Medical Assistant

two medical assistant students working with an instructor and a patient

60 Days

0 Hours

21 Minutes

36 Seconds

Next Classes Start

04/15/2026

Clicking the “Get Started” button constitutes your express written consent, without obligation to purchase, to be contacted by Swedish Institute College of Health Sciences (including through automated technology, e.g. dialing and text messaging) via the telephone, mobile device (including SMS and MMS) using the phone numbers provided above, and/or email, even if your telephone number is on a corporate, state or the National Do Not Call Registry, and you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. Standard message and data rates apply.

Fast Facts

Program Length
12 months (certificate)
21 months (day or evening degree programs)

Sample Clinical Medical Assistant Certificate Program Schedule

Sample Clinical and Administrative Medical Assistant Degree Program Schedule

New York State average annual wage $48,050*

National average annual wage $44,200^

Employment of massage therapists is projected to grow 12% from 2024 to 2034^

Quarter I		Credits
FSS-100	Freshman Student Success	0
MED-102	Medical Terminology	3
CMA-105	Introduction to Clinical Procedures	4.5
ALH-100	The Human Body & Functions	4.5

Credits Quarter I: 12

Quarter II		Credits
MED-110	Ethical & Legal Aspects of Patient Care	3
MED-110	Pharmacology for the Medical Assistant	4
ALH-101	Assisting with Phlebotomy, Urinalysis & Point-of-Care Testing	5

Credits Quarter II: 12

Quarter III		Credits
CMA-110	Medical Office Procedures I	3
CMA-211	Electronic Health Records	3
MED-105	Medical Emergencies & Disaster Response	2
ALH-102	Assisting with Medical Specialties, Nutrition & EKG	4

Credits Quarter III: 12

Quarter IV		Credits
PCD-201	Professional Career Development	2
CMA-233	Comprehensive Applications	4
CMA-298	Medical Assisting Practicum	6.5

Credits Quarter IV: 12.5

Total Program Credits: 48.5 Credits

What to Expect in the Clinical Medical Assistant Program

Swedish Institute’s Medical Assistant Program provides practical training for aspiring medical assistants. Medical Assisting is a coveted profession. Our program teaches students the skills to provide basic patient care in doctor’s offices and medical facilities.

Our training programs teach you to perform clinical and day-to-day tasks like taking patients’ vitals. Swedish Institute offers a 12-month Medical Assistant Certificate program and an 18-month Medical Assistant Degree program. No matter which program you choose, our world-class training will prepare you for various career opportunities. You will be able to enter the workforce with confidence.

The Certificate Program

Our Clinical Medical Assistant Certificate program is a 48.5 quarter-credit program available in a four-quarter (12-month) course sequence. The certificate program is available in day and evening class schedules. You will learn to perform routine duties like recording patient intake information and supporting physicians during exams.

Program graduates receive a certificate authorized by the New York State Board of Regents. Swedish Institute’s Clinical Medical Assistant Graduates who decide to further their education are eligible to enroll in our Clinical and Administrative Medical Assistant degree program.

The Degree Program

Our Clinical and Administrative Medical Assistant Degree program is a 90 quarter-credit program. We offer the program in six- and seven-quarter (18- and 21-month) sequences. Day and evening classes are available, though scheduling varies each quarter. Students learn to perform clinical and office tasks, like taking vital signs, reading lab results, phlebotomy/hematology techniques, 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG), basic pharmacology, patient care, and medical recordkeeping.

Graduates of the Clinical and Administrative Medical Assistant degree program receive an Associate in Occupational Studies degree (AOS) authorized by the New York State Board of Regents. Swedish Institute’s Clinical and Administrative Medical Assistant graduates are eligible to sit for the Registered Medical Assistant Certification examination (RMA) provided by the American Medical Technologists (AMT).

Develop Your Practical Skills with Hands-On Training

Program students, whether pursuing a certificate or a degree, will gain valuable real-world experience during their final quarter with a 200-hour offsite externship in an outpatient or ambulatory setting.

Education on Your Time

Our program is available in a variety of schedule options. We offer day and evening schedules for our 21-month CAMA associate degree program. Our 12-month Medical Assistant Certificate program is offered during the day and evening. We also use a hybrid learning approach that offers both in-classroom and online learning. With Swedish Institute’s iPad program, every student receives an iPad that assists with virtual education, provides communication with classmates and instructors, and provides access to course materials no matter where you are.

What Does a Medical Assistant Do?

Medical Assistants play a vital role in any healthcare team. They work alongside and support doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals, and are often the first people to see the patients. Their demeanor, attitude, and professionalism help set the tone for the patient experience.

Job duties of a Medical Assistant often include, but are not limited to:

Recording patient history and personal information
Taking and measuring vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, weight and pulse
Performing EKG and other point-of-care testing (POCT) such as blood sugar finger sticks
Supporting physicians during exams
Helping explain physician instructions
Following up with patients

Medical Assistants in the 2025 US News and World Report Jobs Rankings^§

#83 in 100 Best Jobs
#15 in Best Jobs Without A [4-yr] Degree
#5 in Best Health Care Support Jobs

Career Opportunities for Medical Assistants

With training from Swedish Institute’s Medical Assistant Program, you will be prepared to pursue entry-level jobs with titles such as:

Medical
assistant

Clinical medical assistant

Clinical
Laboratory Aid

Blood Bank donor
unit assistant

Front office
assistant

Back Office
Laboratory Assistant

Salary Opportunities for Medical Assistants

According to the May 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the annual average wage for Medical Assistants in the State of New York is $48,050 per year.* Salary will vary based on experience, location of employment, and the specific job title and duties being performed.

testimonials

“I had a great experience at Swedish in the nursing program. The courses were challenging but rewarding. I found a job almost instantly with the help of Swedish faculty and the rest has been history. Super thankful for my experience at Swedish.”
T. Crearer,

Nursing Graduate
“I am a recently graduated student and it is incredible all the job offers I have received. I feel thrilled and proud to have been part of the school the teachers are amazing and supportive. I felt very prepared for the State Board Exam.”
Y. Diaz,

Massage Therapy Graduate
“I got my RN license in 21 months. Now I work in a NY city hospital. I am very grateful to the school for giving me an opportunity to study nursing. Nursing program was not easy, I am very happy, I passed all the courses and passed NCLEX the first time.”
J. Jan,

Nursing Graduate
“This school strives for excellence and produces the best of the best. They offer so many amazing programs that fit everyone’s preferences. The nursing program at Swedish Institute is one of the best nursing programs out there. It prepares you for what you will actually encounter when you are working in the institution that you are hired for. Like every accelerated program it is fast-paced but you do learn. The faculty staff is genuine and they are always available when needed. The professors are vast in knowledge and aside from your textbooks they are the key that will help unlock your success. I am a proud graduate of 2021, working as a Pediatric Nurse in the Emergency Department.”
R. Ramdham,

Nursing Graduate

Class of 2021
“Had a great experience going through the massage therapy program here. The classes were small enough that I was able to get great supervision and insight from the skilled professors who were able to teach from their own experiences with massage over their careers. I left the school feeling competent and confident with my abilities, and comfortable knowing that I had the support of my professors and the staff to assist me with getting started. Would definitely recommend any other aspiring massage therapists to come here!”
T. Costello,

Massage Therapy Graduate
“Swedish institute changed my life! The staff is very supportive and personally cares about your success. They always went the extra mile! The surgical tech program changed my whole life’s trajectory and career path. In two short years, I have worked my way up from being a barber to orthopedic surgery and now Neurosurgery. All with the opportunity that Swedish gave me. So thanks for the life upgrade Swedish and staff!”
D. Vasc,

Surgical Technologist Graduate
“They are really great in helping you in preparing for the NCLEX and they keep track of your progression throughout the program, and if you are struggling with your grades they will help you.”
R. Ramdham,

Nursing Graduate

Class of 2022
Thank you for your invaluable teachings, insights, and encouragement. Every lesson and guidance you provided helped me grow not only as a student but also as a future sterile processing technician. I’m equally grateful to the entire staff at Swedish Institute, whose efforts made the experience less stressful and fostered a positive environment in which I could thrive. Thank you all once again for being such an important part of my journey.
L. Cruz,

CSPT Graduate

Class of 2024

†Applies to full-time students only.

* State Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for the State of New York. Data from May 2024. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Site visited 1.27.2026

^ National Data Information, including national average annual salary and growth projections, comes from the Occupational Outlook Handbook on Medical Assistants from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Site visited 1.27.2026

§ Information from the US News and World Report Rankings from 2025. Information subject to change. Find the full lists on the US News and World Report website. Site visited 7.14.2025

National long-term projections and salary averages may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual growth or any particular salary. Swedish Institute does not guarantee employment. Swedish Institute cannot guarantee a student’s eligibility either to take any exam or become certified, registered, or licensed.

Swedish Institute was founded in 1916 and is the country’s oldest continuously operating massage therapy institution. Its programs are registered by the New York State Education Department. Accredited by ACCSC. For important information on program costs, completion and placement rates, median debt incurred, etc., please visit student consumer information. Learn more about our Personal Protection Policy.