Are you interested in becoming a medical assistant but need flexible online classes to fit your busy schedule? Online medical assistant programs have become an increasingly popular option. But with so many online courses available, it can be overwhelming to figure out which ones are truly worth your time and money. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about the best online medical assistant classes in 2024, including affordable options, accelerated programs, and courses that offer financial aid.

Key Points

• A medical assistant is a healthcare professional who supports doctors and nurses, performing administrative and clinical tasks to ensure efficient patient care.
• Medical Assistant classes can be completed online.
• The schools renowned for their comprehensive online medical assistant programs are CareerStep, MedCerts, Penn Foster, Stepful, and US Career Institute.
• Typically, it takes about 6-12 months to complete a Medical Assistant program.
• The average medical assistant salary is $42,000 per year.

How long does it take to become a medical assistant?

Becoming a medical assistant typically takes about 1 year. This includes completing an accredited program, which can range from 6 weeks for accelerated courses to 1-2 years for associate degree programs. After completing the program, you'll need to do an externship and pass a certification exam, like those offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

What is the best medical assistant certification?

The best certification for medical assistants often depends on your career goals and employer preferences. Two widely recognized certifications are the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) offered by American Medical Technologists (AMT). Both certifications require passing an exam after completing an accredited medical assistant program.

What's the fastest you can become a Medical Assistant?

You can become a Medical Assistant in as short as 6 weeks. Some classes are even self-paced, so they can be completed as fast as you're able to complete all of the content. However, Medical Assistant Associate's degree programs take at least 1-2 years. If you're looking to become a certified medical assistant quickly, feel free to explore our cheapest and fastest programs.

What are the requirements for MA?

To become a medical assistant, you typically need a high school diploma or GED. Most programs also require completing a certified medical assistant program, which includes coursework in medical terminology, anatomy, and clinical procedures. After completing the program, you may need to complete an externship to gain practical experience. Certification by passing an exam is often required for employment.

Is CMA higher than CNA?

Medical assistant salary are higher and CMAs are also able to do more clinical work than CNAs, such as drawing blood. However, CNA programs are cheaper and shorter.

What's the difference between a CNA and CMA?

CNAs do more basic patient care tasks like cleaning and feeding patients. CMAs do more clinical work like taking vital signs, drawing blood, or taking patient histories. To gain more knowledge about what each role involves, we encourage you to read more about their differences.

What does a medical assistant do?

Medical Assistants perform a variety of tasks including drawing blood, taking vital signs, recording patient histories, and assisting in examinations. They play a crucial role in both clinical and administrative functions within healthcare settings.

Which is better, CMA or LPN?

LPNs are more clinically skilled than medical assistants and so are paid more than 40% higher. LPNs are nurses, so they can give medications, insert catheters, and do other nursing procedures. Medical Assistants do more basic clinical work such as taking vitals and helping with exams.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in 2023 that LPNs make on average $59,730 per year ($28.72 per hour) whereas the medical assistant salary is around $42,000 per year ($20.19 per hour).

LPN programs are at least 1-2 years, whereas CMA programs can be 1 year or less (even 6 weeks long).

Which is better, CMA or RN?

RNs are much more clinically skilled that medical assistants and are paid more than twice as much. RNs are the ones who usually supervise CMAs. RNs are nurses, so they can give medications, develop care plans, and oversee other nurses/aides. CMAs are much more limited in duties, and can only help with exams, take vitals, etc. under supervision (by RNs).

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in 2023 that RNs make on average $86,070 per year ($41.38 per hour), whereas CMAs make $42,000 per year ($20.19 per hour).

RN programs are at least 2-4 years, whereas CMA programs can be 1 year or less (even 6 weeks long).

What are programs similar to CMA?

• Online Phlebotomy classes: Phlebotomists are responsible for drawing blood, which is one of the responsibilities of a Medical Assistant. Phlebotomy programs are cheaper and shorter, so we recommend Phlebotomy if you're on a tight timeline or on a budget.
• Online Patient Care Technician classes: CNA, Phlebotomy, and EKG all in one, so it's very similar to Medical Assistant. For some reason it's less popular of a certification but we highly recommend it, especially if you want to work at a hospital.
• Online EKG classes: If you like taking vital signs and that part of Medical Assisting appeals to you, learn to do diagnostics of the heart.
• Online Medical Billing and Coding classes: If you like the more administrative side of Medical Assistant, we highly recommend medical billing and coding. It's a fast-paced job that allows you to work from home while also getting involved in the medical field.

Can I use my MA certificate in any state?

Yes, generally, you can use your medical assistant (MA) certificate in any state. However, specific requirements and regulations may vary slightly between states. It's essential to ensure that your MA program is accredited and that you meet all the certification requirements, which can vary depending on the certifying body (e.g., AAMA, AMT). This ensures your certification is recognized nationally, providing flexibility in job opportunities across different states.

State guides

If you want more state-specific resources, check our some of our guides:

• How to Become a Medical Assistant in California

• How to Become a Medical Assistant in Louisiana

• How to Become a Medical Assistant in Ohio

• How to Become a Medical Assistant in South Carolina