One of the fastest-growing allied health careers is Medical Assisting. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates job growth in this field from 2018-2028 to be 23% which is much faster than other jobs across the country. An online medical assistant associate’s degree can be a perfect start for a career in healthcare.
Job satisfaction in this career is high, as U.S. News and World Report ranks this career #2 in Best Jobs Without a College Degree, #6 in Best Healthcare Support Jobs and #52 in 100 Best Jobs. Salary expectations for Medical Assistants may range from $30,870-$48,720 annually with a median salary of $34,800 (BLS).
Best Health Degrees has researched some of the best online Medical Assisting programs.
Our Method: Ranking the 15 Best Online Medical Assistant Associate’s Programs
To rank the 15 Best Online Medical Assistant Associate’s Programs for 2020, Best Degrees editors researched accredited, trusted programs of all kinds. From our initial pool, we ranked programs according to price, accreditation, reputation, and salary potential, using data from IPEDS and Niche, U.S. News and World Report, and other higher education rating publications
1. Durham Technical Community College
You’ll want to explore this online AAS in Medical Assisting program from Durham Tech.
At an estimated $5320 tuition and fees, this 70 credit hour degree will prepare you for an entry level position as a Medical Assistant within 20-21 months. Among the courses you’ll take are Basic Anatomy & Physiology, Medical Law and Ethics, Medical Terminology, Exam Room Procedures, Laboratory Procedures, Symptomatology, Infection/Hazard Control, etc. You’ll also take classes in Writing and Inquiry, Public Speaking, as well as Math Measurement & Literacy.
This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), considered the gold standard for this career. On successful completion of the coursework, you’ll be eligible to sit for the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) exam to become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA).
Fast Fact: Durham Tech has its beginnings in 1948 as a Practical Nursing (LPN) program
Degree Awarded: AAS
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2. Independence University
If you have 19 months for an online degree program, you should give the Medical Assistant Associate of Occupational Studies curriculum at Independence University a look. IU holds accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
Requiring 95 credit hours, you’ll learn not only about medical office procedures, but will understand the clinical processes Medical Assistants need as well. Studies range from medical terminology, computer foundations for healthcare, healthcare documentation, law and ethics, medication administration, electrocardiography, and others. Courses in English, communications, and psychology are also included. There’s also a capstone project required.
Independence University has a unique approach to the externship component of this program. The school will fly you, all expenses paid, to Salt Lake City for a weekend of hands-on experience at a medical facility.
Fast Fact: Independence University will pay up to $500 for your certification exams
Degree Awarded: AOS
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3. Weber State University
Perhaps not always viewed as the standard Medical Assistant role, this AAS Medical Lab Technician degree from Weber State University can give you a solid background in an important component of Medical Assisting.
You’ll study the key areas of laboratory assistance with subjects in hematology, phlebotomy, medical lab practices, microbiology, and protocols. Your studies will include didactic coursework as well as laboratory experience (conducted concurrently to classes) in a clinical setting or your place of employment. While in the laboratory, you’ll work with a mentor who will evaluate your competencies and submit a report to the school along with comments.
In addition to laboratory studies, you’ll also be required to take general education courses (either at Weber State University or at a college or university near you). Weber State University is located in Ogden, Utah and is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NAALP).
Fast Fact: Forbes ranks Weber State University as one of its “Top Colleges 2019”
Degree Awarded: AAS
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4. Barton Community College
Here’s an online and hybrid AAS in Medical Assistant designed with the working adult in mind.
This program requires 64 credit hours for completion and includes an internship in an ambulatory care facility. The curriculum is a blend of general education and courses in your major. You’ll take English, communications, anatomy and physiology, and technical math. Among the Medical Assistant classes are studies in Basic Medical Lab Techniques, Medical Terminology, Medical Coding, Patient Care, Medication Administration, and Nutrition Therapy, etc.
On graduation, you’ll be eligible to sit for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam. You’ll understand the role of a Medical Assistant in office administration, assisting physicians in patient care, and routine laboratory procedures. The program will also prepare you to handle patient health records, understand the law and ethics of healthcare, and more.
Fast Fact: Located in Kansas, Barton Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Degree Awarded: AAS
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5. American National University
In as few as 20 months, you can earn an Associate degree in Administrative Medical Assistant entirely online.
The program’s curriculum is 96 credit hours and offers six areas of concentration. While the school website doesn’t readily provide specific coursework information, it does discuss the skills you’ll develop with this degree. Among the competencies you’ll develop are office operations (including coding and billing), patient and healthcare professionals communication, laws and ethics in healthcare, basic anatomy, pathophysiology, and body systems, and teamwork. The educational path will qualify you to sit for the National Certified Medical Office Assistant exam.
American National University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) and Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), both Department of Education recognized agencies. The AAS Medical Assistant degree is accredited by the CAAHEP.
Fast Fact: American National University dates to 1886 and has campuses in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia
Degree Awarded: AAS
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6. Penn Foster College
Penn Foster is an online, private, for-profit college that offers a Medical Assistant Associate’s degree. The program can be completed in four semesters. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) accredits this program.
The syllabus provides you a wide range of topics, including anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, laboratory procedures, medical-surgical processes, nutrition, pharmacology, etc. Beyond the clinical skills you need to be an effective Medical Assistant, you’ll study computer applications, law and ethics for healthcare providers, English composition, and communication. Your last course in this program is an externship, where you’ll complete 160 hours (unpaid) in a healthcare setting.
This degree requires you to take proctored exams at the end of each semester. You choose the time, location, and approved exam proctor. Speaking of exams, completion of this AS will allow you to take certification exams of he Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), Clinical Medical Assistant Certification (CMAC), Certified Clinical Medical Assistant certificate (CCMA), etc.
Fast Fact: Penn Foster started in 1890 as a school for Pennsylvania coal miners
Degree Awarded: AS
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7. Stratford University
You can receive online AAS in Medical Assisting degree from Stratford University within 15 months.
This program will train you in the various aspects of Medical Assisting from office administration to helping in patient exams and laboratory testing. Classes include Basic Clinical Procedures, Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Law and Ethics, Professional Procedures, Medical Insurance, Coding, and Billing, Exams and Special Procedures, etc. Classes in Arts and Sciences are also part of the curriculum. You’ll also participate in an externship in a healthcare facility to get hands-on experience.
Stratford University is a private, for-profit institution and holds accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools ( ACICS). The Medical Assisting program is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
Fast Fact: Stratford University has campuses in Virginia and Maryland
Degree Awarded: AAS
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8. Umpqua Community College
Based in Oregon, Umpqua Community College has an online Medical Office Administration Associate’s degree designed to prepare you for an entry level position in a medical office or facility.
The program will take 2 years for completion and offers courses in various areas of Medical Assisting. You’ll take classes in Business Communications, Medical Terminology, Medical Office Procedures, Records Management, Elements of Supervision, Math, Anatomy and Physiology, Principles of Business Management, Accounting, Business Law, and more. This degree requires 91 credit hours for completion.
This degree is offered through the Office Technology Programs of UCC and is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NCCU).
Fast Fact: UCC is located in Roseburg, Oregon
Degree Awarded: AAS
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9. Olney Central College
Olney Central College in Illinois, provides a hybrid Medical Office Assistant AAS degree which is designed to qualify you to work in medical offices, hospitals, insurance companies, and other areas.
The 68 credit hour curriculum includes studies in medical office and clinical processes, anatomy, law and ethics, general psychology, insurance and coding, spreadsheets, statistics, as well as public speaking. You’ll also participate in an internship. The program is designed to be completed in two years.
OCC is one of four Illinois Eastern Community Colleges and has been offering degree programs since 1963 and holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Fast Fact: USA Today named Olney Community College the #1 community college in Illinois
Degree Awarded: AAS
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10. National American University
If you’re looking for a solid curriculum for an AAS in Medical Administrative Assisting degree, you may want to review the program at National American University.
You’ll take studies in medical terminology, records management, pharmacology, coding and billing, and a choice of a Medical Assistant practicum or an introduction to US healthcare delivery. (The 160 hour practicum experience is required if you want to pursue certification). This program requires general education courses which include communication, English composition, math, humanities, behavioral/social science courses in Human Growth and Development and Foundations of Cultural Competence. The total number of hours for this degree is 90 credit hours.
National American University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Fast Fact: Niche gives this school a grade of “B-“
Degree Awarded: AAS
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11. Ultimate Medical Academy
In 18 months, you can earn your Associate’s degree in Medical Administrative Assistant accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
You can expect to learn the skills Medical Administrative Assistants need in topics such as communication, law, ethics, records management, diagnostic and procedural coding, medical terminology, patient relations, and healthcare computer fundamentals. You’ll also take general education studies in English composition, sociology, math, general biology, and critical thinking. This program can help you prepare to sit for the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exam.
Tuition at UMA includes textbooks, software, and ebooks. UMA offers online students 24/7 technical support, one-on-one tutoring, help with writing your resume, and more.
Fast Fact: UMA is a private institution
Degree Awarded: AS
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12. Liberty University
Liberty University provides an online AAS in Medical Office Assistant degree with a 64 credit hour curriculum.
Among the topics you’ll study are medical office systems, billing, coding, ethics and law, anatomy and physiology, communication, and participate in an externship. Additionally, this curriculum requires general education studies in critical thinking, social and scientific inquiry, communication and information, etc. Liberty University describes this program as preparing you to understand risk management, patient confidentiality, and HIPAA.
Liberty University has been offering online degree programs since 1985 and this AS in Medical Office Assisting can be completed totally online, with courses lasting eight weeks. LU also has a liberal transfer policy allowing you to transfer up to 75% of your degree program. Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC).
Fast Fact: Niche ranks Liberty University at #2 in its “Best Online Colleges in America”
Degree Awarded: AS
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13. State Fair Community College
Offered online, the Medical Assisting program at Missouri’s State Fair Community College, will qualify for the Professional Certificate in Medical Assisting (PCMA) and to pass the certification exam.
Coursework in this degree includes in Medical Terminology, Laboratory Procedures, Administrative Procedures, CPR for Healthcare Providers, Pharmacology, Advanced Skills, etc. General education courses in English composition, biology, history, algebra, sociology, and psychology. You’ll study human disease, conditions and acquaint yourself with microcomputer applications.
There is a clinical component to this program conducted at Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare sites and other health facilities. You’ll want to discuss with an admission advisor to find how you can complete your practicum in your area.
Fast Fact: State Fair Community College receives a grade of “C+” from Niche
Degree Awarded: AAS
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14. Keiser University
You can receive an AS degree as a Medical Assistant from Keiser University. The 60 credit hour program is available online.
You’ll learn the clinical requirements to be a Medical Assistant and the administrative and clerical tasks necessary in a healthcare environment. Topics in anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, laboratory processes, and medical ethics are covered and you’ll practice what you’ve learned in an externship in a healthcare facility.
General education courses are required in subjects such as English composition, humanities, history, math, as well as social and behavioral sciences.
Fast Fact: “Both U.S. News & World Report and Niche highlighted Keiser as one of the top schools in the country for 2020” (Keiser University)
Degree Awarded: AS
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15. Daytona College
In the 70 weeks, you can earn an online AS degree in Medical Assisting from Daytona College.
This program will allow you to sit for the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), EKG Technician Certification (CET) and the Phlebotomy Technician Certification (CPT) exams. The curriculum will train you in conducting patient intake and assessment, manage patient electronic health records, scheduling of patients, coding and billing, medication administration, collecting and processing of specimens, etc.
Daytona College is regionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and the Medical Assisting programs are recognized by American Medical Technologists (AMT). If you have a Medical Assisting diploma, you can transfer into the AS degree.
Fast Facts: Daytona College began as a school training massage therapists and expanded their degree offerings in 2007 to include nursing and allied health education
Degree Awarded: AS
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What Can I Do with a Medical Assistant Associate’s Degree?
Medical Assistant jobs are expected to grow at a much faster than average rate of 23% between 2018-2028, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. News and World Report ranks this career at #6 in Best Healthcare Support Jobs and #52 in 100 Best Jobs. An online medical assistant associate’s program can help you get there.
Having an associate degree in Medical Assisting will do several things for your career prospects. The degree demonstrates you have the necessary education to be an effective medical office staff member. Additionally, the associate degree will prepare you to sit for certification exams, another prized indicator of your qualifications. Certification can be obtained by passing the exam for Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants and Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from American Medical Technologists. Medical Assistants will have excellent job prospects, those with an associate degree and certification may have even better prospects.
Medical Assistants have dual responsibilities in a healthcare setting. Administratively, you’ll find yourself managing patient records, doing coding and billing, handling insurance reimbursements, scheduling patient appointments, etc. On the clinical side, you’ll be called on to help physicians/nurses with patients in exam rooms, taking patient histories, recording patient vitals, collection of laboratory specimens, administering medication (under supervision), etc.
Most associate degree programs include internships or externships as part of the Medical Assistant curriculum. These practicum experiences, in both administration and clinic, allow you to put your learning into practice and prepares you for entry-level positions.
Jobs can be found in physician offices (about 57% of Medical Assistants work in offices), outpatient clinics, healthcare systems, and hospitals.
Should I Choose an Associate’s Degree or Certificate?
Basically, there are three ways to become a Medical Assistant: associate degree, certificate/diploma, or on-the-job training. Let’s look at the differences and the benefits. Keep in mind that your job potential and salary may depend on whether you’re certified as a Medical Assistant.
Associate Degree
Associate degrees from a community college, technical or vocational school may take a little longer but may help you land a job with a bigger salary and greater responsibilities. Accredited associate degrees will prepare you to sit for, and pass, CMA or RMA exams. These credentials are valued by employers. Degree programs may go into greater depth with regard to clinical and administrative skills and prepare you for management or leadership roles within a medical setting. Having an associate degree will also be a great benefit if you should decide to pursue a four-year undergraduate degree.
Certificate/Diploma
Since Medical Assistants aren’t usually licensed (but, check with your state medical board) certificate/diploma training is acceptable. Certificates and diplomas in Medical Assisting are also provided at community colleges, technical institutes, or vocational schools. This route to becoming a Medical Assistant is shorter (typically 12 months or less) and will also prepare you to sit for certification exams and may help you gain an entry-level position. Having a diploma will provide a stepping stone should you decide to enter an associate degree program.
On-The-Job-Training
Some physician offices will train you in specific procedures and protocols for their practice; or, they may send you to an outside training program. This training is usually limited to skills needed for that particular practice and may not prepare you to sit for CMA or RMA exams. Employers may, or may not, pay you during the training period.
Should I Get a Certificate Online or On-Campus?
There once was a time when online programs were considered to be inferior education experiences but that’s no longer the case. Now, you can earn a degree or diploma while continuing to work and support your family.
Colleges, technical and vocational schools have developed programs designed specifically for working adults that provide online students with the same curriculum, and faculty, as on-campus students. Even with studies that involve internships or externships (as most Medical Assisting programs do) online students are able to complete those practicum experiences at a facility near them or through virtual simulations.
Online students are usually treated the same as on-campus students when it comes to tuition and fees. Most schools don’t charge online students out-of-state tuition and accredited programs will allow students to apply for Federal Student Aid by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and frequently offer scholarships for online students as well.
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