Tampa offers several affordable and in some cases free medical assistant programs, each with its own strengths in flexibility, hands-on training, and job placement support. Whether you’re looking for a hybrid program that balances online learning with in-person labs, a fast-track to employment with a local healthcare system, or a top-tier clinical externship, there’s an option that fits your goals and schedule.
- Moffitt Cancer Center
A clinical externship site for students already enrolled in an MA program, offering immersive hands-on experience in a high-level oncology care setting. - Hillsborough Community College
A hybrid-format Medical Assistant Technician program combining online self-study, in-person labs, and optional clinical experience, with the chance to earn up to three certifications. - BayCare Medical Group
A 14-week intensive Medical Assistant Academy that includes classroom instruction, lab training, and a 120-hour externship—with strong job placement potential and a competitive total cost.
Learn more about each program in the detailed summaries below, including cost, duration, class format, schedules, and additional requirements to help you decide which is right for you.
Find Affordable Medical Assistant Training in Tampa
Moffitt Cancer Center
Moffitt Cancer Center provides free medical assistant training opportunities for students enrolled in accredited medical assistant programs. The center offers hands-on externship experiences within its outpatient clinics, where students may assist with phlebotomy, taking vitals, patient histories, and preparing exam rooms, as well as performing tasks like billing, specimen collection, and minor sterile procedures.
The program does not appear to offer its own classroom instruction. Instead, it serves as a clinical rotation site, likely fulfilling the externship requirement for students from outside MA schools. Training takes place on-site at Moffitt’s Tampa facilities, and students must complete an application to be accepted for this clinical experience. It’s assumed—but not confirmed—that Moffitt covers training costs as part of onboarding or affiliation.
This opportunity is geared toward current medical assistant students looking to complete their clinical hours in a professional healthcare setting focused on cancer care. Students must apply through Moffitt’s Education & Training portal and select “Medical Assistant Student” to be considered.
| Category | Details |
| Price | Training costs covered by Moffitt Cancer Center as part of employment or externship placement. |
| Duration | Varies based on externship requirements; typically aligns with clinical hour needs of enrolled medical assisting programs. |
| Class Format | Hands-on clinical training in Moffitt outpatient clinics. |
| Class Schedules | Determined by externship placement; usually aligned with clinic hours. |
Hillsborough Community College
HCC’s Medical Assistant Technician program offers a mix of online self-study and in-person lab training, making it a flexible choice for students who need a hybrid format. The course covers over 220 hours of instruction and includes simulations, online lectures, and skills labs held at the Dale Mabry campus. A 100-hour clinical experience is available after the course ends, but it’s optional and comes with a $200 registration fee.
The $3,299 fee includes all required materials, scrubs, a stethoscope, BLS certification, and the exam fee for the CCMA national certification. Phlebotomy and EKG certification tests are also available for an added cost. Students gain practical skills in injections, EKGs, phlebotomy, medical terminology, and more. Optional certifications can help students stand out in a competitive job market.
Classes are held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and students must be 18 or older with a high school diploma or GED to enroll. Financial aid options may be available, including scholarships through the Open Door program and support for Tampa General Hospital employees.
| Category | Details |
| Price | $3,299 (includes materials, scrubs, CCMA exam; $200 extra for clinical) |
| Duration | 220+ hours of instruction + optional 100-hour clinical |
| Class Format | Hybrid (online self-study, live lectures, and in-person labs) |
| Class Schedules | Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. |
BayCare Medical Group
BayCare’s Medical Assistant Academy runs for 14 weeks and blends classroom training, lab practice, and on-site externship experience. Classes meet twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Concourse II Training Center in Tampa. During the final three weeks, students complete a 120-hour externship at a BayCare clinic, followed by certification prep and a pinning ceremony in week 14.
The total cost is $1,500, which includes study materials, lab supplies, two scrub tops, and the certification exam (first attempt). Students need to bring their own stethoscope, black scrub pants, and closed-toe shoes. A drug screening and background check are required before starting the program.
Graduates are eligible to take the NHA-CCMA exam and may be offered a full-time position with BayCare if they meet the system’s values and performance expectations. Those hired after graduation are eligible for a sign-on bonus, and internal BayCare employees may be able to use tuition assistance to cover the cost.
| Category | Details |
| Price | $1,500 (includes books, lab materials, scrub tops, and first exam attempt) |
| Duration | 14 weeks (includes classroom, lab, and 120-hour externship) |
| Class Format | In-person classroom & lab + on-site externship |
| Class Schedules | Tues & Thurs, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (class); Mon–Fri, 8 hrs/day (externship) |
Our Thoughts
Each brings unique strengths to the table—but your final choice should be based on more than just price or convenience. Here’s our honest and practical insight into what matters most.
⭐ Best Value with a Direct Job Path: BayCare Medical Group MA Academy
If you’re looking for a highly structured path into employment, BayCare’s program is unmatched in its clarity of outcomes. For $1,500, students not only complete a 14-week program with live clinical experience, but also receive a guaranteed job interview and likely job placement—especially if you reflect the BayCare values. That alone makes it one of the strongest return-on-investment options in Tampa.
Why It Stands Out:
- Extremely hands-on and clinically intensive
- Direct pathway to employment with a large, respected healthcare system
- Small cohorts and close mentoring from BayCare staff
- High alignment with real-world job expectations
⚠️ Things to Consider: You must attend in person, follow a rigid schedule, and cover your own costs for drug screening, supplies, and transportation.
Best for: Students who want a structured path into employment and are available full-time for 14 weeks.
💻 Most Flexible & Comprehensive: Hillsborough Community College MAT Program
HCC’s Medical Assistant Technician program—especially through its Dale Mabry and Brandon campuses—offers the broadest certification opportunity (up to 3 national certs: CMA, EKG, and Phlebotomy) and the most flexibility in schedule. The hybrid format with online learning and in-person labs makes this ideal for students juggling jobs or family obligations.
What We Like:
- Program includes EKG and Phlebotomy, not always included in other offerings
- Multiple start dates, payment plans, and scholarships (e.g., Open Door grant)
- Clinical experience is optional but available, giving you more control over pacing
- Veteran-friendly, with VA benefits and other funding options
⚠️ What to Ask About: Instructor quality can vary by campus. Some students have mentioned inconsistent support depending on who you get. Try to attend an info session and speak directly to instructors or past students before enrolling.
Best for: Working adults, those who prefer a blend of online and in-person learning, and students seeking multiple certifications for broader job market flexibility.
🏥 Elite Clinical Training, but Limited Access: Moffitt Cancer Center
Moffitt doesn’t offer a standalone program—it’s a clinical externship site for students already enrolled in accredited MA programs. If you’re currently in school and can secure a placement here, you’ll be exposed to one of Florida’s most advanced clinical environments. Moffitt specializes in high-touch patient care, oncology support, and advanced procedures.
Ideal For:
- Students already in another MA program who want to boost their resume
- Those aiming to work in oncology or specialty care settings
⚠️ Keep in Mind: This is not a complete training program. You’ll need to apply through your current school or go through Moffitt’s external application process to gain externship placement.
Best for: Medical assistant students seeking elite-level clinical training in oncology.
📌 Final Thoughts & Recommendation
When choosing a medical assistant program in Tampa, it’s critical to go beyond the brochure. Here are the intangibles we recommend you evaluate before enrolling:
| What to Evaluate | Why It Matters |
| Instructor engagement | Passionate, attentive instructors can make or break your learning experience. Ask to sit in on a class or speak with alumni. |
| Student support and career services | Strong support systems help with certification, job placement, and retention. Ask how they follow up after graduation. |
| Clinical placement quality | Not all externships are equal—find out where past students were placed and how much hands-on time they got. |
| Class size & environment | Smaller classes = more personal guidance. Ask about typical class size and lab setup. |
| School attitude | The way admissions, instructors, and support staff talk to you is often a preview of your experience. If they’re dismissive or unhelpful now, expect more of that later. |
✅ Our Top Pick
If you want the most direct and supported path into a medical assistant career with a strong employment safety net, choose BayCare MA Academy.
If you need flexibility and comprehensive certification options or prefer a self-paced hybrid model, go with Hillsborough Community College’s MAT program.
In either case, your best step forward is to schedule a call or visit. Talk to instructors. Ask real questions. Get a feel for their support.
The quality of your day-to-day learning experience will impact your confidence, skill level, and job readiness far more than just the cost or format alone.
See More Programs!
Learn about every school offering Medical Assistant courses in Tampa.