Looking to become a medical assistant in Philadelphia? Here’s an overview of six online or hybrid programs in the area, each offering unique features to fit your needs. Explore tuition-free options, flexible schedules, and hands-on training to find the program that works best for you.
Learn more about each program as we dive deeper into their offerings to help you make the right choice for your career goals.
Browse Schools:
1. Prism Career Institute
Prism Career Institute’s Medical Assisting program is a 40-week hybrid program with 720 total hours, including 420 lecture hours, 150 lab hours, and 150 externship hours. 108 hours of lecture are online, providing flexibility while maintaining hands-on training in labs and externships.
Students complete the program by attending daytime or evening classes and gain skills in phlebotomy, EKG, medical office procedures, and patient care. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam, with exam fees included in tuition.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost | $13,815 (includes tuition, fees, and textbooks) |
| Program Length | 40 weeks (720 total hours) |
| Class Schedules | Day: Mon-Thu 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM; Evening: Mon-Thu 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Address | 8040 Roosevelt Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19152 |
| Phone | (215) 402-2007 |
2. Community College of Philadelphia
The Clinical Medical Assisting program offers self-paced online classes totaling 140 hours, allowing students to learn at their convenience. Coursework includes training in EKGs, phlebotomy, medication administration, and patient care procedures, providing a solid foundation for clinical roles in healthcare.
Tuition is $2,599, with a payment plan available. Students may also participate in an optional volunteer externship to gain hands-on experience. Certification opportunities include the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam.
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| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost | $2,599 |
| Program Length | 140 Hours |
| Class Schedules | Self-paced asynchronous |
| Address | 1700 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19130 |
| Phone | (215) 751-8000 |
3. Mercy College
The Mercy College Medical Assisting program offers 100% online coursework with hands-on components, including two six-hour skills labs and a 160-hour clinical practicum. The program spans 12 months and is designed for flexibility, allowing students to maintain full-time employment while earning their certificate.
With a total cost of $10,929, the program includes 25 credits covering clinical procedures, anatomy, and professional skills. Start dates are available in the fall, spring, and summer, offering multiple entry points for students to begin their journey in healthcare.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost | $10,929 |
| Program Length | 12 months |
| Class Schedules | Online coursework with flexible schedules and two in-person labs |
| Address | 2900 W Hunting Park Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19129 |
| Phone | (215) 226-1225 |
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4. Propel America
Propel America offers a tuition-free medical assistant program combining 700 hours of asynchronous online classes with monthly in-person labs. The program spans 8 months and includes a 160-hour externship with healthcare partners like Penn Medicine. Students earn 30 college credits and receive certification exam preparation.
This program provides flexible schedules, coaching support, and a $1,500 stipend. Graduates gain guaranteed interviews with employer partners and start at an estimated wage of $21/hour.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost | Tuition-Free |
| Program Length | 8 months |
| Class Schedules | Online (asynchronous) with in-person labs |
| Address | Not specified for classes, online program |
5. Career Starter Services
The medical assistant program at Career Starter Services is fully online with self-paced classes and 24/7 access to course materials. Students complete training in patient care, phlebotomy, and EKG procedures through interactive videos and simulations.
The program prepares students for three certifications: Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT), and Certified EKG Technician (CET). In-person clinical training enhances practical skills.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost | Not specified; payment plans available |
| Program Length | Self-paced |
| Class Schedules | Online, 24/7 access |
| Address | 1 Medical Center Blvd, Suite 224, Upland, PA 19015 |
| Phone | (215) 769-1199 |
6. Pennsylvania Institute of Technology
The Clinical Medical Assistant Certificate program at Pennsylvania Institute of Technology offers a mix of online and traditional formats, including hands-on lab and clinical training. The program spans 33 weeks and prepares students for certifications in Clinical Medical Assisting, Phlebotomy, and EKG Technology.
Students complete three 11-week terms, covering topics such as medical terminology, pharmacology, and clinical procedures. The program includes a 4-credit externship to provide real-world experience in healthcare settings. Tuition is $500 per credit hour, with additional fees possible.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost | $500 per credit hour |
| Program Length | 33 weeks |
| Class Schedules | Traditional, Hybrid |
| Address | 800 Manchester Ave, Media, PA 19063 |
| Phone | (610) 892-1500 |
Which Program Should You Choose?
Choosing the best online medical assistant program ultimately depends on your budget, schedule, preferred learning format, and career goals.
If cost is a primary concern, Propel America stands out with a tuition-free option, though it requires in-person labs and an externship. Community College of Philadelphia is also relatively low cost at $2,599 with self-paced classes, though it offers fewer total training hours compared to other options. For those seeking a more advanced or longer format, Mercy College provides a 12-month online program with two in-person labs and 25 total credits, costing $10,929. If you have a moderate budget and want a shorter hybrid format, Prism Career Institute offers a 40-week program costing $13,815, featuring both day and evening classes plus 108 online lecture hours out of the total 720 hours.
Career Starter Services doesn’t list a set cost but offers self-paced online training with flexible payment plans, ideal if you’re more comfortable with complete scheduling freedom. Finally, Pennsylvania Institute of Technology takes 33 weeks, costs $500 per credit hour, and includes a mix of online and traditional sessions, culminating in a 4-credit externship. Consider your financial constraints, time commitment, the level of in-person training you prefer, and whether you want college credits, certifications, or both. Comparing these details should guide you to the program that best fits your lifestyle and career plans.
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