If you’re considering a career in medical assisting, you’re likely wondering how long it will take to get trained, certified, and ready to work. In Greensboro, North Carolina, the timeline can vary significantly based on the type of program you choose—from fast-track online certificates to full associate degrees. Below, we break down your options to help you find a timeline that fits your goals.
Quickest Option: Certificate Programs (4–6 Months)
If speed is your top priority, certificate programs can prepare you for entry-level work in as little as four months. Programs like those offered by Greensboro College Workforce Development and North Carolina A&T State University are 100% online and self-paced, allowing students to complete training in 4 to 6 months with a flexible study schedule of 15–20 hours per week.
These programs focus mainly on clinical skills such as EKGs, vital signs, and phlebotomy. While administrative training may be limited, they prepare students for national certifications like the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). Optional externships are available to help build experience, but are not always required.
- Greensboro College: ~$4,000 | 4–6 months | Online
- NC A&T State University: $2,599 | 4–6 months | Online + Optional Externship
These short-term options are best for working adults or career changers who want to enter the healthcare workforce quickly.
Some students want the benefits of an associate degree without a two-year commitment. ECPI University offers an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting that can be completed in just 15 months. The program is accelerated and includes both online coursework and in-person clinical labs, as well as a 5-week externship at a local medical facility.
Students graduate ready for a wide range of certifications, including:
- CMA (Certified Medical Assistant)
- RMA (Registered Medical Assistant)
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician
- Certified EKG Technician
ECPI’s program is ideal for students seeking comprehensive training with flexibility, thanks to its hybrid format.
ECPI University: Duration: 15 months | Online & In-Person | Location: Greensboro, NC
For students who prefer a more traditional academic pace and in-depth preparation, two-year associate degree programs offer well-rounded education and training. Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) and Piedmont Community College (PCC) both offer Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting degrees that take about five semesters (2 years) to complete.
These programs include:
- Extensive clinical and administrative training
- A full-semester externship or clinical practicum
- Strong support for certification prep (especially for the CMA (AAMA) exam)
GTCC, in particular, boasts a 94.74% certification pass rate and an 85.48% job placement rate, making it a strong choice for long-term career readiness.
PCC: 2 years (A.A.S.) or shorter for diploma/certificate | Daytime classes | Roxboro & Yanceyville
GTCC: 2 years | In-person | Starts each fall
Piedmont Community College also allows students to choose from three training tracks:
- Certificate: ~2 semesters
- Diploma: ~4 semesters
- Associate Degree (A.A.S.): ~5 semesters
This flexibility allows students to start with a shorter credential and later stack their way to a full degree as time and resources allow.
If you prefer a fully remote college experience, South University offers an online Associate of Science in Medical Assisting that typically takes about 2 years to complete. While the program includes a 160-hour clinical practicum, it is not CAAHEP-accredited, which may limit eligibility for some certifications and jobs.
South University: ~2 years | Fully online | $43,700 total estimated cost
| Program Type | Time to Complete | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Online Certificate | 4–6 months | Quick job entry, flexible learners |
| Accelerated A.A.S. | 15 months | Balanced training, hybrid format seekers |
| Traditional A.A.S. | 2 years | In-depth training, strong certification support |
| Stackable Certificate/Diploma | 1–2 years | Students needing flexible entry/exit points |
| Online A.A.S. | 2 years | Students who require remote learning only |
Whether you’re aiming to enter the field in just a few months or prefer a more comprehensive degree, Greensboro offers several excellent medical assistant training options. Choose the one that fits your timeline, learning style, and long-term career goals—and you could be helping patients in less time than you think.