Community College of Philadelphia offers two medical assistant pathways. The proficiency certificate combines college coursework with clinical and administrative preparation. The noncredit course focuses on clinical medical assisting and CCMA exam preparation.
Cost, Duration, and Training Comparison
| Item | Credit proficiency certificate | Noncredit clinical course |
|---|---|---|
| Credit or hours | 31 credits in current catalog; marketing page says 27 | 180 course hours |
| Duration | Advertised as as little as two semesters; confirm current sequence | Varies by section |
| Location | Northeast Regional Center | In-person sections at 4750 Market Street; online option also advertised |
| Cost | Estimated $6,508 for a new Philadelphia resident, before course-specific and other expenses | Listed in-person price: $2,964, including NHA exam fee |
The credit estimate uses the current catalog’s 31-credit requirement. CCP’s public program page still lists 27 credits. Applicants should confirm the required total and completion schedule before enrolling.
Credit Medical Assistant Certificate
The program prepares students for clinical and office duties. CCP advertises completion in as little as two semesters and identifies an option to apply coursework toward Health Care Studies. The program page also describes preparation for national medical assistant and phlebotomy certification examinations; applicants should confirm the specific exams and eligibility rules.
Admission and Coursework
Admission is selective. Applicants need a high school diploma or GED, readiness for ENGL 101 and FNMT 118, and a minimum 2.0 GPA if they have prior college coursework. Students must be 18 before clinical experience.
Acceptance conditions include background checks, child abuse clearance, drug screening, and health documentation. Students also need orientation, a uniform, health insurance, and the required CPR credential.
Study includes medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, communication, administrative procedures, exam room skills, phlebotomy, and medical law and ethics. The current catalog requires 31 credits and grades of C or higher.
Credit Program Cost
Fall 2026 tuition is $174 per credit for Philadelphia residents, $348 for other Pennsylvania residents, and $522 for out-of-state students. Standard fees add $34 per credit. Nonresident capital fees add $10 or $20 per credit, respectively.
Calculated estimate using 31 credits and the $60 new-student fee:
| Residency | Estimated tuition and standard fees |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia resident | $6,508 |
| Other Pennsylvania resident | $12,212 |
| Out-of-state resident | $17,916 |
These estimates exclude course fees, books, uniforms, health clearances, exams, and any online-course charges. They assume the published rates apply to every credit. They are calculations, not CCP program quotes.
Noncredit Clinical Medical Assisting
CCP lists a 180-hour course with in-person daytime and evening options. The advertised in-person charge is $2,964: $2,799 tuition plus a $165 NHA exam fee. Scrubs cost extra.
Students prepare to apply for the NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant examination. An optional volunteer externship is available after completion, subject to placement and documentation requirements.
Applicants must be at least 18, hold a high school diploma or GED, and provide identification and required background documentation. CCP also advertises an asynchronous online option for $2,599; students should confirm its exam fee, practical training, and placement terms separately.
Official course, schedules, and registration
Accreditation and Certification
CCP’s institutional accreditation is through MSCHE. Institutional accreditation does not establish medical assisting program accreditation. Applicants should confirm medical assisting program accreditation and eligibility for their intended certification exam directly with CCP.
Official accreditation information
