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.

What is a Medical Assistant?

A Medical Assistant is a healthcare professional who supports doctors and nurses in clinical settings, performing administrative and clinical tasks. They assist with patient intake, schedule appointments, take vital signs, and prepare patients for examinations. Additionally, Medical Assistants may handle medical records, perform basic lab tests, and educate patients on procedures and medications. Their role is crucial in ensuring smooth operations in medical offices, clinics, and hospitals, bridging the gap between administrative duties and patient care.

Can Medical Assistant classes be done online?

Yes, you can become a certified medical assistant online. You will just need to complete an in-person externship after your online class. Your medical assistant school should match you with an externship site, or you can find your own.

Leading online medical assistant classes use virtual simulations, video modules, discussion boards, and other interactive digital tools to provide comprehensive training in areas like anatomy, medical terminology, office procedures, and patient relations.

Where to Find Online Medical Assistant Classes

Dreambound is the largest platform for students to find and compare vocational training programs, including Medical Assistant classes. We offer a comprehensive database of online classes from reputable institutions that prepare you for an accredited exam.

Dreambound provides detailed information about each program, including the curriculum, duration, and cost. This allows you to make an informed decision and find the right online classes for your career goals. Below are some of the best medical assistant programs on our platform:

Comparing Online Medical Assistant Programs

The following schools are renowned for their comprehensive online medical assistant programs. This comparison aims to assist prospective students in selecting the ideal medical assistant school that aligns with their educational and career aspirations.

CareerStep vs Penn Foster

Tuition: CareerStep has a higher tuition fee of $3,799 compared to Penn Foster's $1,799.

Length of Training: CareerStep offers a quicker pathway to completion with a minimum of 4 months. Penn Foster provides flexibility with two tracks: a faster 6-month option and a more average-paced 11-month option.

Graduation Rate: Penn Foster boasts a higher graduation rate of 82%, indicating higher student success and completion rates compared to CareerStep's graduation rate of 42%. This may suggest a more supportive learning environment or more effective program structure at Penn Foster.

Financial Aid: CareerStep offers a wide range of financial aid options such as Credit Card, Affirm financing (no late fees, penalties), Military Funding (discounts for veterans, military personnel, and spouses), Employer Paid (potential assistance or vouchers), State Assistance (qualifies for various state funding programs), and Payment Plans (options available through Monterey Financial), making it more accessible for diverse financial situations. Penn Foster, while not accepting federal financial aid, provides interest-free monthly payment plans, which may be advantageous for students seeking predictable payment options without accruing interest.

Requirements: CareerStep has stricter age requirements (18 years or older) and specific computer recommendations (Windows-based), along with potential background check and drug screening prior to externship requirements. Penn Foster accepts students as young as 16 and has more flexible device compatibility (Windows, Mac, smart phones, tablets), making it accessible to a broader range of students. Both schools require high school diploma or GED.

MedCerts vs CareerStep

Tuition: MedCerts has a slightly higher tuition fee of $4,000 compared to CareerStep's $3,799.

Length of Training: MedCerts offers a structured 28-week training program for medical assistants. CareerStep provides a quicker pathway to completion with the potential to finish in as little as 4 months.

Graduation Rate: MedCerts has a reported graduation rate of 42%. CareerStep doesn't have graduation rate information, making it challenging to compare student success and completion rates directly.

Financial Aid: Both MedCerts and CareerStep offer a wide range of financial aid options.

• MedCerts: provides financial aid through government grant-funded programs like MyCAA, Army Credentialing Assistance, Coast Guard COOL, Air Force COOL, and Workforce Funding (including WIOA). Offers discounts for military personnel and their spouses. Payment plans and Affirm financing (no late fees, penalties) are also available.

• CareerStep: Offers options such as Credit Card, Affirm financing (no late fees, penalties), Military Funding (discounts for veterans, military personnel, and spouses), Employer Paid (potential assistance or vouchers), State Assistance (qualifies for various state funding programs), and Payment Plans (options available through Monterey Financial).

Requirements: Both programs require a high school diploma or GED. MedCerts has additional requirements such as being 18 years or older, reliable internet access, and a Windows-based computer (Chromebooks not recommended due to compatibility issues). Some programs may require a background check and drug screening prior to externship. CareerStep has general requirements such as internet access, and course registration and payment.

• MedCerts: High School diploma or GED, age 18 years or older, reliable internet access, windows-based computer recommended, and potential background check & drug screening for some programs.

• CareerStep: High School Diploma or GED, web browser with internet connection, and course registration & payment.

Penn Foster vs US Career Institute

Tuition: Penn Foster's Fast Track option costs $1,799, while US Career Institute offers a payment plan of $79/month ($1,539 total) or a pay-in-full option of $1,239.

Length of Training: Penn Foster's Fast Track program is 6 months, with an average completion time of 11 months. US Career Institute offers a flexible training period of 4-7 months.

Graduation Rate: US Career Institute boasts a higher graduation rate of 87.46%, indicating higher student success and completion rates compared to Penn Foster's graduation rate of 82%. This may suggest a more supportive learning environment or more effective program structure at US Career Institute.

Financial Aid: Neither Penn Foster nor US Career Institute accepts federal financial aid. However, both schools offer affordable payment plans to help students manage tuition costs. Penn Foster provides interest-free monthly payment plans, which may be advantageous for students seeking predictable payment options without accruing interest. US Career Institute also offers flexible payment plans, with a total cost slightly higher than the pay-in-full option.

Requirements: Penn Foster accepts students as young as 16 and requires access to high-speed internet and a computer compatible with Windows or Mac. US Career Institute requires students to be 18 years or older and also necessitates reliable internet access and a computer, recommending a Windows-based system for optimal compatibility. While Penn Foster has no upfront requirements for background checks or drug screening, US Career Institute notes that some externship placements or future employers might require these before starting work. Both schools require a high school diploma or GED.

Stepful vs US Career Institute

Tuition: Stepful's tuition is $1,449, which is slightly higher than US Career Institute's pay-in-full option ($1,239) but lower than their payment plan option ($1,539 total).

Length of Training: Both institutions offer a similar training period, with Stepful at 4 months and US Career Institute ranging from 4-7 months.

Graduation Rate: US Career Institute boasts a higher graduation rate of 87.46%, indicating higher student success and completion rates compared to Stepful's graduation rate of 80%. This may suggest a more supportive learning environment or more effective program structure at US Career Institute.

Financial Aid: US Career Institute offers an affordable monthly payment plan to help students avoid interest-incurring student loans. They do not offer federal financial aid or scholarships. On the other hand, Stepful offers several scholarship options for medical assistants:

• Stepful's Medical Assistant Scholarship: $1,600 to $2,200, reducing the cost of the program from $4,000 to between $1,800 and $2,400. Requires a high school diploma or GED and residency outside of Washington.
• Maxine Williams Scholarship Fund: $1,000. Requires one completed quarter of an accredited medical assisting program, a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and a completed application with essay questions.
• Alice Newell Joslyn Medical Scholarship: $500 to $2,000. Requires completed online application, two letters of recommendation, personal statement, and academic transcripts.
• Outstanding Student Award: $250. Requires nomination by classmates and faculty, an online form, and an essay.
• "Save a Life" Scholarship for Students of Healthcare and Education: $1,500. Requires a 750 to 1,000-word essay, recent transcripts, and a letter of acceptance to a medical assisting program.
• Kansas Career Technical Workforce Grant: $500-$1,000 per year. Requires graduation from a Kansas high school, enrollment in a medical assisting or other technical program, and completed FAFSA.

Requirements: Stepful requires a copy of high school or GED diploma and a stable internet connection. US Career Institute requires a high school diploma or GED, students must be 18 years or older, reliable internet access, and a computer (Windows-based system recommended). Some externship placements or future employers might require background checks and drug screenings.

Highest-rated Online Medical Assistant Programs

MedCerts

• Fully online, at your own schedule 24/7, 28 weeks long.
• After completion, MedCerts will work to match you with an externship site close to you. Not available for Wisconsin, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Washington, or Louisiana residents.
• Cost: $4,000, with payment options and financial aid available for those who qualify through: MyCAA, state workforce funding (including WIOA), and Department of Defense Credentialing Assistance or COOL funding for the Army, Air Force and Coast Guard
• Average rating of 4.8 stars on over 2500 reviews

CareerStep

• Self-paced, at your own schedule
• Not available for students in AZ, MA, ND, SD, WA
• Cost: $3,799, with flexible payment options available
• Average rating of 4.5 stars on over 5300 reviews

Cheapest Online Medical Assistant Programs

Penn Foster

• Self-paced, at your own schedule
• Payment plans available
• Associate’s Degree or Diploma options available
• Nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
• Cost: <$2,400 for diploma, <$1,500 for Associate's. As low as $59/mo.

Online Medical Assistant Programs with Financial Aid (for those who qualify)

Herzing University

• 10-20 months long
• Not self-paced - has start-dates, hands-on clinical labs, and externship
• They pay for your first attempt at your certification exam

CCI Training Center

• Not self-paced: 25 weeks with class dates
• Accredited by ACCET, the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training

How to become a Medical Assistant online

To become a certified Medical Assistant online, start by choosing an accredited program that fits your schedule and budget. Ensure it prepares you for certification exams like those offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Once enrolled, complete the coursework at your own pace, covering essential topics like medical terminology, anatomy, and clinical skills. Following completion, gain practical experience through an externship arranged by your program. Finally, prepare for and pass the certification exam to qualify for rewarding job opportunities in hospitals, doctor's offices, or labs.

If you're looking to get certified, feel free to read our longer guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 Missouri
• How to Become a Medical Assistant in Ohio
• How to Become a Medical Assistant in South Carolina