If you’re looking for a Medical Assistant program in Tampa that offers online or hybrid classes, there are several strong options to choose from depending on your goals, schedule, and budget. Here’s a quick look at what each school offers:
Take some time to dive into the detailed summaries of each program below, where you’ll find important information about costs, program length, class schedules, training locations, and more to help you make the best decision for your future.
Browse Schools:
1. Hillsborough Community College
Hillsborough Community College offers a Medical Assistant Technician (MAT) program through a combination of online self-study, live lectures, and in-person skills labs. The course spans over 220 hours of classroom and lab work, plus an optional 100-hour clinical experience available for an additional $200 fee. The total course fee is $3,299, which includes scrubs, course materials, a stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, BLS certification, and the CMA exam study package and testing fee.
Online assignments are completed at the student’s pace, while in-person labs are held at the Dale Mabry Campus. The course prepares students for up to three certifications: Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA), Phlebotomy Technician, and EKG Technician. Clinical experiences are typically hosted at outpatient clinics or private practices, but require a flexible schedule and transportation. Optional clinical placement is based on completing background checks, drug screening, and immunizations.
| Category | Details |
| Price | $3,299 (plus optional $200 fee for clinical experience) |
| Duration | Approximately 4.5 months + optional clinical hours |
| Class Format | Online self-study, live online lectures, in-person labs, optional clinicals |
| Class Schedules | Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. |
2. Concorde
Concorde’s Medical Assistant diploma program in Tampa is a blended format with online coursework, in-person labs, and an externship. Students complete 800 total contact hours over about 9 months, including 240 lab hours on campus and 230 externship hours at a healthcare facility.
Up to 50% of the program’s coursework can be completed online, covering topics like anatomy, medical terminology, EKGs, and medical office procedures. On-campus labs are held to practice clinical skills before moving into the externship. The total estimated program cost is $19,948, which includes tuition, textbooks, and a technology fee.
Classes are structured with a combination of virtual learning, scheduled lab days at the Tampa campus, and a hands-on externship that provides real-world experience in a healthcare setting. Financial aid and scholarships may be available for qualifying students.
| Category | Details |
| Price | Tuition: $19,195; Textbooks: $503; Technology Fee: $250; Total: $19,948 |
| Duration | Approximately 9 months (32 instructional weeks) |
| Class Format | Blended learning: up to 50% online coursework, with in-person labs and externship |
| Class Schedules | Flexible scheduling options; specific class times vary by term and availability |
3. Ultimate Medical Academy
Ultimate Medical Academy offers an online Medical Administrative Assistant program with two tracks: a diploma program completed in about 62 weeks and an associate degree option that takes roughly 87 weeks. Classes are fully online and pre-recorded, allowing students to work through the material on their own schedule while meeting assignment deadlines.
The diploma program costs $16,950 and includes 940 clock hours of coursework focused on medical office procedures, medical terminology, transcription, coding, and healthcare communication. The associate degree program is priced at $24,690 and requires 1,210 clock hours, adding general education courses like biology, sociology, and critical thinking.
Students prepare for the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exam as part of both programs. Online support includes 1-on-1 academic assistance, small class sizes, and career services. No externship is required for these programs.
| Category | Details |
| Price | $16,950 (Diploma); $24,690 (Associate Degree) |
| Duration | 62 weeks (Diploma); 87 weeks (Associate Degree) |
| Class Format | Fully online with pre-recorded lectures |
| Class Schedules | Flexible; coursework completed at any time with set assignment deadlines |
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4. Education Institute of Tampa Family
The Medical Assistant program at the Education Institute of Tampa Family is a 10-month online program priced at $8,500, plus a $50 admissions fee and approximately $300 for books and materials. Students complete 1,300 clock hours, including coursework, skills labs, and a 200-hour externship.
Classes are delivered fully online with flexible scheduling, while hands-on labs and clinical skills training are provided on-site. Students learn administrative skills like scheduling, billing, and medical record management, along with clinical skills such as phlebotomy, EKG, vital signs, and assisting in minor surgeries. Upon graduation, students are eligible to apply for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam.
| Category | Details |
| Price | $8,500 tuition, $50 admissions fee, approximately $300 for books |
| Duration | 10 months |
| Class Format | Online classes with on-site skills labs and externship |
| Class Schedules | Classes are pre-recorded and can be accessed at any time |
5. National Louis University
The Medical Assistant Certificate Pathway at National Louis University is a 7-month program based in Tampa. Students complete 24 weeks of online medical assistant training followed by a 4–6-week, 160-hour externship with an employer partner.
Classes are primarily online, including live sessions with instructors and coaches, while students also attend monthly in-person “Skills Labs” at the Accelerate U training facility. Each skills lab hosts 8–10 students to practice essential hands-on clinical procedures. The total cost of the program is $7,200, with a $1,000 scholarship available to eligible students.
Graduates earn a certificate and are prepared to sit for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Students also earn college credits that can be applied toward a bachelor’s degree.
| Category | Details |
| Price | $7,200 (scholarship of $1,000 available) |
| Duration | 7 months (24 weeks of training + 4–6 week, 160-hour externship) |
| Class Format | Primarily online with live sessions + monthly in-person Skills Labs |
| Class Schedules | Online coursework is flexible; Skills Labs held once per month in-person |
6. Keiser University
Keiser University’s Associate of Science in Medical Assisting program at the Tampa campus takes approximately 16 months to complete. Students earn 60.5 credit hours and complete both clinical and administrative coursework.
Classes are delivered in a hybrid format, combining online learning with in-person sessions. Students complete online lectures and coursework while attending campus for hands-on training in procedures like venipuncture, EKGs, and radiography. Externships are required and must be completed in person at healthcare facilities.
The program is also available in Spanish. Students must pass all major clinical courses with at least a “C” before beginning externships. Tuition is charged per semester, and costs vary based on course load, with full-time students paying $11,928 per semester, plus additional fees for labs, supplies, and background checks.
| Category | Details |
| Price | $11,928 per semester (full-time), plus additional fees for labs and supplies |
| Duration | Approximately 16 months |
| Class Format | Hybrid (online coursework with in-person labs and externship) |
| Class Schedules | Varies by campus and program pacing; externship schedules arranged separately |
7. Rasmussen University
The Medical Assisting Diploma program at Rasmussen University in Tampa is offered in a hybrid format with a mix of online classes and in-person training. Students complete hands-on labs and clinical externships in healthcare settings, while lecture-based coursework is handled online through live or on-demand sessions.
The program is designed to be completed in as few as 12 months. Tuition is advertised as under $11,500, though the final cost can vary depending on available grants like the Medical Assisting Inspire Grant, which may reduce tuition by up to $4,000. Students take core courses in clinical procedures, lab applications, and healthcare communications, followed by a required externship to build real-world experience.
Graduates are prepared to sit for CMA or RMA certification exams, with the first exam attempt fee included in the tuition. Program accreditation is through the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
| Category | Details |
| Price | Advertised under $11,500; exact cost may vary; up to $4,000 grant available |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Class Format | Hybrid (mix of online courses and in-person labs/externship) |
| Class Schedules | Online lectures (live or on-demand) and scheduled in-person labs/clinical externship |
8. ATA Career Education
ATA Career Education offers a Medical Assisting program with flexible hybrid learning. Students can choose between a 10-month diploma program or a 17-month associate degree option. A portion of each program is delivered online, combined with in-person labs at the Spring Hill campus. Laptops are available for students to help support online coursework.
Classes meet four times per week, with morning and evening schedules available. The diploma program requires 51 quarter credit hours (720 clock hours), while the associate degree program requires 96 quarter credit hours. Both options prepare graduates for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam, and associate degree graduates are also eligible for the Phlebotomy Technician certification.
The estimated total program cost is $18,900 for the diploma and $29,500 for the associate degree. Students also complete an externship as part of the program requirements.
| Category | Details |
| Price | Diploma: $18,900; Associate Degree: $29,500 |
| Duration | Diploma: 10 months; Associate Degree: 17 months |
| Class Format | Hybrid (part online, part in-person labs) |
| Class Schedules | 4 classes per week; Morning or Evening options available |
What We Think
Choosing the right online Medical Assisting program in the Tampa area depends on your priorities—whether it’s price, flexibility, speed, hands-on learning, or long-term value. Here’s our take based on important factors students often overlook when picking a program:
Most Affordable Option
Hillsborough Community College offers the lowest upfront price at $3,299, with an optional $200 clinical experience. It’s a strong value if you’re seeking certification preparation at a community college setting. However, with its strong self-study component, it’s best suited for highly self-motivated students. Before enrolling, talk to past students about the lab quality and instructor support, as this will define your practical experience.
Fastest Route to Certification
If speed is your top priority, National Louis University stands out with a 7-month blended program for $7,200. With monthly Skills Labs and a built-in externship, it offers a balance of speed and essential hands-on training. Still, we suggest directly contacting their admissions team to learn more about class size, instructor responsiveness, and externship site quality.
Best for Fully Online Convenience
Ultimate Medical Academy is the only school here offering a purely online diploma in Medical Administrative Assisting, but it’s focused on office skills, not clinical hands-on care. This matters if you’re targeting more direct patient-care roles. It’s ideal if you want a non-clinical medical career and can manage heavier self-paced learning.
Best Overall Hybrid Learning Experience
Rasmussen University offers an appealing balance of online coursework and structured hands-on labs and externships. With tuition under $11,500 and potential grants up to $4,000, it is competitively priced for a full hybrid experience. Still, make sure to assess career support quality, lab resources, and alumni outcomes before making a decision.
Strongest In-Person Hands-On Training
If you want the most frequent lab and clinical practice, Concorde and ATA Career Education both push strong in-person components. ATA’s diploma program (10 months, $18,900) and associate degree (17 months, $29,500) allow you to choose how much you want to invest. Concorde’s program is pricier at $19,948, but worth a closer look for its intensive externship and campus reputation for career support. We recommend visiting the campuses to get a real sense of instructor engagement and facilities.
Additional Advice
No matter which school you lean toward, we strongly recommend speaking to admissions, current students, and recent alumni directly. Ask about:
- Instructor experience and responsiveness
- Externship placement help
- Class sizes (smaller is usually better for hands-on fields)
- Career services effectiveness
- Student support during online learning
These qualitative aspects often matter more than what’s listed on a website or brochure—and will shape both your learning experience and career prospects.