ABHES Accredited Program

Start Your Healthcare Career with ACHT's Medical Assistant Program Certificate

Get certified with hands-on training and externship experience from an accredited institution.

36
Weeks
800
Clock Hours
100%
Hands-On
ACHT Medical Assistant graduates holding certificates in a healthcare clinic

Program Overview

What is the Medical Assistant Program Certificate?

A focused, career-ready credential that prepares you for both the front office and the exam room — in less than a year.

Comprehensive clinical & administrative training

Accredited by ABHES

Real-world externship experience

36 weeks · 800 clock hours

Certificate of Completion

Medical Assistant Certificate

American College of Healthcare & Technology

Issued by
ACHT
Recognition
California-wide
Accreditation
ABHES
Status
Industry Verified

Credential Focus

What Credential Do Medical Assistant Students Receive?

Upon successful completion, you'll be awarded the Medical Assistant Certificate — a credential trusted by physician offices, urgent care clinics, hospitals, and outpatient centers across California.

  • Recognized by healthcare employers statewide
  • Validates clinical & administrative competency
  • Qualifies you for entry-level MA roles immediately
  • Foundation for further industry certifications
Get Your Credential Today

Accreditation & Quality

Why Choose an Accredited Program?

Accreditation isn't a sticker — it's the difference between a credential employers trust and one they ignore.

ABHES Accredited

Programs meet the rigorous quality standards of the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.

Trusted by Employers

Healthcare employers across California recognize and recruit ACHT graduates directly.

Career-Ready Quality

Accreditation guarantees you're learning current best practices, not outdated material.

Certificate vs Degree

Medical Assistant Certificate vs. Degree

What's the difference? It comes down to time, focus, and how fast you can start working.

Compare
ACHT Certificate
Traditional Degree
Time to Career
36 weeks
2–4 years
Focus
Hands-on clinical & admin
Broad academic study
Externship Included
Yes — real placement
Often optional
Cost
Significantly lower
Substantially higher
Job-Ready Skills
Day one
Requires extra training
Medical assistant student practicing in clinical training

Externship

Hands-On Externship Experience

Your externship places you inside real clinical environments — working alongside physicians, nurses, and MAs to apply everything you've learned.

Real Healthcare Settings
Clinics, urgent care, physician offices — actual patient care environments.
Practical, Job-Ready Skills
Translate classroom learning into the workflows employers expect.
Strengthens Job Readiness
Many students receive job offers from their externship sites.
Apply for Your Externship Today

Career Pathways

What Careers Can You Pursue?

Your certificate opens doors across California's healthcare industry — in the roles and settings where MAs are most in demand.

Job Roles

Medical Assistant Certified Medical Assistant Clinical Medical Assistant Medical Receptionist Patient Coordinator EKG Technician Phlebotomy Assistant Medical Office Specialist

Workplace Settings

  • Physician Offices
  • Hospitals
  • Outpatient Clinics
  • Urgent Care
  • Specialty Practices
  • Community Health Centers
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Medical Assistant program?
The program is designed as a 36-week pathway with 800 clock hours, combining coursework and supervised training aligned with program requirements.
Is the program accredited?
Yes — the program is offered through an ABHES-accredited institution, which reflects quality standards for health education programs.
Am I eligible to get these certifications?
If you graduate from ACHT, you are eligible to take the CMA exam. To become a Certified Medical Assistant, you need to be a recent graduate from a medical assistant program accredited by ABHES or CAAHEP.
What credential do I receive?
Graduates who meet completion requirements can receive the Medical Assistant Certificate as documentation of training in core clinical and administrative competencies.
What is a Certified Medical Assistant?
The simplest answer to this question is this: a Certified Medical Assistant has passed a test administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants and maintained the certification by renewing it every five years.
What’s the difference between Certified and Registered Medical Assistant?
In general, the CMA certification is a little more highly valued than the RMA certification – it is the standard certification, and no healthcare employers reject it. On the other hand, some employers do not recognize the RMA certification, and most notably, certain large healthcare providers in southern California hire only those medical assistants who have their CMA licenses.
Is financial aid available?
Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. Students comparing the cost of medical assistant program options can speak with an ACHT admissions representative to review financial aid opportunities and payment solutions based on their situation.
Why do I need to renew my CMA certification?
The medical field constantly evolves with new treatments and technologies. To provide better care, healthcare professionals like doctors, nurses, and Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs) must stay updated through continuing education and training.
What are the benefits of attending an accredited school?
Accredited schools help students qualify for certification exams, financial aid, and easier credit transfers.

Get Started

Get More Information Today

Talk to an admissions advisor about start dates, financial aid, and your path to becoming a Medical Assistant.

Call Admissions (888) 430-4224
Campuses Riverside · Huntington Park · Santa Ana

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