Best Online Medical Assistant Degree Programs

Those who earn an associate degree in medical assisting online are prepared with an introductory education and on-the-job experience in the field. Medical assisting requires a unique combination of technical and administrative skills, and is a necessity in nearly every area of healthcare today. Candidates looking to enter the field of medical assisting may be eligible for a wider range of employment opportunities if they hold an associate degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for medical assistants are expected to increase by 29% through 2022.

For many students, earning an associate in medical assisting online can help to satisfy traditional course requirements while they prepare for on-the-job training. While not always required for employment, completing an associate degree can also help candidates find their “edge” and remain competitive in the workforce. Online students are able to build a foundation of the basics concepts in medical assisting through virtual coursework, as well as seek out a locally-arranged externship or field experience to gain the face-to-face experience they will need on the job.

Learn more about how and where to earn your associate in medical assisting online by browsing our rankings below.

Rank School Name School Logo City Cost Address & Contact Info School Links Acclaim for Online Programs School Description
1Keiser University - Ft LauderdaleFort Lauderdale$$$$$1500 NW 49th St
Fort Lauderdale, FL
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Keiser is a private university that is a member of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida. Keiser University’s main campus is in Ft. Lauderdale. It has satellite campuses in Florida, abroad, and online. The school’s online branch, called Keiser University eCampus, offers associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees, all of which can be completed fully online. The online associate of science in medical assisting is considered a terminal degree that prepares graduates to assist physicians with examinations, injections, laboratory tests, and electrocardiograms.

This is among the best online medical assistant programs. The online coursework prepares students to take the Registered Medical Assistant credentialing examination given by American Medical Technologists. Course subjects include anatomy, medical ethics, and laboratory best practices. Keiser’s online medical assistant programs produces competent and knowledgeable graduates who exceed expectations in the healthcare industry.

2Minnesota West Community and Technical CollegeGranite Falls$$$$$1593 11th Ave
Granite Falls, MN 56241
(800) 658-2330

Minnesota West is a community and technical college with five campuses in southwestern Minnesota and an online campus. The school has been operating for more than 75 years, and Minnesota West Online continues its tradition of providing flexible and affordable options to students. Online students benefit from student advising and an online help desk.

Online medical assistant programs prepare graduates to perform the required clinical and clerical duties. Course subjects include biology, anatomy, psychology, healthcare finance, pharmacology, and more. Graduates of the Minnesota West medical assistant program are eligible to earn medical assistant certification online through the American Association of Medical Assistant's Certification Exam. The program requires students to earn at least 60 credits. The medical assistant diploma track requires 44 credits. The school has an 89% graduate job placement rate and CMA exam pass rate. A “C” grade must be earned in all major courses.

3Thomas Edison State UniversityTrenton$$$$$111 W State St
Trenton, NJ 08608
(888) 442-8372

Thomas Edison State is a public university located in Trenton, New Jersey. The school is named after famous New Jersey inventor, Thomas Edison, and it produces graduates that are as inquisitive and original in their fields as the school’s namesake. The school offers several degrees through its College Degrees for Adults programs that can be completed entirely online. The online associate of science in applied science and technology degree in medical imaging is for students who are interested in the radiology side of medical assisting.

This program’s focus on medical imaging makes it stand out. Students must already be registered as radiographers in their states. Course subjects include the physics of radiation, ethics, and information literacy. Students are required to earn at least 60 credits. The degree is meant for mid-career adults who seek further development. Students must fulfill general education requirements.

4Colorado Mountain CollegeGlenwood Springs$$$$$802 Grand Ave.
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601-0233
(800) 621-8559

Colorado Mountain consists of 11 community college branches in the state and an online branch. The college has associate programs and two bachelor’s degree programs. Online courses are delivered to students using a web communication platform and interactive, real-time online video. The online associate of applied science degree in medical assistance challenges students in online classrooms and in required clinical settings, giving them the knowledge and hands-on experience they need.

The coursework exposes students to the medical terminology, anatomy essentials, healthcare ethics, and pharmacology specifics. Students must earn at least 60 credits. Graduates can continue their education and complete the bachelor of applied science degree from CMC. Colorado Mountain also offers a medical assistant certification online. General education requirements include English composition, general psychology, and communication in healthcare. This includes electives in the arts and humanities, science, and social sciences.

5Minnesota State Community and Technical CollegeFergus Falls$$$$$1414 College Way
Fergus Falls, MN 56537-1000
(218) 736-1500

Minnesota State serves Minnesota students, and students abroad through its several brick-and-mortar locations across Minnesota and its eCampus. The school currently has 25 online degrees. Students receive online tutoring services and access to a comprehensive electronic library. The online medical assistant AAS program at M State is for students who are interested in clerical and leadership roles in medical offices.

In this medical assistant online program, students learn about healthcare ethics, medical billing, health insurance processing, medical office management skills, and medical terminology. Students are required to earn at least 60 credits. This includes 51 credits from required courses and nine from electives. Courses include lifespan development, medical terminology, college writing, medical office management, and more. Graduates find career opportunities working for medical clinics, hospitals, insurance companies, and dental clinics. Depending on your score on the Accuplacer, developmental courses may be required.

6Dakota College at BottineauBottineau$$$$$105 Simrall Blvd
Bottineau, ND 58318-1198
(701) 228-2277

Dakota College is a two-year public college located in Bottineau, North Dakota. DCB focuses on providing associate degrees in the medical, horticulture, forestry, and wildlife fields. It delivers several degree programs online to help working and non-traditional students achieve their educational goals. Small class sizes and affordable tuition make the online offerings at DCB stand out. The online medical assistant AAS degree at DCB combines online classes and field-work in a clinical setting to prepare graduates for fast-paced roles in the medical field.

The curriculum teaches students how to work with patient records, measure vital signs, help doctors with exams, give patients injections, and assist with lab tests. Graduates of the medical assisting program are prepared for careers in the healthcare field. Graduates are also eligible to sit for the Registered Medical Assistant exam. A medical assisting diploma is available that prepares students for work in outpatient clinics, surgical centers, chiropractors offices, and more.

7Barton County Community CollegeGreat Bend$$$$$245 NE 30th Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
(620) 792-2701

Barton County is a community college located in Great Bend, Kansas. It primarily serves students in the surrounding areas in addition to online. BARTonline offers constant access to courses, low tuition prices, and technology support. Barton County has 33 online degrees that can be completed asynchronously. The online medical assistant certification online gives students the skills they need to excel in one of the fasting growing fields in healthcare.

This medical assistant online program is comprehensive in terms of coursework. Students learn about lab techniques, phlebotomy, managing records, patient care, and administering medication. Learners must earn 68 credits to graduate. Students are also required to complete an internship in an ambulatory healthcare setting. Fifty percent of the program is taken on campus in the evenings. Qualified graduates may be eligible to sit for the Medical Assistant Certification online exams.

8Alexandria Technical & Community CollegeAlexandria$$$$$1601 Jefferson Streeet
Alexandria, MN 56308
(320) 762-0221

Alexandria Tech is a two-year college located in Alexandria, Minnesota. The school is part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. The school has 12, completely online, two-year degrees. Online services include an online advocate who helps you plan your academic goals and provides extensive technical support options. The online medical administrative specialist AAS is recognized by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), and the degree qualifies graduates to take the NHA Certification Exam.

Course subjects include electronic health records, medical reception, pathology, pharmacology, interpersonal communication, medical scribing, and medical office management. Students must earn at least 60 credits to graduate. Learners can expect to spend about 20 hours a week in class, including a six-hour internship. Alexandria’s curriculum makes it one of the best online medical assistant programs. Graduates are prepared for work in clinical and clerical roles. Students can apply for scholarships online.

9Olney Central CollegeOlney$$$$$305 N West Street
Olney, IL 62450
(618) 393-2982

Olney Central is a community college located in Olney, Illinois. The school offers two-year degree programs and certificates through on-campus and online classes. The school also offers bachelor’s degrees online through a partnership with Franklin University. Olney Central belongs to the Illinois Eastern Community Colleges System and works with other colleges in the system to provide students with four completely online associate degrees. One of those programs is the medical office assistant AAS program.

The program prepares students to find careers at physician offices, clinics, insurance companies, and other healthcare organizations. Coursework includes medical record management, medical transcription, anatomy, psychology, statistics, and database management. Students are required to earn 68 credits to graduate. Some transfer credits are accepted. Students lacking keyboard proficiency will be placed in appropriately-leveled courses. The program is designed to be completed in 64-weeks.

10Northland Community & Technical CollegeThief River Falls$$$$$1101 Hwy One East
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 683-8800

Northland is a two-year college with campuses in East Grand Forks and Thief River Falls, Minnesota. The school is part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. Northland offers 21 degrees in business, health and human services, liberal arts, and manufacturing. The school’s online programs are vetted using a faculty-centered, peer review quality testing system. The medical administrative assistant AAS teaches students the skills they need to excel as medical administrative assistants.

Course topics like medical records management, medical terminology, pharmacology, medical ethics, and medical office management provide Northland students with practical knowledge. Students must earn at least 60 credits. The school recommends that students take elective courses in public speaking and interpersonal communications. Graduates may be eligible for medical assistant certification online, which can also boost their career prospects. Students are prepared to work in hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, government agencies, dental offices, and more.

11Rochester Community and Technical CollegeRochester$$$$$851 30th Ave SE
Rochester, MN 55904-4999
(507) 285-7210

Rochester is a two-year college located in Rochester, Minnesota. The school was founded in 1915 and is Minnesota’s oldest community college. The college partners with Winona State University to give students the opportunity to transfer to a four-year program; credits are easily transferred between schools. The online opportunities facilitated by RCTC are based in the latest online pedagogy technology. A number of degree programs can be completed entirely online, and online students benefit from advising, access to library materials, and career services.

The medical administrative assistant AAS degree emphasizes preparing students to work in challenging roles with healthcare documentation. Course subjects include human relations in organizations, computer business applications, and pathophysiology. Students must earn at least 60 credits to graduate. Rochester also offers a 22 credit healthcare documentation specialist certificate and a 38 credit medical administrative assistant diploma.

12Guilford Technical Community CollegeJamestown$$$$$601 High Point Rd.
Jamestown, NC 27282
(336) 334-4822

Guilford is a public, two-year college based in Jamestown, North Carolina. The eDegree division at GTCC creates opportunities for students to complete their degree work for select programs online. Benefits of the eDegree program include priority registration status and tailored academic and career support services. The online AAS in medical assisting technology program is a limited enrollment program with a 95% career placement rate.

Graduates can take many medical assistant certification online exams, including the American Association of Medical Assistants Certification exam, which GTCC graduates have a 100% pass rate on. Coursework includes anatomy, medical ethics, exam room procedures, laboratory procedures, drug therapy, and general psychology. Students are required to earn at least 68 credits to graduate. This includes one elective course in art, critical thinking, cultural studies, human culture, and music. Learners must earn a satisfactory score on the Compass test.

13Minnesota State College - Southeast TechnicalWinona$$$$$1250 Homer Rd
Winona, MN 55987
(507) 453-2700

Minnesota State is a technical college with a campus in Red Wing and Winona, Minnesota. The college is part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. MSC-Southeast offers programs that are completed fully online. Online degrees include accounting, administrative support careers, computer science, early childhood education, and medical support careers. One of the standout medical support careers offerings is the medical administrative assistant AAS program.

The MSC-Southeast medical assistant online program is an affordable option for students seeking an asynchronous program. Students are required to complete at least 60 credits to graduate, this includes general education and technical requirements. Coursework includes medical machine transcription, anatomy, pathology, pharmacology, medical ethics, and business communications. Graduates are prepared to take various certifications in the field and find jobs at a variety of healthcare organizations and insurance companies.

14Kirtland Community CollegeRoscommon$$$$$10775 N Saint Helen Road
Roscommon, MI 48653
(989) 275-5000

Kirtland is a public, two-year college located in Roscommon, Michigan. The online degree programs in business and healthcare can be completed asynchronously. Kirtland’s online medical assistant AAS is one of the best online medical assistant programs. Students are taught about medical records, medical coding, and the clerical side of medicine. They also learn how to assist with lab work and record patient medical histories.

The courses teach students the essentials of medical billing and coding, data entry, and how to assist in the clinic. Students must complete at least 63 credits. Learners partake in patient care simulations and supervised clinical practices. Graduates are prepared for work in physician’s offices, clinics, and hospitals. They are also prepared to take the American Medical Technologist and Phlebotomy Technician exam. Ideal candidates for this program are self-motivated, patient, and inquisitive about the healthcare field.

Qualified medical assistants play a vital role in virtually every area of treatment. Physicians and general health practitioners, whether they are at doctor’s offices or healthcare facilities, count on their medical assistants to serve patients and manage operations efficiently. As such, medical assisting skills may be concentrated in either administrative or clinical capacities; on-the-job duties performed by medical assistants may vary depending on their work environments, which suggests different responsibilities for larger and smaller practices, for example.

Obtaining an online associate degree in medical assisting can set jobseekers in the medical field apart. Typically, employers do not impose formal requirements for higher education in medical assisting jobs, meaning the right degree can be a distinct advantage. Many employers do, however, expect medical assistants to be certified by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). While some senior medical assistants learned their trade exclusively through on-the-job experience, for today’s students, completing an externship or field practicum is often the essential way to earn the right experience ahead of being hired; such an externship is typically required to graduate. Depending on each student’s specific area of interest, they should seek out a personalized field experience opportunity. Students looking to work in administration at a small medical practice, for example, should pursue an externship in a local facility that fits their needs.

While there are no formal requirements for medical assistant certification in the U.S., most employers prefer to hire a certified assistant. Obtaining credentials in this field demonstrates a standardized knowledge and understanding of industry skills; available certifications vary in nature, with some more geared towards clinical work, while other certifications focus on the administrative and clerical skills most relevant to hospitals and medical facilities.

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