Medical assistants in Akron work alongside physicians and nurses in outpatient clinics, hospital departments, and specialty practices, handling vitals, injections, EHR documentation, and patient intake. Local demand is anchored by Summa Health, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, and Western Reserve Hospital, plus dozens of independent primary care and specialty groups across Summit County.
Training paths range from roughly $3,650 at short local programs to over $15,000 at private career colleges, with online, hybrid, and in-person formats available within a 25-mile commute. Ohio requires no state license, so employer preferences, not state rules, shape which credential actually gets you hired. Jump straight to the program list below.
Local Medical Assistant Job Market in Akron
The real question for Akron medical assistant candidates is not whether the region has openings, but whether they will meet employer expectations for training and certification. Ohio does not require medical assistants to hold a state license, so the local job market, rather than state law, sets the bar for entry.
Hiring is steady across major Akron health systems
Job boards show consistent demand in 2026, with aggregate medical assistant search results exceeding 1,000 postings in the broader Akron area and narrower filtered views showing several hundred openings at any given time.1 The headline employers are familiar: Summa Health, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Akron Children's Hospital, and UnitedHealth Group. Summa Health careers has shown more than 150 Akron-area medical assistant postings in recent career-site searches, including MA I, MA II, and preadmission roles.
Certification expectations vary by employer
Although Ohio does not require a state medical assistant license, many Akron employers screen for a credential such as CMA, RMA, or clinical medical assistant certification, or at least completion of an approved program. UnitedHealth Group postings, for example, state that active medical assistant certification and CPR/BLS are required.2 Summa Health emphasizes completion of an approved program plus a 160-hour externship within the past five years, or one year of medical office experience, without always naming certification.3 Cleveland Clinic Akron General postings sometimes accept two years of medical or technical assisting experience as an alternative to program graduation.4 The practical takeaway: certification is not a legal requirement in Ohio, but meeting certified medical assistant requirements makes an Akron applicant more competitive across the region's largest employers.
Pay and hiring trends to watch
Pay for certified medical assistants in Akron currently centers around $19.88 per hour, with many local listings falling between about $15.62 and $20.24.5 Employer postings show wider ranges: Summa Health MA roles list roughly $19.23 to $23.45 per hour, while Cleveland Clinic Akron General has posted surgical MA roles from $19.75 to $27.75.4 Some Summa postings also include a $1,500 sign-on bonus, which signals competition for experienced hires.7 The most visible openings cluster in ambulatory and specialty settings such as primary care, plastics, surgery, and preadmission. For new graduates, that means a strong application should pair formal training with a recognized credential, even before an employer asks.
The Akron metro area is expected to add 112 medical assistant jobs between 2020 and 2030, a 7.3% growth rate, according to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. That's a solid local increase for a career that typically requires no prior work experience.
In-Person Medical Assistant Programs Within Commuting Distance of Akron
Akron-area students have several training options, but the in-person picture is narrower than search results sometimes suggest. Use the confirmed details below as a starting point, then verify schedules, costs, and accreditation directly with each school before applying.
Two In-Person Options to Compare
- Stark State College Medical Assisting Certificate:** Stark State lists locations in Akron and North Canton, so the program is practical for many Akron commuters. The certificate runs about three semesters with classes Monday through Thursday. Students choose day or night sections, which helps if you are working. The final stage includes a 210-hour practicum. Admissions materials cite a minimum 2.0 GPA, a placement test, and a background check. The program page does not explicitly require a high school diploma and does not publish programmatic accreditation status.
- Wayne County Schools Career Center Adult Education Medical Assisting:** This 850-hour program takes about 12 months and currently meets Monday through Thursday from 4pm to 8pm. That evening schedule is one of the clearest part-time-friendly options for working adults in the area. Published cost is $9,238, but costs can change. Enrollment starts with an information session and application. The program page does not list academic prerequisites or programmatic accreditation, and updated 2026 start dates were not yet posted; the most recent start shown was September 15, 2025.
Herzing University Akron: Hybrid or Online
Herzing lists a 10-month, 24-credit Diploma in Medical Assisting, but the program is described as online with an externship. In-person Akron campus delivery was not confirmed for 2026, so verify the current format before counting it as a commuting option. Admissions requirements include a high school diploma or GED and an admissions interview. The program page does not mention a background check requirement or programmatic accreditation.
Akron School of Practical Nursing
We could not confirm a medical assistant program at Akron School of Practical Nursing in the sources reviewed. The school's focus appears to be practical nursing, so if you are targeting medical assistant training specifically, contact the school directly before adding it to your list.
Accreditation Check
None of the program pages reviewed named a programmatic accreditor such as CAAHEP or ABHES. That does not mean a program is unaccredited, but it does mean you should ask each school to confirm current accreditation status before enrolling, especially if you plan to sit for a national medical assistant certification exam.
If you need a fully in-person program, Stark State and Wayne County are the strongest starting points from the programs reviewed. Herzing may still work if you prefer online coursework with a local externship, but confirm the format before you commit.
Medical Assistant Salary and Job Outlook in Akron (Metro)
In the Akron metro area, medical assistants held about 1,360 jobs and earned a median annual wage of $38,540 in the latest BLS estimates. For comparison, nearby Cleveland and Columbus reported higher medians ($44,720 and $43,830, respectively), while Youngstown and Canton were lower ($37,090 and $37,980). Projections show Akron adding 112 medical assistant jobs from 2020 to 2030, a 7.3% increase, while statewide demand remains strong with about 112,300 openings per year projected from 2024 to 2034.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Medical assistant employment, Akron metro (latest BLS estimate) | 1,360 |
| Median annual wage, Akron metro | $38,540 |
| Mean annual wage, Akron metro | $40,510 |
| 25th percentile wage, Akron metro | $37,080 |
| 75th percentile wage, Akron metro | $44,580 |
| Projected job growth, Akron metro (2020-2030) | 7.3% |
| Projected new jobs, Akron metro (2020-2030) | 112 |
| Projected job growth, Ohio (2024-2034) | 12% |
| Projected annual openings, Ohio (2024-2034) | 112,300 |
| Projected new jobs, Ohio (2016-2026) | 4,637 |
How to Become a Medical Assistant in Ohio: Step-By-Step
Ohio is one of the more flexible states in the country for entering this career: there is no state license required to work as a medical assistant, which means the path from decision to first paycheck can be shorter than in states with mandatory credentialing. That flexibility does not mean employers are casual about who they hire. In Akron and across northeast Ohio, most clinical job postings ask for a completed program and a recognized certification, even though the state itself does not.
Here is how the path typically works.
Step 1: Meet the baseline education requirement
You need a high school diploma or GED. Ohio does not impose any additional formal training requirement on medical assistants, but almost every hiring manager will expect more than a diploma before letting you room patients or draw blood.
Step 2: Complete an accredited training program
This is the step that opens the most doors. If you want to sit for the CMA exam offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants, you must graduate from a program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES. Stark State College's medical assisting program in North Canton, for example, prepares graduates to take the CMA exam directly. If you plan to pursue the RMA through American Medical Technologists, an accredited program is one route, but AMT also accepts five years of relevant work experience in the last seven years as an alternative eligibility pathway.
Step 3: Pass a certification exam
Ohio's Department of Education and Workforce recognizes several credentials for medical assistants working in the state:
- CMA (AAMA): Must be taken within 60 months of completing your accredited program.
- RMA (American Allied Health): Recognized statewide.
- AMCA Clinical Medical Assistant and AMCA MAC: Both accepted.
- MedCA MA1: Also on Ohio's approved list.
The CCMA offered by the National Healthcareer Association is widely accepted by Ohio employers as well, though it is not on the state's education credential list.
Step 4: Gain supervised clinical experience
Accredited programs build a clinical externship into the curriculum, usually 160 to 200 hours in a real practice. This experience often converts directly into a job offer.
Step 5: Maintain your certification
Credentials expire, and renewal rules vary:
- CMA (AAMA): 60 CEUs every renewal cycle, with at least 30 from AAMA-approved sources.
- RMA (AMT): $75 annual fee plus 30 CCP points.
- CCMA (NHA): 10 CE points and a $179 renewal fee.
One note on terminology: Ohio does license medication aides through the Board of Nursing, but that is a separate role and not a substitute for medical assistant certification.
Medical Assistant Program Costs in Akron
Tuition and fees vary widely across Akron-area medical assistant programs. The estimated totals below include mandatory fees, books, supplies, and other required costs where reported. Financial aid may reduce the net price for eligible students, and out-of-state rates may differ.
| Program | Tuition | Fees | Books & Supplies | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wayne County Schools Career Center - Medical Assisting | $6,500.00 | N/A | N/A | $9,238.00 |
| Akron Medical Assistant School (Akron/Cuyahoga Falls) | $3,091.00 | $125 registration + $200 medical supplies & fees | $234.00 | $3,650.00 |
| Stark State College - Medical Assisting | $7,185.60 | $95 processing + $105 security/maintenance | $1,677 textbooks/course access + $734 lab supplies/course materials | $11,230.60 |
| Herzing University - Medical Office Assistant Online | $13,653.76 | $275 registration + $68.27 TCF + $196.25 certification/uniform/other | $788.45 | $14,981.73 |
Total medical assistant program costs in the Akron area can vary by more than $12,000. Akron Medical Assistant School lists $3,650 as its all-in total, while Bryant & Stratton College reports $15,706 as its program cost for 2026, according to each school's published figures.
Accreditation and Clinical Placement Quality for Akron Programs
Accreditation and clinical placement quality matter when comparing Akron-area programs. The table below summarizes each school's published accreditation status and the externship or practicum details you should confirm before enrolling.
| Program | Accreditation | Clinical Placement / Employer Partnerships |
|---|---|---|
| Stark State College, Medical Assisting (Akron campus option) | CAAHEP accredited through 2029 upon recommendation of MAERB. | 210 hours at local hospitals in the final semester. The college assigns students to hospital practicum sites, so placement is arranged by the program. |
| Akron Medical Assistant School, Medical Assistant Program | Approved and regulated by the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools. Prepares students for NCCA-accredited NHA certification, but the school does not state CAAHEP or ABHES programmatic accreditation. | 80-hour externship in local medical offices under experienced professionals. The program connects students with potential employers across the region and facilitates placement. |
| Hondros College of Nursing, Medical Assisting Program (Ohio) | ABHES approved program. ABHES also serves as Hondros College of Nursing's institutional accreditor. | 180 supervised hours in doctor's offices, long-term care facilities, or other appropriate healthcare settings in the final term. Students complete the externship at a Hondros healthcare partner facility, indicating college-arranged placement. |
| Bryant & Stratton College, Medical Assistant Program (Akron satellite location) | CAAHEP accredited medical assistant program. | 160-hour mandatory clinical externship in professional medical facilities. The externship is arranged as part of the curriculum, indicating school-supported placement. |
| University of Akron, Medical Assisting Certificate (MEDAS) | The catalog states the accrediting body requires a minimum 160-hour practicum but does not name the accreditor. External CAAHEP or ABHES status is not confirmed in the excerpt. | 160-hour practicum through MEDAS 246 in clinical settings. Specific facility types are not listed. Requires permission of the clinical educator and program director, indicating coordinated placement through the program. |
State Licensing: Ohio Medical Assistant Requirements
Related Articles
Ranking of Top Medical Assistant Programs for Akron Students
Below are the top medical assistant programs serving Akron students. Each profile highlights cost after aid, clinical training, and outcomes that matter for local learners.
University of Akron
#1Akron, OH · $10,000 – $15,000/yr
Best for: Akron residents seeking hands-on ambulatory training
The University of Akron's main campus offers a 12-month, 30-credit medical assisting certificate with a 4-credit practicum in local ambulatory care settings. Average net price after aid is about $13,946, and the institution-wide graduation rate is 52%. Median earnings after attendance are around $46,600, with typical debt near $23,250.
- 12-month certificate program
- 30 total credit hours
- Includes a 4-credit clinical practicum
- Covers medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology
- Trains in both administrative and clinical duties
- Prepares for ambulatory care and physician office roles
Stark State College
#2North Canton, OH · $5,000 – $8,000/yr
Best for: Budget-conscious learners wanting local clinical placements
Stark State College runs CAAHEP-accredited medical assisting cohorts at its North Canton and Akron locations. The three-semester certificate reports a 100% job placement rate and a 78% licensure pass rate. Average net price after aid is about $5,986, one of the lowest in this group. Median earnings are around $34,700 and typical debt near $13,800.
- CAAHEP-accredited program
- Three-semester certificate format
- Cohorts start fall on main campus and Akron campus
- 78% licensure pass rate
- 100% job placement rate
- Day and evening class options
- Eight-week course terms
- Includes assigned clinical sites and EKG certification prep
Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences
#3Canton, OH · $24,000/yr (net price)
Best for: Career changers needing hospital-system practicum connections
Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences places medical assisting students in a 160-hour practicum inside the Aultman Health System, with sites across the Akron-Canton corridor. The two-semester certificate has classes two days per week. Average net price after aid is about $24,204 and the institution-wide graduation rate is 53%. Median earnings are around $63,600, with typical debt near $20,000.
- Accredited by Higher Learning Commission and Ohio Department of Higher Education
- $392 per credit
- Two-semester certificate format
- 160 clinical practicum hours in hospitals and clinics
- Prepares for CMA, RMA, and CCMA credentials
- Classes meet two days per week
- Often leads to job offers before practicum completion
University of Akron Wayne College
#4Orrville, OH · $6,000/yr (net price)
University of Akron Wayne College in Orrville mirrors the main campus medical assisting certificate with 30 credits and a practicum in ambulatory care. Average net price after aid is about $6,032. Median earnings are around $46,600 and typical debt near $23,250.
- 12-month certificate program
- 30 total credit hours
- Administrative and clinical duties
- Work in ambulatory care settings
- Includes a medical assisting practicum
Bryant & Stratton College-Parma
#5Parma, OH · $13,000/yr
Bryant & Stratton College-Parma offers an on-campus associate degree in medical assisting that typically takes under two years. Average net price after aid is about $12,849 and the institution-wide graduation rate is 19%. Median earnings are around $32,600 with typical debt near $21,500.
- 62-credit associate degree
- On-campus format
- Prepares for CMA, CCMA, or RMA certification
- Includes a hands-on internship
- Covers medical terminology, anatomy, pharmacology, and office procedures
- Typically completed in under two years
How to Choose the Right Medical Assistant Program in Akron
The hardest part of choosing a medical assistant program in Akron is rarely finding a school. It is deciding what to trade: lower tuition now, a schedule that fits your current job, or stronger clinical placement support later. Most students cannot optimize all three at once, so start by naming the factor you are least willing to give up.
Weigh Accreditation, Cost, Clinical Placement, and Flexibility
- Accreditation: Check whether the program is accredited by a recognized body. Accreditation matters for certification eligibility and employer confidence, so treat it as a baseline requirement rather than a bonus.
- Cost: Compare total cost, not just the listed tuition. Use the cost table on this page to see how Akron-area programs differ, and ask what is included in the price.
- Schedule flexibility: If you plan to work while in school, look for evening, weekend, hybrid, or online options that match your availability.
- Clinical placement: Some programs arrange clinical externships for you; others expect you to find a site. A program that handles placement can save you weeks of uncertainty.
- Graduate outcomes: Where a program reports completion, certification, or job placement, pay attention. If outcomes are not published, ask the school to explain what their recent graduates typically do next.
Use the Rankings and Tables as a Shortlist, Not a Verdict
The ranking and accreditation table in this guide can help you narrow the list quickly, but they cannot tell you which campus feels manageable for your commute, budget, and life. Treat them as a decision aid, not a substitute for a conversation.
Call the Schools Before You Enroll
Contact a few programs directly and ask for current tuition, externship placement policies, and job placement assistance. Specifically ask: Does the program help with job placement after finishing? Are clinical placements arranged near Akron? What additional fees should I expect? A short phone call or campus visit can surface details that are not obvious online.
Online Medical Assistant Programs Serving Akron Students
Akron Medical Assistant School in Fairlawn runs an 18-week hybrid medical assistant program that pairs weekly online assignments with 4.5 hours of in-person lab time each week, plus an 80-hour externship after week 8. For Akron students who need more schedule flexibility than a fully in-person program, several online and hybrid options combine remote coursework with hands-on training and clinical placements in Ohio.
Hybrid Programs with Ohio Clinical Components
- Akron Medical Assistant School: 18-week hybrid format in Fairlawn. Weekly online assignments are paired with in-person labs, and an 80-hour externship begins after week 8. The program is approved by the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools and prepares students for the NHA CCMA exam, though institutional accreditation is not published.
- Herzing University: Offers a hybrid Diploma in Medical Assisting (10 months, 24 credits) and an Associate of Science in Medical Assisting Services (16 months, 60 credits). Online didactics are combined with in-person labs and an externship at partner sites in Ohio. Scheduling and admission details are not listed.
- East Ohio College: Clinical Medical Assistant Online Program is hybrid and takes about 18 months. It combines online instruction with hands-on components, though specific scheduling and accreditation details are not published.
- Ohio Phlebotomy Training Center: Hybrid Medical Assistant Program runs 18 weeks with synchronous online instruction and in-person labs. Specific admission requirements and accreditation are not listed.
Fully Online Options
- CCI Training Center: Online Medical Assistant Certification Program can be completed in about 30 weeks (7 months) and prepares students for the CCMA exam. Format is fully online; admission requirements are not specified.
- U.S. Career Institute: Online Medical Assistant Certificate is self-paced and asynchronous, with completion possible in as little as 4 months. This program has no in-person clinical component, so students must arrange their own externship to meet certification or employer requirements.
- Cleveland State University: Online Clinical Medical Assistant Certification Course takes about 4-6 months. It is fully online; clinical placement details are not listed, so confirm externship options before enrolling.
