A medical assistant associate degree is an undergraduate program that introduces students to topics of health care and common clinical and administrative roles of medical assistants.
Medical assistants are healthcare professionals that can be found in various types of healthcare facilities. The roles and responsibilities of a medical assistant can differ depending on where they work.
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If you’re interested in working in the healthcare industry as an assistant to physicians and other healthcare professionals, you might consider earning a medical assistant associates degree online.
Online Medical Assistant Associate Degrees
An associates degree in medical assisting online is designed to prepare students for a wide variety of clinical and administrative duties they may take on when they enter the field. Learning how to become a medical assistant through a medical assistant associates degree program typically takes 2 years with full-time study.
Most graduates who complete the program go on to become medical assistants. An associates program in medical assisting can often prepare you for industry certification as well. Some programs in face offer online medical assistant certification options.
Other related roles graduates may pursue include:
- Medical records specialist
- Phlebotomy technician
- Medical transcriptionist
- Medical registrar
Medical assistants are often detail-oriented, organized, and able to communicate effectively with patients and other healthcare professionals.
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Courses in an online associate degree in medical assistant can help students acquire these soft skills in addition to technical skills and knowledge essential to the healthcare field. Some of the core topics explored in the program might include:
- Medical terminology
- Human anatomy
- Clinical and surgical procedures
- Healthcare management
- Patient privacy
You can also develop a variety of administrative skills throughout the program. Some medical assistant programs focus more on the clinical aspects of healthcare, while others concentrate more on administrative duties. You can research different programs to discover which ones emphasize the kind of responsibilities you want to have in future roles.
Some of the clinical and administrative tasks you may learn include how to perform routine clinical and laboratory procedures, how to handle confidential patient records, and how to prepare exam rooms. You may also learn how to assist different types of healthcare professionals in various work environments.
An associate’s degree in medical assisting allows you to enter the healthcare field with a well-rounded education. It can also prepare you for further education if you choose to expand your career opportunities.
Medical Assisting Careers & Salaries
Medical assistant professionals are found in a number of healthcare facilities, such as the offices of physicians and other healthcare practitioners as well as hospitals.
Medical assistants can perform clinical and administrative tasks. Some medical assistants who work in smaller offices take on a wide range of responsibilities, while medical assistants in larger facilities might focus solely on administrative or clinical tasks.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants earn a median salary of $37,190.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Medical Records Specialists | $46,660 |
| Medical Assistants (Outpatient Care Centers) | $38,270 |
| Medical Assistants (Hospitals) | $37,800 |
| Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants | $37,450 |
| Phlebotomists | $37,380 |
| Medical Assistants (Physicians’ Offices) | $37,150 |
| Pharmacy Technicians | $36,740 |
| Nursing Assistants and Orderlies | $30,290 |
| Medical Assistants (Chiropractors’ Offices) | $30,100 |
| Medical Transcriptionists | $30,100 |
Medical assistant salaries can vary depending on the type of facility as well as your geographic location, experience, and education. There are also specialized medical assistants that work in a specific field, such as podiatry or optometry. Some specialized positions or similar occupations may involve additional training or certification.
Some of the skills and knowledge you can acquire in a medical assistant associates degree program may also be useful for other entry-level positions in the healthcare field. Some positions, such as medical records specialists and medical secretaries, mainly perform administrative duties.
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Nursing assistants perform more clinical duties, such as assisting with the care of patients. Additional academic or on-the-job training may be required to qualify for a nursing assistant role.
Associates in Medical Assistant Curriculum & Courses
The following courses are examples of ones you may come across in an associate in medical assisting program:
- Medical Terminology: This course introduces you to common medical terms and what different roots, prefixes, and suffixes mean as they relate to the field.
- Anatomy and Physiology: This course examines human anatomy and physiology and analyzes the functions of human body systems.
- Introduction to Healthcare Management: In this class, you’re introduced to a variety of healthcare management roles and responsibilities in different work settings.
- Introduction to Billing and Coding: Medical and billing practices are explored in this course, along with various legal issues and methods for reimbursement.
- Patient Privacy: This course explores patient privacy, focusing on privacy and security policies and patient rights.
- Pharmacology: You can learn about drug abbreviations and categories that can be useful for medical assistants who administer medication.
- Administrative Skills for the Medical Office: This course focuses on common administrative tasks and policies in medical offices as well as types of software that may be used.
- Electronic Medical Records: This course is designed to teach you about various transactions for patient charges and payment as well as health information technology systems used in the medical field.
- Clinical Procedures Theory: You can learn about clinical skills and theory that apply to medical assistant positions and common clinical and diagnostic procedures often performed.
- Medical Surgical Procedures: In this course, you’re introduced to minor surgical procedure practices and roles that may apply to medical assistant jobs.
These courses are designed to teach you administrative and clinical skills that might be performed in medical assistant jobs or related positions. Some medical assistant associates programs may focus more on clinical or administrative curriculum, though many programs offer courses that cover both clinical and administrative topics.
Admissions Requirements
Admissions requirements can vary depending on the school you may attend. A number of admissions requirements that are common for most schools include:
- Copy of high school transcripts or GED completion
- SAT or ACT scores (only some schools require them)
- Admissions application
Colleges and universities that request SAT or ACT scores may only accept students who received a defined minimum score or higher. Admission applications can differ between schools. Some applications may include a fee. A personal statement prompt might be included as part of the application process as well.
Online Medical Assistant Programs Accreditation
Colleges and universities can seek accreditation to establish credibility in their resources, faculty, and education standards. Regional accrediting organizations have a list of criteria that colleges and universities must meet to become accredited.
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Attending an accredited institution offering on-campus or online medical assistant programs can be beneficial for a number of reasons. For starters, the accreditation status of a school can impact a student’s eligibility to receive federal financial aid. Future employers and graduate-level programs may also take accreditation into consideration when reviewing candidates or applicants.
Medical Assisting Licensure and Certifications
Medical assistants may pursue certification as proof of knowledge and skills they’ve obtained in the field.
The following are different types of medical assistant certifications professionals may acquire:
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
- National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)
Certification or licensure isn’t required for professionals to be a medical assistant, but it could be beneficial. Obtaining a medical assistant certification might increase job opportunities. Some employers may desire or prefer job candidates with certification. Maintaining certification also shows dedication to the profession and proves that you have gained essential knowledge and skills to be successful in the position.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financial aid and scholarships are made available to eligible students to help cut down the costs of attending a college or university.
States have different ways of distributing student financial aid. Federal aid is provided to students who have demonstrated financial need based on a number of factors, such as income. You can submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out if you’re eligible to receive any of the forms of federal aid.
Scholarships aren’t usually income-based. Merit scholarships are often based on a student’s academic or athletic abilities. Other scholarships might concentrate on specific interests, professions, or location.
What Can You Do with a Medical Assistant Associate’s Degree?
Medical assistants can perform a variety of tasks for healthcare practitioners and medical offices. These professionals may specialize in administrative duties or perform clinical work, and some take on a wider variety of responsibilities that include both.
The majority of medical assistants work in offices of physicians, but many also work in hospitals and outpatient care centers. Some specialize in assisting specific healthcare professionals, such as chiropractors. Daily tasks of a medical assistant might include recording patient information, organizing medical records, scheduling appointments, administering medications, and preparing exam rooms.
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Graduates with an associates in medical assisting may also qualify for related positions, such as medical records specialists or phlebotomy technicians.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Medical Assistant?
The educational requirements for medical assistants can vary based on the employer as well as the state. Here is a timeline outlining the general steps individuals can take to become a medical assistant:
- Graduate from high school or complete GED requirements
- Enroll in an accredited medical assistant program
- Successfully complete required coursework and potential externship
The educational requirements for medical assistants can vary based on the employer as well as the state. Some employers offer on-the-job training. Most prospective medical assistants choose to earn either an undergraduate certificate or an associate degree in medical assisting.
An associate degree program will include more general education requirements, so it typically takes 2 years to complete with full-time study.
What’s the Difference Between a Medical Assistant Associate Degree vs. Certificate?
You can choose to obtain a certificate or associates degree in medical assisting. There are a number of differences between the two credentials, such as the following.
| Associates in Medical Assisting Degree | Certificate in Medical Assisting |
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A certificate in medical assisting can help you complete your core training more quickly, but an associates degree program often explores medical assisting topics more in depth. An associate can also act as a foundation for further education down the road.
What’s the Difference Between a Medical Assistant vs. CNA?
A certified nursing assistant (CNA) and medical assistant both work in healthcare facilities, but their responsibilities differ. Here are some differences between the two.
| Medical Assistant | Certified Nursing Assistant |
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A CNA assists nurses by providing basic care to patients and assisting them with various activities. Medical assistants may work with patients as they assist doctors or healthcare practitioners, but they may also perform administrative duties in a medical office.
Is an Associate in Medical Assistant Degree Worth It?
Yes, an associate in medical assistant degree is worth it for many students. This degree can help you qualify for certification as a medical assistant who can help patients and assist doctors.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistant positions are expected to experience 16% job growth over the next ten years. Other roles related to medical assisting include medical records specialists, phlebotomists, and medical secretaries and administrative assistants.
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An associate degree in medical assisting can prepare you to perform a wide range of clinical and administrative tasks. It could also prepare you for further education in the medical field.
Universities Offering Online Associates in Medical Assisting Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Dakota College at Bottineau was named one of the most affordable online programs for medical assistant degrees. DCB offers an AAS in Medical Assistant. Students can complete the program entirely online. The program requires the completion of 60 credit hours, including a 180 hour internship. It can typically be completed in 2 years.
Dakota College at Bottineau is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Students at Davenport University can earn an AAS in Medical Assisting Degree. The program is offered fully online through the school’s Global Campus. To graduate, students must complete a total of 60 credits and a 180 hour practicum in an outpatient medical facility. Students can typically finish the program in 2 years.
Davenport University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Durham Technical Community College offers an Associate in Medical Assisting. Certain courses are fully online, while others are offered in a hybrid format or on campus in the evenings. Students typically begin in the summer and can complete the program in 6 semesters. The program requires the completion of 70 credit hours. After graduating, students are eligible to take the CMA exam.
Durham Technical Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Guilford Technical Community College offers an AAS in Medical Office Administration. The program is offered entirely online, except for students who need to take Developmental Math. The program requires the completion of 66 credits. Students are given opportunities for hands-on experiences at medical facilities and may take the Microsoft Office User Specialist exam.
Guilford Technical Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Herzing University offers an Associate in Medical Assisting. The program is fully online and includes a hands-on clinical experience and a 180 hour externship. To graduate, students must complete 60 credit hours, which can potentially be done in 20 months. Herzing pays for the student’s first attempt at the Registered Medical Assistant exam.
Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Liberty University offers an Associate for Medical Assistants that can be earned completely online. Liberty’s education is based on the Christian faith.
To graduate, students must complete 64 credit hours, which can potentially be done in 2 years. Classes are offered in an accelerated format, with each class being 8 weeks long.
Liberty has a generous transfer policy and allows students with qualifying credits to transfer up to 75% of their program’s required credits.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Minnesota State College Southeast offers an AAS Medical Administrative Assistant degree program that can be completed fully online. To graduate, students must complete 15 core courses and 45 major-specific courses for a total of 60 credit hours. It can potentially be completed in 2 years. The curriculum consists of courses such as Medical Office Procedures.
Minnesota State College Southeast is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Minnesota State Community and Technical College offers an Associate in Medical Administrative Assistant. The program is offered entirely online. The program requires the completion of 60 credit hours. Students who wish to pursue a bachelor’s in health services administration at Minnesota State University Moorhead may transfer in up to 50 of these credits.
Minnesota State Community and Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
National American University offers a Medical Administrative Assistant Associate program that can be completed fully online. Students may also take a virtual practicum for 160 hours to prepare for credentialing exams. The program requires the completion of 90 credits: 42.5 general education credits and 38.5 in the major core.
National American University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Northland Community & Technical College’s AAS Medical Administrative Assistant degree program is designed to prepare students for several roles in healthcare. The program can be completed entirely online. The program requires the completion of 60 credit hours. Most courses are asynchronous. Students have access to advisors to help them ensure their success. The curriculum includes courses such as Medical Terminology.
Northland Community & Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
South University offers an AS in Medical Assisting. All courses are entirely online. To graduate, students must complete 92 credit hours and a 160 hour unpaid externship at a local medical facility. Courses are asynchronous for extra flexibility. The curriculum consists of courses such as Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems.
South University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
State Fair Community College in Illinois offers an AAS in Medical Assisting. Most courses are online, but students must come to a lab one day per week. Labs are located in Clinton, Boonville, and the Lake of the Ozarks. The program starts in August. Students must complete 61 credit hours to graduate. The curriculum consists of courses such as Medical Scribe.
SFCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Medical Assistant Advice ranked Sullivan University as the top medical assistant program in Kentucky. Sullivan offers an AS in Medical Assisting. Students can complete the program almost entirely online, but a weeklong residency on campus is required. To graduate, students must complete 61 credit hours, including a hands-on clinical. The curriculum consists of courses like Medical Software Applications.
Sullivan University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Wake Technical Community College offers an Associate in Medical Assisting. The program is offered primarily online, with a few hybrid courses. To graduate, students must complete 65 to 66 credit hours, including a clinical practicum. The program can potentially be finished in 2 years. Potential courses include Medical Insurance Coding.
Wake Technical Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Washington County Community College offers an Associate in Medical Assisting. The program’s first year can be done entirely online, but the second year requires some hybrid courses. Students must complete 64 credit hours to graduate. The program culminates with an unpaid 165 hour clinical practicum experience. The curriculum consists of courses such as Clinical Office Procedures.
Washington County Community College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Getting Your Associate in Medical Assisting Online
An online medical assistant associates degree can allow you to explore your interests in working in the medical field alongside doctors and other healthcare providers.
You can learn how to do routine tasks, such as working with patient records, setting up exam rooms, scheduling appointments, and performing basic clinical duties. An associate in medical assisting can also help you prepare for industry certification as a medical assistant.
If you’re interested in this growing career path, you can begin researching accredited schools today to find the online medical assistant associate degree programs that best support your career goals.
