Syracuse's healthcare employers are hiring medical assistants at a steady clip. The metro area reports roughly 1,110 medical assistant jobs, and New York projects nearly 27 percent growth in the field between 2022 and 2032. Hospitals and outpatient clinics increasingly want candidates who can room patients, update records, and handle clinical tasks from day one.
New York does not require a state license or CMA credential to work as a medical assistant, but many Syracuse employers screen for certification after training. That gap between legal minimums and hiring reality is why cost, schedule, and accredited exam preparation shape the local decision.
Syracuse Medical Assistant Job Market: Employers, Demand, and Starting Wages
In Syracuse, the most reliable hiring edge goes to medical assistants who pair a training program with certification, even though New York does not legally require it. Employers are hiring, but they are often screening for CMA or RMA credentials plus BLS before making an offer.
Major Employers Hiring Medical Assistants
The strongest current demand signals come from two large Syracuse health systems.
- Upstate University Hospital: Actively hires both Medical Assistants and Medical Office Assistants. The MA posting combines clinical, lab, and clerical support in inpatient, ambulatory, and outpatient settings, with Monday through Friday day shifts.1
- Crouse Health: Crouse Medical Practice posts full-time day Medical Assistant roles, often 8:30 to 5, focused on rooming patients, EMR documentation, and message processing. Current postings ask for MA certification or program completion plus BLS.2
- St. Joseph's Health: Another major Syracuse health system to watch. Current medical assistant openings were not confirmed in this review, but it remains part of the local employer mix.
Job postings are recurring, and both systems list multiple openings across ambulatory and outpatient sites, which points to steady need rather than a single seasonal spike.
What Starting Pay Looks Like
Upstate's Medical Assistant listing states $39,215 per year plus a $4,000 annual geographic payment, which brings the listed annual compensation to about $43,215.1 Its Medical Office Assistant band runs from $16.56 to $27.90 per hour.3 Local market estimates put the average medical assistant salary in Syracuse around $36,400, with entry-level pay near $24,752 and senior pay near $50,232.4 Statewide, New York's 2024 median was $48,000 ($23.08 per hour), so certified MAs with experience can aim above the Syracuse-specific average.5
Certification and Demand
New York does not require a state license or certification to work as a medical assistant, but the strongest local postings do. Upstate's Medical Office Assistant role asks for completion of an approved MA program or one year of related experience plus current BLS.3 Crouse asks for MA certification or program completion plus BLS.2 Multiple current openings at Upstate and Crouse, not one-off listings, indicate continued demand.
Online and Hybrid Medical Assistant Programs for Syracuse Students
Can you complete most of your medical assistant coursework online while still gaining hands-on clinical experience in the Syracuse area? For working adults juggling jobs and family responsibilities, this flexibility often determines whether online medical assistant programs are even possible.
Bryant & Stratton's Delivery Options
Bryant & Stratton College maintains CAAHEP-accredited medical assistant programs at both its Syracuse campus and Syracuse North location in Liverpool.1 The college offers various delivery formats across its healthcare programs, including on-campus, live remote, and fully online options.2 However, the specific availability of online or hybrid tracks for the medical assistant program at Syracuse locations should be confirmed directly with admissions, as clinical requirements under CAAHEP standards typically mandate hands-on hours that cannot be completed virtually.
Alternative Online and Hybrid Programs
Several other programs accept New York students and may arrange Syracuse-area clinical placements:
- Skilltrade: Offers both a fully online track with optional externship and a hybrid track combining online coursework with bi-weekly lab sessions. The hybrid track requires an 80 to 120 hour externship, which the program arranges near the student's location.3 Accreditation status should be verified before enrolling.
- Stepful: Provides a 5-month fully online program with an optional 80 to 160 hour unpaid externship. Students should confirm whether Syracuse-area clinical placements are available and verify the program's accreditation standing.
- Onondaga Community College: Located in Syracuse, OCC offers a 23-week hybrid medical assistant certificate combining asynchronous online coursework with on-campus lab sessions.4 This local option provides hands-on training without requiring daily campus attendance.
Accreditation and Certification Eligibility
Regardless of delivery format, CAAHEP or ABHES accreditation remains essential for certification eligibility. Programs lacking recognized accreditation may not qualify graduates to sit for the CMA or RMA examinations. Before enrolling in any online or hybrid program, verify its accreditation status directly with the program and confirm that clinical placements will be available in the Syracuse area. Working adults benefit most from programs offering asynchronous coursework alongside flexible clinical scheduling that accommodates evening or weekend availability.
Salary Snapshot: Medical Assistants in Syracuse
Medical Assistant Salary and Job Outlook in Syracuse NY
Medical assistants in the Syracuse area work across outpatient clinics, physician offices, and hospital practices. As of the 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics estimates, the region reports about 1,110 medical assistant jobs with a median annual wage of $40,930; pay typically runs from $37,460 at the 25th percentile to $46,040 at the 75th percentile. The table below shows how Syracuse compares with other New York metro areas.
| Area | Employment | Average Annual Wage | 25th Percentile | Median Annual Wage | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Syracuse, NY | 1,110 | $42,910 | $37,460 | $40,930 | $46,040 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | 45,710 | $48,320 | $44,190 | $46,890 | $54,600 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY | 2,050 | $44,700 | $37,370 | $44,960 | $49,210 |
| Rochester, NY | 1,820 | $43,240 | $38,830 | $43,230 | $45,340 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | 1,530 | $43,900 | $39,560 | $41,880 | $47,110 |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | 970 | $44,780 | $39,300 | $44,150 | $47,400 |
| Binghamton, NY | 320 | $41,780 | $37,170 | $39,550 | $44,470 |
| Ithaca, NY | 240 | $46,220 | $39,190 | $48,860 | $48,860 |
| Utica-Rome, NY | 230 | $42,240 | $37,270 | $41,590 | $46,650 |
| Elmira, NY | 180 | $41,050 | $38,300 | $38,820 | $44,990 |
| Glens Falls, NY | 140 | $43,340 | $38,210 | $43,640 | $45,980 |
| Kingston, NY | 130 | $42,790 | $37,950 | $39,990 | $47,320 |
| Watertown-Fort Drum, NY | 100 | $39,470 | $36,280 | $37,910 | $43,390 |
Related Articles
How to Choose an Accredited Medical Assistant Program in Syracuse
Accreditation is the single most important filter when choosing a medical assistant program in Syracuse, because it directly controls whether you can sit for the CMA (AAMA) exam.
Why Programmatic Accreditation Matters
Institutional accreditation covers the whole college, but that alone is not enough. The CMA (AAMA) exam requires graduation from a medical assistant program that holds programmatic accreditation through CAAHEP or ABHES, a standard shared by the best medical assistant programs in New York.1 Programmatic accreditation means the medical assistant program itself met national standards for curriculum, instructors, and clinical training. This distinction is easy to miss, but it changes your exam options. Choosing a program without that approval may leave you with a diploma but no direct path to the CMA credential.
Syracuse Accreditation at a Glance
- Bryant & Stratton Syracuse: Holds CAAHEP programmatic accreditation for its Medical Assisting AAS Degree Program. It is the confirmed CAAHEP option in the Syracuse area, making graduates eligible for the CMA (AAMA) exam and the CCMA.2
- OCM BOCES Liverpool: Not CAAHEP or ABHES accredited. The 780-hour program includes clinical experience and prepares students for the CCMA exam, but CMA (AAMA) eligibility is not established.3
- Henninger High School Medical Assisting Pathway: Not CAAHEP or ABHES accredited. This no-cost high school pathway can lead to CCMA and CMAA certifications, but it does not by itself qualify a graduate for the CMA (AAMA) exam. It can still be a useful early step toward later accredited training.4
How to Verify a Program's Status
Use the CAAHEP "Find an Accredited Program" tool or the ABHES directory, and search by the exact campus and program name rather than just the college name. If the specific medical assistant program is not listed, do not assume it qualifies for the CMA route. Check that the listing matches the campus you plan to attend, since accreditation can vary by location. The CCMA is more flexible: NHA accepts completion of a training program or one year of supervised clinical experience, which is why programs without CAAHEP or ABHES accreditation can still prepare students for that certification.5
Top Medical Assistant Programs in Syracuse
Below is the ranked list of top medical assistant programs serving Syracuse students. The two featured schools offer distinct entry paths: a 23-week certificate and an associate degree with internship experience.
Onondaga Community College
#1Syracuse, NY · $6,000 – $11,000/yr
Best for: Syracuse learners wanting affordable hybrid certificate
Onondaga Community College offers a 23-week hybrid Medical Assistant Training certificate with asynchronous online coursework and on-campus labs plus a practicum. The program prepares students for the NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant exam and includes CPR certification. At $6,585 total program tuition and an estimated net price around $8,562, it is a practical, low-cost entry point, and the Syracuse campus offers transfer pathways to Syracuse University for learners who plan to continue toward a bachelor's degree.
- $6,585 total program tuition
- 23-week hybrid certificate program
- Asynchronous online classes with on-campus labs
- Prepares for NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant exam
- Includes CPR certification
- Practicum and on-campus lab sessions included
- Financial aid available for qualifying students
Bryant & Stratton College-Syracuse North
#2Liverpool, NY · $15,000 – $20,000/yr
Best for: Students seeking structured associate path with internship
Bryant & Stratton College-Syracuse North offers a 62-credit Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting that can be completed in under two years. The program blends on-campus coursework with an internship, covering clinical procedures, medical terminology, billing, and office management, and it is accredited by CAAHEP. With an estimated net price around $15,217 and no application fee, it is a strong fit for Syracuse-area students who want a structured associate degree pathway to CMA or RMA certification.
- 62-credit associate degree program
- Can be completed in under two years
- CAAHEP-accredited medical assisting program
- Includes an internship for real-world experience
- Covers anatomy, pharmacology, and billing
- No application fee to apply
- Prepares for CMA or RMA certification
- Financial aid options available
Medical Assistant Program Costs and Financial Aid in Syracuse
Cost is often the deciding factor when you're choosing between a short career certificate and a full associate degree. Here's how the two most-searched Syracuse-area options stack up, plus what to expect from aid.
OCM BOCES Liverpool: Lowest Sticker Price
OCM BOCES lists a bundled program fee of $7,200 for its adult medical assistant program, which includes tuition, books, supplies, and uniform.1 There's no separate breakdown for medical assistant certification cost, so budget around $125 extra if you plan to sit for the CCMA or RMA after graduation.4 Because BOCES is a workforce program rather than a Title IV degree school, federal Pell grants and Direct Loans generally don't apply. Instead, ask about payment plans, WIOA workforce funding through the CNY Works career center, and employer tuition assistance if you're already working in healthcare.
Bryant & Stratton Syracuse North: Associate Degree Pricing
Bryant & Stratton's Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting is a longer, credit-bearing program, and the price reflects that. The college catalog lists base tuition at $10,080 per semester ($672 per credit), with books and supplies running $250 to $900 per semester depending on your course load.2 Plan on a lab coat and a certification exam fee (roughly $125 to $250) on top of that.
What Aid Actually Looks Like
Bryant & Stratton is a Title IV school, so students can apply for federal Pell grants, Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, and New York State TAP if you're a state resident. The college also advertises a new grant designed to close the gap between aid and remaining tuition for medical assistant students, though the exact award amount varies by student.3
For a real number tied to your family income, program, and course load, request a personalized net price estimate directly from the admissions office at whichever school you're considering.
Syracuse Medical Assistant Programs: Side-By-Side Comparison
This quick-scan comparison puts the main Syracuse-area medical assistant training options side by side so you can weigh credential level, time, and cost. If you want a faster route to the CCMA exam, OCM BOCES or Onondaga Community College's accelerated program may fit, while Bryant & Stratton's associate degree is the accredited path to the CMA. Estimated total costs include typical books and supplies where available, but always confirm current figures directly with each school.
| Program | Accreditation | Length | Estimated Total Cost | Certification Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryant & Stratton College, Syracuse | CAAHEP via MAERB | 62 credits, typically 2 years full-time (1-year full-time or 2-year part-time options may be available) | $9,825 | CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) |
| OCM BOCES, Liverpool | No program-specific institutional accreditor listed; prepares for CCMA exam | 780 clock hours | $9,284 (includes $436 for books, supplies, and fees; $155 optional costs not included) | CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) exam preparation |
| Onondaga Community College | CAAHEP (per program directory; confirm with college) | 23 weeks | $6,585 | Supports CMA eligibility through CAAHEP standards (program is described as certified medical assistant preparation) |
Did you know medical assistant jobs in New York are projected to grow nearly 27 percent between 2022 and 2032, according to the New York State Department of Labor? That's one of the fastest growth rates of any healthcare support role, meaning Syracuse graduates are entering a field with strong, well-documented demand for years to come.
Medical Assistant Externships and Clinical Placements in Syracuse
Medical assistant externships are the bridge between classroom training and a real job, and in Syracuse they are usually coordinated for you, not left for you to arrange on your own.
How Externships Fit Into the Program
At Bryant & Stratton College, the Medical Assisting AAS includes a supervised ambulatory externship of at least 160 clock hours.1 It takes place in the final semester after most clinical coursework is complete, so you walk into the site with foundational clinical medical assistant skills already covered. The setting is ambulatory care: outpatient clinics, physician offices, and similar practice environments rather than inpatient hospital floors.
Where Syracuse Students Train
Program materials do not always publish a confirmed list of externship hosts, and no public source names Upstate University Hospital, St. Joseph's Health, or Crouse Health as formal placement partners. Those systems are major medical assistant employers in Syracuse, so you may still encounter their outpatient clinics or affiliated practices during job searches, but treat specific hospital affiliations as unconfirmed. For comparison, OCM BOCES Health Occupations students complete 108 hours in long-term care at named partners like Menorah Park and Loretto Health and Rehabilitation2, but that is a high school CTE pathway, not a postsecondary MA credential.
What You Need Before You Start
Requirements vary by program and clinical site. Many outpatient and long-term care facilities expect current CPR/BLS certification, up-to-date immunizations, and a background check before you can begin patient contact. Confirm the exact list with your program coordinator early, because clearance can take weeks.
Turn the Externship Into a Job Offer
Show up like a new employee, not a student: arrive early, ask how you can help, write down common procedures, and learn the rooming and EHR workflow. Treat every preceptor as a future reference, and tell the office manager you would like to be considered if an MA role opens. Many externship sites hire reliable students, so your performance is a working interview.
