If you’re aiming to become a medical assistant fast, Tampa offers several accelerated programs that can get you job-ready in 9 months or less. Each program has its own strengths—from low-cost, employer-sponsored training to flexible online options and intensive hands-on learning environments.
Explore the detailed program breakdowns below to compare costs, class schedules, formats, and other key features to help you find the best fit.
Find Accelerated Medical Assistant Programs in Tampa
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Concorde
The Medical Assistant diploma program at Concorde’s Tampa campus can be completed in just 9 months, making it one of the faster-paced options in the area. The program totals 800 contact hours, including 240 lab hours and 230 externship hours, and is delivered in a blended format that combines online coursework with on-campus labs and clinical rotations.
Students are trained in both front office duties and hands-on clinical skills, such as blood draws, vital signs, EKGs, and sample collection. The externship provides real-world experience in a healthcare setting before graduation. A dedicated online success coach supports students throughout the online portion.The total estimated cost is $19,948, which includes tuition, textbooks, and fees. Financial aid and scholarships, including the Healthcare Demand Grant, may be available to those who qualify. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED and completion of an assessment. Classes are currently enrolling.
| Category | Details |
| Price | $19,948 (includes tuition, textbooks, technology fee, and estimated costs) |
| Duration | 9 months (32 instructional weeks, 800 contact hours) |
| Class Format | Blended (online coursework + on-campus labs + in-person externship) |
| Class Schedules | Varies by course; includes online modules, on-campus lab days, and externship rotations |
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BayCare Medical Group
This 14-week program is designed to quickly train students for certification and job placement within BayCare practices. The total cost is $1,500, which includes books, scrubs, lab time, and the first attempt at the certification exam. Additional out-of-pocket costs include $88 for a required drug screen and background check.
Classroom instruction is held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Concourse II Training Center in Tampa. Weeks 11–13 are spent completing a 120-hour externship at a BMG practice, with full-time weekday hours. Week 14 is dedicated to certification preparation and a pinning ceremony.
Students must attend all sessions and demonstrate BayCare Values to be considered for employment after graduation. Graduates who pass the certification exam may be offered full-time MA positions starting at $16.01/hour. The program does not accept federal financial aid, but internal BayCare employees may use tuition assistance.
| Category | Details |
| Price | $1,500 (includes books, scrub tops, lab time, and first exam attempt) |
| Duration | 14 weeks |
| Class Format | In-person classroom, lab simulation, and on-site externship |
| Class Schedules | Classroom: Tues & Thurs, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; Externship: Mon–Fri, 8 hours/day |
National Louis University
This 7-month accelerated program combines online instruction with monthly in-person skills labs and a required 160-hour externship. Students complete 24 weeks of medical assistant training followed by a 4–6 week clinical placement through an AU employer partner.
The total cost is $7,200, with a $1,000 scholarship available. Students earn a certificate and are eligible to take the NHA’s CCMA exam. Instruction is led by both an instructor and a success coach, with required live virtual sessions and lab-based skills checks held monthly in small groups at the Tampa training facility.
The program covers clinical and administrative skills, medical law and ethics, anatomy, communication, and cultural competence. Graduates may receive primary hiring consideration from local healthcare employers and can apply credits toward a bachelor’s degree at NLU. Students must commit approximately 18–20 hours per week and participate in regular skills labs and a hands-on externship.
| Category | Details |
| Price | $7,200 (scholarship of $1,000 may be available) |
| Duration | 7 months (24 weeks of training + 4–6 week/160-hour externship) |
| Class Format | Primarily online with live sessions, monthly in-person labs, and externship |
| Class Schedules | Online coursework weekly; in-person labs monthly; externship hours vary |
Our Take
Choosing an accelerated medical assistant program in Tampa under 9 months comes down to three major factors: value, format, and opportunity. Each of the options below offers a distinct experience that may appeal to different learners.
Bottom Line:
- Go with BayCare if you want low cost, fast training, and direct job placement.
- Choose NLU if you want flexibility, affordability, and a supportive hybrid learning environment.
- Pick Concorde if you want a deep dive into clinical learning and can afford the higher price.
Consider FTC if you’re interested in bilingual instruction or want to pursue additional credentials like X-ray operator training.
Budget Friendly
If you’re cost-conscious and prefer a structured path to employment, BayCare Medical Group offers the most affordable route at $1,500 and just 14 weeks in length. It’s also tightly integrated with job placement—students who meet expectations are offered full-time MA roles at BayCare. However, it’s highly structured and selective, with limited flexibility in scheduling and a competitive admissions process. It’s best for students who are ready to commit full-time and are confident in their ability to meet high behavioral standards.
Hybrid Learning
If you value a hybrid learning environment with strong academic support, National Louis University (NLU) is a standout. At $7,200 for a 7-month program with flexible online learning, monthly hands-on lab sessions, and a 160-hour externship, it’s one of the most affordable and academically supported programs. Students get access to coaches, small in-person cohorts, and college credit toward further degrees. It’s a good fit for self-motivated learners who want flexibility, community, and a pathway to further education—but it requires consistent weekly time commitment and personal discipline.
Traditional Experience
f you want a more traditional career college experience with the most extensive lab and externship time, Concorde Career Institute provides a 9-month program with 240 lab hours and 230 hours of externship. However, it’s also the most expensive option at nearly $20,000. The blended format includes online coursework, in-person labs, and a real-world externship. It may appeal to those looking for a more immersive, full-time structure and access to experienced instructors, but prospective students should weigh the cost carefully and reach out to ask detailed questions about instructor engagement and student support services before enrolling.
Best of Both Worlds
Florida Technical College offers a middle-ground 9-month program with bilingual and X-ray focused tracks. Its unique features may attract students looking for specialization or Spanish-language instruction, but the tuition hovers around $16,000–$22,000. It’s best for students looking for niche career tracks or additional certifications, though the return on investment should be evaluated carefully.
No matter which program you’re leaning toward, your best next step is to schedule a call or visit. Ask about instructor responsiveness, job placement help, externship quality, and what recent grads are doing. These are the things that make or break your real-world experience and long-term success.
See More Programs!
Learn about every school offering Medical Assistant courses in Tampa.