Medical Assisting is an Associate Degree program offered by Keiser University in Tampa, FL. The program takes 16 Months to complete, with tuition of $12,908 per semester.
Program Overview
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.
Program Mission
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.
Program Goals
- 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.
- Prepare students with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively perform a wide range of administrative duties in a variety of healthcare settings.
- 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.
- Provide students with foundational knowledge, clinical and administrative skills necessary to successfully pass recognized credentialing exams related to Medical Assisting.
Program Highlights
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).
What sets this Program apart
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.
Admission Requirements and Process
Applicants desiring to enter Keiser University must submit an application to the Admissions Office well in advance of the start date. This permits proper scheduling and assures availability of classroom space.
For students enrolling at Keiser University, credit for courses or degrees completed at another institution is subject to approval by the Dean of Academic Affairs. These courses or degrees must be similar in content and duration to those offered in the program for which an applicant has applied. The Dean of Academic Affairs makes the final decision of accepted transfer credits from the received transcript. However, only courses listed on official transcripts receive permanent official transfer credit. (To grant such credit, Keiser University must receive official transcripts--- those mailed directly to Keiser University by the previous institution---by the end of a student’s first semester.) Keiser University requires that, at a minimum, a student complete the final 25% of a program through the University. Active duty, reservists, and National Guard service members who are students can complete at a minimum 25% of a program at any time through the University and graduate. Transfer students are informed in writing of any credits accepted as transferable. Preliminary notification is presented, in most cases, prior to enrollment but in no case later than the end of a transfer student's first semester. Students are responsible for having official transcripts sent to Keiser University from their former institution(s). It may be necessary for students to forfeit some previously earned credit in the transfer process since college philosophies, objectives and programs may vary and change from year to year. Therefore, Keiser University makes no blanket statement or promise of acceptance of credits from any other institution.
Keiser University accepts transfer credits applicable to an applicant's program of study from other institutions recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE). Keiser University accepts transfer of associate degrees that, upon evaluation, include the appropriate major course distribution without time limitations.
Transfer credits are granted only for courses in which a grade of "C" or higher was earned (2.0 on a 4.0 scale). Prior to granting transfer of credit for any course, the University reserves the right to test applicants or request that they successfully pass an examination administered by a Keiser University faculty member.
General Requirements
- High School DiplomaVerification of high school graduation with a standard diploma (transcript, diploma, etc.) or
- GED CompletionVerification of GED completion (GED scores or GED diploma) or
- Foreign Secondary School GraduationProof of graduation from a foreign institution that is comparable to a United States secondary school, as determined by a member agency of the National Association of Credential…
- Earned Degree in Lieu of DiplomaApplicants will not be required to provide proof of high school graduation when they provide the following: Verification of an earned degree from an institution recognized by the…
- Home-Schooled ApplicantsHome-schooled applicants who have a high school diploma are considered for admission.
- Entrance ExaminationAn applicant must make arrangements to take Keiser University’s entrance examination (administered at the University) or provide results of his/her Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT),…
- Entrance Test ExemptionCandidates seeking general admission to the University are not required to take the general admission test upon providing written proof of an associate or higher degree earned…
- Program Assessment ExaminationMust take the Program Assessment Examination when scheduled, prior to Externship II
Application Process
- 1Contact an Admissions CounselorContact one of Keiser University’s admissions counselors to talk through the program and your options.
- 2Attend an Open House or Campus VisitAttend an open house or plan a campus visit. Applicants are encouraged to visit the University in person.
- 3Meet With Your Admissions CounselorSchedule a convenient time to meet with your admissions counselor to determine if Keiser University is right for you.
- 4Submit an ApplicationSubmit an application to the Admissions Office well in advance of the start date. Applications for winter, spring or fall semesters should be made as early as possible, as these entry dates are normally the time of greatest enrollment.Apply Now
Program Schedule
Keiser University students take one class at a time. Keiser University term lengths are 4-week, 8-week and 16-week.
Keiser University publishes this program as approximately 16 months and 60.5 credit hours.
Keiser University lists this program as available on campus, Online, and Hybrid.
Tuition is charged per 16-week semester according to the credit hours scheduled.
- October 26th, 2026
- November 23rd, 2026
- January 11th, 2027
- February 08th, 2027
- March 08th, 2027
- April 05th, 2027
- May 10th, 2027
- June 07th, 2027
- July 05th, 2027
- August 02nd, 2027
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Keiser University charges tuition per 16-week semester according to the number of credit hours scheduled, not per program. The rates below are the university’s published Tuition and Fee Disclosure, effective Fall Semester 2026, and are subject to annual review.
| Semester credit load | Tuition per semester |
|---|---|
| Full time (12 to 17.99 credits) | $12,908.00 |
| Three-quarter time (9 to 11.99 credits) | $9,681.00 |
| Half time (6 to 8.99 credits) | $6,454.00 |
| Less than half time (0 to 5.99 credits) | $3,227.00 |
| Full time + (18 to 24 credits, approval required) | $16,135.00 |
Required fees
- Application fee — $55.00, one time on enrollment
- Registration fee — $145.00, one time on enrollment
- Education fee — $550.00 per semester, for programmatic participation and facilities resources
Other fees are charged per occurrence: withdrawal $100.00, re-entry $150.00, transcript $5.00, student ID replacement $15.00, returned check $35.00, late payment $10.00 and library late fee $10.00.
Financial aid
Students seeking aid complete the FAFSA using the university’s federal school code, 015159.
Estimated Student Costs
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.
Curriculum
The Associate of Science degree in Medical Assisting prepares students to perform medical assisting duties under direct physician supervision. Through our comprehensive medical assisting program, you’ll gain proficiency in administrative and clinical tasks, diagnostic procedures, and patient care across diverse healthcare settings. Our associate degree program combines classroom instruction with hands-on laboratory experience and supervised clinical externships at doctors offices, physician offices, and other healthcare facilities to prepare you for entry-level positions as a certified medical assistant.
To receive an Associate of Science degree in Medical Assisting, students must complete 60.5 credit hours as described below. The length of this program is approximately 16 months (this will vary if a student transfers in credits).
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
Career Outcomes
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
Placement Rate
Keiser University publishes the following in its 2025 Undergraduate Placement Rates report for AS Medical Assisting.
| Eligible | Placed | In Field | Related Field | %Placed | %IF/RF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 103 | 95 | 70 | 18 | 92.2% | 85.4% |
Keiser University’s notes on this report: “Does not include international campuses.” “Report as of April 2026, 16.43% has been verified through 3rd party.”
While Keiser University provides employment placement assistance, it cannot promise or guarantee employment.
What to expect as a Keiser University student
Keiser University’s medical assisting program provides the education and training you need to launch rewarding medical assistant careers. With flexible scheduling, experienced faculty, and comprehensive clinical training, our associate degree in medical assisting prepares you to enter the workforce as a competent, certified medical assistant ready to make a positive impact on patient care. Whether you’re starting your healthcare journey with a high school diploma or transitioning from another field, Keiser offers the support and resources needed to help you achieve your professional goals.
School Information
Campus Address
Why Accreditation Is Important
Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctorate degrees.
- Eligible for federal Title IV financial aid
- Credits earned toward a respected credential
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