What You Should Know About This Degree
Most of the degrees on this list award an Associate of Science in Medical Assisting. Students will learn vital clinical skills under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional, including taking vital signs, assisting during surgery, and performing diagnostic tests. Many courses also teach administrative skills such as record keeping and medical billing, and you can choose to take a course focused on medical administration if you prefer.
When you’re choosing an online medical assisting program, you should check that the course is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission or another independent body that monitors its educational quality.
Job opportunities for medical assisting graduates are excellent, with a 19% projected increase by 2028. This growth is significantly higher than the average across all occupations.
There are no mandatory certification requirements for medical assistants, but most complete some postsecondary education. Potential employers are likely to prefer candidates who have completed a medical assisting program or associate degree.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching online associate in medical assisting programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? These courses require a high school diploma or GED. Some may require you to meet threshold ACT or SAT scores or take tests to prove your ability in English and mathematics. You should check that you meet the college’s admissions requirements before applying.
- Are courses offered synchronously or asynchronously? Many online medical assisting degree programs offer synchronous learning, where students attend lessons at a scheduled time but follow the course remotely. Others follow an asynchronous format that allows you to access teaching materials and complete your coursework on your own timetable. Check which delivery option your chosen course offers to ensure it fits with your schedule.
When you’re choosing your online associate in medical assisting course, take note of the application deadline for each program and what documents you have to submit during the admissions process. Most colleges state their requirements on their websites, but you can contact the admissions department if you’re unsure.
You must also figure out how to finance your studies. Check the deadlines for financial aid applications and consider exploring other financing options such as scholarship programs.