Top 10 Online Medical Assistant Programs & Certificates

Medical assistants provide valuable support to physicians and nurses in various healthcare settings. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there will be 119,800 new job openings for medical assistants each year through 2033. This 15% growth rate is one of the fastest in the healthcare industry.

In this article, we explore the fundamentals of this healthcare profession, from job responsibilities to educational requirements to career outlooks. We also feature 10 accredited medical assistant programs online. Read on to learn about how to become a medical assistant.

What Is a Medical Assistant?

A medical assistant is a healthcare professional who performs both clinical and administrative duties to support their healthcare team. A medical assistant's responsibilities can include:

• scheduling patient appointments
• interviewing patients and recording medical histories
• measuring patients' vital signs, like blood oxygen levels, blood pressure, and weight
• collecting specimens, like blood, from patients
• conducting inventory for medical and office supplies

Medical assistants work in a range of healthcare facilities, like medical offices, hospitals, and outpatient care centers.

What Is the Medical Assistant Certification?

There are three types of medical assistant certifications: certified medical assistant (CMA), certified clinical medical assistant (CCMA), and registered medical assistant (RMA). CMA and RMA roles encompass both administrative and clinical duties, while a CCMA's job has a more in-depth clinical focus.

You can become a CMA, RMA, or CCMA by completing an accredited medical assistant training program and demonstrating competency on a national certification exam. The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) administers the CMA exam, American Medical Technologists (AMT) administers the RMA exam, and the National Healthcare Association (NHA) oversees the CCMA exam.

Medical Assistant Educational Requirements

There are not many educational prerequisites needed before enrolling in your chosen medical assistant online program. Most programs require a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED).

Medical assistant program coursework teaches the medical assistant educational requirements you will need to learn before taking your certification exam. Topics include:

• pharmacology
• medical terminology
• administrative skills for physicians' offices
• insurance claims and processing
• managing electronic health records
• basic clinical procedures

Top Online Medical Assistant Programs

The following online colleges for medical assistants offer accredited online courses. We feature both self-paced certificate programs and associate degree programs.

1. Phlebotomy Career Training

Phebotomy Career Training offers a 100% online course that can be completed in as little as six weeks on a full-time basis or six months on a part-time basis. Medical assistant students learn clinical skills like performing injections and electrocardiograms (EKGs), taking vital signs, and assisting with minor surgeries. The curriculum also covers administrative skills (e.g., recordkeeping, inventory, and adhering to medical regulations).

Students receive certification after completing the course and are eligible to take the CCMA exam.

• Program cost: $650 total
• Program length: Six to 36 weeks
• Accreditation: American Medical Certification Association (AMCA)

2. Penn Foster

Penn Foster is a 130-year-old education institution that offers a range of online learning programs. Its medical assistant associate degree program prepares medical assistants to provide patient care in a range of healthcare settings like urgent care clinics, hospitals, and doctors' offices.

The curriculum covers topics such as physiology, psychology, and anatomy and spans four semesters. Full-time students graduate in two years and are eligible to take a variety of industry certification exams, including the CCMA exam.

• Program cost: $109 per credit
• Program length: Two years or fewer
• Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

3. U.S. Career Institute

The U.S. Career Institute has a medical assistant certificate program taught by experienced healthcare professionals, including a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) and a family nurse practitioner (FNP).

The certificate program is divided into four units that cover medical terminology, clinical procedures, ethical and legal standards, and other relevant topics. Students also learn the skills for assisting during medical procedures and preparing and administering medications.

• Program cost: $1,439 total
• Program length: Four to seven months
• Accreditation: DEAC

4. University of West Georgia

Located in Carrollton, GA, the University of West Georgia (UWG) offers an online clinical medical assistant certificate in addition to its on-campus degree programs. UWG's comprehensive curriculum includes medical facility safety practices, EKG rhythm strip evaluation, medical terminology, and regulatory and ethical considerations.

Medical assistant students receive entry to UWG's career platform and resume help. UWG also provides 24/7 online learner support.

• Program cost: $2,800 total
• Program length: Two months
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

5. Liberty University

Liberty University (LU) is a large private school based in Lynchburg, VA, with extensive online learning options. LU's medical office assistant certificate prepares students for entry-level positions responsible for medical coding, office procedures, medical records management, and more.

Liberty University has multiple financial aid options, including scholarships and military discounts. Active-duty service members receive a discounted tuition rate of $250 per credit hour.

• Program cost: $390 per credit hour
• Program length: 11 months
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Advanced eClinical Training

The Advanced eClinical Training (ACT) certificate program was rated the number one online medical assistant course by Forbes Education in 2024. Students take self-paced courses like infection control, anatomy and physiology, diagnostic techniques, and basic life support (BLS).

ACT offers career support services as part of its certificate program. Services include career coaching, faculty guidance, and customized job matching and placements.

• Program cost: $3,300 total
• Program length: Six weeks to one year
• Accreditation: American Council on Education (ACE)

7. Ultimate Medical Academy

Ultimate Medical Academy offers two medical assistant training programs: a 38-credit diploma and a 62-credit Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in medical administrative assistance. Both programs are offered online and cover subjects like medical transcription, diagnostic coding, and healthcare communication.

The diploma track can be completed in 11 months, and the AAS program can be completed in 18 months. Both programs prepare students for the certification exam and provide online learner support.

• Program cost: $475 per credit hour
• Program length: 11 to 18 months
• Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education (ABHES)

8. South University

South University has an online Associate of Science (AS) degree program that can be completed in two years on a full-time basis. The online curriculum prepares students to assist with administrative and clinical tasks like medical billing, medical terminology, and diagnostic procedures.

The degree program includes 160 hours of hands-on clinical experience arranged at healthcare settings in your community. South University provides CCMA exam prep support from tutors and faculty.

• Program cost: $475 per credit hour
• Program length: Two years
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. Herzing University

Herzing University is an educational institute focusing on healthcare services. Herzing University has two online medical assistant programs: a 10-month diploma and a 20-month AS in medical assisting. After finishing their chosen program, students are eligible to take the CCMA or RMA exam.

Financial aid opportunities are available, like grants, scholarships, and military discounts. Active-duty service members and veterans receive a 10% reduced tuition rate.

• Program cost: $530 per credit hour
• Program length: 10 to 20 months
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

10. Keiser University

Keiser University offers an online AS in medical assisting program. Students learn clinical skills, including assisting in minor surgeries, taking vital signs, and performing X-rays. Administrative subjects include managing patient histories and scheduling appointments.

The coursework for this program is 100% online, and students must complete an in-person externship at a local healthcare setting. Graduates are eligible to take the RMA exam.

• Program cost: $11,928 per semester
• Program length: Two years
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

FAQs About Online Colleges for Medical Assistants

We answer some frequently asked questions about online colleges for medical assistants, from accredited programs to job outlooks.

How Do I Choose an Online Medical Assistant Program?

The first step in choosing an online medical assistant program is to decide whether you would prefer a job with a clinical focus or one that combines clinical and administrative duties. From there, you can decide which certificate or degree program best serves your career goals.

Accreditation is an important element of a quality program. The accreditation process ensures that online colleges are teaching core curriculum and giving students the skills needed to provide quality services and pass their certification exam. Other key indicators of program quality include experienced faculty, student and learning support, exam prep, and career support services.

How Do I Know If a Medical Assistant Program Is Accredited?

Your online college should list its accreditation status on its website. A school's accreditation status typically lasts for three to ten years, depending on the program and its accrediting body.

Reputable online medical assistant program accrediting bodies include the ABHES, the CAAHEP, the ACE, and the DEAC. Some four-year institutions that offer both on-campus and distance learning programs are accredited by the HLC and SACSCOC.

What Is the Fastest Medical Assistant Certification Online?

The fastest online medical assistant certificate programs take about 6 weeks to complete. Phlebotomy Career Training and Advanced eClinical Training both offer certificate programs that can be completed relatively quickly.

Associate degree programs are longer than certificate tracks, as they cover a broader curriculum. These medical assistant programs generally take between 18 and 24 months to complete.

How Much Does a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Make?

According to the BLS, the salary range for certified medical assistants ranges between $35,020 and $57,830 per year. The average median salary is $44,200.

The medical assistant job outlook is positive. As the American population grows, so do its healthcare needs. Medical assistants provide important services that are in demand in a wide range of healthcare facilities.

Explore Online Healthcare Degrees

There are many ways you can earn your medical assistant certification. Connect with our partner schools on Learn.org to explore the many online programs available.