Associate in Medical Assisting programs train students to perform both medical and administrative duties in various health care environments such as doctors’ offices, hospitals and outpatient centers. However, many graduates may also work in dental offices or as home health aides.
Working as a medical assistant, according to this article by U.S. News and World Report, will likely keep you employed. The expected growth rate of jobs as medical assistants is an astounding 23% which is 5 times higher than the average growth rate of around 5 to 8%. This projection of new jobs by the Bureau of Labor Statistics is expected between the years of 2018 to 2028.
Medical assisting associate degree programs typically focus on a specific discipline—medical or administrative. A degree with an administrative focus emphasizes administrative duties and subjects of study include medical office procedures, business communication and an introduction to medical transcription. A clinical emphasis in the degree would include courses such as math and computer information science, radiographic procedures and radiographic imgaging and ultrasound.
However, for those who like to keep their options open, there are some programs listed below that provide an excellent blend of both aspects of the profession. These ten online schools provide degrees for students who want to enter the workforce or put themselves in an excellent position to obtain a bachelor’s degree.
Quick links
- Best Online Schools for Medical Assisting Associate’s Degrees
- ASHWORTH COLLEGE
- DAKOTA COLLEGE AT BOTTINEAU
- MINNESOTA STATE COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE
- STATE FAIR COMMUNITY COLLEGE
- BARTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
- GEORGIA NORTHWESTERN TECHNICAL COLLEGE
- MINNESOTA WEST COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE
- ALEXANDRIA TECHNICAL AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
- NEBRASKA METHODIST COLLEGE
- LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
- Frequently Asked Questions
You may also be interested in Accredited Online Schools Offering Outstanding Medical Billing and Coding Programs and our Top 20 Online Schools for Medical Assisting Programs
Also, check this out: Best Online Schools for Associate in Medical Office Administration Degrees
Best Online Schools for Medical Assisting Associate’s Degrees
METHODOLOGY: The researcher/writers at OnlineSchoolsCenter.com obtain information from only the most trusted statistical and academic resources, as well as from the schools’ websites. The online colleges and universities chosen for this ranking were done so according to strict criteria:
- An Associate of Arts, Sciences, or Applied Sciences in Medical Assisting or its equivalent,
- Accreditation from nationally recognized agencies,
- 100% online availability of coursework, academic resources, and contact with instructors or advisors,
- Excellent faculty members with specialized knowledge, credentials, and recognition in the Medical Assisting field,
- And retention rates (which are a sign of student satisfaction) no lower than 45%.
For more information, please visit our Methodology Page.
ASHWORTH COLLEGE
affordable, ONLINE Associate Degree in Healthcare Administration program
Program Standouts:
Students at Ashworth College can major in the online Healthcare Administration Associate Degree that is equivalent to the Medical Assisting Degrees on this ranking. This curriculum is designed to train experts in medical administration who can work in surgery clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, emergency rooms, and more! The emphasis of this program is on professional information in human anatomy, medical terminology, and other such areas. There is also a Healthcare Management Bachelor’s Degree Program available at Ashworth College for students who are prepared to continue their education!
Campus Location: Norcross, GA
Accreditation:
- Distance Education Accrediting Commission
Sampling of Coursework:
- Medical Office Management I and II
- Health Records Management
- Medical Terminology
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: unavailable
Graduation Rate: unavailable
LEARN MORE ABOUT ASHWORTH COLLEGE’S ONLINE ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE IN HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION
DAKOTA COLLEGE AT BOTTINEAU
AAS In medical assisting online
Program Standouts:
Dakota College at Bottineau offers to Associate’s Degrees in this discipline: a Medical Administrative Assistant program and a Medical Assistant program. The main difference between the two is that the Medical Administrative Assistant program prepares students to sit for the Certified Medical Office Assistant examination provided by the American Medical Technologists. Students will exit this degree and be able to enter the workforce with confidence and credentials. The Medical Assistant program is less about certification and more about introducing students to the field with opportunities to grow and develop their interests.
Campus Location: Bottineau, ND
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Program Options:
- Medical Administrative Assistant
- Medical Assistant
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 45%
Graduation Rate: 33.9%
LEARN MORE ABOUT DAKOTA COLLEGE AT BOTTINEAU’S ONLINE MEDICAL ASSISTING ASSOCIATE’S DEGREES
MINNESOTA STATE COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE
online AAS in medical administrative assistant
Program Standouts:
In the online Medical Administrative Assistant Associate of Applied Science Degree from Minnesota State Community and Technical College prepares students to take on their professional careers in hospitals, private practices, and clinics. This curriculum is geared toward the administrative duties of the profession, such as insurance reimbursement, medical billing and coding, and communicating with the patients. Minnesota State Community and Technical College is a well-known online school that has been recognized in many other rankings and lists of the best distance education programs in the country.
Campus Location: Fergus Falls, MN
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Medical Office Procedures
- Outpatient Coding
- Medical Language Applications I and II
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 63%
Graduation Rate: 36.1%
LEARN MORE ABOUT MINNESOTA STATE COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE ONLINE MEDICAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAMS
STATE FAIR COMMUNITY COLLEGE
aas degree in medical assisting online
Program Standouts:
State Fair Community College provides two online options for Medical Assisting students in the form of an Associate’s Degree and a Certificate Program. The coursework emphasizes medical terminology, communication with clients and healthcare professionals, and medical billing and coding. These students also learn to perform injections and patient exams while also managing the clerical and administrative duties. This online Associate of Applied Science Degree trains graduates to work professionally, rather than preparing them for a Bachelor’s Degree, specifically.
Campus Location: Sedalia, MO
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Medical Assisting Psychology of Human Relations
- CPR for Health Care Providers
- Microcomputer Applications
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 62%
Graduation Rate: 35.8%
LEARN MORE ABOUT STATE FAIR COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S ONLINE AAS IN MEDICAL ASSISTING
BARTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
medical assistant associate of applied science degree online
Program Standouts:
At Barton County Community College, online students in the Medical Assistant Associate of Applied Science Degree engage in more medically-focused coursework, rather than administrative and managerial topics. These students learn how to assist healthcare professionals in minor surgeries, taking blood samples, performing electrocardiograms and x-rays, as well as emergencies. Students also learn how to manage patient accounts and process fees, collections, and insurance claims. Upon exiting the program, graduates are prepared to enter the workforce.
Campus Location: Great Bend, KS
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Basic Medical Lab Techniques
- Medical Administrative Aspects
- Medication Administration
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 56%
Graduation Rate: 1.9%
LEARN MORE ABOUT BARTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S ONLINE MEDICAL ASSISTANT ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE
GEORGIA NORTHWESTERN TECHNICAL COLLEGE
aas in online medical assisting degree program
Program Standouts:
As an Associate in Applied Science, the Georgia Northwestern Technical College online Medical Assisting Degree prepares students for a range of positions of employment in medical offices. The emphasis of this program is on the introduction, development, and enhancement of professional knowledge and transferable skills. The program is divided into two sections. The Pre-Occupational Curriculum includes both general education requirements, as well as the prerequisites for the Medical Assisting program, such as Anatomy and Physiology. The Occupational Curriculum consists of all of the program-specific coursework, as well as internships and externships.
Campus Location: Rome, GA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Pharmacology in the Medical Office
- Human Diseases
- Medical Insurance Management
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 61%
Graduation Rate: 36.2%
LEARN MORE ABOUT GEORGIA NORTHWESTERN TECHNICAL COLLEGE’S ONLINE MEDICAL ASSISTING AAS DEGREE
MINNESOTA WEST COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE
online aas in healthcare administrative assistant degree program
Program Standouts:
This online school offers an online Associate of Applied Science Healthcare Administrative Assistant program, which is equivalent to a Medical Assisting Degree. The online curriculum has a strong focus on the managerial components of working in healthcare administration. Students learn how to work well with patients and healthcare professionals to create a supportive and streamlined medical office environment. The degree includes topics in billing, bookkeeping, processing insurance claims, and scheduling.
Campus Location: Worthington, MN
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Introduction to Medical Coding
- Customer Service for Office Professionals
- Supervisory Management
Acceptance Rate: unavailable
Retention Rate: 62%
Graduation Rate: 55%
LEARN MORE ABOUT MINNESOTA WEST COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE’S ONLINE HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT AAS DEGREE
ALEXANDRIA TECHNICAL AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Associate Degree Online Medical Administrative Specialist program
Program Standouts:
The Alexandria Technical and Community College Associate Degree Online Medical Administrative Specialist program provides a broad range of medical, computer, and technical courses, as well as the general education credits needed to transfer to a four-year institution. This affordable online associate’s degree has a tuition rate of $209.35 per credit hour. With both office and medical skills, as well as knowledge of anatomy and physiology, disease processes, and other such crucial information, graduates are prepared to take on positions of employment or obtain a Bachelor’s Degree.
Campus Location: Alexandria, MN
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Electronic Health Records
- Medical Terminology
- Medicolegal and Reimbursement Issues
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 69%
Graduation Rate: 54.4%
LEARN MORE ABOUT ALEXANDRIA TECHNICAL AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S ONLINE MEDICAL ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE
NEBRASKA METHODIST COLLEGE
online Health Science A.S. Degree with a concentration in Medical Assisting
Program Standouts:
Nebraska Methodist College offers an online Health Science Associate of Science Degree with a concentration in Medical Assisting. The curriculum is designed for individuals who have already earned either a surgical technology or a medical assistant certificate. The NMC online program is an excellent choice for students who plan on continuing their education in a Bachelor’s Degree with a relevant concentration. The coursework provides an excellent range of topics for the future Medical Assistant, wherein they develop professional and transferable skills.
Campus Location: Omaha, NE
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Sampling of Coursework:
- Structure and Function of the Human Body
- Medical Laboratory Techniques for the Medical Office
- Insurance and Medical Coding for the Medical Office
Acceptance Rate: 68.2%
Retention Rate: 68%
Graduation Rate: 82.2%
LEARN MORE ABOUT NEBRASKA METHODIST COLLEGE’S ONLINE MEDICAL ASSISTANT ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE PROGRAM
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
accelerated online Medical Office Assistant Associate Degree
Program Standouts:
Liberty University’s accelerated online Medical Office Assistant Associate Degree provides Medical Administrative coursework that is grounded in the principles of Evangelical Christianity. Coursework at Liberty is completed throughout 8-week terms, and tuition rates are affordable, especially for those who are veterans, active-duty United States Military, or first responders. Some areas of emphasis in this program include professional liability, HIPAA regulations, and confidentiality. Liberty University is one of the most well-known online schools in America and provides only the best in distance education.
Campus Location: Lynchburg, VA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Medical Office Systems and Procedures
- Medical Office Billing and Bookkeeping
- Medical Office Coding
Acceptance Rate: 29.8%
Retention Rate: 84%
Graduation Rate: 42.6%
LEARN MORE ABOUT LIBERTY UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE MEDICAL OFFICE ASSISTANT ASSOCIATE DEGREE
As a Medical Assistant, you will be in charge of crucial office duties in medical environments. This position could include any number of responsibilities, from communicating with patients to coding medical documents. Especially since the technological boom of the 21st Century when all medical records become computerized, the need for educated, competent, and trustworthy professionals who manage the medical office has been paramount. These individuals must have a vast range of skills in order to fulfill all of their daily tasks. If you are someone with the administrative and organizational skills, as well as the computer savvy, to do so, a Medical Assistant Associate Degree will be a perfect match!
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have job security as a Medical Assistant?
Most definitely. The need for Medical Assistants these days is enormous. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the job outlook for Medical Assistants at 29% over the next six years, which is “much faster than average.” It also lists the annual salary of around $34,000. With a job outlook that high, you will be guaranteed a position of employment in nearly any city or town throughout the country. With more education in healthcare and medical administration, for example, in a Bachelor’s Degree, you will also have even more job security, as well as a higher wage.
Will I have to do a lot of medical billing and coding as a Medical Assistant?
In some cases, yes. Medical Assistants are responsible for the management of patient records, and this may involve technical writing and coding in some cases. It depends on where you will find yourself employed. For example, if you work in a small, private practice or clinic, you will be responsible for billing and reimbursement to insurance companies, as well as coding patient records. However, in a larger facility, such as a hospital, there are IT professionals who manage the medical billing and coding, while you will be responsible for the administrative aspects of the position.
Is a Medical Assistant Degree a good stepping stone for a career in healthcare?
Yes, if you remain motivated and disciplined! By gaining experience in healthcare environments, you will be far more prepared than the layman when deciding to enter into Nursing School or Pre-Med programs. In a Medical Assistant position, you will gain knowledge of human diseases as well as medications. You learn how to communicate with nurses, doctors, and patients, using such knowledge and medical jargon. This experience will absolutely help your future career in healthcare. If you intend to pursue the administrative side of the profession, then you may want to gravitate toward a larger healthcare facility where there are more opportunities for advancement.