Medical Assistant Associate Degree vs. Diploma / Certificate
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Many aspiring healthcare workers are pursuing a career in medical assisting. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2024) reported that 783,900 medical assistants were working nationwide in May 2023, with an additional 118,000 jobs expected to be added between 2023 and 2033—a 15 percent increase. This career path is an excellent option for those who wish to serve the medical industry without the significant time and financial expense associated with a full medical degree.
Medical assistants work in hospitals, physicians’ offices, outpatient care centers, and other medical clinics. They can perform administrative tasks such as assisting with billing, charting, answering phones, and scheduling patients, or they may work directly with patients taking vital signs, assisting with medical procedures, and documenting medical history. Medical assistants are essential to a smooth-running healthcare facility regardless of where they work.
Those interested in becoming a medical assistant may complete additional education before entering the workforce, generally through pursuing an associate degree or obtaining a certificate or diploma. Because the decision between these two options can significantly impact your future, below is a list of similarities, differences, and overlaps, as well as a side-by-side comparison of these choices.
Medical Assistant Degree vs. Certificate Program – Similarities, Differences, and Overlap
There are some similarities between an associate degree and a certificate or diploma in medical assisting. To begin with, they each may be viable paths toward becoming medical assistants. Generally, either of these options will provide a certain level of knowledge and expertise not possessed by those who solely have on-the-job training. While a degree or diploma is not necessary to work as a medical assistant, it is suggested for those who wish to be successful in their careers.
On the other hand, many differences are readily apparent. For example, while the specifics of each program vary based on the institution, a medical assisting associate degree will generally take longer than the time required to obtain a certificate. An associate degree often takes two years, while a diploma or certificate can be achieved in one year or less. Furthermore, while this is not a guarantee, future employers may consider those with an associate degree more favorably than those with only a diploma since those with an associate degree will likely have broader knowledge and expertise in this field.
Another difference can be in the cost of the program. Diploma or certificate programs tend to cost significantly less because they are shorter programs.
Associate degree medical assistant programs, on the other hand, tend to cost a bit more as these programs take approximately two years to complete and require more classes than a diploma or certificate.
Most notably, the overlap between these options includes the required coursework. Those who pursue an associate degree and those who obtain a diploma or certificate will still take courses on similar topics, such as human anatomy, medical terminology, pharmacology, medication administration, first aid, office practices, and many more.
In addition, the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), the main national certifying organization for these professionals, specifies that only graduates of accredited associate or certification programs are able to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam.
Side-By-Side Comparison Chart: Medical Assistant Degree vs. Certificate/Diploma
For prospective medical assistants considering various educational pathways, it is important to know what to expect from an associate degree or certification program. The table below includes a comprehensive side-by-side comparison to help inform this decision.
| Associate Degree | Diploma/Certificate | |
|---|---|---|
| How long does it take to obtain this level of education? | Students typically take two years to finish an associate degree with full-time study. Those who are studying part-time may need to budget an additional year or two for the successful completion of the program. |
Students in this type of program will likely take up to one year for successful completion. These programs also generally require clinical work or an internship, which may add additional time in the end, depending on the school’s requirements. |
| What types of classes should the individual expect to take on this path? | Those in pursuit of a medical assisting associate degree should expect to take courses on the following subjects:
In addition to these courses, students may also be required to complete an internship or clinical studies in order to attain their degree. Furthermore, those pursuing an associate degree may also be required to take general education classes, which may include courses in mathematics, writing composition, and humanities. |
Students who are pursuing a diploma or certificate in medical assisting will likely be required to take the following classes, among others:
Along with courses in medical assisting, students in some diploma programs will be required to complete clinical studies as well, although this is not always a requirement. |
| In what types of educational institutions is this program available? | In general, students will be able to pursue a medical assisting associate degree at a junior or community college such as the Erie Community College in Williamsville, NY. In some cases, medical assisting programs may be available at a four-year college or university. Please note there are also online associate degrees in medical assisting. |
Diploma or certificate programs in medical assisting may be offered at vocational schools, community colleges, or traditional colleges. For example, Cabrillo College in Aptos, CA, offers a medical assisting certificate. Some hospitals provide medical assisting diploma programs as well. |
| What types of jobs will the individual be eligible for after completion of this program? | Upon successful completion of a medical assisting associate degree, the graduate can expect to work as a medical assistant, either in a clinical or administrative capacity (depending on the specific circumstances). Furthermore, those students who choose to specialize in a certain field of medicine (e.g., podiatry or internal medicine) may be eligible to work in a specialist’s office, which may include a higher salary. |
After completing a medical assisting diploma, the graduate may be eligible to work either as an administrative or clinical medical assistant. This is generally dependent upon the specifics of the course load that the student takes. However, the individual may not be necessarily eligible to work in a specialist’s office until additional education is completed. |
| What level of salary can an individual expect after completion of this program? | The Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2023) data shows the median annual wage for medical assistants was $42,000. However, those with an associate degree may earn a salary closer to the higher end of the spectrum (90th percentile for the occupation: $56,480). |
While the BLS reports that the median wage for medical assistants in May 2023 was $42,000, those with only a diploma or certificate may earn closer to the lower end of the spectrum (10th percentile of the occupation: $33,500). |
| Will completion of this program prepare the individual for additional certifications in the field of medical assisting? | Successful attainment of a medical assisting associate degree can make the individual eligible for certification through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), as long as the program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). |
Similarly, students who successfully complete a diploma or certificate program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES may be eligible to sit for the examination to become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through the AAMA. |
| Schools that offer accredited programs in medical assisting | The following is a list of schools that offer CAAHEP-accredited medical assisting associate degree programs:
While there are a total of 64 CAAHEP-accredited associate degree programs available across the country as of Dec. 2024, we have highlighted just seven of them here as representative examples. These programs illustrate the diversity and quality of education options, but many more accredited programs can be explored depending on location, specialization, and personal preferences |
The following is a list of schools that offer CAAHEP-accredited diploma or certificate programs in medical assisting:
While there are a total of 294 CAAHEP-accredited diploma and certificate programs available across the country as of Dec. 2024, we have highlighted just seven of them here as representative examples. |
| The bottom line | Ultimately, a medical assisting associate degree can be an excellent choice for prospective students with an urge to develop a comprehensive knowledge of the field and who have additional time to budget for education. An associate degree can show a future employer a commitment to the position and may lead to a higher starting salary. Furthermore, those with an associate degree may enter the workforce with a greater level of expertise that can assist them in landing desirable jobs above those with only a certificate or diploma. |
Pursuing a medical assisting diploma can be a solid option for those who wish to begin working in the field within a year. Those who obtain a diploma in this field can still gain an overview of relevant subjects and may remain competitive in the workforce. While those with a diploma or certificate may not always earn as high of a starting salary as those with an associate degree, they can use the diploma or certificate as a springboard to learn the fundamentals. |
