There are some accelerated online CMA programs that take as little as 6 to 10 weeks to finish. These faster than average programs are less common and are not available at all schools. It’s more common for medical assistant certificate classes to take 12 weeks to 8 months to complete, which is still pretty fast.

There are also medical assisting diploma and associate degree programs, lasting from 1-2 years. Salaries can be substantially higher for students who complete their associate’s degree.

Resources Used in Online Medical Assistant Programs

Instead of going to a classroom, you’ll use a variety of resources to learn about medical assisting and complete your training.

• Streamed lectures
• Videos
• Discussion forums
• Slideshows
• Online assignments
• 1 on 1 teacher interaction

Use the search application to connect with an accredited online CMA (certified medical assistant) training program near you.

Schools With Online Medical Assistant Programs

• Institute of Medical and Business Careers
• Miller-Motte College
• South College
• South University
• The College of Health Care Professions
• The College of Westchester
• UEI College
• Miller Motte College

What Does a Medical Assistant Do?

A certified medical assistant works directly under a physician in a healthcare facility like a hospital, medical center, or doctor’s office. They normally work with patients and their families, taking vitals and using the electronic medical records, preparing exam rooms between each patient, and setting up exam rooms for patients and physicians.

Medical Assisting clinical responsibilities can include:

• Taking medical histories
• Recording vital signs
• Prepping patients for exams
• Providing treatment and procedure explanations
• Assisting the doctor during an exam
• Collecting laboratory specimens
• Performing laboratory tests
• Disposing of contaminated supplies
• Sterilizing medical instruments

One great thing about online classes is that you can take your time, within reason. Another benefit of online classes is that you can wear your footie pajamas but that’s for another blog post.

Medical Assistant Salary

With a medical assisting career, you can earn good money in a short amount of time and plus, CMA’s have a good foundation of knowledge and it’s a great stepping stone career! The mean pay of a medical assistant was $38,190 in 2021 according to the BLS, and the highest 10% earned over $48,000. This is the most recent salary data, released in March of 2022.

Reference:

• Medical Assistant Program Requirements
• How Long Does It Take To Become A Medical Assistant?
• Medical Assistants on BLS
• Medical Assistant Certificate Vs. Degree