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Medical Assistant School Near You in New Jersey and Pennsylvania

Are you ready to start a rewarding career in healthcare without spending years in school? At Prism Career Institute, our Medical Assistant program provides a fast and flexible path to a rewarding profession. With campuses in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City, New Jersey, you can train close to home and graduate in as little as 10 months. Learn more about our Medical Assistant program near you in NJ and PA.

Program at a Glance

  • Prism Career Institute’s Medical Assistant program can be completed in as little as 10 months, making it one of the fastest paths to a healthcare career.
  • The curriculum includes hands-on training in clinical procedures like phlebotomy and EKGs, plus administrative skills such as patient communication and records management.
  • Campuses in Philadelphia, PA, and Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City, NJ, offer flexible scheduling and career support to help you succeed from enrollment to employment.

Program Timelines: How Long Does It Take to Become a Medical Assistant?

One of the biggest advantages of becoming a medical assistant (MA) is the speed at which you can enter the workforce. At Prism Career Institute, you can complete our Medical Assistant diploma program in as little as 10 months. This accelerated timeline is ideal for individuals who want to start working in healthcare quickly, without spending years in school.

Unlike traditional two-year programs, our curriculum focuses on the core skills and knowledge you need to succeed in entry-level medical assistant roles. You’ll receive hands-on training, clinical experience, and certification preparation in a hybrid format.

Flexible Learning: Can You Get Your Medical Assistant Certificate Online?

Although earning a medical assistant certificate completely online isn’t feasible, Prism Career Institute offers a hybrid learning format that combines online coursework with on-campus training. This makes it easier for students to balance education with work, family, and other responsibilities. The format includes:

  • Online learning: Students complete 108 hours of lecture content online, covering foundational topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and healthcare ethics.
  • On-campus training: Lab sessions and clinical skills are taught in person, ensuring students gain practical experience in procedures like phlebotomy, EKGs, CPR, and patient care.
  • Externship experience: The final portion of the program includes 150 hours at a supervised externship at a local healthcare facility, giving students real-world exposure before graduation.

This blended model is ideal for students who need flexibility but don’t want to compromise on the quality of their education. It also supports different learning styles, allowing students to absorb theoretical knowledge at their own pace while practicing skills in a structured environment. You can explore the full curriculum and policies in the Prism School Catalog.

Locations Program Length Program Curriculum Class Times
Day Option Cherry Hill, NJ
West Atlantic City, NJ
Philadelphia, PA		 40 Weeks 720 Total:
420 Lecture Hours
(Includes 108 Hours Online)
150 Lab Hours
150 Externship Hours		 Monday – Thursday
9:00 am – 1:30 pm
Evening Option Cherry Hill, NJ
West Atlantic City, NJ		 40 Weeks 720 Total:
420 Lecture Hours
(Includes 108 Hours Online)
150 Lab Hours
150 Externship Hours		 Monday – Thursday
5:30 pm – 10:00 pm

Understanding the Costs: How Much Can You Expect to Pay for an MA Program?

With so many career opportunities available in healthcare, enrolling in a medical assistant program is truly an investment in your future. Prism Career Institute is committed to making that investment accessible by offering competitive tuition rates and flexible financial aid options to students who qualify.

Available financial aid includes federal and private student loans, which can help cover tuition. Veterans may be eligible for educational benefits through programs supported by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Educational Pathways: Can You Become a Medical Assistant Without Attending a Program?

While some healthcare careers offer informal entry points, becoming a qualified medical assistant typically requires formal training. Employers increasingly seek candidates who have completed a structured program and earned certification, as this ensures they possess the clinical and administrative skills needed to perform safely and effectively in a medical setting.

Completing a formal training program prepares graduates to meet the increasing demand for medical assistants. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 12 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Certification Exams: How Difficult Is the Medical Assistant Certification Test?

The Medical Assistant certification exam is designed to assess your knowledge of both clinical and administrative skills, ensuring you’re prepared to work safely and effectively in a healthcare setting. Most students take the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam through National Healthcareer Association (NHA), depending on their program and career goals. While the exam is comprehensive, students who complete a structured training program, like the one offered at Prism Career Institute, are well-prepared to succeed.

Start Your Medical Assistant Journey at Prism Career Institute

Are you ready to enroll in a medical assistant program near you in NJ or PA? Prism Career Institute offers hands-on training, flexible scheduling, and career support. To learn more about our program, contact us or apply online to get started.

FAQs About Our Medical Assistant Program Near You in NJ and PA

How long does it take to become a medical assistant?

You can complete our Medical Assistant program in as little as 10 months, including classroom instruction, lab work, and a supervised externship.

How do I know if a medical assistant career is right for me?

To know if this career is ideal for you, take our free healthcare career readiness quiz.

What topics are covered in the MA program?

Both clinical and administrative tasks are covered in the program, including:

  • Medical law and ethics
  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Electrocardiography (EKG)
  • Phlebotomy
  • Patient history and vital signs
  • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
  • Clinical procedures
  • Hygiene and infection control
  • Records management
  • Professional communication

Are day and evening schedule options available?

Yes. At Prism Career Institute, our MA program is offered in day and evening class schedules at the Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City campuses. At the Philadelphia campus, only the day schedule is offered.