[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online medical assistant associate degree programs prepare graduates for administrative and clinical roles in physicians’ offices, healthcare facilities, and hospitals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These professionals can expect strong job prospects: The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link] projects jobs for medical assistants to increase 15% between 2023-2033 — much faster than the national average for all occupations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide ranks the best online medical assistant associate degree programs to help students find the right programs for their career goals. We also cover important information for prospective students, including common courses and potential careers and salaries for graduates.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Online Associate Medical Assistant Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”what-is”]What Is a Medical Assistant Associate Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical assistant associate programs prepare students for entry-level administrative and clinical roles in hospitals, physicians’ offices, and healthcare facilities. These programs also prepare learners to pursue further study through a bachelor’s program. Many graduates with an associate degree can complete a four-year bachelor’s degree with just two additional years of study.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]During medical assistant associate programs, students gain skills and knowledge in patient communication, office management, and organization. Many medical assistant degrees require an internship or practicum, giving students practical experience in the field.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most associate degrees in medical assisting take two years of full-time study to complete, though many schools also offer accelerated programs. Applicants typically need a high school diploma and must submit transcripts. Some schools may also require a minimum GPA or SAT or ACT scores.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”choosing”]Choosing an Online Medical Assistant Degree Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To ensure they find the right program for their needs, students who are researching prospective online medical assistant degree programs should consider several factors, such as cost and transfer policies.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-article-card title=”How to Choose Your Major” href=”/resources/how-to-choose-your-major/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-article-card title=”What to Look for in an Online College” href=”/resources/what-to-look-for-online-college/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”what-does-medical-assistant-do”]What Does a Medical Assistant Do?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical assistants play a critical role in the support of healthcare providers. They typically perform clinical and administrative tasks, such as taking patient histories, measuring vital signs, and performing basic lab tests. Most medical assistants work in physicians’ offices, though it is also common to work in hospitals and outpatient care facilities. These professionals sometimes specialize in assisting a particular type of practitioner, like a chiropractor, optometrist, or podiatrist.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Depending on a medical assistant’s work environment, they may perform administrative or clinical tasks. In larger hospitals with numerous support staff, medical assistants typically focus on clerical duties, like patient scheduling, records management, and correspondence. Smaller practices may require medical assistants to take on clinical responsibilities, including drawing blood, preparing specimens for lab tests, or even administering injections or medications, depending on state regulations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical assistants can pursue professional credentials, such as certified medical assistant, to increase their competitiveness in the job market. Successful medical assistants are personable and detail-oriented, with excellent analytical and technical skills.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”jobs”]Medical Assistant Jobs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates with a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/healthcare-administration-degree/”]medical assistant associate degree[/hen-ui-link] can work as medical assistants, medical and health services managers, and pharmacy technicians. Below, you’ll find important information about these jobs, including average salaries.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background” theme=”secondary”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Medical Assistants” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Median Salary: $42,000[/hen-ui-text] 15% [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm”]Medical assistants[/hen-ui-link] perform supportive clinical and administrative duties in hospitals, physicians’ offices, and other healthcare facilities. They may take patient histories, measure vital signs, or assist physicians with exams. They also schedule patient appointments, maintain health records, and fill out insurance forms.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical assistants tend to perform a broader spectrum of tasks in smaller facilities, while those employed by larger practices often specialize in administrative or clinical work. Most employers prefer candidates with a medical assistant associate degree and certification.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Medical and Health Services Managers” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Median Salary: $110,680[/hen-ui-text] 29% [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Sometimes called healthcare administrators or executives, [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm/”]medical and health services managers[/hen-ui-link] develop and coordinate health services. Most of these professionals work in hospitals, physicians’ offices, or residential and outpatient care facilities. They hire and train staff, prepare and maintain budgets, and ensure compliance with the latest laws and regulations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These professionals may oversee an entire facility or a smaller department within a facility. Most employers require candidates to hold a bachelor’s degree in a field like health administration, health management, or public health administration. This profession also includes nursing home administrators, who need specific state licenses to practice.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Pharmacy Technicians” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Median Salary: $40,300[/hen-ui-text] 7% [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacy-technicians.htm”]Pharmacy technicians[/hen-ui-link] support pharmacists by interfacing with customers and helping to dispense medications. Most pharmacy technicians work in retail pharmacies. These professionals take patient information, count tablets, measure liquid medications, and mix formulas. They may also perform administrative duties. In hospitals, pharmacy technicians often prepare dosages and dispense medication to patients.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]All pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Most pharmacy technicians receive on-the-job training and hold a high school diploma or a postsecondary certificate, though employers often prefer candidates with an associate degree.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”educational-paths”]Educational Paths for Online Medical Assistant Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to entry-level employment, graduates with a medical assistant associate degree can pursue further study through a bachelor’s program. We cover several common bachelor’s degrees for graduates below.[/hen-ui-text]

• [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-nursing/”]Bachelor’s in Nursing[/hen-ui-link]: Bachelor’s in nursing programs build on the administrative and clinical experience students gain during an medical assistant associate degree program. Many schools offer bridge programs for certified medical assistants to pursue an accelerated associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). ADN and BSN programs usually require a practicum in addition to coursework in anatomy, patient interaction, and diagnostic procedures.
• [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-healthcare-management/”]Bachelor’s in Healthcare Management[/hen-ui-link]: A bachelor’s in healthcare management emphasizes business and leadership skills specific to the healthcare industry, preparing students for roles as supervisors and administrators. Students who aspire to an executive leadership position are best suited to a bachelor’s in healthcare management. Coursework examines topics like quality management, payment systems, data management, and human resources.
• [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-public-health/”]Master’s in Public Health[/hen-ui-link]: Earning a medical assistant associate degree online can be the first step toward a bachelor’s or master’s in public health, especially if you enroll in a bridge program. Graduates with a master’s in public health can work as public health practitioners, educators, researchers, and policymakers. Coursework explores topics such as health management, biostatistics, and epidemiology. Most public health master’s programs require an internship or practicum at a community organization or public health agency.

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”accreditation”]Accreditation for Online Associate in Medical Assisting Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students should only consider accredited medical assistant programs when researching schools. Accreditation indicates that a school meets high standards with respect to academic rigor, faculty qualifications, and student learning outcomes.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students benefit from attending accredited schools in several ways. First, only students at accredited schools qualify for federal financial aid opportunities, and many schools only accept transfer credits and degrees from accredited institutions. Additionally, many employers will only hire hire candidates with an accredited degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Schools may receive regional or national accreditation, with regional accreditation generally considered the more prestigious of the two. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ed.gov/”]U.S. Department of Education[/hen-ui-link] and the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.chea.org/”]Council for Higher Education Accreditation[/hen-ui-link] oversee regional accrediting bodies.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Programs within a school can also receive programmatic accreditation. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.caahep.org/”]Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs[/hen-ui-link] and the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.abhes.org/”]Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools[/hen-ui-link] both accredit medical assisting programs. Students seeking medical assistant certification need a degree accredited by one of these organizations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”organizations”]Medical Assistant Professional Organizations[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical assistant students and graduates can take advantage of a variety of professional organizations to support their careers. Many of the following organizations offer benefits like student discounts, scholarships, continuing education, and networking opportunities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aama-ntl.org/index” target=”_blank”]American Association of Medical Assistants[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] AAMA awards the certified medical assistant (CMA) credential. Members enjoy access to CMA exam discounts, exclusive web content and AAMA publications, and industry networking opportunities. They may also attend the AAMA annual conference.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://arma-cert.org/” target=”_blank”]American Registry of Medical Assistants[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] ARMA represents thousands of allied health professionals, including nurses, corpsmen, and military medics. Applicants must submit evidence of a high school diploma or equivalent, a copy of their signed social security card, and a copy of their photo ID. Applicants may also need to submit transcripts from their medical assisting programs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nhanow.com/” target=”_blank”]National Healthcareer Association[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] NHA advocates for more than 75,000 allied healthcare workers in the United States, including healthcare students, educators, employers, and employees. Members enjoy access to industry publications, career resources, and military benefits to assist with certification.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How Long Do You Have to Go to School to Be a Medical Assistant?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical assistant certificates and diplomas typically take one year to complete, while a medical assistant associate degree takes about two years of full-time study to complete.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Does a Medical Assistant Do?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical assistants perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks to support healthcare practitioners. They may perform general administrative duties or specialize in an area like ophthalmic or podiatric medical assisting.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How Long Does it Take to Become a Certified Medical Assistant?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Obtaining medical assistant certification typically takes 1-2 years and involves passing an exam administered by a national credentialing organization.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can You Get Your Medical Assistant Degree Online?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, many schools offer online medical assistant associate degree programs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Degree Does a Medical Assistant Need?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Though requirements vary by state, most employers prefer medical assistants with an associate degree and professional certification.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How Long Is a Medical Assistant Degree?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Generally, a medical assistant associate degree takes two years of full-time study to complete, though some schools offer accelerated programs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Is a Medical Assistant Associate Degree?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A medical assistant associate degree gives students the administrative and clinical skills they need to pursue medical assistant certification and apply to entry-level jobs in the field.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]