The Best Online Medical Assistant Degree Programs: Flexible and Affordable Options for You
If you're looking to start a rewarding career in healthcare, becoming a medical assistant (MA) could be your perfect entry point. Medical assistants play a vital role in medical offices, clinics, and hospitals, handling everything from patient care to administrative tasks. With the rise in demand for healthcare professionals, online medical assistant degree programs offer a flexible, affordable path into the field. In this article, we'll explore the best online medical assistant programs, focusing on affordability, flexibility, and career opportunities.
▶ 1. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) – Online Associate of Science in Health Administration with Medical Assisting Concentration
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers a highly flexible Associate of Science in Health Administration with a Medical Assisting Concentration. This program is ideal for those who want to gain both administrative and clinical skills for a career in medical assisting.
Program Highlights:
• Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
• Curriculum Focus: Includes medical office procedures, anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and patient care.
• Online Flexibility: 100% online, asynchronous courses that allow students to study on their schedule.
▣ Tuition: $320 per credit hour
SNHU's program combines healthcare administration and medical assisting, preparing students for diverse roles in medical offices and clinics.
▶ 2. Purdue University Global – Online Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting
Purdue University Global offers an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting, providing a solid foundation in both clinical and administrative aspects of the role.
Program Highlights:
• Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
• Curriculum Focus: Includes medical terminology, clinical procedures, healthcare law and ethics, and patient care.
• Externship: Required hands-on clinical externship to gain real-world experience.
▣ Tuition: $371 per credit hour
Purdue’s program is known for its comprehensive curriculum and robust externship opportunities, which help students gain practical experience and become job-ready.
▶ 3. University of Phoenix – Online Associate of Arts in Health Care Administration (with Medical Assisting Focus)
The University of Phoenix offers an Associate of Arts in Health Care Administration, with a focus on medical assisting. This program provides a well-rounded education in both administrative and clinical skills.
Program Highlights:
• Accreditation: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
• Curriculum Focus: Covers healthcare policies, medical billing and coding, patient care, clinical procedures, and medical office management.
• Online Flexibility: 100% online with asynchronous learning options.
▣ Tuition: $398 per credit hour
This program offers both medical assisting skills and a foundation in healthcare administration, preparing students for a wide range of roles in medical settings.
▶ 4. Herzing University – Online Associate Degree in Medical Assisting
Herzing University offers an Associate Degree in Medical Assisting, designed to prepare students for both clinical and administrative roles in healthcare.
Program Highlights:
• Accreditation: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
• Curriculum Focus: Includes medical office procedures, pharmacology, clinical techniques, medical law and ethics, and patient interaction.
• Externship: Offers clinical externship opportunities to gain hands-on experience.
▣ Tuition: $330 per credit hour
Herzing’s flexible online program, combined with externship opportunities, helps students get the practical experience needed to succeed in medical assisting.
▶ 5. Capella University – Online Bachelor’s in Health Administration with Medical Assisting Focus
Capella University offers a Bachelor’s in Health Administration with a Medical Assisting Focus, designed for those who want to move into leadership roles within healthcare.
Program Highlights:
• Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
• Curriculum Focus: Includes healthcare management, medical terminology, patient care, and healthcare ethics.
• Online Flexibility: Fully online with flexible, asynchronous classes.
▣ Tuition: $315 per credit hour
Capella’s bachelor’s program is an excellent option for those who want to specialize in medical assisting but also aim for leadership roles in healthcare administration.
Additional Options: Specializing in Niche Areas
While most programs provide general medical assisting training, a few schools offer specialized degrees or certificates that focus on niche areas, such as medical billing and coding or clinical assisting.
▶ Penn Foster – Medical Billing and Coding Certificate (Online)
Penn Foster offers a Medical Billing and Coding Certificate, which can be completed entirely online. This program focuses on the essential skills needed for those looking to enter the medical billing or coding field.
▣ Tuition: Around $1,200 for the full program.
▶ Ashworth College – Clinical Medical Assistant Certificate
Ashworth College provides a Clinical Medical Assistant Certificate that prepares students for hands-on clinical roles. The program is designed to provide skills in patient care, phlebotomy, and clinical procedures.
▣ Tuition: Around $2,000 for the full certificate program.
These niche programs allow students to focus on specific skills that are in high demand within the healthcare field.
Comparing Costs and Flexibility: Public vs. Private Institutions
When selecting an online medical assistant degree program, cost and flexibility are essential factors. Public institutions like Purdue University Global tend to offer lower tuition rates, while private schools like Herzing University provide smaller class sizes and more personalized support.
Cost Comparison:
Southern New Hampshire University (Private): $320 per credit hour
☑ Purdue University Global (Public): $371 per credit hour
☑ University of Phoenix (Private): $398 per credit hour
☑ Herzing University (Private): $330 per credit hour
☑ Capella University (Private): $315 per credit hour
Public universities are often more affordable, but private institutions may offer greater flexibility and support.
Job Outlook and Career Growth in Medical Assisting
The demand for medical assistants is expected to grow significantly. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of medical assistants is projected to increase by 19% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Median Annual Salary (2023):
Medical Assistants: $37,190
As the healthcare industry continues to expand, especially in outpatient care settings, the need for skilled medical assistants will rise, making this a promising career path.
Success Story: From Online Degree to Career
//Emily Thompson, a graduate of Purdue University Global’s online Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting, found her calling in patient care after completing her externship at a local clinic. "The flexibility of the online courses allowed me to work part-time while completing my degree. The externship gave me real-world experience, and within three months of graduating, I landed a full-time position as a medical assistant at a family practice. The degree really helped me feel prepared for the job."
Take the Next Step in Your Medical Assisting Career
Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to gain more specialized skills, an online medical assistant degree offers flexibility and affordability. With a variety of programs available, you can find the right fit based on your needs, goals, and budget.
Explore your options today, apply for financial aid, and begin your journey toward a successful career in healthcare!