Medical Assistant Colleges

Below are links to the top online medical assisting degrees. Use the links next to the school to request free information about the programs it offers. If you are considering in enrolling in an online medical assisting program, please request information from at least four different colleges as each program has differences that are best explained by the schools themselves.

BA in Health Services Administration	Baker College — A BA in Health Services Administration teaches you how to perform important clerical functions, communicate with coworkers and patients, and meet the vigorous demands in environments like hospitals and health clinics. Baker College offers an excellent program that will put you on the path to earn this degree promising to open up many doors to you with healthcare companies.
AS in Medical Assisting AS in Health Information Management AS in Medical Billing and Coding AS in Medical Office Administration	Herzing University — If you are looking for a well-respected school with a range of programs offered in the health care industry, Herzing University may be the right choice for you. Herzing University offers AS degrees in Medical Assisting, Health Information Management, Medical Billing and Coding, and Medical Office Administration. These programs teach you the foundation necessary to continue on to a bachelor's degree should you choose to continue your schooling.
AAS in Medical Assisting AAS in Health IT AAS in Medical Office Management AAS in Medical Office Transcription	Kaplan University — You can earn an exciting degree in various health care disciplines at Kaplan University. Programs offered include an AAS in Medical Assisting, Health IT, Medical Office Management, and Medical Office Transcription. The programs enable you to assist physicians, communicate professionally, and perform key functions in health care facility and lab settings.
AA Degree in Health Care AA Degree in Medical Records	University of Phoenix — If you are looking for a flexible college experience then the University of Phoenix may be the perfect college for you. With campuses all across the US and programs in the leading fields, this school will help you gain the skills necessary to get hired by company In exciting health care companies. Two prominent programs include an AA in Health Care and AA in Medical Records. Both programs offer an overview of records management practices and lay the foundation for bachelor's degree level coursework.
AS Degree in Medical Assisting AS Degree in Health Services	Keiser University — Keiser University is a prominent school that offers AS degrees in medical assisting and Health Services. A degree in medical assisting enables you communicate with and assist physicians in their daily activities. The degree in AS Health Services teaches you the skills necessary to work in different health care settings ranging from hospitals to health clinics giving you the ability to meet the health care needs of those you serve.
AAS in Medical Assisting	Bryant & Stratton College — An AAS in Medical Assisting teaches you the skills necessary for ambulatory settings and the clinical duties that are associated with this demanding field. Bryant & Stratton College has an excellent program offering this degree helping you remain competitive and giving you the skills that employers are looking for. Students in this program participate in active classroom and laboratory settings simulating real world environments.
AAS in Health Information Technology	Carrington College — Carrington College offers an AAS in Health Information Technology. This degree teaches you how to perform medical coding, process medical and insurance billing claims, perform clerical functions, and how to communicate with other health care professionals and patients. Successful candidates in this program can find employment in hospitals, medical offices, and insurance companies.
ABA in Healthcare Administration	Ivy Bridge College — If you would like to be able to meet the vigorous demands of healthcare professionals, an ABA in Healthcare Administration from Ivy Bridge College may be a great choice for you. This program teaches you to communicate in a professional manner using technical healthcare terminology, assist physicians and other health care professionals, and perform key functions in healthcare facilities.
AS in Healthcare Administration	California Coast University — California Coast University gives its students the vital skills employers are looking for in the healthcare industry. The AS in Healthcare Administration program is a broad encompassing program preparing students for jobs in a variety of healthcare settings and giving the framework needed for those wishing to pursue a bachelor's degree.
AS in Medical Office Administration BS in Health Services Management	Virginia College — The healthcare industry is a promising field in high demands by many great employers. Virginia College offers two degrees designed to give graduates a competitive edge in filling these positions. The school offers an AS degree in Medical Office Administration and BS in Health Services Management. These programs teach students the skills necessary to work in a wide range of settings including medical labs and hospitals.
BBA in Health Services Administration	Strayer University — Strayer University is widely respected for its top tier degree programs that prepare students for the vigorous demands of the healthcare industry. The BBA degree in Health Services Administration gives students the knowledge and skills needed to perform vital front office functions like medical coding and processing insurance billing claims.
AAS in Medical Administration AAS in Health IT AAS in Human Services	Rasmussen College — Rasmussen College offers a plethora of degrees in the medical industry. Program offerings include an AAS in Medical Administration, Health IT, and Human Services. The programs teach you how to operate in settings like hospitals and clinics, perform medical coding and insurance claim billing, and how to effectively communicate and meet the demands of patients.
AS in Medical Administration Assisting	Fortis College — An AS in Medical Administration Assisting teaches you how perform specialized functions like medical word processing, being a medical secretary, providing important services to a physician as an administrative assistant, and working as a medical transcriptionist. Fortis College offers an excellent program enabling students to perform these important functions once the degree had been completed.
AS in Healthcare Administration	Brookline College — If you would like a broad degree opening up doors for a wide range of companies in the healthcare industry, an AS in Healthcare Administration may be an excellent program for you. This degree gives you the ability to work in hospitals, medical labs, and private healthcare clinics. You can earn this rewarding degree from Brookline College which is known for their quality education and stellar teachers.
AS in Clinical Medical Assisting	San Joaquin Valley College — San Joaquin Valley College offers the AS in Clinical Medical Assisting degree. This program teaches you injection administration, CPR and first aid, how to assist in minor surgery, perform basic lab tests, and complete front office procedures. This program helps open up doors in prominent companies in the healthcare industry leading graduates to a rewarding career.
AS Degree in Health Administration AS Degree in Human Services	Iowa Central College — Iowa Central College offers two excellent degrees in the healthcare industry which are in Health Administration and Human Services. These degrees teach students the skills necessary to perform vital front office functions in hospitals and other health care settings as well as how to effectively communicate with patients enabling you to assist in servicing their healthcare needs.

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Definition of a Medical Assistant Degree

Medical assistant colleges offer different options depending on how long you plan to be in school. The majority offer an associate's degree, often called an Associate of Science Medical Assisting. The advantage of this route is that you can usually apply your credits from your associate's degree toward a bachelor's degree in the future. If you are sure you do not want to pursue a bachelor's degree, you might prefer medical assistant colleges that feature a shorter certification course. This is usually called a medical assistant certificate.

One of the best skills you can learn at medical assistant college is how to make patients feel comfortable and at-ease with you, since you will be dealing with people everyday. Knowing the best way to explain the doctor's orders is also quite helpful. Additionally, you will learn basic anatomy, medical terms, recordkeeping, general office skills, and how to render first aid. You'll hone your clinical duties including taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examination, and administering medications as directed by physician.

Career Options for Medical Assistants

Most students at medical assistant college intend to become medical assistants, but there are several related positions that this degree may prepare students for, as well. For example, if you find that you are adept at keeping medical records organized, you might be interested in becoming a physician's administrative assistant or medical secretary, which would require you to deal more with paperwork than medical care. However, regardless of where you work, you can expect to perform the following duties:

• Record patients' medical history, vital statistics, or information such as test results in medical records.
• Prepare treatment rooms for patient examinations, keeping the rooms neat and clean.
• Interview patients to obtain medical information and measure their vital signs, weight, and height.
• Authorize drug refills and provide prescription information to pharmacies.
• Clean and sterilize instruments and dispose of contaminated supplies.
• Prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician.
• Show patients to examination rooms and prepare them for the physician.

If you find that you do not want to work directly with patients, you can put your organizational skills and knowledge of medical terminology to work as a medical transcriptionist. You might also move into more specialized positions such as nursing aide, physical therapist assistant, and dental hygienist.

Medical Assistant Classes and Degree Information

If you are going for an associate's degree, you will need to take general education courses, including math and English. You will also be expected to take several science courses, such as biology, anatomy, medical terminology, and physiology. Other basic classes that offer a good background to start with include basic computer skills and accounting. If you are in a shorter program that does not result in an associate's degree, you will only take classes meant specifically for medical assisting, not general education classes.

You can expect most of your knowledge to come from required externships. This means you will be working alongside experienced medical assistants and nurses at either a hospital or doctor's office. You will be closely monitored for the first few months, but you should slowly learn to do the skills on your own over time before you officially get a job in this field.

Externships also provide an opportunity to network with other medical assistants, doctors, and nurses. When it comes time to look for a job, your connections in the field will pay off. Volunteering also provides invaluable networking opportunities. Hospitals and clinics need volunteers to provide patient support and care. Take advantage of these opportunities by giving back a few hours a week at a medical facility near your home.

Average Salaries for Medical Assistants

Your salary will likely depend on where you work and your professional experience. According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants can earn roughly $30,000 a year with the highest 10 percent earning more than $39,570. Other stats include:

Medical assistants can work in many settings, allowing a great deal of flexibility when it comes to finding employment. Depending on what type of patient you wish to serve will influence your salary. With a medical assistant degree, you might also qualify, or be interested, in working as a:

• Medical transcriptionist
• Clinical medical assistants perform duties similar to those of:
• Dental assistants
• Dental hygienists
• Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses
• Nursing and psychiatric aides
• Occupational therapist assistants and aides
• Pharmacy technicians and aides
• Physical therapist assistants and aides

These careers might require additional training or coursework. Clinical duties vary depending on the work environment and state law and regulations. Each state has its own requirements for maintaining licensure so make to verify these requirements prior to submitting your application. You'll want to verify that the school you choose offers the necessary courses need to practice in your state. Practicing without a license can result in stiff penalties. Doctors and nurses must also also apply to practice and prescriptive authority. Taking the time to research and educate yourself pays off in the long run. 

Degree Requirements for Medical Assistants

Medical assistants do not need to be licensed, but the vast majority of them choose to become certified in this field. Many states do require certification for medical assistants to draw blood or take x-rays, so if you want to perform such tasks and have a better chance of getting a job in this industry, you should consider this path. This requires attending a medical assistant college that is accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs or Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.

The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) awards the Certified Medical Assistant credential. This credential must be renewed every five years. It's important to maintain your certification and/or license. You can find study resources and other helpful information by visiting the AAMA's website. They also provide state and chapter support as well as re-certification and continuing education information.