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Medical Assisting in Florida

In order to enrol on a medical assisting program in Florida, the educational requirements are usually CPR Certification, a high school diploma or GED, as well as a background check. Being certified is not a mandatory requirement to work as a medical assistant in this state.

Florida is a popular retirement location and there is forecast to be an increased need for general, administrative and clinical medical assistants at healthcare facilities as the aging population grows.

Florida is the state with the third highest employment level nationally for medical assistants, with 46,320 people working in this occupation (behind only California and Texas). The average hourly wage for medical assistants in Florida is $14.51, or an income of $30,170 yearly.


The Florida Society of Medical Assistants (FSMA) is the professional body for the state and can provide advice on training and jobs. It is the state society of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and has local chapters throughout the state:

  • Brevard
  • Central Florida
  • Central Gulf Coast
  • Mid Gulf Coast
  • North Florida
  • Southeast
  • Southwest
  • Treasure Coast

Florida Medical Assistant Schools and Programs

Allied Health Institute

The Allied Health Institute offers two online medical assistant programs; a diploma and an Associate of Science degree. As the classes can be completed online, students can set their own study timetable. Students will learn the skills and knowledge needed to work in an entry level medical assistant position. Part of their training will include hands on laboratory lessons and externship experience in a clinical setting.

Diploma

  • Length: 10 months
  • Cost: $14,405
  • Job Placement Rate: 75%

Degree

  • Length: 16 months
  • Cost: $22,613
  • Job Placement Rate: 77%

Keiser University

Keiser University offers an Associate of Science in Medical Assisting degree at its campuses at various locations in Florida. The course offers a flexible study schedule of day, evening and online classes, combined with externship experience. On this program, students will learn the multiple skills necessary to perform the varied duties of a medical assistant role, such as taking vital signs, administering injections, maintaining patient records and processing insurance claims.

Degree

  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $7,392 per semester
  • Job Placement Rate: 87%

Palm Beach State College

Palm Beach State College’s medical assisting program is one of the best non-profit, post-secondary certificate programs in Palm Beach County and to date the only CAAHEP accredited program in the county as well. Graduates must sit for the CMA(AAMA) national certification. Upon successful completion of this examination they will be awarded the CMA (AAMA) credential, the “gold standard” of Medical Assisting Certifications.   This certification is evidence of competence in a demanding field.

Certificate

  • Length: Approximately 13 months
  • Cost: $3,614
  • Job Placement Rate: 86%