling, academic advising, and other support services are available to enrollees. Students can also receive academic tutoring in subjects like math, science, and writing.
Bristol Community College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public
Admission Rate: Data not available
Total Programs: 78
Average Amount of Financial Aid Awarded: $4,535
Average Tuition After Aid: $6,711
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $29,500
- In-State$576
- Out-of-state$5,520
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention Rate60%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled6,851
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
Massasoit Community College
- Brockton, MA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Massasoit Community College hosts one of the state's best nursing programs from their Brockton campus. Graduates of the medical assistant certificate program receive a specialized education that prepares them for work in the healthcare field. The 17-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio helps ensure that learners receive individual attention.
Trainers with healthcare experience help enrollees gain an understanding of the field's theoretical and practical approaches. Certificate-seekers develop their skills through specialized simulations and lab activities. The practicum provides further opportunities for students to develop hands-on experience in the healthcare field.
Learners benefit further from access to many school-provided support programs like academic advising, financial aid counseling, and career coaching. Enrollees can also benefit from academic tutoring services for subjects such as math, writing, and science.
Massasoit Community College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public
Admission Rate: Data not available
Total Programs: 61
Average Amount of Financial Aid Awarded: $4,521
Average Tuition After Aid: $8,571
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $31,200
- In-State$576
- Out-of-state$5,520
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention Rate57%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled6,637
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment29%
- AccreditationYes
Cape Cod Community College
- West Barnstable, MA
- 2 year
- Campus
One of the state's best nursing programs is at Cape Cod Community College in West Barnstable. Medical assistant students at the school develop a specialized set of skills and knowledge relevant to the healthcare field. Close attention to learners by instructors comes naturally from the school's 11-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio.
Candidates pursuing the medical assisting certificate benefit from expert training in both theoretical and practical aspects of healthcare. Participants can further develop important skills through simulated procedures and lab exercises. Practicum activities also help certificate-seekers build skills necessary in a healthcare facility.
Support services like career coaching, financial aid counseling, and academic advising help enrollees succeed in their programs. Students can take advantage of academic tutoring in subjects like math, science, and writing.
Cape Cod Community College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public
Admission Rate: Data not available
Total Programs: 82
Average Amount of Financial Aid Awarded: $5,050
Average Tuition After Aid: $8,315
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $28,600
- In-State$576
- Out-of-state$5,520
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention Rate61%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled2,907
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment32%
- AccreditationYes
Greenfield Community College
- Greenfield, MA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Certificate-seekers looking for a top-ranked nursing program should consider Greenfield Community College in Greenfield. Completing the medical assistant certificate program helps graduates build skills and knowledge that are integral to the healthcare field. Learners benefit from close faculty attention due to the school's 12-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio.
Expert training helps students grasp both theoretical and practical approaches to healthcare. Simulated procedures and lab exercises also help enrollees develop their skills. Students build meaningful skills for healthcare facilities by participating in practicums that focus on hands-on experience.
Candidates benefit further from access to school-provided support programs like academic advising, financial aid counseling, and career coaching. Students can receive tutoring services in subjects like science and writing.
Greenfield Community College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public
Admission Rate: Data not available
Total Programs: 37
Average Amount of Financial Aid Awarded: $4,195
Average Tuition After Aid: $9,084
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $29,100
- In-State$624
- Out-of-state$6,744
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled1,761
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment13%
- AccreditationYes
Quinsigamond Community College
- Worcester, MA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester hosts a fantastic nursing program. The medical assisting certificate program provides students with specialized knowledge and skills necessary for careers in the healthcare field. The 15-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio helps ensure that learners receive individual attention.
The curriculum emphasizes both practical and theoretical approaches to the healthcare field. Lab activities, simulations, and other types of hands-on experiences further help participants develop their skills.
Career coaching, financial aid counseling, academic advising, and other support services are available to enrollees. The institution also makes academic tutoring services in subjects such as writing and math available to enrollees.
Quinsigamond Community College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public
Admission Rate: Data not available
Total Programs: 99
Average Amount of Financial Aid Awarded: $5,276
Average Tuition After Aid: $6,972
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $33,300
- In-State$576
- Out-of-state$5,520
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention Rate60%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled7,291
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment29%
- AccreditationYes
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Assistant Programs
How do I become a medical assistant in Massachusetts?
The best way to become a medical assistant is to take a certificate course or earn an associate degree in nursing with a specialization in medical assistant training. Be sure the program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) so you can take the national certification examination.
How long does it take to become a medical assistant in Massachusetts?
You can complete a certificate course in roughly two semesters, less than one year. Earning an associate degree with a specialization in medical assistant work can take up to two years, but if you have already taken prerequisite courses, you can finish faster.
Do medical assistants have to be certified in Massachusetts?
It is not legally required, but many employers strongly prefer certified medical assistants. This ensures that their staff has the skills, knowledge, and understanding of legal and ethical issues to provide quality outcomes for patients.
What is a medical assistant salary in Massachusetts?
Nationally, the average salary for medical assistants is $38,190. In Massachusetts, the mean annual salary is $44,200, making it the fifth-highest paying state for medical assistants, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, Massachusetts also has a higher cost of living.
