Affordable medical assistant programs in the Memphis area make it possible to start a healthcare career without spending more than $5,000. Whether you prefer fully online learning, a structured classroom setting, or a fast-track format, these three programs offer accessible training that leads to national certification and entry-level job readiness.
1. The University of Memphis
This fully online medical assisting program takes six months to complete and is designed for busy adults looking for flexibility without compromising on hands-on training. Students should expect to spend 12 to 15 hours per week on coursework, which includes a mix of interactive content, video instruction, and virtual simulations. The program is divided into four course blocks, covering everything from anatomy and clinical skills to patient communication and certification prep.
The total cost is $4,500, with a payment plan available—$1,500 upfront and two additional $1,000 payments throughout the program. Students also complete a required two to three-day in-person clinical skills lab to demonstrate their proficiency in real-world tasks like taking vitals, administering medications, and performing EKGs.
Enrollment at the university is not required, and the program is open to adults 18 or older with a high school diploma or GED. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Healthcareer Association’s CCMA exam and may also apply credits toward a future degree at UofM Global.
| Category | Details |
| Price | $4,500 (payment plan available) |
| Duration | 6 months |
| Class Format | Online with a 2–3 day in-person skills lab |
| Class Schedules | Flexible; 12–15 hours per week recommended |
2. Southwest Tennessee Community College
This fully online Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) course costs $3,095 and gives students up to 12 months to complete 540 hours of self-paced training. The program includes both administrative and clinical instruction, covering skills like scheduling, phlebotomy, taking vital signs, administering medications, and preparing patients for exams.
Students receive digital and physical textbooks, a certification exam voucher, and the opportunity to complete a clinical experience if they meet course and account requirements. The curriculum also includes a medical terminology section, with the option to test out if you score 80% or higher. The course prepares students to sit for the National Healthcareer Association’s CCMA certification exam.
With open enrollment and no prerequisites besides a high school diploma or GED, the course is ideal for students needing a flexible schedule. While clinical placement is not guaranteed, affiliated partnerships may help students find opportunities to complete hands-on training.
| Category | Details |
| Price | $3,095 (includes certification exam voucher) |
| Duration | Self-paced; must be completed within 12 months |
| Class Format | Fully online with optional clinical experience |
| Class Schedules | Flexible; work at your own pace |
3. SuperiorCare Medical Academy
Located just across the Mississippi border from Memphis, this 12-week Medical Assistant program offers a fast-track option at $2,500. Students complete 96 hours of in-class instruction and lab work, plus 40 hours of externship, totaling 136 hours. Classes meet twice a week with options for morning (9 a.m.) or evening (5 p.m.) schedules, making it a flexible choice for those with daytime jobs or other responsibilities.
The cost includes tuition, books, and supplies, with payment plans available starting at a $400 deposit. Additional fees apply for certification exams, uniforms, and CPR/BLS training. Students learn both administrative and clinical skills, from patient scheduling and billing to taking vitals, assisting with exams, and drawing blood.
Instruction is led by experienced nurses and allied health professionals. The school also offers job placement assistance and resume support through its career services team, which starts working with students early in the enrollment process.
| Category | Details |
| Price | $2,500 (payment plans available) |
| Duration | 12 weeks (136 total hours: 96 classroom + 40 externship) |
| Class Format | In-person |
| Class Schedules | Twice a week; 9 a.m. or 5 p.m. evening options |
🧭 Find the Right Fit
We’ve reviewed medical assistant programs across Memphis to highlight the top choices—whether you need online flexibility, accelerated training, or part-time classes. Let us guide you toward the program that fits your life and career goals.
What We Think
When comparing the three most affordable medical assistant programs in the Memphis area, each option offers a unique balance of flexibility, price, and support. Here’s what stands out—and what to keep in mind—as you decide which one might be right for you.
SuperiorCare Medical Academy is the most affordable upfront at $2,500 for a 12-week program that includes classroom time, lab work, and a 40-hour externship. This is a strong value for anyone seeking a short, intensive, in-person experience just across the state line in Southaven, MS.
Southwest Tennessee Community College comes in at $3,095 and includes a certification exam voucher, which adds value. It’s fully online and self-paced over 12 months, which gives you more flexibility if you’re juggling work or family obligations.
University of Memphis is the most expensive at $4,500 but includes structured blocks of learning, virtual simulations, and a hands-on clinical lab. The payment plan eases the cost, but it’s still a notable jump in price. What you’re paying for here is guided structure and instructor engagement.
If flexibility is key, Southwest Tennessee Community College is the most self-directed. You set your pace across a year. Just be aware that self-paced learning requires strong time management, and there’s less consistent engagement with instructors unless you reach out.
University of Memphis follows an organized online schedule with 12–15 hours of weekly coursework and uses simulation tools for practice. While online, it includes a required hands-on skills lab at the end. This format strikes a balance between flexibility and structure.
SuperiorCare offers in-person evening and morning classes twice a week, which may be ideal for those who need structure and prefer face-to-face instruction. It’s the only option with a guaranteed externship, which gives a big advantage in building real-world skills before graduation.
Instructor quality is a key factor—and hard to judge from websites alone. That’s why it’s important to contact each school and get a feel for responsiveness and willingness to support you.
University of Memphis emphasizes content-area experts and guided progress checks. They offer individualized support and a curriculum broken into manageable blocks.
Southwest Tennessee Community College uses instructors with decades of field experience and includes a robust curriculum, but because it’s fully online and self-paced, engagement may depend on your initiative.
SuperiorCare highlights experienced RNs and allied health professionals with hands-on teaching and a supportive career services team. They stand out for one-on-one job placement support and continued contact post-graduation, which can make a real difference in starting your career.
Best for Fast, Hands-On Training
👉 SuperiorCare Medical Academy – Great value, local externship, short program, and strong job placement support.
Best for Structured Online Learning
👉 University of Memphis – Higher cost, but you get instructor feedback, clinical simulations, and a required in-person lab for real skills assessment.
Best for Independent Learners on a Budget
👉 Southwest Tennessee Community College – Self-paced and affordable, with a broad curriculum and exam voucher included.
Before enrolling, talk to the programs. Ask how responsive instructors are, what clinical placements look like, and how career services follow up after graduation. The way a school engages with you before you sign up is often a good clue to how they’ll support you throughout.