As the demand for skilled healthcare professionals continues to grow, many individuals are turning to online colleges to pursue a career as a medical assistant. Medical assistants play a vital role in the healthcare industry, providing administrative and clinical support to physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. With the flexibility and convenience of online learning, it's now possible to earn a medical assistant degree or certification from the comfort of your own home. In this article, we'll explore the best online colleges for medical assistant programs, their curriculum, and the career opportunities available to graduates.
Key Points
- The medical assistant profession is projected to grow 19% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
- Online medical assistant programs typically take 9-12 months to complete and include both classroom and clinical training.
- Graduates of online medical assistant programs are eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam or the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam.
- Medical assistants can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including physician offices, hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes.
- The median annual salary for medical assistants is $35,850, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Top Online Colleges for Medical Assistant Programs
When choosing an online college for a medical assistant program, it’s essential to consider factors such as accreditation, curriculum, and career support. Here are some of the top online colleges for medical assistant programs:
1. Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA)
UMA offers a medical assistant program that can be completed in as little as 12 months. The program includes both classroom and clinical training and is designed to prepare students for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam.
2. Kaplan University
Kaplan University offers a medical assistant program that can be completed online or on-campus. The program includes courses in medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology, as well as clinical training in a healthcare setting.
3. Penn Foster Career School
Penn Foster Career School offers a medical assistant program that can be completed in as little as 12 months. The program includes both classroom and clinical training and is designed to prepare students for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam.
| College | Program Length | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) | 12 months | $15,000 |
| Kaplan University | 12-18 months | $20,000 |
| Penn Foster Career School | 12 months | $10,000 |
Curriculum and Career Opportunities
Online medical assistant programs typically include courses in medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology, as well as clinical training in a healthcare setting. Graduates of these programs are eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam or the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam. Medical assistants can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including physician offices, hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes.
Career Opportunities
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the medical assistant profession is projected to grow 19% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual salary for medical assistants is $35,850. With the increasing demand for healthcare services, medical assistants will play a vital role in providing quality patient care and supporting healthcare professionals.
What is the average salary for a medical assistant?
+The median annual salary for medical assistants is $35,850, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Can I complete a medical assistant program online?
+Yes, there are many online colleges that offer medical assistant programs. These programs typically include both classroom and clinical training and can be completed in as little as 12 months.
What is the job outlook for medical assistants?
+The medical assistant profession is projected to grow 19% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In conclusion, online colleges offer a convenient and flexible way to pursue a career as a medical assistant. With the increasing demand for healthcare services, medical assistants will play a vital role in providing quality patient care and supporting healthcare professionals. By choosing an accredited online college and completing a medical assistant program, individuals can gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this rewarding career.
