Medical assistant: certificate or on-the-job route
Most medical assistants finish a 1- to 2-year certificate or associate's program with a practicum; some start with a high school diploma and learn on the job. Most states do not require certification, but employers may prefer it.
For: People who like both office work and patient contact: scheduling, records and taking vital signs.
Route 1: Certificate or associate's program Most common
Programs at community colleges, vocational and technical schools and universities.
-
Start here
High school diploma (biology, chemistry)
BLS
Medical Assistants — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
-
1–2 years
Medical assistant program
Medical terminology, anatomy and pharmacology, with supervised experience such as a practicum or internship.
BLS
Medical Assistants — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
-
Exam gate
Certification exam
Most states do not require it, but employers may prefer or require certification; it is available from a number of organizations.
BLS
Medical Assistants — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
-
License
State requirements, where they exist
Some states require graduation from an accredited program, a license or certification.
BLS
Medical Assistants — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
-
Goal
Medical assistant
BLS
Medical Assistants — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Route 2: On-the-job training or apprenticeship Earn while you learn
Some employers hire high school graduates and train them.
-
Start here
High school diploma
BLS
Medical Assistants — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
-
Several months
On-the-job training or apprenticeship
Physicians or other medical assistants teach tasks such as taking vital signs.
BLS
Medical Assistants — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
-
Often asked
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
BLS
Medical Assistants — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
-
Goal
Medical assistant
BLS
Medical Assistants — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
National certifications and federal rules
Federal rules apply in every state; voluntary certifications are ones employers may ask for. State rules are in the matrix below.
- CMA (AAMA)
American Association of Medical Assistants - One of the medical assisting certifications employers may ask for.
AAMA
CMA (AAMA) credentialAmerican Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
State rules
Some states require medical assistants to graduate from an accredited program, be licensed or certified, or meet other prerequisites. Contact your state licensing agency. BLS
View source
Where to go next
Every career page in this cluster: entry, license, BLS pay and outlook.
What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and how to become one.