Top 5 Online Medical Assisting Programs

Not having time to go to a college campus to become a medical assistant is normal. Luckily, medical assisting courses can be taken online. All the education you need to jump start your career as a medical assistant can be taken online without having to attend a traditional college.

I'm making it easier for you to find a solid medical assisting program online by providing information on top ranked online medical assisting programs by EDsmart.

Best Online Medical Assisting Programs

#1 Keiser University – Ft. Lauderdale

Keiser University in Florida offers one of the best medical assisting programs in the nation and in the state. The ticket price is a little costly compared to other programs but outranks other programs in graduation and retention rates—signs of high student satisfaction.

#2 Olney Central College

Olney Central College, OCC, offers a medical office careers degree and it's one of the cheapest online medical assistant programs at a net price of $1,793 per year. Only a few other programs offer this discounted of a cost for their programs.

#3 Clarion University of Pennsylvania

Clarion University offers an Associates of Science in Allied Health which can be completed completely online. This degree offers courses in health concentration, general education, and clinical training—all skills needed to be a successful medical assistant.

#4 Minnesota West Community and Technical College

MWCTC is one of the top community colleges in the nation, as recognized by Aspen Institute. They are the number one community college in Minnesota. MWCTC offers a Medical Administrative Secretary A.A.S degree a little under $10,000 per year. Students learn medical knowledge and terminology, among other aspects of medical assisting.

#5 Alexandria Technical & Community College

ATCC offers an online Medical Administrative Specialist program. Students will learn the skills they need in order to succeed in a career full of technology and healthcare support. Students also have the opportunity to work with a medical office mentor to learn the ropes and perfect knowledge and skills.

If you're looking for a career that offers good pay and good feelings, medical assisting is right up your alley. If you thought you couldn't afford a medical assisting program, you can with an online medical assisting program.

How to Become a Medical Assistant

There are several options available if you wish to enter the medical assisting field: unofficial on-the-job training, on-campus training, online training, and hybrid programs.

While it is possible to become a medical assistant with no more than a high school diploma or GED along with on-the-job-training, employers more often select applicants that have received medical assistant training and certification through a properly accredited program. As such, it is advisable to train through a program that has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

Medical Assistant Salary

According to Payscale.com, a Medical Assistant earns an average wage of $14.17 per hour. Most people move on to other jobs if they have more than 20 years' experience in this field.

According to BLS.gov, the median annual wage for medical assistants was $31,540 in May 2016.

The majority of medical assistants have postsecondary education such as a certificate. Others enter the workforce with a high school diploma and learn through on-the-job training.

Employment Outlook for Medical Assistants

Employment of medical assistants is expected to grow 29 percent from 2016 to 2026, which is much faster than the average for all occupations in the U.S.

The growth of the aging baby-boom population will continue to increase demand for preventive medical services, which are often provided by physicians.

As a result, physicians will hire more medical assistants to perform routine administrative and clinical duties, allowing the physicians to see more patients.

Medical Assistant Tasks

• Show patients to examination rooms and prepare them for the physician.
• May assist with administrative duties including scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding for insurance purposes.
• Collect, prepare and log blood, tissue or other laboratory specimens.
• Prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician.
• Interview and record patients' medical information and measure their vital signs, weight, and height. - source

According to USNews, Medical Assistants rank #18 in Best Health Care Support Jobs. Jobs are ranked according to their ability to offer an elusive mix of factors.