Medical Assistant

31 Days
1 Hours
56 Minutes
7 Seconds
Next Classes Start
07/10/2026

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 a 21-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.

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.

Our Clinical and Administrative Medical Assistant Degree program is a 90 quarter-credit program. We offer the program in six- and seven-quarter (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).

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.

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.

medical assistant students watching a demonstration on another student

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 2026 US News and World Report Jobs Rankings§

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

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

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Salary Opportunities for Medical Assistants

According to the May 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual average wage for Medical Assistants in the State of New York is $48,750 per year.* Salary will vary based on experience, location of employment, and the specific job title and duties being performed.

  • “They were just really compassionate and they really seemed to care about the education and helping us further our education in medical assistant. And they helped me to truly understand certain things when it came to EKG or phlebotomy. So, I just really appreciate them for that.”

    J. Sandiford,

    Clinical Medical Assistant

    Class of 2025

  • “Without Swedish, I wouldn’t have any of the knowledge that I have now to be able to help the people that I want to help in today’s society, and that really is it.”

    S. Ortiz,

    Clinical Medical Assistant

    Class of 2026

  • “The school prepared me really well to be working in the hospital because I feel like I’m able to take on anything. I’m able to be a leader, able to take steps and just provide the care that’s needed for the patient or whoever.”

    T. Gonzalez,

    Clinical & Adminstrative Medical Assistant

    Class of 2025


†Applies to full-time students only.

* Salary Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Query System. Information is for Medical Assistants in New York State and Nationally. Data from May 2025. https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home. Site visited 6.8.2026.

^ Growth Projection Source: The Occupational Outlook Handbook on Medical Assistants from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Data from May 2024. Site visited 6.8.2026.

§ 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 3.31.26

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.