Best Online Medical Assistant Certificate Programs

An online medical assistant certificate prepares learners for entry-level healthcare careers. After completing a one-year certificate program, graduates can apply for medical assistant certification and pursue roles at hospitals and doctor’s offices.

During a medical assistant program, students learn to read medical charts, interpret medical terminology, and create and maintain medical records. A certificate also builds clinical skills, teaching students to use clinical instruments like heart rate and blood pressure monitors. Many online programs also incorporate internships or practicums to help learners develop their skills under supervision.

While studying medical terminology, anatomy, and medical office assisting, certificate students also strengthen their interpersonal and clinical abilities. Coursework encourages a detail-oriented approach, and the online learning format can make a medical assistant certificate more accessible.

Both a medical assistant certificate and an associate degree in medical assisting offer clinical and administrative training. During a certificate or associate degree, students complete courses in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and medical office assisting. Both options meet the requirements for certification as a medical assistant.

However, a certificate program does not award a degree and typically takes less time to complete. While a medical assistant certificate generally spans one year, an associate degree takes two years. In addition to medical assisting coursework, associate programs often include general science courses.

Some employers prefer candidates with degrees, and associate graduates can more easily transfer into a bachelor’s program, having already met general education requirements. This makes career advancement easier for associate degree-holders than certificate-holders.

Medical assistance professionals can specialize in clinical or administrative assistance, taking courses like medical terminology, office administration, and anatomy. Depending on specialization, certificate holders can pursue opportunities like ophthalmic technician, medical administrative assistant, or medical coder. Graduates can also work in education, emergency services, and social services.

Online programs offer a flexible schedule, but how can students find the best online program for their unique goals and needs? First, prospective applicants should research whether programs offer classes through live sessions, provide online tuition discounts, or accept transfer credits. Learn more about how to choose an online program at the links below.

Graduates of accredited medical assistant programs meet the requirements to pursue more advanced professional certifications. Most employers also prefer to hire candidates who attended accredited programs. Thus, prospective medical assistants should always research the accreditation status of potential programs before applying, and should only attend regionally accredited institutions.

Students can also look into programmatic accreditation. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools accredit medical assistant programs. Learn more about why accreditation matters in our accreditation guide.

The standard medical assistant curriculum includes courses in medical terminology, human anatomy, and administrative assisting. Most programs incorporate internships or practicums, which help enrollees gain practical experience.

This section introduces common courses in an online medical assistant certificate. While each program sets its own unique curriculum, many offer the following courses.

A medical assistant certificate typically takes 1-2 years, depending on the program and the student’s enrollment status. Online programs often allow learners to complete requirements in a flexible scheduling format, which appeals to working professionals and students balancing school with other responsibilities.

After completing a certificate, medical assistants often pursue professional certification. Certified medical assistants (CMAs) and registered medical assistants (RMAs) stand out on the job market.

A medical assistant certification helps certificate graduates compete for available jobs. While most states do not require certification, many employers prefer to hire CMAs. Several organizations offer certifications for medical assistants.

To qualify for certification, candidates typically need to pass an examination that tests their knowledge and skills. Certified professionals must complete continuing education requirements to maintain their credentials. An online medical assistant certificate from an accredited program meets the eligibility requirements for the following certifications.

Both CMAs and RMAs must pass a national certifying examination to receive their credentials. Both typically complete an accredited medical assistant program, and some certifying organizations also require professional experience to receive a credential.

However, a CMA receives their credential from a different organization than an RMA. Neither credential is necessarily “better” than the other. Within the field of medical assisting, several organizations provide credentials for professionals, leading to different titles. Check with potential employers when deciding which credential is right for you.

Professional organizations help medical assistant students prepare for the workforce. They also help working medical assistants renew their certifications, network with other professionals, and advance their careers. For example, the American Registry of Medical Assistants and the American Medical Technologists offer certifications.

The American Association of Medical Assistants offers continuing education opportunities. Organizations like the American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management and the Association for Healthcare Administrative Professionals both help medical assistants connect with others in their specializations.

After completing online certificate programs, graduates can pursue medical assistant careers in healthcare. Medical assistants work in many different settings, including hospitals, doctor’s offices, outpatient care centers, and chiropractor’s offices.

The salary for medical assistants varies depending on the setting, with those working in hospitals and outpatient care centers tending to earn the highest salaries. However, these workplaces often require shift hours, while a doctor’s office usually operates on a typical work schedule.