Top Online Schools for Medical Assistants

Compare the top online schools for Medical assistants and find the program that fits your needs.

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Why Get a medical assistant Degree?

A medical assistant degree can lead to a career in one of the most rapidly-growing industries in the U.S. Healthcare. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Medical Assistants is projected to grow 29 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.1

As a medical assistant you will play an important role in supporting the operations of a healthcare facility and providing quality patient care. You will be responsible for performing administrative and clinical tasks that keep the facility running smoothly and efficiently. Your duties will vary depending on the size and type of facility you work in, but may include scheduling appointments, taking medical histories and assisting with examinations, ordering and stocking supplies, handling billing and insurance paperwork, and providing patient education.

A medical assistant degree can also provide a solid foundation for furthering your education and career in healthcare. Many medical assistants go on to become registered nurses or other types of healthcare professionals. With additional training and experience, you could even become a nurse practitioner or physician assistant.

You can find medical assistant programs at both traditional and online schools. We’ve compiled a list of the top online schools for medical assistants, based on criteria such as program flexibility, student support services, and reputation.

What is a Medical Assistant?

A medical assistant is a multi-skilled professional who supports the work of physicians and other health professionals. Their duties may include taking medical histories, scheduling appointments, answering telephones, handling correspondence, and transcribing dictation. In larger offices, assistants may also perform basic laboratory tests, dispose of patients’ used needles andbandages, and prepare patients for examinations. Medical assistants usually work in outpatient care centers, physician’s offices, and hospitals.

What Does a Medical Assistant Do?

Medical assistants are key members of the healthcare team. They perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians and other health practitioners running smoothly. Medical assistants take on many different roles in a medical setting, from greeting patients and scheduling appointments to taking and recording vital signs and preparing patients for examinations.

With the growing demand for healthcare services, medical assisting is one of the fastest-growing careers in the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of medical assistants will grow 23 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.

If you’re interested in a career in healthcare but don’t want to spend years in school, becoming a medical assistant might be the right choice for you. Medical assistants can complete a certificate or diploma program in as little as one year, although some programs may take up to two years to complete.

What are the Responsibilities of a Medical Assistant?

Medical assistants are allied health professionals who support the work of physicians and other medical staff. They perform a variety of clinical and administrative tasks to keep the office running smoothly.

Medical assistants typically have a high school diploma or equivalent, although some positions may require postsecondary education, such as an associate’s degree in medical assisting. Most states do not require medical assistants to be licensed or certified, although some states have certification programs for medical assistants.

The duties of a medical assistant vary by state and by the type of practice. In general, medical assistants perform a variety of tasks to support the work of physicians and other healthcare providers. These tasks may include:
-Answering patient questions
-Taking and recording vital signs
-Preparing patients for examinations
-Assisting with minor office procedures
-Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens
-Performing basic laboratory tests
-Scheduling appointments
-Maintaining medical records
-Billing and coding insurance forms

What are the Education Requirements for a Medical Assistant?

The medical assistant programs at online schools typically confer an Associate’s degree or certificate upon completion. Some schools also offer a Bachelor’s degree in medical assisting, though this is less common. The education requirements for a medical assistant vary by state, but most states require certification from an accredited program.

Most medical assistant programs take two years to complete, though some programs may be completed in as little as one year. The curriculum for a medical assistant program typically includes courses in anatomy, physiology, Medical Terminology pharmacology, and clinical procedures. Some programs also include courses in administrative skills such as billing and coding, insurance processing, and office management.

What is the Job outlook for Medical Assistants?

The job outlook for medical assistants is very good. Employment of medical assistants is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median annual wage for medical assistants was $31,540 in May 2015, according to the BLS.

What are the top Online Schools for Medical Assistants?

There are a number of online schools that offer medical assistant programs. Here are some of the top online schools for medical assistants:

1. Kaplan University

2. Penn Foster Career School

3. Medix School

4. Allied Health Institute

5. Career Step

What is the cost of getting a Medical Assistant degree?

The cost of getting a Medical Assistant degree will vary depending on the type of school you attend and the length of the program. Some schools offer certificates, which can be completed in as little as six months, while others offer two- or four- year degrees. Community colleges usually have the lowest tuition rates, followed by online schools. Private schools typically have the highest tuition rates.

In addition to tuition, there are other costs to consider when attending school for medical assisting. These include books, supplies, and other fees. Some schools also require students to purchase uniforms or other specific items for their clinical rotations. The cost of living in the area where the school is located will also play a role in the overall cost of attendance.

What are the benefits of getting a Medical Assistant degree?

Medical Assistants play a vital role in the healthcare industry. They are responsible for providing administrative and clinical support to physicians and other medical personnel. This combination of skills makes them an invaluable asset to any medical practice.

There are many reasons why you should consider getting a Medical Assistant degree. Here are just a few of the benefits:

• You can complete the program in as little as 18 months.

• Medical Assistants are in high demand. There is expected to be a 29% increase in jobs for Medical Assistants from 2016 to 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

• You can earn a good salary. The median annual salary for Medical Assistants was $31,540 in 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

If you’re interested in a career as a Medical Assistant, consider one of the following online schools:
Keiser University, Rasmussen College, Ultimate Medical Academy, Brown Mackie College, or Everest College.

What are the career options for Medical Assistants?

Medical assistants are trained to perform both administrative and clinical duties in doctors’ offices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. They are an important part of the healthcare team, assisting physicians and other medical personnel with patient care.

Medical assistants typically have an associate’s degree or certificate from a community college or vocational school. Some states require certification, and most employers prefer to hire certified medical assistants.

Those who wish to advance their career may consider becoming a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), which requires passing an exam administered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT). RMAs have more responsibilities and may supervise other medical assistants.