Certified nursing assistants work directly with patients in contexts such as home health and nursing care facilities. Medical assistants often work in doctors’ offices. These assistants complete diverse tasks, including keeping records.
Search for online colleges by subject.
Medical assistants (MAs) usually hold an associate degree, certificate, or professional certification. Applicants to associate programs must typically possess a high school diploma and a minimum 2.0-3.0 GPA. They may also need satisfactory standardized test scores.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical assistants earn a median annual salary of $34,800. The BLS projects employment for these professionals to increase 19% from 2019-2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Associate degree-holders can pursue careers in radiology, medical billing and coding, and nursing.
Graduates with an associate degree can also apply to bachelor’s programs in fields such as nursing, medical laboratory technology, and medical laboratory science. A bachelor’s degree may lead to increased job prospects and earning potential.
Rank | School | Avg Net Price |
---|---|---|
1 | Independence University | $18021 |
2 | Weber State University | $4611 |
3 | University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point | $6698 |
4 | Bellevue University | $6840 |
5 | Illinois State University | $9827 |
6 | Park University | $11730 |
7 | Davenport University | $15936 |
8 | University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | $9322 |
9 | Columbia College | $7887 |
10 | Ferris State University | $11144 |
Certified nursing assistants work directly with patients in contexts such as home health and nursing care facilities. Medical assistants often work in doctors’ offices. These assistants complete diverse tasks, including keeping records.
Many medical assistant positions require only a certificate, a certification, or on-the-job training. However, many employers prefer to hire medical assistants with a degree in the field.
Many states do not require medical assistants to hold professional certification. However, employers often prefer MAs with credentials such as the certified medical assistant or certified clinical medical assistant certification.
Medical assistants earn a median annual salary of $34,800, according to the BLS. However, earning potential varies based on the professional’s education, experience, and geographic location.
Salt Lake City, UT
$$$$$
In just 22 months students can graduate from Independence University's online option for receiving an associate degree in occupational studies. Graduates pursue positions such as medical assistants, pharmacy technicians or medical coders. The program entails 90.5 credit hours in coursework such as Principles of Drug Administration and the Psychology of Motivation. You will have access to one-on-one mentoring and free tutoring services. Additionally, all students receive a laptop and tablet with enrollment.
Ogden, UT
$$$$$
Students interested in becoming a Clinical Laboratory Assistant (CLA) can register for Weber State University's online certificate program. You must work at or have access to a laboratory, as well as partner with a professional mentor who is willing to supervise your work. On top of clinical experience, students will complete the class Core Clinical Laboratory Skills with a grade C or higher in order to graduate. Curriculum covers lab safety, specimen processing, phlebotomies and urinalysis.
Stevens Point, WI
$$$$$
Students seeking a career as a medical office assistant can major in health science at the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point. Although the majority of the program is delivered on campus, certain classes are offered online. In order to graduate, you must maintain a 2.0 GPA while working through 120 credits in topics such as medical terminology and health economics. You will also be required to work with a local agency or medical facility to complete a field experience. Admissions criteria are based on class rank, ACT or SAT scores, GPA and community involvement.
Bellevue, NE
$$$$$
At Bellevue University, students interested in becoming a medical or clinical laboratory technician or technologist can apply for the online program to complete a bachelor's degree in health science. Curriculum covers 40-41 credits in classes such as Wellness for Life, Abnormal Psychology and Medical Terminology. You must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA in order to graduate. BRUIN Support helps online learners with academic advising and there is 24/7 technical assistance available through the Service Desk. Applicants must demonstrate satisfactory completion of high school.
Normal, IL
$$$$$
Parkville, MO
$$$$$
Grand Rapids, MI
$$$$$
Cincinnati, OH
$$$$$
Columbia, MO
$$$$$
Big Rapids, MI
$$$$$
Madison, SD
$$$$$
Green Bay, WI
$$$$$
Howell, MI
$$$$$
Evansville, IN
$$$$$
Midland, MI
$$$$$
Lakewood, CO
$$$$$
University, MS
$$$$$
St. Leo, FL
$$$$$
Patchogue, NY
$$$$$
Henniker, NH
$$$$$
Alexandria, LA
$$$$$
La Jolla, CA
$$$$$
Saint Paul, MN
$$$$$
Jackson, MS
$$$$$
Klamath Falls, OR
$$$$$
Greenville, NC
$$$$$
Concord, NH
$$$$$
Canton, NY
$$$$$
Kenosha, WI
$$$$$
Omaha, NE
$$$$$
Ruston, LA
$$$$$
Omaha, NE
$$$$$
Denver, CO
$$$$$
Norfolk, VA
$$$$$
Utica, NY
$$$$$
Billings, MT
$$$$$
Chicago, IL
$$$$$
Portland, OR
$$$$$
Bolivar, MO
$$$$$
Tiffin, OH
$$$$$
Oklahoma City, OK
$$$$$
Toledo, OH
$$$$$
McAllen, TX
$$$$$
Lafayette, LA
$$$$$
Current and aspiring medical assistants often pursue an associate degree as a stepping stone to a bachelor’s program. Medical assistants often hold an associate of applied science in medical assisting or an AAS in health science with a specialization in medical assisting. Each degree requires general education coursework and a comprehensive introduction to medical assisting knowledge and skills.
Common course offerings explore sterile techniques, medical billing and coding, phlebotomy, and patient care. Some associate-level programs offer concentration options in areas such as dermatology, cardiology, geriatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology.
Students in online medical assistant programs develop skills in the field, and graduates often qualify for career advancement and salary increases. The list below highlights a few common benefits for learners in medical assistant training programs.
According to the BLS, medical assistants can qualify for positions without a postsecondary degree. Many medical assistant careers require only a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Newly hired medical assistants often receive training in medical terminology, instruments, coding, and record keeping. However, candidates with relevant certifications or an undergraduate degree in the field may benefit from more job opportunities.
Many vocational and academic schools offer online medical assistant programs at the certificate and associate degree levels. These programs typically require 8-24 months to complete. Learners explore anatomy, medical terminology, biology, and chemistry. Classes often include laboratory sessions, which offer practical experience.
To qualify for professional certifications, medical assistants may need professional experience, a certain level of education, and a passing exam score. Medical assistants often benefit from the certified medical assistant, registered medical assistant, national certified medical assistant, and certified clinical medical assistant credentials.
Students in online medical assistant programs can join professional organizations to meet peers, access career resources, and develop field-specific skills. These organizations often publish research, administer professional certifications, offer networking opportunities, and advocate for the profession. The list below features three of the top professional organizations for medical assistants.
Students in online medical assistant programs often qualify for scholarships. These awards do not require repayment, but some scholarships require recipients to work in underserved communities after graduation. Learners may qualify for scholarships based on their academic achievement, financial need, field of study, or identity. The following list includes three scholarships available to students in online medical assistant programs.
Who Can Apply: Indian Health Service awards three scholarships for students in health programs. The Health Professions Scholarship supports certified tribal Alaska Native or American Indian students who are pursuing a degree to prepare for a health profession. Recipients agree to complete two years of full-time work in clinics serving Native populations after graduation.
Amount: Varies
Who Can Apply: The Hispanic Scholarship Fund awards more than $30 million in scholarships each year. Applicants must be enrolled or plan to enroll full time in an accredited four-year school. High school seniors must hold a minimum 3.0 GPA, and college-level applicants need a minimum 2.5 GPA. Candidates must demonstrate financial need and status as a U.S. citizen, permanent legal resident, or DACA recipient.
Amount: $500-$5,000
Who Can Apply: This scholarship supports healthcare students. After graduation, recipients must provide at least one year of direct clinical care at a qualifying California facility in a medically underserved area. Scholarship applicants must be enrolled in at least six credits, hold a minimum 2.0 GPA, and have no other service obligations.
Amount: Up to $8,000 annually for up to three years
Does wealth affect health? Science suggests that it does. Financial stress, just like any stress, impacts both mental and physical health. While personal choices certainly impact financial wellness, generational and...
Student loans, budgeting, and paying off debt can leave students, recent graduates, and their parents feeling lost. Can you appeal for more financial aid? Should you open a credit card?...
College students make financial decisions that can shape their future. This financial glossary includes terms related to financial aid, credit, and taxes. By learning financial vocabulary and studying financial literacy...
Discover schools with the programs and courses you’re interested in, and start learning today.