Starting a career in healthcare doesn’t have to come with overwhelming debt. Orlando offers several medical assistant programs that are either free, low-cost, or include flexible payment options. Below is a breakdown of some of the top options, highlighting their costs, schedules, certifications, and standout features.
- Osceola Technical College: Free program with paid apprenticeship through Orlando Health and multiple industry certifications.
- U.S. Career Institute: 100% online, self-paced program with a 91% CCMA pass rate and flexible payment plans.
- Phlebotomy Orlando Online: Offers dual certification in Medical Assisting and Phlebotomy, plus unlimited hands-on practice.
Below you’ll find a breakdown of some of the top options, highlighting their costs, schedules, certifications, and standout features.
Affordable & Free Medical Assistant Class Providers
1. Osceola Technical College
Osceola Technical College (oTECH) offers a tuition-free Medical Assistant Program that blends academic learning with real-world, paid apprenticeship experience at Orlando Health clinic locations. The program totals 2,674 hours, divided into 674 hours of classroom instruction and 2,000 hours of on-the-job training. This setup allows students to earn while they learn, gaining valuable skills in both administrative and clinical aspects of healthcare, including phlebotomy, EKG, vital signs, and emergency care procedures.
Students are eligible to earn several industry-recognized certifications, such as Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Basic Life Support (BLS), and Registered Phlebotomy Technician. The curriculum is broken into Occupational Completion Points (OCPs), giving students clear benchmarks in their training journey. Entry requirements include a high school diploma or GED, resume submission, passing a basic skills test, and clearing both a drug screen and background check. With flexible schedules across multiple campuses and dual enrollment options for high school students, this program is an accessible and practical option for entering the healthcare field.
Category | Details |
---|---|
Cost | Free |
Duration | 2,674 hours (10–13 months) |
Program Type | Medical Assistant Program |
Class Schedules | Full-time: Mon-Fri; Part-time for dual enrollment |
Online Classes? | No |
Phone | 407-344-5080 |
Location | 501 Simpson Road, Kissimmee, FL 34744 |
2. U.S. Career Institute
The U.S. Career Institute offers a fully online, self-paced Medical Assistant program designed for ultimate flexibility. Students can begin anytime and progress through 27 interactive lessons, typically completing the program in 4 to 7 months. The curriculum covers both front-office administrative responsibilities and back-office clinical procedures, including patient prep, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and pharmacology. Each enrollment includes supplemental training materials like a stethoscope and blood pressure cuff, giving students hands-on tools to reinforce their skills at home.
The program is tailored to prepare students for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The cost of the exam, a study guide, and a practice test are all included in the tuition, making it one of the most value-packed offerings for the price. With a 91% CCMA pass rate, the program has proven success in helping students transition into medical assistant roles. Flexible payment plans starting at $79/month and career services like resume coaching and interview prep further enhance the accessibility and support of this program.
Category | Details |
---|---|
Cost | $1,339 (full payment) or $79/month |
Duration | 4–7 months |
Program Type | Online Medical Assistant Program |
Class Schedules | Self-paced |
Online Classes? | Yes |
Phone | (800) 347-7899 |
Location | Online |
3. Phlebotomy Orlando Online
Phlebotomy Orlando Online offers an affordable and flexible medical assistant training program that includes dual certification in both Medical Assisting and Phlebotomy. This hybrid program features self-paced online coursework complemented by unlimited in-person phlebotomy practice at their Orlando facility. Students learn essential clinical and administrative skills such as medical terminology, anatomy, EKG interpretation, patient care, and front office procedures. The unlimited hands-on training is a standout feature, allowing students to build confidence and competence in venipuncture and other clinical tasks at their own pace.
The program caters to both new entrants and career changers in the healthcare field. Tuition is competitively priced at $1,200 for the in-person version and $1,050 for fully online learning, with payment plans starting at a $450 deposit. Upon completion, students receive guidance in preparing for state certification exams through the National Phlebotomy Certification Exam (NPCE). Whether attending in-person morning or evening sessions, or following a custom online schedule, students benefit from a well-rounded, skill-focused curriculum that makes them job-ready in just a few months.
Category | Details |
---|---|
Cost | $1,200 (Online: $1,050) |
Duration | Flexible |
Program Type | Medical Assistant with Phlebotomy |
Class Schedules | Morning and Evening; Online Flexible |
Online Classes? | Yes |
Phone | (407) 431-5151 |
Location | 750 South Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL |
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