Our database of online medical assistant programs and degrees is a helpful starting point for students evaluating their career preparation options. There are a number of options to choose from. The level of degree you wish to enter may play a role in decisions. That includes the schools you are considering.
Online Medical Assistant Programs Frequently Asked Questions:
Going back to school is sometimes necessary when pursuing a new career. But it’s often inconvenient for busy adults. Fortunately, you can find online medical assistant programs that may allow you to fit career preparation into your hectic life.
Students interested in medical assisting used to be limited to campus based community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools, and other institutions. Now, online med assistant programs are a path worthy of consideration. The advent of online extension programs from traditional universities has led to the growth of online learning opportunities from accredited schools. Chances in e learning has helped, too. Online programs may be an alternative for students desiring to learn from home. New opportunities exist. Some people need flexibility. They need to work or meet family needs while going to school. Others may wish to attend a school not local to them. In this case, e-learning works. It may be the option you need to become a certified medical assistant.
What kinds of online medical assistant programs and degrees are available?
If you are preparing to pursue a career as a med asst, you typically have three choices. The first is a diploma program. You could choose a certificate program. Or, consider an associate’s degree in medical assisting. A diploma or certificate program usually takes around one year to complete. Earning an associate’s degree takes an average of two years for full time students. Your choice depends on your budget and how much time you have to devote to career preparation. Many reputable colleges, universities, and trade or vocational schools offer one or all of these program options in an online format.
All three program types include both theoretical and practical study of topics. That includes human anatomy, medical terminology, first aid, and other subjects related to the clinical and administrative responsibilities of medical assistants. Most of these programs include a practicum that allows you to experience a real med environment. However, most of your coursework can be completed online.
There are different levels of medical assisting programs to choose from depending on your current position. Your experience matters as well. Some of the following are the options available to those looking to enhance their skills in the field:
- Medical Assistant Certificate
- AA in Med Assisting
- AS in Med Assisting
- BA in Med Assisting
- AS in Health Science
- BS in Health Sciences
- BS in Healthcare Administration
- BA in Healthcare Administration
- MS in Healthcare Management
The most common level of education for medical assistant is at the associate degree level. These are two year programs that provide the necessary background for the students to have initial success in the field. Some will go on to a bachelor’s degree. This may allow for specialization in the degree program. Others complete medical assistant training. This may let a student complete a necessary certification exam.
What are the benefits of online medical assistant programs?
Some students prefer campus based med asst programs, because they enjoy in-person instruction and the ability to socialize with classmates. For many adult learners, campus based class times may conflict with responsibilities such as work or caring for children.
A benefit of learning online is the ability to complete coursework at the times of day that are most convenient for you. For example, you may be able to view a lesson during your lunch break, in the evening, or on the weekend. Being able to fit your schoolwork into your limited spare time is important. It could be the difference between putting off your career change for another time and getting started right away on your goals for a better future.
Online med assistant programs still offer support from instructors. You may even get to know your classmates on a personal level. Most importantly, a reputable program may offer the same or similar curriculum as an in-person program, so you won’t miss out on any essential preparation. Having the ability to work at your own pace and around your work and life makes a great deal of difference in allowing students to complete the programs. When working in an online program students may receive all of the benefits of an in person program without the restrictions of time regarding schedules and attendance.
How can I find reputable online medical assistant programs?
When evaluating online medical assistant programs and degrees, accreditation is an important consideration. It helps ensure your prospective program meets professional standards. Accreditation may be preferred by employers from an organization such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
Our list of online medical assistant colleges consists of programs accredited by agencies recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), and/or an international accrediting body. Regional vs. national accreditation could be a consideration if you need to transfer credits you have earned to another institution in the future.
Some of the featured programs may also have specialized accreditation. This could be necessary if you decide to pursue licensure or certification following graduation. For example, to pursue CMA certification, you may need to have graduated from a program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
Make sure to look at and understand what the best programs are by looking at ratings and overall reviews of the program by past students. These will provide the best snap shot of what to expect and what you will get out of the program no matter what level you are considering.
This about what you want to learn:
- Do you want to learn to take vital signs?
- Could reading medical records be something you need to learn?
- Perhaps you want to work in the healthcare industry and this is just a step in that direction.
- Do you want to handle administrative duties? You may need to learn office procedures.
- Do you hope to become a certified clinical medical assistant?
- Do you already have clinical experience? Perhaps you need to learn clinical procedures better?
- You may be in need of updating skills. That could be the case with electronic health records, for example.
There are many aspects to obtaining a medical assistant certification. Do you have a high school diploma or GED? If so, dive in, get enrollment in place, and meet the prerequisites to get started. Real world opportunities are available. A registered medical assistant (RMA) may find many things to explore and learn. That includes technologists and other specialists. All of this matters. Knowing what interests you allows you to make better decisions about your future. Still unsure? Check out an associate degree program from one of the available schools in the area.
Schools Offering Online Medical Assisting Programs
There are a number of programs that offer a medical assistant program on different levels. These programs offer anything from a certificate as a certified med assistant all the way through a masters degree. There are a number of programs available and all of these are online options that in many cases can be taken anywhere you are located.
Ohio State University-Main Campus
This degree is a four year program that often requires the completion of 120 credit. This program aims to prepare students for a number of med careers and may provide an opportunity to concentrate towards a certain portion of the medical field. Most students will continue to a master’s program.
- Assistive and Rehabilitative Technology Certificate
Saint Francis University
This is a five year program that may offer students the ability to get a bachelors and masters in that time. This program aims to prepare students to be in the field and practicing immediately upon completion. Some may work in doctors’ offices. Others may pursue other healthcare facilities.
- Pre Medicine
- Public Health
- Med Lab Sci
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
BS Integrative Studies: Health Promotion and Wellness Concentration
This is a four year program that typically requires the completion of 146 credits. Many of the students in this program may continue on to a master’s program.
- N/A
Thomas Edison State University
This is a four year program that often requires the completion of 120 credits. This program aims to prepare students to enter into the workforce immediately or to continue on in a higher level degree.
- MS in Healthcare Management
Community College of Vermont
This is a two year program that often requires the completion of 60 credits to graduate. Many students may go on to entry level positions or go on to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
- AS in Behavioral Science
Herzing University-Madison
This program is designed to be completed in 20 months and often requires to completion of 60 credits. Many students may begin working in a medical office or hospital or continue on to a bachelor’s degree.
- Bachelor’s in Health Sciences
- Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration
Andrew College
This is a two year 60 credit program. The students who completes this program may usually continue on to a bachelor’s degree or enter the work force in an entry level position.
- N/A
Herzing University-Kenner
This program is designed to be completed in 20 months and requires to completion of 60 credits. Many students may begin working in a medical office or hospital or continue on to a bachelor’s degree.
- Bachelor’s in Health Sciences
- Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration
Herzing University-Kenosha
This program is designed to be completed in 20 months and often requires to completion of 60 credits. Many students may begin working in a medical office or hospital or continue on to a bachelor’s degree.
- N/A
University of Providence
This is a 16 week certificate program designed to provide students with a background in the medical assistant field. Many may continue or complete a bachelor’s program and some may enter the workforce before continuing their education.
- BS in Healthcare Administration
- Masters in Healthcare Administration