Medical Assistant Programs & Certification in New York
Medical assistants are responsible for aiding both doctors and patients during the medical process. They assist with tasks such as scheduling appointments, delivering lab materials, and prepping a patient for medical procedures. Following the pandemic, the US saw a drastic decrease in medical assistants in the workforce, and today, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many states, including New York, are facing a drastic need for medical assistants. If you're looking for an entry-level healthcare career, this is an incredibly lucrative and rewarding one to take on, and with the new increase in medical assistant programs available online, it's a great time to learn a new skillset.
2026 Best Medical Assistant Programs in New York
CUNY Queensborough Community College
Bayside, NY - Public 2-Year - qcc.cuny.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Program (CCMA)
Campus Based - Visit Website
CUNY Queensborough Community College's Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) program delivers intensive, career-focused training through seven courses covering essential skills like medical terminology, electronic health records, EKG, phlebotomy, and administrative tasks. With a total cost of $4,605, this campus-based program prepares graduates for roles in New York's healthcare sector, where medical assistants earn a median salary of approximately $44,420. No entrance exam is required for this certificate program, emphasizing practical, hands-on education for swift entry into the growing medical field.
- 7-course comprehensive medical training
- Total program cost $4,605
- Median salary $44,420
- Multiple medical skill certifications
- Includes EKG and Phlebotomy training
CUNY Hostos Community College
Bronx, NY - Public 2-Year - hostos.cuny.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Clinical Medical Assistant
Campus Based - Visit Website
CUNY Hostos Community College's Clinical Medical Assistant certificate offers a fast-track pathway into healthcare, ideal for career changers seeking quick entry. Located in the Bronx, this comprehensive program combines clinical skills like patient care techniques with administrative expertise in medical documentation. As part of Continuing Education, it emphasizes practical training for immediate employment, leading to allied health certification. No entrance exam is required, as it's a certificate-level program focused on hands-on learning in modern healthcare settings.
- Allied Health Certification
- Located in Bronx, NY
- Part of Continuing Education
- Multiple Healthcare Certifications
- Professional Career Training
Nassau Community College
Garden City, NY - Public 2-Year - ncc.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Medical Assistant
Campus Based - Visit Website
Nassau Community College's Medical Assistant program provides comprehensive campus-based training that prepares students for immediate healthcare employment. Students develop essential administrative skills in medical documentation and office management alongside clinical competencies in patient intake, EKG techniques, and phlebotomy procedures. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through supervised practical experiences and internship placements in medical clinics, physician offices, and hospitals. This robust combination of theoretical knowledge and real-world application ensures graduates are well-equipped to handle the dynamic demands of medical assisting roles.
- Campus-based medical assistant training
- Comprehensive administrative/clinical skills
- EKG and phlebotomy procedures
- Internship opportunities
- Multiple course sequence
- Supervised practical experiences
- Prepares for healthcare employment
CUNY City College
New York, NY - Public 4-Year - ccny.cuny.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
Online Learning - Visit Website
CUNY City College offers an online Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program tailored for experienced professionals seeking certification. This 380-hour self-paced course spans 12 months, covering advanced medical procedures, patient care, and clinical documentation. It includes preparation for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) certification, with an exam voucher and CPR certification provided. Priced at $2,295, the program emphasizes flexibility and affordability, ideal for career advancement in high-demand clinical settings. No entrance exam is required, as it builds on prior experience in medical assistance.
- Online self-paced training
- 380 total course hours
- 12-month course access
- $2,295 total cost
- NHA certification preparation
- Clinical experience opportunity
- CPR certification included
- Exam voucher included
- High job market demand
- Experienced medical assistant focused
Adelphi University
Garden City, NY - Private 4-year - adelphi.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Clinical Medical Assistant
Online Learning - Visit Website
Adelphi University's online Clinical Medical Assistant certification delivers intensive 4-6 month training for healthcare entry. Students master essential clinical competencies including patient care, vital sign documentation, EKG performance, and laboratory procedures. The program emphasizes practical skills in pharmacology and specialized medical techniques, preparing graduates for certification exams and roles in physician offices, clinics, and hospitals. With optional clinical externship and 24/7 learner support, this $2,599 program offers mobile-ready learning for career advancement in New York's healthcare sector.
- Online certification course
- 4-6 months program length
- Entry-level medical training
- Optional clinical externship
- Certification exam preparation
- High school diploma required
- Mobile-ready learning platform
- 24/7 learner support
- Video lesson presentations
- Cost: $2,599
Certificate/Diploma - Clinical Medical Assistant Master
Online Learning - Visit Website
Adelphi University's Clinical Medical Assistant Master certification provides comprehensive online training for modern healthcare roles. This 4-6 month program develops expertise in clinical office functions, electronic health record management, and specialized skills including phlebotomy and EKG techniques. Students gain multiple certification opportunities through the National Healthcareer Association, covering Clinical Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy, EKG, and Electronic Health Records specialties. Designed for entry-level professionals, the $2,599 program features flexible online delivery with optional volunteer externship, preparing graduates for dynamic healthcare careers in New York without entrance exam requirements.
- Online certification program
- 4-6 months clinical practice
- $2,599 total cost
- High school diploma required
- Multiple certification options
- Optional volunteer externship
- Mobile-ready learning platform
- 24/7 learner support
- Video lesson presentations
- Certificate of completion
CUNY Lehman College
Bronx, NY - Public 4-Year - lehman.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
CUNY Lehman College's Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program provides a hybrid learning experience, blending online coursework with hands-on internship opportunities. Students develop essential clinical skills through a 100-hour internship and prepare for the National Healthcareer Association certification exam. The program emphasizes job readiness, including CPR certification, and highlights the strong job market with medical assistant roles in New York City averaging $60,000 annually. No entrance exam is required, making it accessible with just a high school diploma for entry into various healthcare settings like private practices and hospitals.
- 100-hour internship included
- NHA certification preparation
- Hybrid learning format
- Average NYC salary $60,000
- High school diploma required
- Online and in-person courses
- Multiple course modules
- Job readiness training
- CPR certification offered
CUNY Queens College
Queens, NY - Public 4-Year - qc.cuny.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Program (CCMA)
Campus Based - Visit Website
CUNY Queens College's Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) program offers a comprehensive seven-course curriculum focused on essential medical skills like medical terminology, electronic health records, EKG, phlebotomy, and administrative procedures. With a total cost of $4,605 and flexible registration, it prepares students for entry-level roles in healthcare settings, where median salaries in the New York area are around $44,420. The program emphasizes hands-on training in computer proficiency and patient care, providing a solid foundation for competitive job opportunities without requiring entrance exams, as it's a certificate-level program.
- 7-course comprehensive healthcare program
- Total program cost $4,605
- Median salary $44,420
- Flexible course registration
- Includes EKG and phlebotomy training
- Computer skills and medical terminology
- Healthcare career preparation
Schenectady County Community College
Schenectady, NY - Public 2-Year - sunysccc.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Training
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
SUNY Schenectady's Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Training is a hybrid program that prepares students for versatile roles in outpatient healthcare settings. Over one year, students complete five courses to earn multiple NHA certifications, including Phlebotomy, EKG, Medical Administrative Assistant, and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant. This Workforce Development program focuses on both clinical and administrative skills, equipping graduates for medical offices and clinics without requiring entrance exams.
- Hybrid training program
- Multiple NHA certifications possible
- Five-course curriculum
- Outpatient healthcare focus
- Workforce Development program
Certificate/Diploma - Medical Administrative Assistant
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Schenectady County Community College's Medical Administrative Assistant program offers hybrid training for healthcare administration careers. Students develop skills in scheduling, medical terminology, HIPAA compliance, and patient communication, with NHA certification included in the $1,950 total cost. Designed for career changers, this program emphasizes administrative expertise and medical software training through evening classes, requiring a high school diploma but no entrance exams.
- Hybrid learning format
- NHA certification included
- Medical software training
- $1,950 total program cost
- High school diploma required
- Healthcare experience preferred
- Evening class schedule
- Administrative and communication skills
- HIPAA and confidentiality training
Monroe College
Bronx, NY - Private 4-year - monroecollege.edu
Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting
Campus Based - Visit Website
Monroe College's Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting is a 64-credit, five-semester program that combines classroom learning with practical experience. Students develop clinical and administrative skills through state-of-the-art simulation labs and a mandatory 160-hour internship. The program emphasizes patient care, medical procedures, and professional training, preparing graduates for diverse healthcare roles. With competitive tuition and strong career placement support, it offers a direct path to certification and employment in a high-growth field. No entrance exam is required for this associate-level program.
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
- 5 semesters to complete
- 64 total credit program
- On-campus study option
- 160-hour internship required
- Grade of C or better required
- Professional faculty training
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- Competitive tuition rates
- Multiple career placement options
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY - Public 4-Year - buffalo.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Registered Medical Assistant
Campus Based - Visit Website
University at Buffalo's Registered Medical Assistant program at the Educational Opportunity Center is a comprehensive 9-month campus-based training that prepares students for diverse healthcare roles. The curriculum blends clinical skills like patient care and diagnostic procedures with administrative tasks, including medical terminology and customer service. A key feature is the 160-hour clinical internship, providing hands-on experience in hospitals, clinics, and physician offices. Graduates can earn certifications from American Medical Technologists and enter a field with a median annual wage of $37,380. Admission requires a minimum TABE score, but no ACT or SAT is needed for this non-bachelor's program.
- 9-month comprehensive program
- 160-hour clinical internship
- In-person course delivery
- Multiple certification options
- Work in various healthcare settings
- Minimum TABE score requirements
- Customer service training included
Suffolk County Community College
Selden, NY - Public 2-Year - sunysuffolk.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Clinical Medical Assisting
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Suffolk County Community College's Clinical Medical Assisting Program delivers a focused 7.5-month certificate through a hybrid format, blending online learning with practical lab sessions. It equips students with both administrative and clinical competencies, covering areas such as patient communication, medical documentation, EKG, and phlebotomy. A key feature is the guaranteed 80-hour externship with partners like Catholic Health, offering hands-on experience in real healthcare environments. With tuition at $3,299 and a 14% job growth projection, this program is ideal for those entering the field, especially career changers, and does not require an entrance exam for admission.
- 7.5-month certificate program
- Hybrid online/campus training
- 80-hour mandatory externship
- $3,299 total tuition
- 14% job growth projection
- Administrative and clinical skills
- Partnered with Catholic Health
Niagara County Community College
Sanborn, NY - Public 2-Year - niagaracc.suny.edu
Associate - Medical Assistant, A.A.S.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Niagara County Community College's Medical Assistant A.A.S. degree is a comprehensive two-year program that equips students for versatile roles in ambulatory healthcare settings. It blends administrative and clinical training, preparing graduates for immediate employment with a strong 86% job placement rate. Students benefit from a 160-hour supervised practicum, gaining hands-on experience, and achieve a 91% certification exam pass rate. The CAAHEP-accredited program focuses on diverse environments like private practices and urgent care centers, offering eligibility for national certifications. No entrance exam is required for this associate-level program, emphasizing practical skills for the growing healthcare field.
- Two-year A.A.S. degree
- 86% job placement rate
- 91% certification exam pass
- 160-hour supervised practicum
- National certification eligible
- Ambulatory healthcare focus
- Administrative and clinical training
- CAAHEP accredited program
- Multiple healthcare settings
- Entry-level professional preparation
Molloy University
Rockville Centre, NY - Private 4-year - molloy.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Medical Assisting Certification
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Molloy College's hybrid Medical Assisting Certification program equips students for healthcare roles through a blend of online and campus learning. It emphasizes clinical and administrative skills, such as patient interaction and medical documentation, without requiring prior healthcare experience. The curriculum includes eight courses and a 160-hour clinical externship in various settings, preparing graduates for National Healthcareer Association certification. At a total cost of $1,820, this program supports career entry in a field with an 18% job growth projection by 2031, offering flexible scheduling options.
- Hybrid learning format
- 160-hour clinical externship
- NHA certification eligibility
- Total program cost: $1,820
- 8 required courses
- Online and campus options
- Multiple course scheduling
- No prior healthcare experience needed
CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College
New York, NY - Public 2-Year - bmcc.cuny.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
Online Learning - Visit Website
CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College offers an online Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program designed for career advancement. This comprehensive 380-hour course prepares students for the NHA CCMA certification with flexible, self-paced learning over 12 months. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills in patient care, clinical procedures like vital sign measurement and specimen collection, and administrative tasks. At $2,295, it includes exam vouchers and textbooks, requiring no prior medical experience—just a high school diploma. This affordable program is ideal for those seeking entry into high-demand healthcare roles without on-campus commitments.
- Online self-paced training
- 380 total course hours
- 12-month access period
- CCMA exam voucher included
- NHA certification preparation
- Potential clinical experience
- Textbooks provided
- $2,295 total cost
- No prior medical experience required
- High school diploma prerequisite
Touro University
New York, NY - Private 4-year - touro.edu
Associate - Associate in Science Medical Assistant
Campus Based - Visit Website
Touro University's Associate in Science Medical Assistant program offers a comprehensive two-year campus-based education, preparing students for diverse healthcare roles. The curriculum emphasizes both clinical and administrative skills, including medical procedures, laboratory tests, and HIPAA compliance, supported by a practical externship. With 68 total credits—38 in core subjects and 30 in major-specific areas—students are well-equipped for CMAC certification and entry into medical settings. The program is military-friendly and does not require an ACT or SAT entrance exam, focusing instead on hands-on training in medical ethics and professional standards.
- Associate's Degree in Medical Assistant
- Prepare for CMAC Certification
- 38 College Core Credits
- 30 Major Specific Credits
- Includes Practical Externship
- Learn Clinical & Administrative Skills
- HIPAA Compliance Training
- Clinical Procedures Focused
- Medical Ethics Curriculum
- Laboratory Test Procedures
Getting a Medical Assistant Certification in New York
In New York, medical assistants are not required to obtain licensure or certification from state organizations in order to work in the medical field. However, earning certification through a recognized organization can help you stand out when it comes to the application process and enhance your professional qualifications.
To become a certified medical assistant in New York, you can follow these general steps:
Education and Training: Complete an accredited medical assistant program that meets the criteria set by organizations such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). These programs typically include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training to equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills.
Certification Exam: After completing your education, you may choose to take a certification exam offered by organizations such as the AAMA or the NHA. These exams assess your understanding of various medical assistant competencies, including clinical and administrative tasks.
Application Submission: Once you pass the certification exam, you can submit your application for certification to the respective organization. Follow their specific guidelines and provide any required documentation, including proof of education, training, and exam results. Pay the necessary fees as specified by the organization.
Certification Issuance: Upon successful completion of the application process and meeting the certification requirements, the organization will issue your medical assistant certification. This certification demonstrates your competency and validates your qualifications as a medical assistant.
While there are no specific state organizations for medical assistant certification in New York, obtaining certification from nationally recognized organizations such as the AAMA or the NHA can greatly enhance your professional qualifications and increase your job prospects. These certifications are widely recognized and respected in the healthcare industry, including in New York.
To stay updated with any changes or requirements specific to New York, you can visit the New York State Education Department website or contact the Medical Society of the State of New York. These state organizations can provide information and resources related to the practice of medical assistants in New York and any regulatory updates that may affect your career.
Finding an Online Medical Assistant Program in New York
New York is home to many great online medical assistant programs, and you can undoubtedly count on finding one that fits your specific needs. Talking to your area’s medical professionals or career advisors can help you narrow them down. Prospective students should first decide which online medical assistant program type they want: the 2-year associate’s degree, or the 1-year certificate or diploma program. The state has many options, such as the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Program at Corning Community College or the hybrid program offered at the City University of New York. Whatever program you choose, ensure that it covers a robust curriculum, is appropriately accredited, and provides scheduling options that work for you.
Where Can I Find a Job as a Medical Assistant in New York?
New York has made many recent efforts to get its residents covered by health insurance. For this reason and many others, there has been an increased need for medical assistants in this great state. Many medical assistant positions are readily available, especially to medical assistants who have undergone extensive training and education. A great place to locate these positions is online through local listings. Sometimes, these listings can be found on the hiring facility's website itself, for example, the websites of New York’s largest medical establishments, Mount Sinai Hospital, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, and Bellevue Hospital.
What Is the Salary for a Medical Assistant in New York?
According to Salary.com, the annual salary range for medical assistants in New York ranges from $39,000 to $53,000. This is much higher than almost any other state, and you can assume that you will make the higher end of the range if you are more experienced, and are applying for areas of the state that in higher demand of medical assistants, such as New York City.
Get More information on medical assistant salaries in New York.
The following cities in New York offer medical assistant schools and courses.
- Albany, NY 10 schools
- Brooklyn, NY 29 schools
- Buffalo, NY 5 schools
- Rochester, NY 6 schools
- Syracuse, NY 5 schools