HACC offers two medical assistant pathways: a 30-credit certificate and a noncredit course that prepares students for the CCMA exam. The credit option follows a fall-to-spring sequence at Harrisburg; the workforce option uses separate registration and pricing.
Cost, Duration, and Credits
| Item | Credit Medical Assisting Certificate | Noncredit Medical Assistant/CCMA |
|---|---|---|
| Program code | 3210 | 0018 |
| Training | 30 credits | Noncredit coursework, labs, and externship |
| Duration | Two semesters, fall through spring | School advertises about five months full time or eight months evenings; next schedule unconfirmed |
| Location and format | Harrisburg; mixed distance and in-person instruction | Campus and delivery vary by section; current registration listing says in person |
| Cost | HACC estimate: $7,978 sponsored PA; $11,135.50 nonsponsored PA, plus $660 out of pocket | Listed price: $5,990, including books and CCMA exam |
| Availability | Confirm next cohort and open seats with advising | Registration catalog currently says no classes scheduled |
Credit program details | Noncredit program information | Noncredit availability
Credit Medical Assisting Certificate
Students prepare for medical office administration and clinical patient care. HACC requires graduates to take the American Medical Technologists Registered Medical Assistant examination. The program page states that failing the exam does not prevent students from receiving the certificate.
Curriculum and Clinical Training
Coursework covers medical terminology, insurance, office administration, pharmacology, laboratory techniques, electronic records, and ambulatory procedures. Students must earn C or higher in the required AH and MA courses.
The required 160-hour externship takes place during spring semester. HACC arranges placements in local offices or clinics during weekday business hours, with at least 23 hours per week. Students taking evening classes should plan for daytime clinical attendance.
Credit curriculum guide, updated March 2026 | Clinical schedule information
Admission Requirements
The published admission criteria require a high school diploma or GED, math and English proficiency, and a 2.0 overall GPA for continuing students. Students must complete the college application and work with advising on program entry.
Clinical preparation includes a physical examination, required immunizations, background clearances, drug and alcohol screening, and healthcare-provider CPR. Confirm current placement equivalents and deadlines with HACC.
Medical assisting admission criteria. The current program page identifies Harrisburg; older admission materials also mention York.
Credit Program Cost
HACC’s 2026–27 expense sheet provides the following estimates. Sponsored rates require qualifying school-district residency and the required residency certificate.
| Expense | Sponsored Pennsylvania resident | Nonsponsored Pennsylvania resident |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and standard fees, 30 credits | $7,110 | $10,267.50 |
| Liability insurance | $50 | $50 |
| Medical assisting lab fees | $305 | $305 |
| Books listed in estimate | $513 | $513 |
| School’s subtotal | $7,978 | $11,135.50 |
| Additional out-of-pocket estimate | $660 | $660 |
| Combined estimate, calculated | $8,638 | $11,795.50 |
The $660 allowance includes uniforms and shoes, a blood-pressure kit, CPR, background checks and screening, a physical examination and tests, and the RMA exam. Costs may change. These estimates exclude living expenses and transportation.
HACC’s 2026–27 medical assisting expense sheet | Current tuition and fees
Noncredit Medical Assistant/CCMA
The noncredit pathway prepares students for the National Healthcareer Association’s Certified Clinical Medical Assistant examination. Its registration listing quotes $5,990, including textbooks and the exam.
HACC’s Fall 2026 guide requires at least 120 hours of unpaid clinical externship. The guide lists training in medical terminology, anatomy, nutrition, office operations, insurance, clinical procedures, and laboratory skills.
Fall 2026 noncredit program guide | Course price and registration listing
Schedule and Training Hours
The program page advertises approximately five months of full-time daytime study or eight months of evening study, depending on clinical-site availability. It lists Gettysburg, Harrisburg, Lancaster, and York as possible locations; the next section’s campus and dates must be confirmed.
The registration catalog currently states “No Classes Currently Scheduled.” Students can register interest or contact Workforce Healthcare Education at nchealth@hacc.edu or 717-221-1352.
Published hour totals differ. The main program page lists 336 classroom/lab hours plus a 160-hour externship. The November 2025 general guide lists 413 classroom/lab hours plus 120 externship hours; the Fall 2026 guide specifies a minimum 120-hour externship. Confirm the next cohort’s full training plan before enrolling.
Noncredit program page | General training guide | Current availability
Noncredit Admission and Clearances
The registration materials require a physical and vision examination, background clearances, and specified immunization and TB documentation. Submit the required records at least two weeks before classes begin. Students should confirm the current checklist with the program coordinator.
Accreditation and Certification
HACC is institutionally accredited by MSCHE. Its credit pathway identifies the AMT RMA exam, while the noncredit pathway identifies NHA’s CCMA exam. These are different credentials. AMT affiliation is not the same as CAAHEP or ABHES program accreditation.
HACC accreditation information.
Compare Other Pennsylvania Options
HACC health career overview | Pennsylvania medical assistant programs | Community College of Philadelphia medical assistant programs
