Top Online Medical Assistant Courses to Kickstart Your Healthcare Career
Becoming a medical assistant is an exciting and rewarding career path, offering a chance to make a difference in patients' lives while working in a variety of healthcare settings. Whether you want to help with clinical procedures, manage patient records, or assist with billing, an online course can provide the flexibility you need to get started.
Here’s a quick look at some of the best online medical assistant programs to help you get your foot in the door:
1. Penn Foster Medical Assistant Career Diploma Program
What You’ll Learn: From medical terminology and pharmacology to patient care and office management, this self-paced program covers all the basics.
Certification: Prepares you for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam.
Duration: 8-12 months.
Cost: $1,200 - $2,400, depending on payment plan and enrollment options.
Accreditation: DEAC (Distance Education Accrediting Commission).
2. U.S. Career Institute Online Medical Assistant Program
What You’ll Learn: This program covers both clinical and administrative skills, including patient interaction, coding, and billing.
Certification: Prepares you for the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exam.
Duration: About 4 months (self-paced).
Cost: Around $1,689 for pay-in-full, or $1,989 with a payment plan.
Accreditation: DEAC-approved.
3. Ashworth College Medical Assistant Program
What You’ll Learn: Gain expertise in medical office practices, patient care, and anatomy.
Certification: Prepares you for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) exams.
Duration: 4-12 months, depending on your pace.
Cost: $1,000 - $1,200.
Accreditation: DEAC-accredited.
4. Herzing University Online Medical Assisting Diploma
What You’ll Learn: This program blends online coursework with a hands-on externship for real-world experience.
Certification: Prepares you for the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) or Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certifications.
Duration: 10 months.
Cost: Around $14,000 - $15,000.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
5. MedCerts Online Medical Assistant Certification Program
What You’ll Learn: Interactive video-based learning and career coaching to prepare you for certification exams.
Certification: Prepares you for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) and CMAA exams.
Duration: 11-14 weeks.
Cost: $4,000 - $5,000.
Accreditation: Middle States Association-accredited.
What You Can Expect From a Career as a Medical Assistant
A medical assistant career opens up diverse opportunities in the growing healthcare field. With the right training and certifications, you can explore various roles across medical offices, hospitals, and specialty clinics.
Strong Job Growth
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of medical assistants is expected to grow 16% between 2021 and 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. This is largely due to the aging population and increased demand for preventative medical care.
Work Environments
Medical assistants work in many settings, including:
• Physician’s offices
• Hospitals
• Outpatient care centers
• Specialty clinics (e.g., dermatology, pediatrics)
• Long-term care facilities
Key Responsibilities
Your daily tasks might include:
• Recording patient histories and vital signs
• Preparing patients for examinations
• Assisting doctors during procedures
• Managing patient records and scheduling
• Handling billing and insurance claims
Salary and Career Growth
Medical assistants earn an average of $38,190 annually (BLS). With additional certifications, specialized skills, and experience, you can increase your earning potential and move into roles like:
• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
• Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
• Healthcare Office Manager
• Specialized medical roles in fields like cardiology or orthopedics
Financial Aid Options for Medical Assistant Training
The cost of training can be a barrier, but there are several ways to make it more affordable. Here are some financial aid options:
Federal Financial Aid: Apply for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to receive grants, loans, or work-study options. You can apply directly at FAFSA.gov.
Scholarships: Many schools, such as Penn Foster and U.S. Career Institute, offer scholarships or discounts to eligible students. You can also explore specific healthcare-related scholarships, such as the AMT Medical Assistant Scholarship. Check each program’s website or contact their admissions office for more details.
Payment Plans: Programs like Penn Foster and U.S. Career Institute offer flexible, interest-free payment plans that allow you to pay in monthly installments. This can make managing tuition costs much easier.
Employer Sponsorships: If you’re already working in healthcare, inquire about tuition reimbursement or sponsorship programs that might be available through your employer.
There’s no better time to start your career as a medical assistant. With these online courses, you can gain the skills and certifications needed to begin working in the healthcare field. Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance your career, these programs offer the flexibility, affordability, and certification options to help you succeed. Explore the programs above and start building your future today!