Individuals who are interested in entering the medical assisting field have several options: medical office assisting and medical assisting (direct patient care). Graduates of this degree are well-trained assets in the medical industry and provide a crucial service to patients and health care professionals. Upon graduating they attain positions of employment that are highly gratifying and versatile, and, because they are so needed in many different areas, alumni of any one of these programs will be able to work anywhere in the country or the world!
In the wake of the Covid-19 crisis, an already fast-growing job market moved into a higher gear of need. According to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of medical assistance is going to add over 150,00 jobs between 2018 and 2028. According to the Harvard Business Review, the worldwide pandemic has increased demand for medical assistants in terms of treatment as well as the now much wider use of telemedicine.
In developing this list, OnlineSchoolsCenter.com has chosen to list these Top 20 Online Schools for Medical Assisting Programs in random order. In doing so, you will have an opportunity to explore each one – all of which have their own unique strengths.
The following schools were chosen for several factors that put them ahead of other online programs due to the:
- Nature of the coursework relevant to the field of Medical Assisting and/or Medical Administration,
- Offered 100% Online, with a flexible learning format,
- Provides sufficient Financial Aid to fit everyone’s needs,
- Produces an education that gives students more than just classroom experience in Medical Assisting,
- Awarded as either an Associate or Bachelor degree in Medical Assisting, or in the form of a certificate or diploma,
- Trains in clerical and administrative duties, as well as clinical knowledge,
- Instructed by qualified personnel, experts in the field of Medical Assisting,
- Gives academic support through Technical Help Desks and Career Centers,
- Provides experiential learning opportunities in Medical Assisting,
- Some programs will prepare students for applicable certification examinations.
If you would like to learn more about our selction process, please see our Methodology page.
KEISER UNIVERSITY
Online Associate of Medical Assisting Science Degree
Program Standouts:
Keiser University is a well-known online school that provides some of America’s finest distance education degree programs, including the Associate of Medical Assisting Science. This program is designed to prepare students with highly professional skills in many different areas of health care, including clerical, administrative, and clinical duties.
Campus Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida
Tuition and Fees:
- Approximately $17,488 per academic year—tuition
For more information about Keiser University tuition and fees, navigate to the Net Price Calculator.
Types of Aid: Federal and private/alternative loans; federal and state grants; institutional and outside scholarship opportunities; student employment programs; numerous military and veterans’ benefits.
Acceptance Rate: 48.7%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must schedule an appointment with an admissions professional and submit a completed online application and official high school/GED transcripts.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Anatomy and Physiology with Terminology and Disease Process
- Pharmacology
- Medical Law and Ethics
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates from Keiser University’s online program will have the knowledge and understanding to sit for the Registered Medical Assistant credentialing examination administered by the American Medical Technologists. Students go on to deliver unparalleled medical assisting to health care industries throughout the country.
LEARN MORE ABOUT KEISER UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ASSOCIATE OF MEDICAL ASSISTING SCIENCE DEGREE PROGRAM.
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
Associate Degree in Medical Office Assistant online
Program Standouts:
Liberty University is perhaps the most popular and well-ranked online school in America. This prestigious distance education institution offers an Associate in Medical Office Assistant that is designed to give students the skills to work in a multitude of health care environments.
Campus Location: Lynchburg, VA
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition and Fees:
- $50 one time—application fee
- $455 per credit hour (part-time); $390 per credit hour (full-time)—tuition
Types of Aid: Federal and private loans; federal and state grants; institutional and external scholarship opportunities; student employment programs; vocational rehabilitation; military and veterans’ benefits.
Acceptance Rate: 20.2%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, and official high school/GED transcripts as well as any college transcripts representing a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Medical Terminology
- Medical Office Systems and Procedures
- Medical Office Billing and Bookkeeping
Degree Outcomes:
Liberty University alumni have gone on to work as doctor’s office assistants, medical clinic receptionists, and clerical/medical billing experts. Students work with dedicated faculty members within the Department of Health Professions and are exposed to all of the most crucial skill sets required for professional success.
LEARN MORE ABOUT LIBERTY UNIVERSITY’S ASSOCIATE OF MEDICAL OFFICE ASSISTANT ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAM.
HERZING UNIVERSITY
Associate in Medical Assisting Services Distance Learning Degree
Program Standouts:
Herzing University is a notable online school that offers distance education students an Associate in Medical Assisting Services that attracts a diverse and exciting population of students. This diverse curriculum trains individuals in all of the most crucial skills required from professionals who are responsible for many different areas in health care environments.
Campus Location: Milwaukee, WI
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission; Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Tuition and Fees:
- $550 per credit hour (part-time); $345 per credit hour (full-time)—tuition
Types of Aid: Federal, state, institutional, and military grants; federal, state, and private loans; institutional, outside, and departmental scholarship opportunities; student employment programs; military and veterans’ benefits.
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must complete an interview with an admissions professional and submit a completed online application and official high school/GED/HSED transcripts.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Healthcare Systems and Operations
- Ethics and Health Information Management
- Insurance Claims, Processing, and Adjudication
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates of this program will have the ability to perform clinical assisting and laboratory procedures, create and enter data into different healthcare documents, apply legal concept the medical practice, and communicate professionally with patients, coworkers, and providers.
LEARN MORE ABOUT HERZING UNIVERSITY’S ASSOCIATE ONLINE DEGREE IN MEDICAL ASSISTING.
ULTIMATE MEDICAL ACADEMY
Online Associate in Medical Administrative Assistant Training Program
Program Standouts:
At the Ultimate Medical Academy, Associate in Medical Administrative Assistant Training Online students learn how to be crucial facets that keep the health industry running. Students are educated in everything from assisting patients to medical coding and billing, as well as day-to-day office procedures.
Campus Location: Clearwater, FL
Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools; Florida Department of Education; Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges; National Healthcareer Association
Types of Aid: Federal and private loans; federal, state, and institutional grants; institutional and external scholarship opportunities; third-party and employer tuition reimbursement; veterans’ benefits.
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, official high school/GED/state certificate transcripts, and HiSET/TASC scores.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Principles of Management and Information Systems
- Accounting and Medical Practice Management Systems
- Anatomy and Physiology for Allied Health Profession
Degree Outcomes:
UMA graduates are fully prepared to sit for the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) examination. Alumni have gone on to fill positions such as: medical secretary, receptionist, customer service representative, front office staff, office assistant and more, in environments such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and nursing homes.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ULTIMATE MEDICAL ACADEMY’S ONLINE ASSOCIATE IN MEDICAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT TRAINING PROGRAM.
CHARTER COLLEGE
Online Certificate in Medical Office Administrative Assistanting
Program Standouts:
Charter College offers an online Certificate in Medical Office Administrative Assistant training that includes specialized training in industry-current administrative medical assistant procedures and hands-on training with medical office computer programs. Students also have the option to Fast Track their coursework.
Campus Location: Anchorage, AK
Accreditation: Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools Accreditations; Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education Authorization
Tuition and Fees:
- $24,120 full program—tuition
Types of Aid: Federal and private loans; federal and state grants; institutional and external scholarship opportunities; various payment plans.
Acceptance Rate: 40%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application and official high school/GED transcripts.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Diagnostic and Clinical Procedures
- Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology
- Comprehension of Medical Terminology and Pharmacology
Degree Outcomes:
Charter College’s flexible, year-round, online coursework allows students to receive a prestigious degree in less than a year, which then gets them into professional settings with well-honed skills as quickly as possible. Alumni have gone on to receive positions as medical secretaries, receptionists and information clerks, and medical records and health information technicians.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CHARTER COLLEGE’S ONLINE CERTIFICATE IN MEDICAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTING PROGRAM.
DAYMAR COLLEGE
oNLINE Administrative Associate in Medical Assisting and an Administrative Diploma in Medical Assisting
Program Standouts:
Daymar College provides two challenging online programs: an Administrative Associate in Medical Assisting and an Administrative Diploma in Medical Assisting. These two curricula give students outstanding understanding and experience in either field, and helps to establish a strong foundation of professionalism.
Campus Location: Owensboro, KY
Accreditation: Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools
Tuition and Fees:
- $15,000 per program—tuition
For more information about Daymar College tuition and fees, navigate to the Net Price Calculator.
Types of Aid: Federal and private loans; federal and state grants; institutional and external scholarship opportunities; military and veterans’ benefits.
Acceptance Rate: unavailable
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, a successfully completed admission evaluation and enrollment contract, and high school/GED transcripts. It is highly recommended that students completed an interview with an admissions representative.
Program Options:
- Medical Assisting—Administrative Associate
- Medical Assisting—Administrative Diploma
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates from Daymare College online have the skills to work in many different medical environments, as either an office assistant helping patients and professionals administratively or a doctor’s/nurse’s assistant helping experts provide health services. Alumni have posted glowing reviews of this online program.
LEARN MORE ABOUT DAYMAR COLLEGE’S ONLINE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSOCIATE IN MEDICAL ASSISTING PROGRAM OR AN ADMINISTRATIVE DIPLOMA IN MEDICAL ASSISTING.
OLNEY CENTRAL COLLEGE
oNLINE AAS DEGREE IN CERTIFIED MEDICAL ASSISTANT PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
This online school responds to the growing need for trained and professional medical office assistants by providing all of the most relevant and up-to-date information throughout the Associate in Medical Office Assistant. The curriculum covers groups of different crucial areas of the discipline throughout four semesters.
Campus Location: Olney, IL
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition and Fees:
- $83 per credit hour—in-district tuition
- $95 per credit hour—special out-of-district tuition
- $120 per credit hour—all other tuition
Types of Aid: Federal and private/alternative loans; federal and state grants; institutional scholarship opportunities; student employment programs; military and veterans’ benefits.
Acceptance Rate: unavailable
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, official high school/GED transcripts, ACT/SAT scores, and pre-entrance physical examination and/or background check results.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Electronic Medical Records Management
- Clinical Processes
- Medical Insurance Coding
Degree Outcomes:
Onley Central College’s online Medical Office Assistant degree program is designed to prepare medical office assistants, medical transcriptionists, medical receptionists, and other related personnel to meet the needs of area and national medical offices. Graduates have achieved employment in environments such as hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices, insurance companies, local industries, and government agencies.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ONLEY CENTRAL COLLEGE’S ONLINE MEDICAL OFFICE ASSISTANT CERTIFIED PROGRAM.
COLLEGE OF HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONS
oNLINE ASSOCIATE OF MEDICAL ASSISTING & ADMINISTRATION
Program Standouts:
The College of Health Care Professionals offers online students three highly relevant associate’s programs in the field of Medical Assisting and Administration. These curricula are instructed by some of the finest medical minds in the country and set-up students exciting opportunities in the field.
Campus Location: Austin, TX
Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
Tuition and Fees:
- $26,300 per program – Radiologic Technology/Science-Radiographer tuition
- $17,250 per program – Medical Insurance Coding Specialist/Coder tuition
- $17,300 per program – Dental Assisting/Assistant tuition
- $42,500 per program – Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician tuition
- $38,300 per program – Surgical Technology/Technologist tuition
- $17,300 per program – Medical Assisting Tuition
- $11,650 per program – Health and Medical Administrative Services tuition
- $50 per semester—registration fee
Types of Aid: Federal and private loans; federal and state grants; institutional and external scholarship opportunities; student employment programs; military and veterans’ benefits.
Acceptance Rate: unavailable
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, official high school/GED transcripts, and entrance evaluation results.
Program Options:
Dental Assistant – Certificate
Diagnostic Medical Sonography – Associate
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Certificate
Health & Medical Administrative Services – Associates
Limited Medical Radiologic Technologist w/ MA Skills – Certificate
Medical Assistant – Certificate
Medical Coding & Billing – Certificate
Surgical Technology – Associates
Degree Outcomes:
Depending on a student’s area of focus, upon graduation they will be capable of working in many different departments/areas in medical environments. Some alumni careers include medical office manager/administrator, medical records manager, medical assistant, clinical laboratory aid, medical secretary, and insurance biller.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COLLEGE OF HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONS’ ONLINE ASSOCIATE OF MEDICAL ASSISTING & ADMINISTRATION.
MINNESOTA STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
DISTANCE LEARNING MEDICAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANCE AAS DEGREE
Program Standouts:
The Medical Administrative Assistant Associate Degree program at Minnesota State Community College trains students to coordinate medical office functions and patient billing processes. This school gives students an exceptional curriculum through small class sizes and personalized education.
Campus Location: Fergus Falls, MN
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition and Fees:
- $197 per credit hour—tuition
- $5 per credit hour—distance education fee
Types of Aid: Federal and private loans; federal and state grants; institutional and external scholarship opportunities; student employment programs; veterans’ benefits.
Acceptance Rate: unavailable
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, and official high school/GED/any undergraduate transcripts.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Medical Documentation Fundamentals
- Beginning Medical Transcription
- Business Communications
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates of this program are well-steeped in medical terminology, professional business and medical communications, insurance and financial procedures, legal and ethical behavior in the health care setting, and more. Medical environments will be well-off in employing MSCC alumni!
LEARN MORE ABOUT MINNESOTA STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S DISTANCE LEARNING MEDICAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANCE AAS DEGREE PROGRAM.
LARAMIE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ONLINE Medical Office Essentials
Program Standouts:
Laramie County Community College offers distance education students an online credit diploma program in Medical Office Essentials. Students learn to manage day-to-day medical office operations, understand legal and ethical issues in healthcare operations, and professionalism and commuter fundamentals for medical offices.
Campus Location: Cheyenne, WY
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition and Fees:
- $3,306 per semester (full-time)—in-state tuition
- $7,578 per semester (full-time)—out-of-state tuition
Types of Aid: Federal and private/alternative loans; federal, state, and institutional grants; institutional and outside scholarship opportunities; employee benefits; tuition waivers; student employment programs.
Acceptance Rate: unavailable
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, official high school/any undergraduate transcripts, completed placement tests, and a successfully passed background check and drug test.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Computer Software for Medical Office Professionals
- Human Body Systems
- Reimbursement Methodologies
Degree Outcomes:
This excellent curriculum gets students into the work environment in as little as one semester, and students are encouraged to expand their degree by continuing in the Medical Claims Coding Associate certificate program. This coursework has a strong emphasis in CPT/HCPCS and ICD coding.
LEARN MORE ABOUT LARAMIE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S ONLINE MEDICAL OFFICE ESSENTIALS PROGRAM.
U.S. CAREER INSTITUTE
Medical Assistant Certificate oNLINE
Program Standouts:
The U.S. Career Institute offers outstanding and highly affordable online certificate programs, including the widely celebrated Medical Assistant Certificate. This program gets students directly into medical environments, assisting doctors and nurses in direct patient care.
Campus Location: Fort Collins, CO
Accreditation: Distance Education Accreditation Commission; U.S. Department of Education; Council for High Education
Tuition and Fees:
- $29 one time—application fee
- $979 per program (pay in full); $1,229 per program (automatic payments); $1,279 per program (mail-in payments)—tuition
Types of Aid: Super low tuition; money back guarantee (within 5 days); various highly affordable 0% interest payment plans.
Acceptance Rate: unavailable
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, and official high school/GED transcripts. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Preparing Patients for Exams
- Preparing and Administering Medications
- Communication Skills
Degree Outcomes:
In as little as four months, U.S. Career Institute graduates are ready to start their fulfilling work in medical assisting. This program is highly recommended by alumni, who have achieved magnificent career goals, and provide an unparalleled service to medical industries across the country.
LEARN MORE ABOUT U.S. CAREER INSTITUTE’S MEDICAL ASSISTANT CERTIFICATE DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM.
MINNESOTA WEST COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Medical Secretary Diploma OR AAS in Medical ASSISTANT oNLINE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
This online school offers a Medical Secretary Diploma and an Associate in Medical Administrative Secretary in which students learn the many duties and responsibilities of a health care administrative professional. Despite which program in which they choose to enroll, students are immersed in a goal/career-oriented educational environment.
Campus Location: Worthington, MN
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition and Fees:
- $20 one time—application fee
- $200.41 per credit hour—tuition
Types of Aid: Federal, state, and institutional grants; federal, state, and private loans; institutional and external scholarship opportunities; student employment programs; various payment plans.
Acceptance Rate: unavailable
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official high school/GED transcripts, financial aid documentation, and a completed immunization form.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Medical Insurance Reimbursement
- Body Structure & Function
- Medical Terminology in Health Care
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates from Minnesota West Community and Technical College will demonstrate strong capabilities in bookkeeping, billing, scheduling appointments, and processing insurance claims, as well as handling laboratory tests and supplies and interviewing/instructing patients prior to care.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MINNESOTA WEST COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE’S ONLINE HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATIVE/MEDICAL ASSISTANT PROGRAMS.
NATIONAL AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
MEDICAL STAFF SERVIES MANAGEMENT AND MEDICAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
National American University offers two unique online associate programs in this discipline: Medical Staff Services Management and Medical Administrative Assistant. The former gives students access into positions of higher responsibility and management within a health care settings by interviewing potential candidates for positions within the workplace.
Campus Location: Rapid City, SD
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition and Fees:
- $373 per credit hour—civilian tuition
- $200 per credit hour—military tuition
Types of Aid: Federal and private loans; federal and state grants; institutional and external scholarship opportunities; student employment programs; military and veterans’ benefits.
Acceptance Rate: unavailable
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application as well as an official high school/GED/any undergraduate transcripts.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Associate in Medical Administrative Assistant
- Associate in Medical Staff Services Management
Degree Outcomes:
Both degree programs give students the skills in staffing, budgets, and database administration. The administrative assistant program puts graduates in more patient-focused positions, while the medical staff services management alumni work more closely with professionals within the field.
LEARN MORE ABOUT NATIONAL AMERICAN UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE MEDICAL STAFF SERVIES MANAGEMENT AND MEDICAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT PROGRAM.
PENN FOSTER CAREER SCHOOL
ASSOCIATE medical assisting distance learning program
Program Standouts:
Penn Foster Career School is one of the most highly recognized online trade schools in the country, and offers an exemplary distance education program in Medical Assisting that is designed according to standards set forth by nationally respected certification organizations.
Campus Location: Scranton, PA
Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
Tuition and Fees:
- $1,100 per program (full payment); $1,335 per program (monthly automatic payments); $1,500 per program (manual monthly payments)—tuition
Types of Aid: Super low tuition costs; various monthly payments with 0% interest; tuition discounts.
Acceptance Rate: unavailable
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application and official high school/GED transcripts.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Essentials of Psychology
- Introduction to Allied Health
- Law and Ethics in Medicine
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates in this program will be able to record patient histories and press billing information; schedule patient appointments and manage electronic health records; and help physicians with patient examinations. Alumni are well-prepared to set for any and all certification/licensing examinations.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PENN FOSTER CAREER SCHOOL’S DISTANCE LEARNING ASSOCIATE MEDICAL ASSISTING PROGRAM
NORTHLAND COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE
oNLINE Medical Administrative Assistant Associate degree
Program Standouts:
Northland Community College’s Medical Administrative Assistant Associate degree program prepares individuals with the same responsibilities as medical secretaries, and students accrue a distinct set of skills that allow them to work in a wide variety of health care settings.
Campus Location: Thief River Falls, MN
Accreditation: Northcentral Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition and Fees:
- $197 per credit hour—tuition
Types of Aid: Federal and private loans; federal and state grants; institutional and external scholarship opportunities; tuition disbursement programs; military and veterans’ benefits.
Acceptance Rate: unavailable
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application as well as official high school/GED transcripts.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Medical Office Procedures
- Medical Transcription
- Medical Language Applications
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates of this program have gone on to work in areas such as hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, government agencies, public health, home health agencies, long-term care facilities, and dental offices. Students are established with strong networking connections that allow easy entry into positions of employment.
LEARN MORE ABOUT NORTHLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S ONLINE MEDICAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAM.
NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY
oNLINE BS IN MEDICAL ASSISTING
Program Standouts:
This online program is designed for students who have completed an associate’s degree in a health care-related field. The curriculum focuses on health promotion, disease promotion concepts, and understanding of the interconnectedness of personal, family, organizational, community, and societal health.
Campus Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition and Fees:
- $1,032 per credit hour—in-state tuition
- $1,300 per credit hour—out-of-state tuition
Types of Aid: Federal and private loans; federal, state, and institutional grants; institutional and external scholarship opportunities; various payment plans; military and veterans’ benefits.
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application and official transcripts from a regionally accredited undergraduate institution representing at least a 2.5 GPA in an associate’s degree program.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Healthy Lifestyles
- Human Diseases
- Mind-body Health
Degree Outcomes:
Northern Arizona University offers one of the only online Bachelor’s in Medical Assisting in America. Students at this fine academic institution have the added benefit of attaining an undergraduate degree, which makes them a much stronger candidate when applying for future positions of employment!
LEARN MORE ABOUT NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BS IN MEDICAL ASSISTING DEGREE PROGRAM.
ALEXANDRIA TECHNICAL AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
MEDICAL ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
Alexandria Community and Technical College offers students a highly advanced online program that utilizes state-of-the-art software. Working closely with medical office mentors throughout their curriculum, students are trained in the most up-to-date methods within the field.
Campus Location: Alexandria, MN
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition and Fees:
- $197 per credit hour—tuition
Types of Aid: Federal and private/alternative loans; federal and state grants; institutional, state, departmental, and external scholarship opportunities.
Acceptance Rate: unavailable
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, completed placement exams, and official high school/GED transcripts.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Pharmacology & Lab
- Medical Office Management
- Medicolegal & Reimbursement Issues
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates of this program have an incredible command of many different skills, such as communications, scheduling, transcription, coding, health information, insurance claim submission, and billing and collections. ACTC alumni are assets in any medical environment.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ALEXANDRIA TECHNICAL AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S MEDICAL ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM.
Cox College
Online/Hybrid AS degree in Medical Assisting
Program Standouts:
The Associate of Science degree in Medical Assisting program at Cox College combines classroom time with distance learning, as you prepare to gain skills and knowledge needed in the field of Medical Assisting. You will gain valuable experience through clinical and administrative hands-on practice.
Campus Location: Springfield, MO
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition and Fees:
- $405 per credit hour
Types of Aid: Federal and private loans, federal and state grants, scholarship opportunities, Military Aid
Acceptance Rate: 59.3%
Admission Requirements:
You will need to complete your application online, as well as submit a $50 application fee. Also, your previous high school official transcripts will be required or your GED scores with a minimum GPA of 2.0 and your ACT/SAT scores.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Introduction to Medical Assisting
- Medical Terminology
- Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology
Degree Outcomes:
Cox College will prepare you for a position as a Medical Assistant through effective communication, professionalism, in addition to the sharpening of critical thinking skills and a general knowledge of medical assisting skills through experiential learning.
LEARN MORE ABOUT COX COLLEGE’S ONLINE/HYBRID AS MEDICAL ASSISTING DEGREE PROGRAM.
Independence University
Online Associate of Occupational Studies in Medical Assisting
Program Standouts:
At Independence University, you can earn an online Associate of Occupational Studies degree with a focus on Medical Assisting within 19 months. As employers have specific requirements in mind, Independence University will assist you in learning the skills and knowledge needed to excel as a Medical Assistant. New students will receive a new tablet and keyboard to help them in their studies. In the fourth module, you will receive a new laptop… all for you to keep!
Campus Location: Salt Lake City Utah
Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
Tuition and Fees: Check out IU’s Net Price Calculator!
Types of Aid: Loans, Grants and Scholarship opportunities, as well as Military Aid
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Admission Requirements:
Just call or submit the required information online and complete a short career questionnaire. You’ll discuss financial options and your career advisor will help you choose a plan that is right for you.
Sampling of Coursework:
- How to take Vital Signs
- Medical Office Procedures
- Preparing Instruments and Materials
Degree Outcomes:
Upon completion, you will be ready to pursue a career in Medical Assisting including clinical duties, as well as front office responsibilities.
LEARN MORE ABOUT INDEPENDENCE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ASSOCIATE OF OCCUPATIONAL STUDIES IN MEDICAL ASSISTING PROGRAM.
Weber State University
Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) Certificate Online Completion Program
Program Standouts:
Weber State University offers a certificate of completion program in Medical Laboratory Assistant; however, if you are participating through the distance learning method, you must be employed by or have access to a clinical lab to gain your hands-on experience.
Campus Location: Ogden, UT
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Tuition and Fees:
- $278 per credit hour
Types of Aid: Loans, Grants and Scholarships
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Admission Requirements:
Complete the application and submit your $30 application fee, and complete a statement of support. Your application process may take up to eight weeks to complete.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Core Clinical Laboratory Skills
Degree Outcomes:
Your skills will enable you to perform laboratory tests, such as needed in phlebotomy and specimen collecting and processing. You’ll learn about quality control and assurance and patient recordkeeping.
LEARN MORE ABOUT WEBER STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE MEDICAL LABORATORY ASSISTANT CERTIFICATE COMPLETION PROGRAM.
What is the difference between a Medical Assistant and a Medical Administrative Assistant?
Before entering a medical assisting degree or certificate program, you will want to think about what your career goal will be. Depending on your interests, (and if you would like direct patient contact or not), you can choose to become a Medical Assistant or an Administrative Assistant in the field of medicine.
As a Medical Assistant, your duties will consist of performing tasks needed in the clinical setting. They are specially trained to give injections, take blood and prepare specimens for testing in the lab. In this position, you must be proficient in medical terminology and work under the supervision of a licensed doctor.
The Administrative Medical Assistant job description includes miscellaneous clerical duties within a medical facility, such as answering the telephone, scheduling appointments, handling insurance issues and operating applicable office machinery.
As the Administrative and Medical Assistant jobs are most definitely different, some duties overlap between the two. Typically, as a Medical Assistant, you will also be responsible for a wide array of confidential paperwork on each patient, such as updating patient records and the like.
Do I need an Associate degree for Medical Assisting or will a diploma or certificate suffice?
The length of your professional degree program for Medical Assisting can vary greatly depending on your needs. Generally, you can earn an associate degree in this field or, you may opt to earn a Medical Assisting certificate program.
Here are a few points to consider when choosing a program that is right for you:
An associate degree will take two years to complete and often includes core subjects. A certificate can be earned in as little as nine months to one year. How fast do you want to get out into the workforce?
Are you interested in pursuing a career in nursing? If you are not sure, why not earn a Medical Assisting certificate in the field of Medical Assisting to see if you are truly cut out for it?
In your area of the country in which you will be working, do employers who hire Medical Assistants prefer that you have an associate degree over a certificate? To make yourself more marketable, perhaps you will need to research the matter to see which option is best for you.
What is the career outlook and salary for a Medical Assistant?
The job outlook for Medical Assistants is positive at 23% between 2018 and 2028 due to many reasons, such as an increase in disease and illnesses, as well as the need for medical attention for geriatric patients. In addition, the increased demand for preventative medical assistance will require qualified personnel to fill these positions.
The average salary, according to the BLS, for a Medical Assistant is approximately $33,610 annually as of May 2018. The highest 10% earned upwards of $47,250 per year. Quite naturally, Medical Assistants who have earned an associate degree will receive higher compensation than those with only a certificate in the field.
“Success isn’t about the money you make, it is about the difference you make in people’s lives.”
-Michelle Obama