Best Medical Assistant Programs in Allentown, PA (2026 Update)
Pursuing a career as a medical assistant can be an exciting first step towards a rewarding profession in healthcare. With the healthcare sector being a major employer in the Allentown area, there is a growing demand for well-trained, skilled medical assistants to support physicians and provide care coordination. This article analyzes the top medical assistant (MA) programs around Allentown, PA based on academics, outcomes, value, and other key factors to help prospective students make the right program choice.
Overview of Medical Assistant Programs in Allentown, PA
Medical assistant programs equip students with clinical knowledge and administrative skills required to work alongside doctors and nurses in delivering patient care. Program duration is usually 1-2 years culminating in either a certificate or associate degree. Coursework covers areas like medical terminology, anatomy, clinical procedures, health insurance processes and office management software. External internships help students apply learning.
There are over half a dozen established public community colleges and private career colleges offering accredited medical assisting programs in the Allentown metro area and central Pennsylvania region. Highlights include:
- Program Formats: Full-time, part-time and online/blended options available fitting different schedules
- Dual Credentials: Some programs prepare students for both the CCMA and RMA certification exams
- Articulation Agreements: Seamless transfer options from shorter certificate to 2-year Associate programs and beyond
- Externships: Most programs facilitate external internships with regional healthcare providers
Below we evaluate the top 8 medical assisting programs in Allentown and nearby areas that stood out on program quality, outcomes, value, and student satisfaction.
How Programs Were Selected and Assessed
Medical assisting programs were selected based on geographical proximity to the Allentown area and evaluated on the following key parameters:
- Accreditation Status: Institution and/or program-level accreditation by an agency recognized by CHEA/USDE
- Certification Exam Pass Rates: Outcomes on RMA/CCMA national certification exams indicating program rigor
- Retention and Job Placement: Indicators of student satisfaction and career preparedness
- Tuition Fees and Aid: Overall program costs and availability of financial assistance
- Faculty and Facilities: Instructor qualifications, clinical simulation equipment etc. reflecting conduciveness for learning
Data was gathered from publicly available college performance statistics, graduate testimonials and third-party reporting sites.
Top Medical Assistant Programs in the Allentown, PA Area
1. Northampton Community College
Total Program Cost: $8,600
Program Duration: 1 year
Location: Bethlehem, PA
The medical assisting certificate program at Northampton Community College is the #1 choice in the Lehigh Valley region because of its comprehensive curriculum preparing students for both administrative and clinical competencies.
The year-long course of study can be finished on a full-time or part-time basis. Over 600 hour of instruction is focused on areas like medical terminology, health records management, clinical procedures, pharmacology and examination room protocols. A 160-hour supervised externship at a local healthcare facility allows students to gain practical work exposure.
Impressively, NCC students achieved 100% pass rate on the RMA exam over the past 3 years, surpassing national averages. The program also reported a 90% job placement rate for graduates.
Key Highlights
- NHA-approved online and on-campus program formats
- Dedicated on-campus medical lab space for clinical training
- RMA exam pass rate of 100% over 3 years
Enrollment and Admissions
Rolling enrollment; High school diploma or GED required
Explore the Medical Assistant Certificate at Northampton >
2. Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC)
Total Program Cost: $8,950
Program Duration: 1 year
Location: Tamaqua, PA
With campuses strategically located to serve both Lehigh and Carbon counties, LCCC offers one of the most reputable and affordable medical assistant programs in proximity to the Allentown area.
The comprehensive certificate program provides over 600 hours of classroom and lab instruction in areas like medical terminology, medical insurance processes, pharmacology fundamentals, clinical skills and more. Students get to apply learning during a 140-hour clinical externship prior to graduation. Dual academic and administrative track options are available.
Impressively, 100% of LCCC graduates over the past 3 years passed the RMA certification exam on their first attempt. Job placement rates are also high.
Key Highlights
- High RMA exam pass rate of 100% over 3 years
- Option of an Associate degree with a second year of study
- Robust medical lab for clinical skills development
Enrollment and Admissions
Rolling enrollment; High school diploma or GED required
Explore Medical Assistant Programs at LCCC >
3. Fortis Institute
Total Program Cost: $15,995
Program Duration: 9 months
Location: Forty Fort, PA
With campus locations across Pennsylvania, Fortis Institute offers accelerated medical assistant training programs for students looking for a faster route into the field.
The 40-week certificate program includes 780 hours of classroom and lab instruction. Coursework has a strong emphasis on hands-on learning of clinical techniques like specimen collection, infection control, measuring vital signs, ECG, administering injections etc. in dedicated medical lab facilities. Students also complete a clinical externship.
Fortis medical assistant graduates achieved a stellar 100% pass rate on the RMA exam over the past 3 years. Job placement rates are also high due to extensive career support services.
Key Highlights
- Accelerated 9-month program completion timeline
- High RMA exam pass rate of 100% over 3 years
- Robust career prep and job placement assistance
Enrollment and Admissions
Rolling enrollment; High school diploma or GED required
Explore Medical Assistant Programs at Fortis >
4. Penn State Lehigh Valley
Total Program Cost: $8,900
Program Duration: 1 year
Location: Center Valley, PA
Penn State Lehigh Valley offers an Associate Degree track medical assistant program with a curriculum focused on building both administrative and patient care competencies.
Coursework blends online and on-campus instruction in areas like medical terminology, health records management, clinical procedures, examination room techniques and healthcare office administration. Students apply learning during a supervised practicum. There are also opportunities to pursue a 4-year bachelor‘s degree seamlessly.
Penn State graduates demonstrated excellent performance with a 93% pass rate on the RMA exam in 2022, surpassing national averages. Job placement rates are also high due to Penn State‘s brand recognition.
Key Highlights
- Dual certification exam preparatory curriculum
- Seamless transfer to 4-year bachelor‘s degree
- High RMA exam pass rates surpassing national averages
Enrollment and Admissions
Competitve admissions; High school diploma and 2.0 GPA required
Explore Medical Assistant AAS Degree at Penn State Lehigh Valley >
5. Fortis Institute
Total Program Cost: $15,995
Program Duration: 9 months
Location: Scranton, PA
Fortis Institute‘s Scranton campus also offers its flagship accelerated Medical Assisting program for students in northeast Pennsylvania.
This extensive 40-week certificate program provides 790 hours of classroom and lab instruction covering areas like medical terminology, physiology, clinical procedures, examination techniques, laboratory testing, patient record keeping and healthcare office administration processes. Graduates can sit for the RMA and CCMA certification exams.
Fortis Scranton also arranges a clinical externship for students and offers stellar career support services to graduates. Average job placement rates across Fortis campuses is above 75%.
Key Highlights
- Accelerated 9-month completion timeline
- Administrative and clinical development
- Robust career prep and placement assistance
Enrollment and Admissions
Rolling enrollment; High school diploma or GED required
Explore Medical Assistant Programs at Fortis Scranton >
6. Northampton County Area Community College
Total Program Cost: $9,290
Program Duration: 1 year
Location: Bethlehem, PA
Northampton County Community College offers a comprehensive accredited Medical Assisting occupational major associate degree ideal for students seeking an affordable program with flexible pacing options in the Bethlehem region.
The 63-credit curriculum can be completed in as little as 1 year by full-time students but is also open to part-time enrolment. Coursework focuses both clinical abilities like recording vital signs, drawing blood, administering medications etc. as well administrative competencies including medical coding, insurance billing and electronic records handling. 160-200 hours of supervised externship experience is also facilitated.
Impressively, 100% of enrolled students successfully passed the CCMA certification exam in 2021, indicating excellent career preparedness. Job placement rates are also high due to partnerships with regional employers.
Key Highlights
- Flexible full-time and part-time pacing options
- Choice of CCMA or RMA exam preparatory focus
- 100% CCMA exam pass rate in 2021
Enrollment and Admissions
Rolling admissions; High school diploma or GED required
Explore Medical Assisting Programs at NCC >
7. Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center
Total Program Cost: $8,990
Program Duration: 1 year
Location: Altoona, PA
For students in central Pennsylvania, Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center offers a comprehensive medical assistant training program tailored to developing both administrative and patient care skills.
The curriculum covers critical competencies like medical terminology, health records administration, clinical procedures, examination room protocols, laboratory techniques and medical insurance handling processes. Students also complete an externship. Dedicated medical lab facilities allow students to practice skills like taking vital signs.
Impressively, Greater Altoona students achieved a 100% pass rate on the RMA certification over the past 3 years, demonstrating excellent career readiness. Job placement rates are also high due to partnerships with regional healthcare providers.
Key Highlights
- Comprehensive administrative and clinical development
- High RMA exam pass rate of 100% over 3 years
- Specialized medical lab for clinical techniques practice
Enrollment and Admissions
Competitive admissions; High school diploma and 2.5 GPA required
Explore Medical Assisting at Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center >
8. Fortis Institute
Total Program Cost: $15,295
Program Duration: 9 months
Location: Erie, PA
Rounding out our picks is the accelerated Medical Assisting certificate program offered at the Fortis Institute campus for residents of northwest Pennsylvania.
This extensive program prepares students for medical assistant roles in just 9 months through a mix of traditional teaching and hands-on practice. 770 hours of dedicated classroom and lab-based learning focuses on skill-building in areas like clinical procedures, examination protocols, pharmacology, medical records handling and healthcare office administration. Students also complete an observational externship.
Fortis Erie graduates achieved stellar outcomes with a 93% pass rate on the RMA exam in 2022. Job placement rates are also high due to extensive career support services.
Key Highlights
- Accelerated 9-month completion timeline
- Administrative and clinical development
- High 2022 RMA exam pass rate of 93%
Enrollment and Admissions
Rolling admissions; High school diploma or GED diploma required
Explore Medical Assisting Programs at Fortis Erie >
Key Takeaways on Selecting the Best Medical Assistant Program
When researching medical assistant training programs in Allentown, PA and surrounding areas, prospective students should carefully assess parameters like cost, curriculum, outcomes, location, teaching methods and career support services offered.
Key criteria to evaluate include:
- Program Costs: Balance total fees with financial aid availability
- Course Content and Duration: Programs with over 600 hours of coursework covering both administrative and clinical skills preferred
- Externships: Look for guaranteed hands-on exposure via external internships
- Certifications Targeted: RMA or CCMA exam preparatory focus ideal
- Faculty and Facilities: Specialized medical labs for clinical technique development preferred
- Graduate Outcomes: High graduate certification pass rates and job placement rates indicate program rigor and career readiness
Students should shortlist programs fitting their academic interests, professional aspirations, financial situation and geographic accessibility.
Application Tips for Medical Assistant Programs
Students keen on enrolling into medical assistant programs around the Allentown area should aim to complete applications 1-2 months prior to their intended start dates. Recommended steps include:
- Confirm program accreditation status and certification exam preparatory focus
- Submit application form and associated fee payment
- Provide necessary documentation like high school transcripts, immunization records etc.
- Appear for program interviews, assessments and tours if required
- Complete financial aid application and activate college accounts after admission
Careful program research and planning is key to maximize chances of admission and subsequent success in launching a rewarding medical assisting career.