Why This Matters
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73% OF MEDICAL ASSISTANT ROLES REQUIRE HIGHER EDUCATION
65% of medical assistant jobs require at least a post-secondary certificate, and 18% call for associate degrees. An online associate degree can set you apart from other candidates.
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139,200 MORE HEALTHCARE ASSISTANTS NEEDED BY 2028
As advances in medicine increase the average lifespan, the demands on healthcare services are set to increase steadily. Healthcare assistant jobs are expected to grow by 19% in the coming decade.
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EARN AN AVERAGE OF $35,850 PER YEAR
Full-time medical assistants earn a median wage of $35,850 per year, and completing an associate degree may help you access higher-paid roles.
Our Research
Our list features undergraduate programs that award an associate degree in medical assisting, medical administration assisting, or allied health. As the courses have a strong scientific focus, graduates earn an Associate of Science qualification. Some programs are delivered exclusively online while others offer the option for blended learning.
The Higher Learning Commission accredits many of the online associate in medical assisting programs on this list. This independent body covers 19 states and rigorously assesses institutions to ensure they meet the highest standards for student learning. The list also features degrees accredited by other regional and national bodies. Choosing a school with such accreditation makes it easier to transfer credits to other institutions.
- 54 hours to write this article
- 84 universities and colleges we assessed
- 93 education programs we compared
The Top 50 Online Associate in Medical Assisting Programs
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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.