How Much Do Medical Assisting Programs Cost?

If you’re considering completing a medical assisting program, it’s important to not only know the costs, but to also understand your options and potential career opportunities.

The job outlook for medical assistants is very promising! The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts growth of 15% for medical assistants through 2033, which is much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations (4%). The BLS attributes this growth to the aging baby boomer population and the increasing demand for medical care, some of which will be performed by medical assistants to offset the burden on doctors.

If this sounds like a career you might be interested in, it’s important to understand the cost of medical assisting training programs.

How Do You Become a Medical Assistant?

Medical assistants commonly assist with charting medical histories, taking vital signs, assisting with patient care and administering exams. A medical assistant’s responsibilities can vary, based on their working environment.

Classes typically include a combination of clinical and administrative skills, such as billing and coding, office management, body systems, phlebotomy, vital signs, and more.

To learn more, check out How Long Does it Take to Become a Medical Assistant?

How Much Does Medical Assisting Training Cost?

To become a medical assistant, you can choose a training program at a variety of higher education institutions, such as community college or trade school. The costs of these programs will vary depending on program length, type of training, type of school (for example, 2-year college versus trade school), location, and the type of certificate or degree you’ll earn at the end of training.

Recent research has shown the cost of attending medical assisting programs can range from $6,500 to $36,500. This is based on an analysis of 22 different programs across 15 different institutions and includes everything from a basic certification program to an Associates Degree.

At DTC, the costs associated with the Medical Assisting Program falls within this range, but keep in mind this is the cost before financial aid. IPEDS reports that 97% of students at DTC receive some form of financial aid.

There are other costs to consider when becoming a certified medical assistant. For example, the National Medical Assistant (NCMA) Certification Exam through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). Currently, this exam costs $119. At DTC, the cost of the certification exam is included in theMedical Assisting Program tuition.

At DTC, your tuition includes:

Fees
Books
Equipment
Certification Tests
Uniforms

Interested in Learning More About Medical Assisting?

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What Are the Different Types of Medical Assisting Training Programs?

The medical assistant training program you choose can have a major impact on both the cost and the time it takes you to enter the workforce. Trade schools and community colleges are both common options for medical assistant training, but there are key differences.

Trade School

Vocational and trade schools typically offer flexible class schedules and student services, such as job placement assistance. At DTC, we offer job placement assistance to all qualified graduates, to help them land a job as a medical assistant after graduation.

Trade school programs are usually faster than 2-year colleges, allowing for quicker entry into the workforce. At DTC, you can complete your medical assistant training in just 9 months. Most trade schools, like DTC, do not require GE classes. All the classes and lab training at DTC are relevant to the skills you need to become a medical assistant.

Community College

At community college, you can earn an Associate’s Degree in medical assisting. However, these programs typically take longer to complete than trade school programs, and may require full-time enrollment in order to finish in two years. Most community colleges also require general education courses.

The annual cost for public 2-year community colleges is $3,598. The annual cost of a private, 2-year for-profit school is $16,444.

How Do You Pay For Medical Assisting School?

Like many trade schools, DTC offers financial aid to those who qualify.

DTC is approved by the U.S. Department of Education to participate in the Federal Financial Aid Program, offering a variety of financing options to qualifying students, including:

Federal Pell Grants
Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
Federal Direct PLUS Loan
Post-9/11 GI Bill
Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)

At DTC, all students meet one-on-one with the Financial Aid Team during the enrollment process to explore their options. IPEDS reports that 97% of students at DTC receive some form of financial aid.