Cheapest Online Medical Assistant Programs | 2024

Discover the best most affordable online Medical Assistant programs available in 2024. Learn more about their nuances as we explore their prerequisites, requirements, salary expectations after graduation, and more.

What Is an Affordable Online Medical Assistant Program?

An affordable online Medical Assistant program is a structured educational offering designed to prepare students for a career as a Medical Assistant, focusing on providing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills at a cost-effective price point. These programs are typically offered by accredited institutions, including community colleges, vocational schools, and online universities. The affordability aspect makes it accessible to a wider range of students, including those who are working or have other commitments that prevent them from attending traditional on-campus programs.

Online Medical Assistant Coursework

The coursework for an online Medical Assistant program is designed to cover the foundational knowledge and skills needed in the medical assisting profession. While the specific coursework can vary by program, here is a general list of topics that are commonly covered:

• Medical Terminology: Understanding the language used in healthcare settings.
• Anatomy and Physiology: Basic knowledge of the human body and its functions.
• Clinical Procedures: Techniques for assisting with medical procedures.
• Pharmacology: Basics of medication administration and understanding prescriptions.
• Medical Law and Ethics: Understanding the legal and ethical considerations in healthcare.
• Patient Care: Skills for providing quality care and support to patients.
• Medical Billing and Coding: Introduction to the billing processes and coding for insurance purposes.
• Administrative Practices: Skills for managing medical office operations, including scheduling, record-keeping, and communication.

Online Medical Assistant Clinical Training

Clinical training in an online Medical Assistant program is crucial for providing students with hands-on experience in a healthcare setting. This component of the program is typically arranged through local healthcare facilities, allowing students to apply their learned skills in real-world situations under the supervision of professionals. Here's what to expect:

• Patient Interaction: Learning to communicate effectively with patients, including taking medical histories and explaining procedures.
• Vital Signs Measurement: Practicing taking and recording vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, and pulse.
• Assisting with Procedures: Gaining experience in assisting healthcare professionals during examinations and treatments.
• Phlebotomy: Training in drawing blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research.
• EKG Administration: Learning to perform electrocardiograms to monitor heart activity.
• Laboratory Skills: Basic lab skills, including preparing and handling specimens.
• Infection Control: Understanding and applying proper sterilization and infection control procedures.

Cheapest Online Medical Assistant Programs | 2024

The following schools have been selected based on allnurses' methodology of surveying our readers to understand what they value most, with the addition of graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, price, mode, duration, and admission rates of hundreds of the most prominent nursing schools in the United States.

1. U.S. Career Institute

The U.S. Career Institute offers an online Medical Assistant program designed for individuals seeking to start a new career in the medical field. This self-paced course allows students to study from home, providing flexibility for those with busy schedules or other commitments. The program covers essential aspects of medical assisting, including patient care, medical billing, and clinical procedures, preparing students for a variety of roles in healthcare settings.

Program Highlights:

• Cost: $1,239
• Self-Paced Learning: Students can complete the coursework at their own pace, making it easier to balance studies with personal and professional responsibilities.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: The program includes training in key areas such as medical terminology, anatomy, pharmacology, and administrative practices.

2. Stepful

Stepful offers a 4-month online Medical Assistant program designed to prepare students for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam. This program is unique in its approach, providing not only comprehensive online training but also guaranteed clinical hours and career coaching, with a bold promise: land a job or get your tuition back.

Program Highlights:

• Cost: $1,999
• Duration: 4 months of online training, making it a fast track to entering the medical field.
• Clinical Hours: Includes 80 clinical hours, offering practical experience in a healthcare setting.
• Certification Preparation: Specifically prepares students for the NHA CCMA certification, a widely recognized credential in the healthcare industry.
• Career Support: Provides job interview preparation and resume services, emphasizing their commitment to student success beyond the classroom.

3. San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University offers a Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) Certificate Course, which includes a 160-hour clinical externship. This program is available in two formats: an in-person/online hybrid course conducted in Downtown San Francisco and online, and a self-paced online course. This flexibility allows students to choose the learning format that best fits their needs and schedules.

Program Highlights:

• Cost: $2,599
• Hybrid and Online Formats: Offers both an in-person/online hybrid course and a self-paced online course, catering to different learning preferences and schedules.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Prepares students with the necessary training and skills to assist physicians in clinical responsibilities, including patient preparation for examination and treatment, routine laboratory procedures, diagnostic testing, phlebotomy, and cardiology.
• Professional Skills: Covers important topics such as phlebotomy, pharmacology, medication administration, vital signs documentation, cardiology, professional workplace behavior, ethics, and legal aspects of healthcare.
• Clinical Externship: Includes a 160-hour clinical externship, providing practical experience in a healthcare setting.
• Career Opportunities: Graduates may have the opportunity to apply to the UCSF Medical Assistant Trainee Academy after completing the program in Spring 2024, enhancing employment prospects.

4. MedCerts

MedCerts offers an Online Medical Assistant Certification Training Program designed to equip students with the skills necessary to perform both clinical and administrative duties required in a medical facility. This program is tailored for individuals looking to enter the healthcare industry with a comprehensive set of skills that are in high demand.

Program Highlights:

• Costs: Offers monthly payment options as low as $346, with total tuition priced at $4,000
• Program Length: 28 weeks, providing a thorough education in a relatively short period.
• Certifications: Prepares students for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) and Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) certifications.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers essential topics such as human anatomy, medical terminology, professionalism in allied health, clinical medical assisting, and medical office procedures and administration.
• Interactive and Engaging Learning: Utilizes expert-led video training, interactive simulations, and game-based learning to cater to various learning styles.

Cheapest Online Medical Assistant Prerequisites & Requirements

The cheapest online Medical Assistant programs come with prerequisites and requirements, ensuring students are ready for the rigors of education and prepared for the demands of the role.

Cheapest Online Medical Assistant Program Prerequisites

Common prerequisites include:

• High School Diploma or GED: Most programs require applicants to have completed high school or have a GED equivalent.
• Minimum Age Requirement: Applicants are often required to be at least 18 years old by the time they start the program.
• English Proficiency: Since the coursework and clinical instructions are typically in English, proficiency in the language is required. This may involve passing an English language proficiency test for non-native speakers.
• Basic Computer Skills: Given the online nature of the program, students should have basic computer skills and access to a reliable computer and internet connection.
• Healthcare Experience (Optional): While not always required, some programs may prefer or recommend having some healthcare experience or volunteer work in a healthcare setting.

Cheapest Online Medical Assistant Program Requirements

Once enrolled, students must meet certain requirements to complete the program and qualify for certification. These requirements often include:

• Completion of Coursework: Students must complete all required coursework with a satisfactory grade, which typically involves understanding medical terminology, anatomy, and other foundational knowledge.
• Clinical Training: Completion of a certain number of hours of clinical training or externship in a healthcare setting is usually required. This provides practical experience in medical assisting tasks.
• Examinations: Students may need to pass mid-term and final exams to demonstrate their understanding of the course material.
• Certification Exam Preparation: While not always a formal requirement of the program, many courses are designed to prepare students for national certification exams, such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam, which is a common next step after program completion.
• Technical Requirements: Maintaining access to the necessary technology, including a computer, internet, and sometimes specific software, to participate in online coursework and examinations.
• Professional Behavior: Adherence to professional standards and ethical behavior during both online coursework and clinical training is expected.

Salary Expectations of the Cheapest Online Medical Assistant Programs

According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for Medical Assistants in the state is $38,720, or $18.40 per hour.

Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 14 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for other occupations.

While these figures are directional, it's important to consider the various factors that affect salary expectations, such as geography, years of experience, employer, level of education, and more.

The top-paying states include:

• Washington: $50,350
• District of Columbia: $50,020
• Alaska: $49,400
• California: $47,850
• Minnesota: $47,330

Are the Cheapest Online Medical Assistant Programs Worth It?

While affordability is a significant advantage of the cheapest online Medical Assistant programs, it's essential to weigh both the pros and cons to determine if they're the right fit for your professional aspirations in the healthcare field.

Pros of the Cheapest Online Medical Assistant Programs

1. Cost-Effectiveness: The most apparent advantage is the lower tuition fees, making education more accessible to a broader range of students, including those with financial constraints.
2. Flexibility: Online programs often offer flexible scheduling options, allowing students to balance their studies with work, family, or other commitments.
3. Geographic Accessibility: Students can enroll in programs regardless of their physical location, eliminating the need for commuting or relocation.
4. Career Advancement: Completing a Medical Assistant program can open doors to entry-level positions in healthcare, providing a stepping stone to more advanced roles or specialized fields with further education.
5. Skill Development: These programs equip students with a blend of clinical and administrative skills, making them versatile employees in various healthcare settings.
6. Certification Preparation: Many affordable programs prepare students for national certification exams, enhancing their employability and potentially leading to higher wages.

Cons of the Cheapest Online Medical Assistant Programs

1. Quality Concerns: There may be concerns about the quality of education and training provided by lower-cost programs. Accreditation by recognized bodies can mitigate these concerns but should be verified.
2. Limited Hands-On Experience: While online programs may include clinical training, the hands-on experience might be less comprehensive than in-person programs, potentially affecting skill proficiency.
3. Self-Discipline Required: Online learning requires a high level of self-motivation and discipline, which can be challenging for some students.
4. Networking Opportunities: There may be fewer opportunities for networking with peers and professionals in the field, which can be crucial for career advancement.
5. Technology Dependence: Students must have reliable access to a computer and the internet, and any technical issues can hinder their learning progress.
6. Employer Perceptions: Some employers may have reservations about the rigor and effectiveness of online programs compared to traditional, in-person training.

Importance of Picking an Accredited Online Medical Assistant Program

Choosing an accredited online Medical Assistant program is crucial for several reasons:

• Quality Education: Accreditation ensures the program meets high standards for curriculum, faculty, and student resources, providing a quality education that prepares students for the workforce.
• Certification Eligibility: Graduates from accredited programs are eligible to sit for national certification exams, such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam, which is often required by employers.
• Employment Opportunities: Employers prefer hiring graduates from accredited programs, recognizing their comprehensive training and readiness for the medical assisting role.
• Transfer Credits: Credits from an accredited program are more likely to be accepted by other institutions if you decide to pursue further education.

The primary accrediting bodies for Medical Assistant programs are the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

Medical Assistant Programs Near Me

Discover the best Medical Assistant programs in the following states:

• California
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Michigan
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Texas

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How does electronic health records (EHR) training integrate into Medical Assistant classes?

EHR training is increasingly becoming a crucial part of Medical Assistant classes, reflecting the healthcare industry's shift towards digital record-keeping. In these classes, students learn how to use EHR software to enter patient information, manage health records, and understand privacy and security protocols. This training ensures that graduates are proficient in modern healthcare technologies, making them more competitive in the job market.

Q: What does the practicum component of a Medical Assistant training program involve?

The practicum component of a Medical Assistant training program is a hands-on clinical experience that allows students to apply their learned skills in a real-world healthcare setting, such as a physician's office or outpatient clinic. During the practicum, students perform a variety of tasks under supervision, including patient care, administrative duties, and assisting with procedures. This experience is critical for building confidence and competence in the field.

Q: How important are pass rates for the Medical Assistant exam when choosing a training program?

Pass rates for the Medical Assistant exam are a significant indicator of a training program's effectiveness. High pass rates suggest that the program adequately prepares students for the certification exam, which is crucial for employment in many healthcare settings. Prospective students should consider these rates when selecting a program, as they reflect the quality of education and training provided.

Q: Can I receive financial aid for online Medical Assistant programs, and does it differ for in-state versus out-of-state students?

Financial aid is often available for online Medical Assistant programs through various sources, including federal, state, and institutional aid. The availability and amount of financial aid can differ for in-state versus out-of-state students, particularly for programs offered by state colleges and universities. Prospective students should contact the financial aid office of their chosen institution to understand their eligibility and the types of aid available.

Q: What are the job placement services offered by Medical Assistant programs, and how do they support graduates?

Job placement services offered by Medical Assistant programs can include resume writing workshops, interview preparation sessions, job search assistance, and sometimes direct recruitment events with healthcare employers. These services aim to support graduates in securing employment promptly after completing their program. Some institutions also have partnerships with local healthcare facilities, enhancing job placement opportunities for their students. These services are crucial for transitioning from education to employment, ensuring graduates can effectively apply their skills in the workforce.