Becoming a medical assistant in Georgia can take anywhere from 5 days to 10 months, depending on the type of program and training format you choose. The time commitment varies based on whether the program is a short-term certificate course, a diploma program, or an associate degree. Below, we outline the timelines and details of various medical assistant programs in Georgia.
Factors That Affect Program Duration
The length of a medical assistant program depends on several factors, including:
- Program Type: Certificate, diploma, or degree programs.
- Schedule: Full-time, part-time, or self-paced options.
- Training Format: In-person, online, or hybrid programs.
- Externship Requirements: Clinical hours or apprenticeships may extend program timelines.
Program Timelines
Here is a breakdown of some popular medical assistant programs in Atlanta, Georgia, their duration, and costs.
| School Name | Price | Length |
| Atlanta Medical Assistant School | $3,450 | 24 weeks |
| Atlanta Career Institute | $3,000 | 11 weeks |
| Northside Hospital | Free through work sponsorship | 4 months |
| United Education Institute | ? | 10 months |
| Georgia Piedmont Technical College | $2,795 | Self-paced |
| Medical Career Specialists | ? | 5 days |
| Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology | ? | 36 weeks |
| Georgia School of Phlebotomy | $2,300 | 11 weeks |
| Chattahoochee Tech | ? | 53–62 credit hours |
| Woodruff Medical and Wellness Training | ? | 36.5 credit hours |
| Life Solutions for Health Medical Training | $6,500 | 33 weeks |
| Essential Medical and Mental Health Institute (EMMI) | $8,000 | 6 months |
| Cumberland Medical Institute | $5,200 | 14 weeks |
| Clinical Skills Training Center | $4,250 | 20 weeks |
| Premier Medical Careers | $5,999 | 12 weeks |
| Angio Medical Assisting Institute | Free through apprenticeship | 18 weeks |
| Providence Medical Academy | Free (WIOA), otherwise $4,950 | 18 weeks |
| Omega One Medical Institute | ? | 6 months |
| Progressive Medical Institute | ? | 12.5–17 weeks |
| Good Nursing & Medical Training | ? | 14 weeks |
| MDT Institute | $17,293 | 9 months |
| The Training Expo | $4,000 | 4 months |
| Cobb Medical Institute | $4,500 | 12 weeks |
| The Learning Journey | $3,255 | 16 weeks |
Shortest Programs (Under 3 Months)
- Medical Career Specialists: Complete the program in just 5 days.
- Atlanta Career Institute: Offers a quick 11-week program.
- Georgia School of Phlebotomy: Another 11-week option at an affordable cost.
- Premier Medical Careers: A 12-week program focused on practical training.
Mid-Length Programs (3–6 Months)
- Cumberland Medical Institute: Finish in 14 weeks for $5,200.
- Angio Medical Assisting Institute: Complete in 18 weeks, free if covered by Aylo Health.
- Providence Medical Academy: Take 18 weeks, free through WIOA funding.
Longer Programs (6 Months or More)
- Essential Medical and Mental Health Institute (EMMI): A 6-month program for $8,000.
- United Education Institute: 10 months of training, ideal for those seeking more comprehensive education.
- MDT Institute: A 9-month program with extensive coursework for $17,293.
Flexible and Self-Paced Options
- Georgia Piedmont Technical College: Offers a self-paced program for $2,795, allowing students to complete at their own speed.
- Chattahoochee Tech: Includes 53–62 credit hours, giving flexibility to students managing other responsibilities.
How to Choose the Right Program?
When selecting a program, consider the following factors:
- Time Commitment: How quickly do you want to start working in healthcare?
- Cost: Can you afford the program upfront, or do you need financial aid options?
- Schedule: Are evening or part-time classes available to fit your routine?
- Hands-On Training: Does the program include clinical externships for practical experience?
Key Takeaways
- Short programs like Atlanta Career Institute (11 weeks) or Angio Medical Assisting Institute (18 weeks) are ideal for those seeking a fast track.
- Longer programs like those at MDT Institute or United Education Institute provide more comprehensive training.
- Free programs through sponsorships, like Northside Hospital and Providence Medical Academy, are excellent budget-friendly options.
For aspiring medical assistants in Georgia, the options are plentiful, with programs designed to fit different schedules, budgets, and career goals. Explore the programs in-depth to find the one that aligns with your needs!