If you’re considering becoming a medical assistant in the Baltimore area, there are several flexible online and hybrid programs worth checking out. Each school offers a unique setup depending on your budget, learning style, and how much hands-on training you’re looking for. Here’s a quick snapshot:
1. Integrated Health TW
Integrated Health TW offers a hybrid Medical Assistant program that runs 13 weeks and costs $2,000. Students complete most of the coursework online at their own pace and attend three in-person sessions for hands-on labs at either the Parkville or Laurel, Maryland locations. Evening classes are available, and flexible payment plans are offered, starting with a $300 non-refundable deposit.
Hands-on sessions are scheduled after completing the online portion. Students receive a study guide and can sit for the National Healthcareer Association’s Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam upon graduation. Occasional tuition discounts are available for students who pay in full. For an additional $500, students can bundle Medical Assistant training with Phlebotomy certification. Start dates are set to specific dates throughout the year, but occur fairly frequently. Still – advanced planning is a good idea.
| Category | Details |
| Price | $2,000 for Hybrid Program (payment plans available; $300 deposit) |
| Duration | 13 weeks |
| Class Format | Hybrid (self-paced online coursework + 3 in-person lab days) |
| Class Schedules | Flexible online coursework; in-person labs scheduled after online completion |
2. Community College of Baltimore County
The Medical Assistant program at the Community College of Baltimore County offers a structured, hybrid course sequence across three campuses: Essex, Hunt Valley, and Randallstown. The program takes 11–13 months to complete, depending on whether students choose weekday or weekend/evening classes, and includes 652 total course hours.
Students complete a blend of online coursework and in-person labs, covering administrative and clinical skills like billing, medical coding, phlebotomy, EKGs, and patient care procedures. The total cost for all four modules is approximately $7,720, including tuition and fees, plus textbook expenses. Students are prepared to sit for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam upon completion.
Courses start in July, October, or February, and financial aid options such as grants, scholarships, and payment plans are available for eligible students. Access to a computer and internet is required to participate in the program.
| Category | Details |
| Price | $7,720 total (plus textbooks) |
| Duration | 11–13 months |
| Class Format | Hybrid (online coursework + in-person labs) |
| Class Schedules | Weekday or weekend/evening options; start dates in July, October, February |
3. Morgan State University
Morgan State University offers a 100% online Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program for $2,795. Students complete 540 course hours over a self-paced format, with up to 12 months to finish after enrolling. Coursework covers medical terminology, patient care, phlebotomy, EKG procedures, HIPAA regulations, and healthcare administrative duties.
The program includes a voucher for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Students have the option to participate in an unpaid clinical experience after completing the coursework, though placement is not guaranteed. There are no prerequisites to enroll, but a high school diploma or equivalent is required to sit for the certification exam.
All course materials, including textbooks, are included in the cost, and registration is open year-round. Students can begin at any time and progress at their own pace within the 12-month access period.
| Category | Details |
| Price | $2,795 (includes exam voucher and materials) |
| Duration | 12 months (self-paced, 540 course hours) |
| Class Format | 100% online |
| Class Schedules | Open enrollment; start anytime |
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4. Towson University
Towson University’s Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program uses a hybrid format combining in-person clinical sessions with online self-paced coursework. Students complete 286 hours of self-paced learning, followed by 72 hours of clinical education and a 160-hour required externship at one of over 50 partnered clinical sites in Maryland, D.C., or Virginia.
The full program consists of 518 total hours and takes between 9 and 18 weeks depending on the clinical schedule selected. Tuition is $4,899 and includes all required materials such as a stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, TU-branded scrubs, digital learning tools, and the CCMA exam voucher. Clinical sessions are offered in both weekday and weekend formats, with accelerated and standard pace options available. Students must meet pre-enrollment and background check requirements before starting.
| Category | Details |
| Price | $4,899 (includes materials and certification exam voucher) |
| Duration | 9–18 weeks, plus a 160-hour externship |
| Class Format | Hybrid (self-paced online coursework + in-person clinical sessions) |
| Class Schedules | Multiple options: weekday, evening, weekend, and accelerated formats |
5. Howard Community College
Howard Community College’s Medical Assistant program is a 16-week hybrid course that combines online classes with required in-person labs and an internship. Students complete three sections: Medical Assistant Theory, Skills Training, and an Internship.
The total estimated program cost is $3,405, broken down into $1,250 for theory, $1,605 for skills training, and $550 for the internship. Coursework covers laboratory procedures, clinical tasks, and front office administrative skills. Online learning is supplemented by mandatory lab sessions held on campus, followed by a 16–20 hour per week internship at an offsite healthcare facility.
Students must be at least 18, hold a high school diploma or GED, pass a criminal background check, and meet health clearance requirements before participating in the clinical internship. Classes start in January, with internship placements beginning in April based on facility availability.
| Category | Details |
| Price | $3,405 total (Theory: $1,250; Skills: $1,605; Internship: $550) |
| Duration | 16 weeks (plus 6 weeks of internship at 16–20 hours per week) |
| Class Format | Hybrid (online coursework with mandatory in-person skills labs and offsite internship) |
| Class Schedules | Theory: Online; Skills Training: Tuesdays (6–9 p.m.) or Saturdays (9 a.m.–4 p.m.) Internship: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m., schedule varies |
6. Humanim
Humanim offers a 9-week Administrative Assistant Career Training program for Harford County residents. Classes are held in person Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Epicenter at Aberdeen. The program is free of charge and provides students with two nationally recognized certifications: Microsoft Office Specialist and the Professional Certification of Excellence.
Training includes professional development, technical instruction, and expert coaching. Students must pass a background check, drug screening, and meet basic academic requirements. Upon completion, participants receive free job placement assistance, with potential employment opportunities at partners like Upper Chesapeake Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente.
| Category | Details |
| Price | Free |
| Duration | 9 weeks |
| Class Format | In-person |
| Class Schedules | Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
What We Think
Choosing a medical assistant program in the Baltimore area depends heavily on your goals, budget, and learning style. Here’s what stands out:
Integrated Health TW is the most affordable in-person option ($1,850) and offers a flexible hybrid model for $2,000, allowing working students more time to complete their coursework (13 weeks hybrid vs. 6 weeks in-person). Their hands-on days are limited, so those wanting constant instructor contact may prefer in-person. Their occasional tuition specials can make it even more cost-effective if you ask.
Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) offers the most comprehensive, in-depth training with 652 course hours and national accreditation through CAAHEP. However, it’s a significant time and cost investment (about 11–13 months and $7,720). If you want a highly structured and robust program — and access to financial aid — CCBC is the best bet, especially for those thinking long-term about career advancement.
Morgan State University’s program is completely online and self-paced, giving you up to 12 months to finish. At $2,795, it’s a mid-range price for the flexibility offered. It’s a good choice if you are independent and comfortable learning without live instructor interaction. However, real-world hands-on practice will be limited compared to hybrid or in-person programs.
Towson University stands out for its blend of serious hands-on clinical training and flexible online learning. Though priced at a steep $4,899, it includes materials like scrubs, equipment, and certification vouchers. Their strong network of externship partners across Maryland, D.C., and Virginia provides a big plus for those prioritizing real clinical experience before entering the job market.
Howard Community College offers a well-organized hybrid program lasting 16 weeks at a reasonable cost of about $3,405. Students who want a balance of online theory, mandatory in-person skills labs, and real-world internships without the higher price tag of Towson might find HCC a great fit.
| Program | Cost | Format | Duration | Highlights |
| Integrated Health TW | $1,850 (In-Person); $2,000 (Hybrid) | In-Person or Hybrid | 6 weeks (In-Person); 13 weeks (Hybrid) | Affordable, quick completion, occasional tuition specials, hands-on lab days after online learning (hybrid) |
| Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) | $7,720 | In-Person (weekday/evening/weekend) | 11-13 months | National accreditation (CAAHEP), extensive course hours (652), eligible for financial aid, structured academic pathway |
| Morgan State University | $2,795 | 100% Online | Up to 12 months (self-paced) | Full online flexibility, includes certification exam voucher, suited for independent learners, limited hands-on practice |
| Towson University | $4,899 | Hybrid (self-paced + in-person clinicals) | 9-18 weeks + 160-hour externship | Strong externship network, extensive hands-on training, higher cost, includes scrubs/equipment/certification fees |
| Howard Community College | $3,405 | Hybrid (Online + In-Person Skills Labs) | 16 weeks | Balanced format, includes internship, mid-range cost, structured for students needing practical and theoretical mix |
It’s a good idea to reach out to each school directly. Ask about the instructor quality and engagement, student support services, class sizes, career services, externship placement help, and alumni outcomes. Pay attention to how responsive and professional they are — it often reflects the kind of day-to-day support you’ll experience. Programs can look similar online but feel very different once you’re enrolled.
Talking directly to current students, attending info sessions, and visiting campuses (if possible) are smart moves to get a true feel for the school culture and program quality.