Medical Assisting
An associate degree in hands-on patient care.
Learn online in live classes with limited on-campus residency at our Louisville campus, practice clinical skills with lab kits shipped to your home, then build real experience in an in-person externship. Earn your associate degree in 20 months.
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Next Term Starts January 3, 2027! Limited spots are available.
One degree, built to get you into patient care.
A single path from clinical and office skills to a hands-on externship and certification exams.
Medical Assisting Associate Degree
$30,816 total, all-inclusive
Covers clinical and administrative medical assisting in depth, from patient care, pharmacology, and clinical procedures to medical office management and healthcare law and ethics, plus a 160-hour clinical externship. Graduates are eligible to take the CMA (AAMA), RMA (AMT), CCMA (NHA), or CMAC (AMCA) exam.
Leads to: Medical assistant roles, and a foundation for a bachelor’s in Medical and Health Services Management
Why Medical Assisting at American National University
Online learning, hands-on skills, and real clinical experience.
Blended learning, live instruction
Courses are delivered live online with expert instructor guidance, plus limited on-campus residency at the Louisville, Kentucky campus.
Hands-on lab kits at home
Practice clinical skills like taking vital signs, venipuncture technique, and EKGs using lab equipment shipped directly to your home.
Real clinical experience
Complete a 160-hour in-person clinical externship in a healthcare setting.
All-inclusive tuition
Tuition covers application fees, textbooks, lab equipment, and your first certification exams.
Career-ready certifications
Prepare for the CCMA, Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT), and Certified EKG Technician exams, plus CPR certification. Graduates are eligible to take the CMA (AAMA), RMA (AMT), CCMA (NHA), or CMAC (AMCA) exam.
An advisor who knows your name
One point of contact from enrollment through graduation — not a rotating call queue.
How it works
Built for people already juggling a full life.
Learn online
Join live online classes and complete self-paced coursework in anatomy, pharmacology, and clinical and office procedures.
Train on campus
Complete limited on-campus residency at the Louisville, Kentucky campus.
Practice at home
Build hands-on skills with lab equipment shipped directly to your door.
Complete your externship and get certified
Finish with a 160-hour in-person clinical externship and prepare for your certification exams.
Where this program leads
Medical assistants are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of medical assistants will grow much faster than average.
Medical Assistant
via the Medical Assisting associate degree 13% projected employment growth, 2025–2035 Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, reviewed September 24, 2026Getting started
Start dates, admissions, and paying for it.
Start dates
New terms begin multiple times a year — American National University runs roughly five main terms annually, plus mid-session start options, so you’re rarely far from your next start date.
Admissions requirements
Generally you’ll need a high school diploma or GED (or equivalent college credit), plus English and math placement evaluations before your first term. You’ll also affirm in writing that you can lift at least 50 pounds, have reasonable vision and hearing, and have no known communicable diseases.
Financial aid
Federal aid (FAFSA-based grants, loans, and work-study) is available to those who qualify and can be combined with American National University’s own institutional grants and scholarships, including options for military families and employer tuition assistance.
Externship requirements
Externship sites may require immunizations and tuberculosis screening, and those costs are your responsibility. A failed drug screen or criminal conviction may affect externship placement or future employment. If you have concerns about background findings, talk with the program director before enrolling.
Frequently asked questions
Is this program fully online?
No. Classes are live online, with limited on-campus residency at the Louisville, Kentucky campus. You’ll also practice with lab kits at home and complete an in-person clinical externship.
What certifications will I prepare for?
The program prepares you for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT), and Certified EKG Technician exams, plus CPR certification. Graduates are eligible to take the CMA (AAMA), RMA (AMT), CCMA (NHA), or CMAC (AMCA) exam. Your first certification exams are included in tuition.
Can I keep working while I’m in school?
Coursework is designed for working adults, with live online classes and self-paced work. Plan ahead for your on-campus residency and externship hours, which take place in person.
What does tuition include?
Tuition of $30,816 includes application fees, textbooks, lab equipment shipped to your home, and your first certification exams.
How long does it take to finish?
The associate degree is 96 credit hours and takes 20 months.
What if I have concerns about my background?
A failed drug screen or criminal conviction may affect externship placement or future employment. If you have concerns about criminal, drug, or consumer background findings, talk with the program director before enrolling.
Is the program accredited?
The program is offered through American National University’s Louisville, Kentucky campus, which is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
Accreditation you can check yourself
ABHES-accredited campus
The Medical Assisting associate degree is offered through American National University’s Louisville, Kentucky campus, accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
Certification eligibility
Graduates are eligible to take the CMA (AAMA), RMA (AMT), CCMA (NHA), or CMAC (AMCA) exam. Your first certification exams are included in tuition.
Hands-on externship
A 160-hour clinical externship gives you real experience in a healthcare setting before you graduate.
Ready to start your healthcare career?
Talk to an advisor about which program fits, cost, and your start date — no pressure, no obligation.
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