Not everyone can attend school full time during the week. Whether you’re balancing work, family, or other commitments, weekend medical assistant programs in Jacksonville offer a flexible route into the healthcare field without sacrificing hands-on experience. These programs are designed to help students gain the skills they need to enter the workforce—often in just over a year—by concentrating in-person learning on Saturdays and Sundays.
Pros and Cons of Weekend Medical Assistant Programs
Pros:
- Greater Flexibility: Weekend programs let you continue working or caring for family during the week.
- Structured Learning: In-person instruction helps you stay on track without sacrificing quality.
- Work-Life Balance: For many students, weekends are easier to dedicate to education than weekday mornings or afternoons.
- Career-Focused Curriculum: These programs typically include hands-on labs and externships to ensure you’re job-ready.
Cons:
- Longer Time Commitment: Because class time is limited to weekends, these programs may take slightly longer than full-time weekday options.
- Weekend Availability Required: You’ll need to consistently dedicate Saturdays and/or Sundays to class and clinicals.
Limited Course Offerings: Fewer schools offer weekend-only tracks, so options may be more limited than weekday or online formats.
Weekend Medical Assistant Programs in Jacksonville
1. Aspatria Institute – Jacksonville
Aspatria Institute stands out for offering a hybrid medical assistant diploma program that includes weekend externships—making it one of the most flexible options for students seeking weekend clinical experience.
Program Highlights:
- 13-month hybrid format with weekday lectures and weekend externships
- Tuition: $7,500 with scholarships and interest-free financing available
- In-person labs during the week; supervised externship shifts often scheduled for weekends
- Strong academic and career support, including tutoring, job placement help, and CANVAS learning system
Best for: Students who can attend weekday classes but need weekend-only externship options
2. Helping Hearts Training Center – Orange Park
While Helping Hearts is primarily an online program, it requires students to complete a 180-hour hands-on externship, which can often be scheduled on weekends through its healthcare partners.
Program Highlights:
- Fully online academic instruction using Evolve LMS and Sherpath
- Weekend-friendly externship after completing academic coursework
- Affordable tuition at $2,250 with guaranteed-approval, low-interest financing
- Prepares students for CCMA certification through the NHA
Best for: Working adults and parents who prefer online learning but are available on weekends for clinical externship hours
3. FSCJ (Florida State College at Jacksonville) – North Campus
FSCJ’s flexible, self-paced online format is paired with an optional clinical experience, which can often be arranged on weekends through local partnerships.
Program Highlights:
- 100% online instruction with up to 12 months of access
- Tuition: $2,995, includes exam voucher
- Optional clinical hours offer real-world training that can often be scheduled on weekends
- Prepares students for RMA, CCMA, and other national certifications
Best for: Students who want full control over when they study, but still want weekend options for hands-on training
🧭 Your Path Starts Here
We’ve done the research for you—reviewing medical assistant programs across Jacksonville to identify the top options. Whether you’re looking for online, accelerated, or part-time classes, we’ll help you find the program that fits your goals and schedule.
What to Consider When Choosing a Weekend Program
Choosing a weekend medical assistant program requires more than just comparing class times. Consider the following:
Some programs offer lectures or labs during the week, with clinicals on weekends. Others let you complete all coursework online, saving weekends solely for externships.
Expect weekend-format programs to run slightly longer than weekday programs. For example, Aspatria’s program lasts 13 months compared to Concorde’s 9-month weekday format.
Costs vary, with online weekend-friendly options like Helping Hearts and FSCJ offering significant savings. Look into financing options, scholarships, or state funding eligibility.
Ensure the program prepares you for a nationally recognized certification like CCMA or RMA. Programs like Helping Hearts and FSCJ include exam prep and vouchers.
Confirm that externship hours can be completed on weekends, especially if your weekday availability is limited. Schools like Aspatria are transparent about their weekend scheduling.
Weekend medical assistant programs in Jacksonville are ideal for students who need flexibility without sacrificing the quality of their training. Whether you’re already working, caring for a family, or simply prefer weekend study, these programs offer the structure, support, and certification prep needed to launch your healthcare career.
By comparing program formats, costs, and externship options, you’ll find a weekend program that aligns with your lifestyle and goals. Ready to take the next step? Use the “Learn More” links above to dive into full program reviews and find the path that fits you best.