Why This Matters

  • 19% OF MEDICAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATORS HAVE ASSOCIATE DEGREES

    An O*NET survey shows that 19% of office administrators and health service managers have an associate degree, 65% have a bachelor’s degree, and 12% have a master’s degree.

  • THE U.S. NEEDS 139,000 MORE OF YOU BY 2029

    The overall aging population and industry-wide changes in healthcare technology are contributing to the above-average demand for medical office administrators during the next eight years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 19% increase in the number of available medical office administrator jobs between 2019 and 2029.

  • EARN $35,850 AS A MEDICAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

    While you will need an advanced degree for high-paying jobs, medical office administrators with an associate degree earn $35,850 per year on average.

Our Research

Medical office administrators are vital in making sure healthcare centers, hospitals, and private practice facilities operate efficiently and effectively. Their responsibilities include working directly with patients and healthcare professionals to manage health records, set appointments, complete insurance forms, and code patients’ medical information. An associate degree in medical office administration prepares students for a rewarding career in healthcare.

Students gain a solid foundation in medical office procedures, terminology, software applications, insurance and billing, records management, team building, and problem-solving skills. Our list looks thoroughly at Associate of Arts and Associate of Applied Science degrees, all of which are offered online by regionally accredited schools. The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) accredits allied health programs that meet high standards of rigorous education.

  • 75 hours to write this article
  • 90 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 95 education programs we compared

The Top 50 Online Associate in Medical Office Administration Programs

Best Online Associate in Medical Office Administration Programs Badge
01
Intelligent Pick
Pitt Community College
01
Best for Exam Prep
Southwestern Community College
01
Best for Patient Services
Craven Community College
01
Best Start Dates
Liberty University
01
Most Affordable
Wake Technical Community College
01
Best Dual-Enrollment Option
Surry Community College
01
Best Self-Paced Option
Guilford Technical Community College
01
Best for Vets
Wayne Community College
01
Best for Certification
Vance-Granville Community College
01
Best in the Northeast
Bryant & Stratton College
01
Best in the Midwest
Herzing University
01
Best for Career Preparation
Beaufort County Community College
01
Most Flexible
Keiser University
01
Fastest to Completion
Ultimate Medical Academy
01
Best in the West
Colorado Christian University
01
Best Hybrid Option
Monroe College
01
Best in the Southwest
Penn Foster College
01
Best Part-Time Option
Lenoir Community College
01
Best for Articulation
Northland Community & Technical College
01
Best for Coding
Dakota College at Bottineau
01
Best Full-Time Option
National American University
01
Best Internship Option
Illinois Eastern Community Colleges
01
Best Evening Option
Fayetteville Technical Community College
01
Best for Insurance
Stratford University
01
Best for Transferring
Alexandria Technical & Community College
01
Best in the Mid Atlantic
Pittsburgh Technical College
01
Best for Business
The College of Health Care Professions
01
Best for Non-Technical Skills
Coastal Carolina Community College
01
Best Concentration Option
New England Institute of Business and Finance
01
Best for Adult Learners
Berkeley College

What You Should Know About This Degree

If you’re not sure that an online associate in medical office administration is right for you, consider similar degrees such as business administrator or medical assistant. Business admins work in and manage businesses of all types, including healthcare facilities, and medical assistants work directly with patients to take histories and vital signs before appointments.

Secretaries and administrative worker jobs are expected to decline through 2029, which means having your associate degree in medical office administration can help make you more competitive in the job market.

Credentials to look for as you research programs in this field include the Higher Learning Commission, Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

A certificate or license isn’t necessary for most jobs in medical office administration. However, related certifications, such as the Medical Coding Certificate, can help give you an edge in the job market.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching online associate in medical office administration programs:

  • Am I eligible for this program? Most associate degree plans require students to submit a high school diploma or equivalency and demonstrate interest in the medical profession. You also may be required to enroll in general education courses and maintain a certain GPA.
  • Are courses offered synchronously or asynchronously? All the programs we reviewed for this program are offered online. Depending on the school, program, and instructor, classes will either meet together online at a determined time or allow students to work on coursework at their own pace. Before you select your program, make sure that it fits your learning style and schedule.

Explore the different programs you might qualify for and review the school’s application requirements. Gather your materials early and apply as soon as you select your school. You will also need to think about funding your associate degree in medical office administration. Talk to the school’s admissions office or financial aid advisor to learn what loans, scholarships, or other forms of aid might be available.