Updated Content 08/19/2026
When choosing a career as a medical assistant, consider the different paths to reach that goal. United Career Institute (UCI) offers both an 18-month online Clinical Medical Assistant degree and a 12-month online Medical Assisting diploma.
Understanding the differences between these programs can help prospective students choose the right program for their unique needs and goals. Keep reading as UCI weighs a medical assisting degree vs diploma!
Program Length
One major difference between a medical assisting degree and a diploma is how long it takes to complete your education. As a student in UCI’s Clinical Medical Assistant program, you can expect to complete your education in 18 months; meanwhile, as a Medical Assistant diploma program student, you can complete your training in 12 months.
Upon completing the Clinical Medical Assistant program, graduates earn a Specialized Associate Degree in Clinical Medical Assistant, which may give them a competitive advantage over those who choose not to pursue a degree.
Earning a diploma in medical assisting from UCI is an excellent option for students who aim to enter their chosen career field quickly. The program takes only 12 months, allowing individuals to start a healthcare career in a year.
Additionally, graduates of UCI’s Medical Assisting diploma program can enroll in the online Clinical Medical Assistant degree program and complete their degree while working if they choose to further their education. Students who want to become practical nurses may also benefit from enrolling in a medical assisting degree or diploma program to build foundational knowledge and skills before entering a more rigorous Practical Nursing program.
While the diploma option is more accelerated, the degree path offers a broader educational experience that can lead to more career opportunities.
Career Opportunities
Both programs prepare graduates for employment as medical assistants, but those with degrees may be able to access more advanced positions or earn higher salaries. The training a degree offers can lead to management roles or specializations within healthcare, which employers value.
Some of the possible careers for medical assistants include direct patient care, administrative tasks, or a combination of the two in the following facilities:
- Family Medicine Clinics
- Outpatient Clinics
- Hospitals and Emergency Rooms
- Diagnostic Laboratories
- Urgent Care Locations
- Long-Term Care Facilities
Flexibility
United Career Institute offers some flexibility for students in either the medical assisting diploma or degree program. With lectures and simulations completed virtually, students in these programs can balance their education with their busy lives instead of spending significant time in classes at the UCI campus. This also allows students to work while completing their education.
Although most of their education is completed online, medical assisting students at UCI still benefit from hands-on training through several weekend clinical days at the UCI campus in Irwin, PA. These clinical days, held on select Saturdays throughout the program, give students the opportunity to practice their skills in a controlled environment, ask their instructors questions, and connect with their peers.
Certification
Both the 18-month degree program and the 12-month diploma program at United Career Institute are designed to prepare students for National Healthcareer Association (NHA) certifications. Students in either program will prepare to sit for up to three NHA certification exams, which could give them a competitive advantage when it comes time to enter the healthcare field.
Medical assistant students at UCI are prepared to sit for the following certification exams:
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)*
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)**
- Certified EKG/ECG Technician (CET)**
Start Your Medical Assisting Career With UCI’s Help!
The choice between earning a medical assisting degree vs diploma depends entirely on the individual student. Some things to consider are your career goals, financial situation, and how quickly you want to begin working as a medical assistant.
Do you want to learn more about the medical assisting field? Check out our free downloadable guide for more information about UCI’s programs, the healthcare landscape, career opportunities, frequently asked questions, and more.
If you are ready to start the path to your career as a medical assistant, now is the time! Get started today by requesting information to connect with a UCI admissions team member.
*Certification is contingent upon passing the corresponding industry certification exam. Included/Required in Tuition/Fees.
**Certification is contingent upon passing the corresponding industry certification exam. Optional at own expense.
Certifying entities are independent and not affiliated with or connected to United Career Institute in any manner.