If you are interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, becoming a medical assistant is a great option to consider. Medical assistants play a vital role in clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare settings by assisting doctors and nurses with various administrative and clinical tasks. With the rise of online education, there are now many online medical assistant programs available that can help jump start your career.
However, with so many online programs to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is right for you. There are a wide variety of choices available, but fortunately you can learn everything you need to know about online medical assistant programs with a search online right now.
1. Penn Foster Career School
Penn Foster Career School is a nationally accredited online institution that offers a comprehensive medical assistant program. It covers both administrative and clinical skills and includes courses on medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and medical law and ethics. Students are also required to complete a 160-hour externship in a local healthcare facility, providing hands-on training and real-world experience.
Pros:
- Nationally accredited institution
- Comprehensive curriculum
- Hands-on training through externship program
- Self-paced learning
Cons:
- No financial aid available
- Limited interaction with instructors
2. Kaplan University
Kaplan University is a well-known online university that offers a medical assistant program designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in healthcare. This program covers a wide range of topics, including medical terminology, medical office management, patient care, and pharmacology.
Pros:
- Accredited institution
- Comprehensive curriculum
- Hands-on training through externship program
- Flexibility in scheduling and course format
Cons:
- Higher tuition compared to other programs
- Limited interaction with instructors
3. Ashworth College
Ashworth College offers an online medical assistant program that can be completed in as little as four months. This program covers essential topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and medical law and ethics. Students are also required to complete a 160-hour externship in a local healthcare facility, providing hands-on training and real-world experience.
Pros:
- Affordable tuition
- Self-paced learning
- Accredited institution
- Hands-on training through externship program
Cons:
- Limited interaction with instructors
- Limited job placement assistance
4. Southern Careers Institute
Southern Careers Institute offers a medical assistant program that can be completed in as little as 9 months. The program focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level employment in medical assisting, including clinical skills, medical terminology, and medical office administration.
Pros:
- Affordable tuition
- Hands-on training through externship program
- Flexible scheduling options
- Job placement assistance available
Cons:
- Limited interaction with instructors
5. Herzing University
Herzing University offers an online medical assistant program that can be completed in as little as 10 months. The program covers topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and medical law and ethics. Students are also required to complete a 160-hour externship in a local healthcare facility to gain hands-on experience.
Pros:
- Accredited institution
- Comprehensive curriculum
- Hands-on training through externship program
- Job placement assistance available
Cons:
- Higher tuition compared to other programs
- Limited interaction with instructors
6. Keiser University
Keiser University offers an online medical assisting program that can be completed in as little as 12 months. The program provides comprehensive training in both administrative and clinical medical assisting skills, including medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and medical office procedures. Students are required to complete a 160-hour externship to gain hands-on experience in a real-world healthcare setting.
Pros:
- Accredited institution
- Comprehensive curriculum
- Hands-on training through externship program
- Job placement assistance available
Cons:
- Higher tuition compared to other programs
- Limited interaction with instructors
Begin A New Career Today
When considering an online medical assistant program, it is essential to weigh the pros and cons of each program. Although online programs offer flexibility and convenience, they may not provide the same level of in-person interaction and guidance as traditional programs.
An online medical assistant program can be a great way to jumpstart your career in healthcare. By doing research and considering the factors mentioned above, you can find a program that fits your goals, budget, and schedule. With the right education and training, you can pursue a rewarding career as a medical assistant and make a difference in the lives of patients.