According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants (MAs) and medical assisting careers are expected to increase by 29% through 2022, a rate well above the national average for all fields. MAs perform both clinical and administrative tasks in a variety of healthcare environments. Responsibilities and duties vary and are dependent upon the location and specialty of the practice and include: measuring vital signs, assisting with examinations, giving injections and overseeing administrative tasks.
Employment in this field requires either a certificate or associate’s degree in medical assisting from an accredited institution. MAs are not required to be certified in most states, but certification improves marketability. The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) offers a Certified MA credential, and the American Medical Technologists offers a Registered Medical Assistant Credential for those who pass the required examination. Median pay for this profession is $29,370 or $14.12 per hour for full-time employees. The top 10 percent of MAs earned $41,570 per year, and the lowest 10 percent earned $21,080.
Kaplan University
Begun in Davenport, IA as the American Institute of Commerce in 1937, with a limited curriculum and course offerings, Kaplan has grown to become an educational institution that offers innovative programs in continuing education, undergraduate, and graduate degree programs. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the university offers an associates of applied science in medical assisting that enables graduates to seek careers assisting, facilitating, and coordinating patient care. Graduates are prepared to assume positions in physician’s offices, hospitals, and care facilities throughout the healthcare sector. Financial aid is available and awarded based on the FAFSA application.
Herzing University
With 12 campuses in eight states and an extensive online presence, Herzing provides career-focused educational opportunities to students nationwide. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and they offer both undergraduate and graduate programs in technology, business, healthcare, and public safety. Upon completion of the medical assistance certificate program, graduates are trained in both administrative and clinical duties and fully eligible to take the Registered MA exam. The school participates in FAFSA and also offers private scholarships to help defray costs.
Liberty University Online
An extension of the world famous Lynchburg, VA Christian school, Liberty Online is staffed by the same faculty as the traditional university. They are accredited as a degree granting institution by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and Liberty offers associate through Ph.D. programs. The university has a fully online Medical Office Assistant AAS curriculum that prepares students for a career working in a variety of health care environments, from physicians’ offices to public health departments, and hospitals. A range of aid options is available through the FAFSA process, as well as university sponsored and third party scholarships.
Penn Foster Career School
As a distance learning provider for well over 100 years, Penn Foster is licensed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Private Licensed Schools and accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council and five other accrediting organizations. Their medical assisting associate’s program is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools and qualifies graduates to sit for both the Registered MA and Certified MA exam. Students are instructed in a range of disciplines, including medical terminology and pharmacology. Graduation requires completion of 65 credits, which consist of 15 credits of general studies and 50 credits of MA core courses. Financial aid is available for qualified applicants.
Ultimate Medical Academy
From their home campuses in Clearwater and Tampa, FL, UMA offers MA diplomas and associate degrees. Accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, students participate in a rigorous program that prepares them for careers across the healthcare field. Graduates of the diploma and AAS programs are able to work in administrative and clinical environments. Students learn to take vital signs, gather medical histories and assist physicians and other professionals. While completion of coursework enables graduates to begin their careers in entry level-positions, they are encouraged to sit for the Registered MA and Certified MA Exams. UMA uses FAFSA to determine financial aid awards.
Rasmussen College
With more than two dozen campuses spread across six states and comprehensive online offerings, Rasmussen College School of Health Sciences maintains an excellent catalogue of programs. Accredited by the Illinois Board of Higher Education, they offer both diploma and associate programs, which are designed to prepare students for careers providing direct patient care as MAs. The program is intended to be completed as a combination of online and on-campus courses, culminating in a 240 hour externship, which provides real-world work experience prior to graduation. The diploma program can be completed in as few as 15 months, and the AAS degree program in 19 months.
Daymar College Online
Established in 1963 with campuses in Kentucky, Ohio, and Tennessee and accredited by the Accrediting Council of Independent Colleges and Schools, Daymar awards certificates, diplomas, associate’s, and bachelor’s degrees. A diploma and associate’s programs are offered for medical assisting, both of which are designed to equip students for administrative healthcare careers in doctor’s offices, hospitals, and residential healthcare facilities. Coursework is completed at the student’s pace and schedule, providing the necessary flexibility for those whose obligations extend beyond school. Students may apply for financial aid using the FAFSA application process.
Allied Schools
Accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council, Allied Schools offers flexible, student-paced education in medical assisting from a staff of more than 350. Live student support is provided during regular business hours by email, phone and fax. Two complete medical assisting programs are available. Program l trains graduates in medical terminology, administrative assisting, medical billing technology, and electronic health records. Program ll requires completion of Program l and includes training in: pharmacology, anatomy, medical assisting (back office), and a 160 hour medical assisting externship. Payment plans and 100 percent tuition assistance are available for all branches of the military.
Daytona College Online
One of the earliest community colleges in Florida, beginning in 1951, Daytona is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission, awards both associate and bachelor’s degrees to graduates from their traditional and online campuses. The medical assistance program culminates in the award of a vocational certificate, which indicates that students are equipped to assume positions in the field of medical assisting, and are knowledgeable of medical office procedures and terminology. Students are also instructed in: anatomy/physiology, pharmacology, coding/billing and related areas. Coursework may be completed at the students’ pace, enabling participants to honor other obligations while completing their education. Financial aid awards are evaluated using FAFSA.
Keiser University
Keiser’s 20 Florida campuses, as well as the school’s online presence, are all accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on College and grant certificates, associate’s, bachelor’s and graduate degrees. This associate of science degree requires students to attend classes at one of 14 Florida Campuses. Graduates are qualified to perform various medical assisting duties under the supervision of a doctor or practitioner. Students receive training in taking vital signs, injections, venipuncture, laboratory assistance, x-rays and more. Administrative training enables graduates to maintain patient records, perform billing, and process insurance claims. Financial aid may be applied for using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, FAFSA.
The post Top 10 Ranked Online Medical Assistants Schools for 2014 appeared first on The Best Colleges.