Baltimore offers several free and affordable medical assistant training programs that vary by format, schedule, and depth of training. Whether you’re looking for a quick, in-person option with hands-on labs or a fully online course you can take at your own pace, there are options to match a wide range of needs.
1. Integrated Health TW
This program offers two flexible formats at two locations—Parkville and Laurel—with both in-person and hybrid options available. The in-person course runs for 6 weeks and costs $1,850, while the 13-week hybrid version is $2,000. Payment plans are available for both formats, and students can expect small class sizes with hands-on skills practice included.
Evening and daytime classes are offered twice per week, and coursework covers clinical tasks like taking vitals, performing EKGs, phlebotomy, medication administration, and front office procedures. The hybrid course is mostly online but includes 3 in-person lab days. Students can sit for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) certification upon completion.
There’s also an option to bundle the Medical Assistant program with phlebotomy certification for $2,500 total. Occasionally, specials are available for those who pay in full, so it’s worth asking about current discounts.
| Category | Details |
| Price | $1,850 (in-person); $2,000 (hybrid); $2,500 (Medical Assistant + Phlebotomy combo) |
| Duration | 6 weeks (in-person); 13 weeks (hybrid) |
| Class Format | In-person or hybrid (online + 3 in-person lab days) |
| Class Schedules | 2 days per week; 9 a.m.–1 p.m. or 5 p.m.–9 p.m. (evening options available) |
2. Morgan State University
This fully online medical assistant program costs $2,795 and gives students 12 months to complete 540 hours of training at their own pace. It includes a wide range of coursework, from medical terminology and healthcare law to clinical skills like phlebotomy, EKGs, and infection control. A voucher for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) CCMA exam is included in the price.
The course is self-paced and includes optional test-out exams for students with existing medical terminology knowledge. While it’s online-only, there’s an option to participate in a clinical experience, though placement is not guaranteed. There are no prerequisites, and students can start at any time. This program is ideal for motivated learners looking for flexibility without breaking the bank.
| Category | Details |
| Price | $2,795 (includes CCMA exam voucher) |
| Duration | 12 months (self-paced) |
| Class Format | 100% online |
| Class Schedules | Flexible; start anytime and work at your own pace |
3. Montgomery College
Montgomery College’s Clinical Medical Assistant program combines 96 hours of classroom instruction with hands-on lab training across three campus locations: Rockville, Takoma Park/Silver Spring, and East County Education Center. The course covers clinical skills like vital signs, EKG placement, phlebotomy, medication administration, and patient prep for exams. Students must also pass a background check and drug screening to qualify for the clinical externship.
To complete the program and become eligible for the CCMA exam, students must also enroll in the required 90-hour lab and clinical externship, which includes 40 hours of lab work and 50 hours at a local healthcare facility. The full program costs $3,635 total ($2,380 for the main course + $1,255 for the lab/externship), and payment plans are available. Classes meet either mornings or evenings, two days a week.
The program is open to students with a high school diploma or GED. An ESOL support track is also available for English language learners looking to build healthcare and language skills at the same time.
| Category | Details |
| Price | $3,635 total ($2,380 for course + $1,255 for lab/externship) |
| Duration | 186 total hours (96 classroom + 90 lab/externship) |
| Class Format | In-person |
| Class Schedules | 2 days/week; Morning (9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.) or Evening (5:00–9:00 p.m.) options |
🧭 Baltimore’s Best Programs:
Looking to start your medical assisting career? We’ve reviewed the best programs in Kansas City—including flexible online, fast-track, and part-time options. Let us help you find the right training to fit your goals and schedule.
4. Humanim
While this isn’t a medical assistant program, Humanim’s 9-week Administrative Assistant Career Training could be a solid option for those interested in an entry-level office career in healthcare or similar fields. The full-time program runs Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Epicenter in Aberdeen and is open to Harford County residents.
Training includes Microsoft Office skills, workplace professionalism, and job readiness. Students earn two nationally recognized certifications: Microsoft Office Specialist and the Professional Administrative Certification of Excellence. Support services include resume help, coaching, and job placement assistance with employers like Kaiser Permanente and Upper Chesapeake Medical Center.
Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, basic computer skills, and the ability to pass assessments and a background check. This could be a good fit for those looking for a faster path into office work in healthcare settings or beyond.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | Free (Funded by grants; includes paid training) |
| Duration | 9 weeks |
| Class Format | In-person |
| Class Schedules? | Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Address | Epicenter at Aberdeen, 21 Aberdeen Shopping Plaza, Aberdeen, MD 21001 |
What We Think
Choosing a medical assistant program in the Baltimore area depends on your learning style, budget, and how quickly you want to get certified. Here’s what stands out based on real program structure and potential value—not just cost or class hours.
If you’re looking to get trained quickly and keep costs under $2,000, Integrated Health TW is one of the most affordable and flexible options. Their in-person program wraps up in just 6 weeks and includes hands-on skills like EKG and phlebotomy. For students with some healthcare experience already (like CNA, GNA, or EMT), this could be a strong upskill move. The hybrid version costs slightly more and runs 13 weeks, but could work for those needing schedule flexibility. Payment plans and combo certification options (e.g., MA + Phlebotomy) offer added value. However, to really gauge how effective the program is, you’ll want to ask about instructor support, how involved they are during hybrid learning, and what kind of job placement help you’ll actually get after graduation.
For students who prefer to learn entirely online and at their own pace, Morgan State’s online CCMA program gives you 12 months of access to a detailed, nationally recognized curriculum. It’s ideal for self-motivated learners or those who need a flexible schedule. The biggest benefit here is depth: over 500 hours of training content covering everything from HIPAA to phlebotomy. Plus, it includes a certification exam voucher and the chance to apply for a clinical experience. But keep in mind: no guaranteed placement for clinical hours and limited real-time support. It’s a solid fit for those who can work independently but might feel isolated without peer or instructor interaction.
If you’re looking for a reputable, face-to-face experience with structured labs and a clinical externship, Montgomery College’s CMA program is worth serious consideration. The program is well-supported, offers multiple campus locations, and is taught by instructors with practical industry experience. You’ll benefit from direct classroom instruction, a dedicated externship, and access to veteran and ESOL support if needed. This is a good choice if you’re just starting out in healthcare and want a comprehensive program with career services and institutional credibility. While the total cost of both course segments ($3,635) is higher, the depth of instruction and real-world training may justify the price—especially for students who learn best in structured environments.
While not a medical assistant program, Humanim’s Administrative Assistant training could be appealing if you’re exploring alternate but related career paths in healthcare. It focuses on front-office skills, professional certifications, and job placement—ideal for those more interested in medical office administration rather than direct clinical work. The employment outcomes and built-in support systems are strong. Just note it’s location-specific (Harford County) and more admin-focused than clinical.
| Category | Integrated Health TW | Morgan State (Online) | Montgomery College |
| Cost | $1,850 (In-Person), $2,000 (Hybrid) | $2,795 | $2,380 (Class) + $1,255 (Labs/Externship) = $3,635 |
| Duration | 6 weeks (In-Person), 13 weeks (Hybrid) | Up to 12 months (self-paced) | Approx. 3 months (varies by schedule) |
| Format | In-Person or Hybrid (evening classes available) | 100% Online | Face-to-Face with labs and externship |
| Includes Certification Exam | Yes (NHA CCMA Exam – additional fee) | Yes (NHA CCMA Exam – voucher included) | Yes (NHA CCMA Exam eligible) |
| Hands-On Training | Yes (especially with in-person option) | No (optional unpaid clinical, not guaranteed) | Yes |
| Externship Included | Not explicitly stated | Optional, not guaranteed | Yes |
| Online Access | No | Yes | No |
| Best For | Quick training with hands-on practice for healthcare workers | Students needing full flexibility and independent study | Structured, in-depth training with strong support |
| Location(s) | Parkville, MD and Laurel, MD | Online | Rockville, Takoma Park, Silver Spring, MD |
No matter what program looks best on paper, your experience will depend heavily on instructor quality, hands-on practice, class size, and the responsiveness of the school’s support team. Always reach out directly to ask about these qualitative factors. Try to speak with a current or former student if you can. That’s where the real differences between programs show up.