If you’re considering a medical assistant program in the Kansas City area, there are several strong options depending on your goals, budget, and learning style. Below is a quick overview of each program to help you start comparing.
1. Concorde
Concorde’s Medical Assistant diploma program in Kansas City is a blended format combining online learning, in-person labs, and a healthcare externship. Students complete 800 total contact hours over about 9 months, with up to 50% of coursework available online. The program includes 240 hours of lab practice and 230 hours of real-world externship experience.
Tuition is $19,163, with estimated textbook costs of $522 and a $250 technology fee, bringing the total estimated program cost to $19,935. Online coursework covers anatomy, medical terminology, clinical skills like EKGs and phlebotomy, and front-office procedures. Lab sessions are held on campus to practice hands-on skills before transitioning into the externship.
Enrollment is open year-round, and financial aid opportunities are available for qualifying students.
| Category | Details |
| Price | $19,935 (Tuition: $19,163; Textbooks: $522; Tech Fee: $250) |
| Duration | 9 months |
| Class Format | Blended (Online coursework, in-person labs, externship) |
| Class Schedules | Flexible online coursework with scheduled campus labs and externship hours |
2. Rasmussen University
Rasmussen University offers a fully online Medical Administrative Assistant Certificate program that can be completed in as few as 9 months. Students earn 38 total credits through a series of online courses focused on healthcare office procedures, technology use in patient care, and health records management.
The program includes real-world projects, virtual labs, and live interactive sessions with faculty and peers. Students also have access to support services like tutoring, library resources, and 24/7 tech help. Rasmussen offers up to three $149 self-directed assessments, allowing students to test out of certain courses if they already know the material.
All coursework is completed online, but campus support services are available if needed. The program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and prepares students for roles such as medical secretary or medical administrative assistant.
| Category | Details |
| Price | Varies; contact admissions for current tuition and fees. |
| Duration | 9 months |
| Class Format | 100% online with optional campus support resources |
| Class Schedules | Flexible, self-paced online coursework with live interactive sessions |
3. Metropolitan Community College
The Clinical Medical Assistant program at Metropolitan Community College is offered fully online through Ed2Go and is designed to be self-paced. Students have 12 months to complete the program and cover 540 total course hours. Classes include instruction in medical terminology, administrative duties, clinical procedures, and patient care tasks.
The program costs $2,795 and includes a voucher for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam. Coursework is completed entirely online, with open enrollment allowing students to start at any time. Students also have the option to apply for an unpaid clinical experience after finishing the online portion, though placement is not guaranteed.
| Category | Details |
| Price | $2,795 (includes CCMA exam voucher) |
| Duration | 12 months (self-paced) |
| Class Format | Fully online, self-paced course with optional clinical experience |
| Class Schedules | Open enrollment; start anytime |
What We Think
When comparing the medical assistant programs available in the Kansas City area, there are important trade-offs between cost, program focus, hands-on experience, and flexibility.
If you’re looking for the most hands-on and structured program, Concorde is the standout.
At nearly $19,935, Concorde is the most expensive, but it offers the richest clinical experience with 240 lab hours and 230 externship hours built into a 9-month timeline. If you want strong clinical preparation before entering the workforce — and can manage the higher cost — Concorde offers the most extensive hands-on learning. However, you’ll want to ask detailed questions about student support, career placement success, and instructor accessibility, because with higher cost should come stronger services.
If affordability and speed are bigger priorities, Metropolitan Community College (MCC) offers the most economical option.
At $2,795, MCC’s online Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) program is far less expensive and gives students up to 12 months to finish at their own pace. However, the program is entirely online, and while there is an opportunity for a clinical experience, placement isn’t guaranteed. If you’re highly independent and can manage finding your own clinical site, MCC offers a great low-cost path to national certification.If you’re mainly interested in an administrative medical career with flexible online learning, Rasmussen University could be the best fit.
Rasmussen’s program focuses on medical administrative assistant training, not clinical skills, and is fully online with a 9-month completion timeline. It’s a good choice if you want to work in front-office roles without the clinical demands. However, this means you won’t be trained for clinical procedures like blood draws or lab testing. It’s important to verify what kind of career placement and student support Rasmussen offers to ensure the program helps you transition smoothly into the job market.
While this comparison gives a clear snapshot, it’s important to speak directly with each school before making a decision. Online materials can only tell you so much — you’ll want to explore:
- Instructor quality and responsiveness
- Student support and tutoring services
- Career services and job placement help
- Class sizes and peer interaction
- Reputation among healthcare employers
- The overall “feel” of the program when interacting with staff
Programs can sound similar on paper but feel very different in real life. Take the time to ask questions, talk to current students if possible, and trust your instincts about the level of support you’ll receive.