Top Online Medical Assistant Colleges: Your Guide to Quality Remote Training Programs
In today’s healthcare landscape, a high-quality online medical assistant (MA) program can open doors to meaningful, in-demand careers-without requiring you to relocate or commute to a campus. Whether you’re just starting out or seeking a career shift, online MA programs offer flexible study schedules, career-focused coursework, and real-world clinical experiences. This guide helps you navigate the best online medical assistant colleges, what to look for in a quality remote program, and practical tips to succeed in a virtual learning environment.
Why choose an online MA program?
- Flexibility for working students or caregivers, with asynchronous and/or hybrid formats.
- Support for remote learners, including tutoring, student services, and virtual labs.
- Structured curricula aligned with certification standards (CMA, RMA, or equivalent).
- Access to virtual collaboration tools, simulated patient care activities, and real clinical externships.
- Clear pathways to entry-level medical assisting roles or further education (e.g., an associate degree or bachelor’s in health sciences).
What to evaluate when selecting online medical assistant colleges
Choosing the right online MA program is essential for long-term success.Use this checklist to vet programs before enrolling:
: Decide between a certificate, diploma, or associate degree. Certificates and diplomas are common for entry-level MA work; an associate degree can broaden career options and salary potential. : Assess whether the program is fully online, asynchronous with optional live sessions, or hybrid. Consider your learning style and time constraints. : Check instructor qualifications, office hours, tutoring availability, and access to career services. : Compare tuition, fees, and what’s included (e.g., CMA exam prep, textbooks, software). Confirm eligibility for federal financial aid or scholarships. : Look for program completion rates, job placement assistance, and alumni success stories.
Top Online Medical Assistant Colleges
Below are reputable online MA programs known for accredited curricula, robust student support, and flexible remote learning. Each option offers distinct strengths. Always verify current accreditation status, program availability in your state, and any state-by-state clinical requirements before enrolling.
Penn Foster College - Online Medical Assistant Certificate
Penn Foster College provides a fully online Medical Assistant certificate designed for career starters and those seeking a fast entry into the healthcare field. The program emphasizes essential MA skills,medical terminology,administrative tasks,and clinical procedures. Penn Foster is known for self-paced study,flexible scheduling,and a structured externship arrangement to help you gain hands-on experience near your home.
- Accreditation and credentials: ABHES-accredited programs in many specializations; regional accreditation for the college.
- Typical timeline: Flexible timeframe, often 6-12 months depending on pace.
- Format: 100% online with built-in practice labs and simulated patient interactions; externship coordination available.
Ultimate medical Academy (UMA) – Online Medical Assistant Diploma
Ultimate Medical Academy offers a widely used online Medical Assistant diploma designed to prepare students for vital front-end and back-end MA duties, including medical reception, EHR management, basic clinical procedures, and CMA exam readiness.UMA emphasizes practical skills and career services to support graduates in landing MA roles.
- Accreditation and credentials: ABHES accreditation; the school maintains state approvals and a national presence.
- Typical timeline: Approximately 12 months of study, depending on prior credits and pacing.
- Format: 100% online with virtual labs and CMA exam prep integrated into the curriculum.
Herzing University – Online Medical Assistant diploma / Associate Program
Herzing University provides online pathways to medical assisting through diploma and associate-degree options. Their online MA programs emphasize patient care support, administrative duties, and real-world externships. Herzing is known for student-focused support, flexible scheduling, and transfer-credit options for eligible students.
- Accreditation: Higher learning Commission (regional) with program-specific accreditation where applicable.
- Typical timeline: Diploma programs can range from 12-18 months; an AS option may take longer, depending on transfer credits.
- Format: Online courses with some required on-campus intensives or supervised externships, depending on campus location.
Keiser University – Online Associate of Science in Medical Assisting
Keiser University offers online pathways to a medical assisting degree designed to align with current industry standards. The program emphasizes clinical skills, administrative competencies, and planning for the CMA exam. Keiser’s online format is complemented by campus resources and career services.
- Accreditation: Regionally accredited; comprehensive health science programs with clinical components.
- Typical timeline: AS degree typically completed in about 2 years, depending on full-time/part-time study.
- Format: Fully online coursework with required clinical externships arranged in partnership with local sites.
American National University – Online Medical Assistant Diploma
American National University offers online diploma programs in medical assisting designed to prepare graduates for medical front office and clinical support roles. Details may vary by campus network, but online delivery typically focuses on administrative procedures, clinical procedures, and CMA exam preparation components.
- Accreditation: University-level accreditation with program familiarity across multiple states; confirm the status of your preferred campus.
- Typical timeline: Often 9-15 months for diploma completion, depending on pace.
- Format: 100% online coursework with access to virtual labs and externship coordination options where available.
A quick comparison table
Use this snapshot to compare essential features at a glance. All data points should be re-verified on the official program page before enrollment.
| College | Program Type | Accreditation | Typical Length | Format & Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penn Foster College | Medical Assistant Certificate | ABHES-accredited programs (certifications) • College regional accreditation | 6-12 months | Fully online; externship coordination; self-paced |
| Ultimate medical Academy | Online Medical Assistant Diploma | ABHES-accredited | ~12 months | 100% online; CMA exam prep; career services |
| Herzing University | Online MA Diploma / AS | regional (HLC) accreditation; program options vary | 12-18 months (Diploma) / longer (AS) | Online coursework with externships; strong student support |
| Keiser University | Online AS in Medical assisting | Regional accreditation | ~24 months | Online with clinical externships; career services |
| American National University | Online MA Diploma | university accreditation; program-specific status varies | ~9-15 months | Online coursework; externship options in many locations |
cost, financial aid, and scholarships
Cost is a major factor when choosing an online MA program. While online programs often run lower than typical on-campus degrees, tuition can still vary by college and state. Here are practical tips to manage costs and maximize value:
- Look for programs that include CMA exam prep or exam fees in the tuition-this can save money and time.
- Investigate federal financial aid eligibility (FAFSA) for eligible students and check if the institution participates in federal aid programs.
- Explore institutional scholarships, grants for online learners, or employer sponsorships if you’re advancing within a healthcare role.
- Ask about payment plans, tuition freezes, or credit for prior healthcare experience or completed coursework.
Benefits and practical tips for online MA study
Embarking on an online MA journey is exciting, but it also takes discipline. Here are practical strategies to thrive in a remote program:
- Set a dedicated study space and a consistent schedule to build study habits.
- Engage with instructors and peers through virtual office hours, discussion boards, and group projects.
- Take advantage of hands-on externships to translate theory into clinical competence.
- Use medical software simulations and EHR practice tools to strengthen practical skills.
- Stay organized with a course calendar, reminders for CMA exam deadlines, and regular progress checks.
Case studies: first-hand experiences (fictional examples for illustration)
Note: The following mini-case studies are fictional examples meant to illustrate typical paths and outcomes. Real student experiences may vary.
Case Study 1: Maria’s flexible journey to a medical assisting career
Maria works a part-time job and cares for a family member. She enrolled in an online MA certificate program with flexible, asynchronous modules and scheduled externships near her town. Over 11 months, she built strong administrative skills, learned HIPAA-compliant patient communication, and completed a supervised externship at a local clinic. After graduation, Maria secured an MA position with a pediatric clinic and began preparing for the CMA exam with the program’s prep resources.
Case Study 2: Jamal earns an online AS in MA while advancing his career
Jamal pursued an online Associate of Science in Medical Assisting while continuing to work. The program’s hybrid elements allowed him to attend occasional campus lab sessions and fulfill externship requirements at a nearby hospital. The mix of online theory and hands-on clinical practice helped Jamal qualify for a broader MA role and provided a pathway to supervisory responsibilities in the medical office.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
- Do online medical assistant programs lead to CMA certification?
- Many online MA programs include CMA exam preparation and align coursework with CMA eligibility requirements. Confirm CMA exam eligibility with the granting body and your program.
- Can I work a full-time job while studying online?
- Absolutely. Online MA programs are designed with flexibility in mind, but success requires disciplined scheduling and time management.
- Are online MA programs accredited?
- Look for accreditation from CAAHEP or ABHES for program integrity. Some schools are regionally accredited and offer ABHES- or CAAHEP-accredited MA tracks. Always verify current accreditation status on the college site or with the accreditor.
- What about externships for online MA programs?
- Moast reputable online MA programs arrange externships locally or in partnership with healthcare facilities near you. This practical exposure is essential for hands-on skills.
Conclusion
Online medical assistant colleges offer accessible, career-focused pathways to enter a growing healthcare field. By choosing an accredited program with robust externship opportunities, flexible formats, and strong career support, you can build a solid foundation for a rewarding MA career. Whether you start with a certificate, pursue a diploma, or aim for an associate degree, the right online MA program should align with your schedule, your budget, and your long-term goals. Use the evaluation checklist, review the quick comparison table, and consider the real-world experiences shared here to inform your decision. the healthcare workforce needs competent, compassionate medical assistants, and remote training can be your bridge to that essential role.
