Medical Assisting

Keiser University’s Associate of Science degree in Medical Assisting provides comprehensive training for students pursuing medical assistant careers in healthcare. Our accredited program covers essential clinical skills including preparing examination rooms, taking vital signs, measuring blood pressure, assisting in minor surgical procedures and diagnostic procedures, giving injections, performing venipuncture and drawing blood, assisting in laboratory operations, performing urinalysis, pregnancy testing, blood sugar testing, and various other waived laboratory tests, taking x-rays, and administering electrocardiograms. Students also develop strong administrative capabilities such as patient communications, maintaining patient records and patient information, managing medical records and electronic health records, billing and financial records, scheduling appointments, ordering medical services and supplies, and processing insurance forms and claims.
 
The medical assistant program emphasizes both the cognitive knowledge and psychomotor skills needed to succeed in diverse healthcare settings including physician offices, medical clinics, doctors offices, nursing homes, and other health care facilities. Through rigorous clinical courses and supervised clinical externships, students gain the confidence and competence to contribute meaningfully to patient care while advancing their careers in the healthcare community working alongside other medical professionals and other health practitioners.

The Keiser University Medical Assisting Program’s mission is to cultivate compassionate and competent medical assistants who are equipped with the knowledge (cognitive), skills (psychomotor), and ethical (affective) values necessary to excel in diverse healthcare settings. Our program strives to provide a rigorous and supportive learning environment that empowers graduates to contribute meaningfully to patient care, advance their careers, and become valuable assets to the healthcare community.

1. Equip students with the knowledge and skills to proficiently prepare patients, manage equipment and maintain examination rooms for diverse medical examinations and procedures. Develop a student’s ability to perform various administrative duties necessary for a successful career in Medical Assisting.
2. Prepare students with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively perform a wide range of administrative duties in a variety of healthcare settings.
3. Equip students with a strong ethical foundation and professional demeanor that prioritizes patient-centered care, upholds confidentiality, and ensures the highest standards of conduct within the healthcare setting.
4. Provide students with foundational knowledge, clinical and administrative skills necessary to successfully pass recognized credentialing exams related to Medical Assisting.

• Medical Assisting Technical Standards
• Must take the Program Assessment Examination when scheduled, prior to Externship II

The medical assisting associate degree program combines classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and real-world clinical experience in a professional office environment. Students complete two externship courses at affiliated health care facilities, gaining practical experience under the supervision of licensed medical professionals and working alongside other medical assistants. Small class sizes allow for personalized attention and hands-on experience with medical terminology, anatomy, medical procedures, and administrative skills.

Clinical courses prepare students to perform administrative and clinical tasks including basic life support, taking patients vital signs, drawing blood, and managing patient information systems. The curriculum prepares students to sit for national certification exams offered by organizations such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), American Medical Technologists (AMT), and National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

Required and Optional Fees for Programs: Fees are costs set by the university in addition to tuition (and room and board, if applicable). These fees may be required for your program or optional depending on the courses you take, and they support the costs associated with completing an approved program of study. Fees are defined in the university’s catalog or supplement and listed on the school’s billing statement or invoice. Fees that are optional will not be paid using GI Bill® benefits and will be the responsibility of the student choosing these additional options. For additional guidance, please see your Program Director or Admissions Counselor.

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• Medical Assisting Technical Standards
• Must take the Program Assessment Examination when scheduled, prior to Externship II

Federal financial aid available through FAFSA (School Code: 015159) including Pell Grants, Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans, and PLUS Loans. Florida residents may qualify for FSAG and EASE grants. Institutional scholarships available. Full-time undergraduate tuition: $12,408/semester; Education fee: $1,600/semester for Medical Assisting.

Graduates of Keiser University’s medical assisting program enter a growing field with strong job prospects. According to labor statistics, the healthcare industry continues to expand, creating increased job growth and demand for qualified medical assistants across physician offices, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and specialized health care facilities. This degree in medical assisting prepares students to perform both administrative and clinical tasks, making them valuable assets to healthcare teams. Medical assistants work alongside physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals to ensure quality patient care and efficient medical office operations.

Career Pathways in Medical Assisting

• Clinical Medical Assistant
• Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
• Registered Medical Assistant
• Medical Office Specialist
• Healthcare Administrative Assistant

• Patient Care Coordinator
• Medical Records Specialist
• Medical Laboratory Assistant
• Dermatology Medical Assistant
• Urgent Care Medical Assistant

Gain Job-Ready Skills for a Medical Assisting Career:

• Clinical competency in taking vital signs, measuring blood pressure, and more
• Laboratory procedures including venipuncture, drawing blood, and diagnostic testing
• Medical terminology and medical terminology anatomy knowledge
• Electronic health records management
• Patient care techniques and clinical skills across the lifespan
• Administrative skills including managing insurance forms and billing procedures
• Medical office procedures, clerical duties, and administrative tasks
• Pharmacology basics and medication administration under physician direction
• Basic life support certification and emergency response
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities for diagnostic procedures

Keiser University offers career-focused degree programs designed to support working adults, traditional students, and career changers. With online and on-campus learning options, experienced faculty, and comprehensive student support, Keiser helps learners achieve their personal and professional goals at all levels. Our medical assisting program stands out by offering an associate degree that provides both depth of knowledge and hands-on clinical experience.

Can I complete my medical assisting degree online at Keiser University?

Yes, the medical assisting program is offered online, on-campus, and in a hybrid format. Speak to a Keiser University admissions counselor to learn more about the format option that will best fit your lifestyle.

What careers can I pursue with an Associate Degree in Medical Assisting?

Graduates work in physician offices, hospitals, outpatient clinics, medical clinics, urgent care centers, doctors offices, specialty practices, diagnostic laboratories, nursing homes, insurance companies, and various other health care facilities. Career options include clinical medical assistant, certified clinical medical assistant, administrative medical assistant, medical office specialist, certified phlebotomy technician, and ECG technician roles working alongside other medical professionals and other healthcare professionals.

Can I transfer credits from another institution?

Yes, Keiser University accepts transfer credits for undergraduate and graduate-level programs. Our admissions team will work with you to review your transcripts and determine your transfer eligibility. Credits transfer based on several factors including accreditation and course equivalency. Learn more about credit transfer requirements and eligibility requirements.

Is financial aid available for medical assisting students?

Absolutely. Students in the medical assisting program may qualify for grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. Military veterans may also qualify for education benefits. Speak with a dedicated financial aid counselor to explore all available options and create a plan that fits your situation. Learn more about Keiser University’s Financial Services.

Is the medical assisting program accredited?

Keiser University’s Medical Assisting Program at the Daytona Beach campus is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs (www.caahep.org), 9355 – 113th St. N, #7709 Seminole, FL 33775, on recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (www.maerb.org), 2339 N. California Ave., #47138, Chicago, IL 60647.

Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Learn more about Keiser University accreditation.

Do I need to become certified to work as a medical assistant?

While certification requirements vary by state and employer, most health care facilities and doctors offices prefer or require certification. Keiser’s medical assisting program prepares graduates to sit for national certification exams including the certified medical assistant exam, strengthening their employment prospects and demonstrating professional competency. Medical assistants work more effectively and advance their medical assistant careers when they hold a certification.

How long does it take to complete the medical assisting program?

Students can complete the Associate of Science degree in Medical Assisting in approximately 16 months when attending full-time. Actual completion time may vary based on course load, transfer credits, and individual circumstances.

What clinical skills will I learn in the program?

Students master taking vital signs including blood pressure and temperature, performing venipuncture and drawing blood as a certified phlebotomy technician, administering injections, conducting ECGs, assisting with minor surgical procedures and diagnostic procedures, performing CLIA-waived laboratory tests including urinalysis and blood sugar testing, taking x-rays (where state-permitted), preparing and maintaining examination rooms, and providing direct patient care under physician supervision alongside other medical assistants and healthcare professionals.

Where do students complete their clinical externships?

Students complete supervised externships at affiliated health care facilities including physician offices, doctors offices, hospitals, outpatient clinics, medical clinics, nursing homes, and specialty practices. The Career Services team works with students to arrange externship placements that provide valuable hands-on experience working with other medical professionals, other medical assistants, and other health practitioners in real medical services settings.

What happens after I graduate from the program?

After successful completion of the medical assisting program, graduates are eligible to sit for national certification exams such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). The career services department assists graduates with job search strategies for medical assistant careers, resume development, and interview preparation. Most medical assistants find employment in physician offices, medical clinics, doctors offices, or other healthcare facilities, with strong job growth projected for the healthcare industry according to labor statistics.

Can I pursue a bachelor's degree after completing this associate degree?

Yes. Graduates of the medical assisting associate degree program can continue their education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Health Services Administration, Health Science, or related fields at Keiser University. The associate degree credits transfer seamlessly into these bachelor’s degree programs, allowing medical assistant professionals to advance their career path into management or specialized healthcare roles.

What makes Keiser's medical assistant program different from vocational schools or community colleges?

Keiser University’s medical assistant program offers an associate degree rather than a diploma or certificate, providing comprehensive education that includes clinical courses, general education, and specialized training. Unlike many vocational schools and community colleges, Keiser features small class sizes, accelerated scheduling, and extensive clinical externship opportunities at multiple healthcare facilities. Our accredited program meets national standards for allied health education programs and prepares students for multiple certification pathways including certified medical assistant and registered medical assistant.

Keiser University’s Medical Assisting Program at the Daytona Beach campus is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs (www.caahep.org), 9355 – 113th St. N, #7709 Seminole, FL 33775, on recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (www.maerb.org), 2339 N. California Ave., #47138, Chicago, IL 60647.

Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Learn more about Keiser University accreditation.