Considering a career as a medical assistant? The healthcare field is booming, and medical assistants are in high demand. If you’re looking for a flexible and accessible route into this profession, Online Medical Assistant Classes could be the perfect solution. Online programs offer a convenient way to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to excel as a medical assistant, fitting education into your busy life.
Career Outlook and Salary for Medical Assistants
Medical assisting is a rewarding career with strong job security. The median salary for medical assistants is around $42,000 per year,* and the field is projected to grow much faster than average over the coming years. This growth reflects the increasing demand for healthcare services and the vital role medical assistants play in patient care.
What You Can Do With Online Medical Assistant Classes
Completing online medical assistant classes can open doors to various employment opportunities. Hospitals, physicians’ offices, and outpatient care centers are major employers. You might also find roles in specialized facilities like rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, and chiropractic offices. The versatility of a medical assistant’s training makes them valuable in diverse healthcare settings.
Cost of Online Medical Assistant Classes
The cost of education is a significant factor for many aspiring medical assistants. Online medical assistant classes often offer competitive tuition rates. For instance, you might find courses priced around $99 per credit, with semester fees that can be further adjusted based on promotional offers. Always check the most current tuition information from the specific online program you are considering.
Accreditation for Online Programs
Accreditation is crucial when choosing online medical assistant classes. Look for programs from institutions with recognized accreditation, such as the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). Accreditation ensures that the program meets high standards of quality and integrity, and it is often a requirement for certification and employment. Reputable online colleges often hold national accreditation and participate in state authorization reciprocity agreements, ensuring their credentials are widely recognized.
Skills You’ll Learn in Online Medical Assistant Classes
Online medical assistant classes are designed to equip you with a comprehensive skillset. Curricula typically include essential subjects like psychology, pharmacology, medical coding, and reimbursement procedures. You’ll also learn about medical law and ethics, medical terminology, surgical procedures, and fundamental clinical practices. Furthermore, many online programs incorporate college-level coursework to enhance broader skills in areas like computer literacy, communication, humanities, and sciences, creating well-rounded healthcare professionals.
Certification After Online Medical Assistant Classes
While online medical assistant classes culminate in a degree or certificate from the educational institution, professional certifications are usually granted by independent third-party organizations. Schools cannot directly award certifications. However, quality online medical assistant programs prepare you to sit for these important industry exams. Many programs, like those at Penn Foster, include preparation materials for certifications such as the National Healthcareer Association’s (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam, and may even provide exam vouchers.
Where Can You Work After Online Classes?
If you thrive in a fast-paced healthcare environment, a career jump-started by online medical assistant classes is an excellent choice. While physician’s offices remain the primary employers, your medical assistant qualification can lead to positions in hospitals (both state and private), outpatient centers, and chiropractic clinics. Be prepared for varied schedules, as many medical assistant roles require flexibility to cover evenings, weekends, and holidays to meet patient needs.
* Salary data may vary based on location, experience, and employer. Always consult current salary resources for the most up-to-date information.
