Medical Assistant Programs Online

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Online medical assistant programs train learners to complete administrative and clinical tasks. Medical assistants may schedule patient appointments and record their vitals. These professionals often work in hospitals, doctors' offices, or other healthcare settings.

Some healthcare facilities hire medical assistants without a formal degree or certificate. However, higher education can make job candidates more competitive. An online format provides a flexible path to earning a medical assistant degree.

This page lists the top online medical assistant programs. Read on for answers to common questions and for information on becoming a medical assistant.

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Questions About Medical Assistant Degrees

Do you need a degree to become a medical assistant?

Most states do not require a formal degree to practice as a medical assistant. However, employers may prefer a postsecondary non-degree award like a certificate.

What is the difference between a medical assistant and a certified nursing assistant (CNA)?

Medical assistants help with administrative tasks and some clinical tasks. CNAs primarily help with patient care.

How long does it take to become a medical assistant?

Aspiring medical assistants can often earn a certificate in a year or less.

Why Get a Medical Assistant Degree?

Medical assistants do meaningful work. They often greet patients, record questions, and help patients feel more at ease. They also perform important tasks that require precision. These tasks include taking bloodwork and recording patient data.

This job also requires minimal education. For this reason, a degree can help job applicants stand out to employers. Even a one-year certificate can teach learners the skills to thrive as medical assistants.

Online medical assistant programs provide flexibility. Some programs run asynchronously, allowing students to complete coursework when convenient.

How Much Does a Medical Assistant Degree Cost?

The price of an online medical assistant degree varies by school. A medical assistant certificate requires fewer credits than an associate degree. Since many schools charge per-credit tuition, the certificate often costs less. A bachelor's degree in medical assisting prepares students for advanced roles. However, this degree requires about twice as many credits as an associate degree.

Online bachelor's degrees cost an average of $51,091, according to EducationData.org. In-state students spent an average of $38,496 on an online bachelor's degree. On average, out-of-state students spend $54,183. Learners attending private colleges pay $60,593 on average.

Online Medical Assistant Programs

Additional Online Student Fees

Online learners should budget for expenses such as scrubs and stethoscopes for clinical rotations.They must also buy books and class materials. Many colleges charge technology fees to cover virtual classroom platforms and tech support.

Students may need to pay graduation or lab fees. Learners who want to become certified clinical medical assistants may need to pay for exam study guides.

How Much Do Medical Assistants Make?

Medical assistants earn a median annual salary of $35,850, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The highest earners in this field earn more than $50,580 per year. Medical assistants who work in outpatient care centers earn the most. They make a median salary of $38,860 annually.

However, many factors influence salary, including professionals' geographic location and education level. For example, medical assistants in California earn a mean annual wage of $42,990. The same professionals in Texas earn a mean wage of $33,700.

Courses in a Medical Assistant Program

Online medical assistant programs teach students how to draw blood and take vitals. Enrollees also practice using software for record-keeping. Most schools offer medical assistant programs at the associate level. Associate degrees require 40-60 credits.

Courses in online medical assistant programs may run synchronously or asynchronously. Students who need flexibility may prefer asynchronous programs. Learners who need accountability may prefer synchronous programs, which include live, scheduled classes.

• Administrative Procedures

  Students learn how to schedule client appointments and maintain medical records. They also learn financial coding and billing processes and how to submit insurance requests. Coursework covers best practices for patient communication. Learners may need to buy recording-keeping software for practice purposes.

• Ethics in the Medical Profession

  Learners develop a framework for navigating ethical dilemmas. Students read case studies about hypothetical patient scenarios. They discuss best practices based on a code of ethics. Learners also memorize laws that impact the medical profession, such as privacy laws. They also explore moral obligations to other healthcare practitioners.

• Medical Terminology

  Students memorize anatomical and pathological terms. Coursework examines the roots and prefixes of each. Some classes also cover pharmacology basics. Students learn the names of common prescriptions and what they treat. Students leave the course with strong pronunciation skills.

How to Become a Medical Assistant

Medical assistants need a non-degree award, such as a certificate. Learners can complete a certificate in medical assisting in about one year. Students can increase their earning potential by earning a degree. Full-time learners can complete an associate program in two years. Bachelor's programs take four years.

Aspiring medical assistants can also pursue certification. Employers do not always require certification, but many prefer certified candidates. Even medical assistants with certification must complete on-the-job training. Every healthcare facility operates differently, and medical assistants must understand the protocols.

Licensure and Certification for Medical Assistants

Most states do not require medical assistants to earn a license or certification. However, employers may prefer job candidates who demonstrate these qualifications.

The National Healthcareer Association oversees the exam for certified clinical medical assistants. This test costs $155. It covers topics like best practices for patient communication and recording vitals. Before taking the exam, applicants must complete a medical assistant training program. They can also take a practice exam for $39.

Medical assistants must complete 10 continuing education credits every two years to renew their license. They must also pay a recertification fee of $179.

Many organizations offer certification opportunities. For example, American Medical Technologists offers a registered medical assistant certification. The National Center for Competency Testing provides the National Certified Medical Assistant Exam.