Medical Assistant Programs Online

Medical assistants handle clinical duties such as taking vital signs as well as clerical tasks in a medical office. Employment of these professionals is projected to climb 34 percent from 2008 to 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. Median annual wages of medical assistants in May 2008 were $28,300, the Bureau reports. Medical assistants can complete certificate programs that last a few months or associate degree programs that last a year and a half to two years. Several of these programs are available online for students who want to study at their own convenience.
  1. U.S. Career Institute

    • U.S. Career Institute in Fort Collins, Colorado, offers a medical assistant program online. Students can complete the program in four months. In the program, students learn medical front office procedures and study medical terminology. Students also learn about various medical forms and study the importance of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Other topics in the program include medical equipment, anatomy, blood tests, bacterial smears, pharmacology and radiology. Students receive packages of materials including books and video instruction through the mail and complete open-book exams. They also complete a practicum at medical offices near them. The online medical assistant program through U.S. Career Institute is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council.

      U.S. Career Institute
      2001 Lowe St.
      Fort Collins, CO 80525
      866-250-6851
      uscareerinstitute.edu/maoutline.asp

    St. Augustine Educational Services

    • St. Augustine Educational Services in Atlanta, Georgia, also offers an online medical assistant training program that lasts six to eight weeks. In the certificate program, students can complete assignments at their own pace. Students learn about human body planes, patient communication, anatomy and physiology. They also study medical law, scheduling patient appointments, infection control, emergency care and surgical instruments. In addition, online students participate in virtual labs that teach skills related to giving medical injections and measuring a pulse. Students must purchase a textbook and CD-ROM to complete the online program. After completing the courses, they must take an online medical assistant examination to get their certificate. The St. Augustine School of Medical Assistants is accredited and certified by the National Accreditation and Certification Board, a private business and professional health accreditation organization.

      St. Augustine Educational Services Inc.
      St. Augustine School of Medical Assistants
      2870 Peachtree Road
      Atlanta, GA 30305
      888-482-8941
      medassistant.org

    Keiser College

    • Keiser College in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, offers an associate degree program in medical assisting online. The program lasts about 16 months and includes courses on radiography, anatomy/physiology and clinical procedures. Students also study lab procedures and medical office management. Clinical procedures training includes studies on electrocardiography, while lab procedures courses teach students the microscopic examination of urine and how to calculate medication dosages. Students additionally must complete an externship and complete general education courses in English, math, natural science and computers. Following the program, students can sit for national certification exams through organizations such as the American Association of Medical Assistants. Keiser College's medical assisting program is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.

      Keiser College
      1900 W. Commercial Blvd., Suite 100
      Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
      888-453-4737
      online.keiseruniversity.edu

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