Online/Hybrid Medical Assistant Programs in Texas: Top for CMA Eligibility
Medical assistant programs in Texas help prepare students for important roles in healthcare facilities across the state. But can you earn a medical assisting credential online? How does it work and how much does it cost? EduMed’s in-depth guide to online medical assistant programs in Texas gives you the inside scoop on one of today’s best career training opportunities. See top programs that ready you for CMA success.
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Medical Assisting Health ScienceWhat to Expect: Inside Top MA Programs in Texas
As the cost of healthcare increases, so does the importance of medical assistants. And the more a medical assistant can do, the more time (and cost) it helps the bottom line. As a result, solid training as a medical assistant is a must.
Earning medical assistant certification online in Texas is one of the fastest ways to enter the healthcare field. Programs help you build a solid foundation in the following areas:
- Medical terminology & anatomy
- Clinical procedures
- Pharmacology & medication
- Administrative skills
- Patient care & communication
Typically, programs run about two years and lead to an associate degree or certificate; however, some programs can be completed in as little as six months.
Some online medical assistant programs in Texas offer coursework 100% online, while others have a blended coursework approach. All programs require hands-on training and in-person internships. Get the inside scoop on three of the state’s top online medical assistant programs.
Texas A&M International University — Certificate
Texas A&M International University has a robust online medical assistant certification program. This fully online program is accredited by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and is open to students across the country.
Courses are divided into two sections: a theoretical medical terminology section and a practical certified clinical medical assistant section, preparing you to work in a variety of medical settings. The program encompasses 540 course hours and is self-paced, so you can start anytime.
While these noncredit courses aren’t transferable, your fee includes sitting for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam through the NHA, making you a strong candidate for potential employers.
Duration: Six to 12 months
Mode: Fully online
Cost: 4-6 months: $3,950, 12 months: $2,795
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Curriculum:
- Introduction to Medical Terminology
- Becoming a Medical Assistant
- Law, Ethics, and Healthcare
- Enhancing the Patient Experience
- Managing Medical Records
- Medical Billing and Overview Coding
- Major Body Systems
- Pathophysiology
Programs that might interest you:
Tyler Junior College — Certificate
Tyler Junior College hosts a top Texas Clinical Medical Assistant Online Certification Program that combines affordable tuition with the in-depth coursework necessary for students to become certified clinical medical assistants in doctors’ offices, clinics, hospitals, and outpatient facilities.
The program includes generous support, with mentoring available 24/7, pre- and post-course assessments, online performance tracking, and a student portal with career guidance, resume-writing help, and other resources.
The program is ideal for students interested in pursuing a future Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential or nursing LPN or RN program. Upon course completion, graduates are prepared to sit for the NHA CCMA certification exam.
Duration: Six months
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $2,199
Admissions Requirements: Have or be pursuing a high school diploma or GED
Curriculum:
- Responsibilities of the Clinical Medical Assistant
- Introduction to Healthcare Facilities
- Medical Terminology
- Medical and Legal Aspects of Care
- Aseptic Techniques, Infection Prevention, and Biohazards
- Documenting Patient Medical Histories
- Phlebotomy, Venipunctures, and Collecting Specimens
- Electrocardiograms (EKGs)
University of Houston — Certificate
The University of Houston Clinical Medical Assistant Training program is one of the most popular online medical assistant certification courses in Texas. The program covers the essentials you need to enter the field, such as basic anatomy, medical documentation, and medical terminology, and advances to professional topics such as legal regulations, HIPAA requirements, and policies that impact medical care.
Students also gain a deeper understanding of how to handle cases in which patients are insured by private and government insurance plans. While graduates are prepared to work in the healthcare setting of their choice, the program emphasizes the knowledge and skills expected of medical assistants in ambulatory settings.
The program is accredited by the NHA and includes a voucher to take the CCMA exam. You’ll have 24/7 access to lectures, assignments, and course resources.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $2,795
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Curriculum:
- Medical Terminology
- Mental Health
- Diagnostic Procedures, Nuclear Medicine, and Complementary Medicine
- Medical Assisting Foundations
- Professional Behavior
- Legal and Ethical Issues
- Medical Office Environment
- Daily Financial Practices
Texas Medical Assistant FAQs
To help clarify any confusion you may be feeling as you zero in on the medical assistant program that’s right for you, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about online medical assistant programs in Texas. Learn more about medical assistant program scholarships, prerequisites, and costs.
Are scholarships or grants available for online medical assistant students in Texas?
Yes, scholarships — plus grants and other financial resources — are available for online medical assistant students in Texas. Available scholarships include:
- Texas Society of Medical Assistants Scholarships, which cover the academic expenses of two student members each year.
- The Outstanding Rural Scholar Recognition Program, which covers the cost of an allied health program, including online medical assistant certification programs in Texas, for students from rural parts of the state. Recipients commit to returning home to work in an allied health position.
Expert Insight
It can vary state to state and program to program, but some online medical assistant programs offer payment plans or tuition discounts. I found that one of the online medical assistant programs offered a lower tuition cost during particular times of the year. For instance, during back-to-school the tuition cost would be lower.
Are there professional organizations or networking opportunities for Texas medical assistants?
Yes. You’ll find professional organizations and other resources for Texas medical assistants. These organizations provide scholarships, information that supports you during your education, networking opportunities, and job boards to help you land your first job as a medical assistant.
Professional organizations can also help you learn what settings interest you most and connect you with potential employers. As you’re getting your online medical assistant certification in Texas, consider joining these organizations:
Do I need to complete any prerequisites before applying?
Prerequisites vary from program to program. However, most Texas online medical assistant programs require applicants to have just a high school diploma or GED. For example, at Houston Medical Assistant School and Texas A&M International University, applicants need a high school diploma or GED.
However at Tyler Junior College, while technically the application requirements are the same, applicants may get preference if they intend to continue their medical careers and education to become LPNs, CMAs, or RNs.
If you meet the basic admissions criteria, review the course listings to ensure the topics spark your interest. If you’re naturally interested in the subject matter, you’re likely to succeed in your classes.
How much should I expect to pay for my program?
The cost of online medical assistant programs vary. However, we’ve crunched the numbers and found that, on average, total tuition cost is roughly $3,250. The amount doesn’t vary significantly between online, in-person, and hybrid courses.
For a better idea of how much specific online medical assistant certification programs in Texas cost, check out the tuition of these five accredited programs:
- Austin Medical Assistant School (hybrid): $4,490
- Dallas College (in person): $3,960
- Texas A&M International (online): $2,795
- Tyler Junior College (online): $2,199
- University of Houston (online): $2,795
Expert Insight
When I was in the process of applying to medical assistant programs, cost was definitely on my mind. What helped me get an idea of what my total cost would end up being was by making an organized chart of total tuition, and then factor in any potential scholarships/grants. This way I had an idea of how much I would need to have saved up in order to enroll and pay tuition. It also helped me figure out if I needed to look for more financial assistance.
What does an online medical assistant curriculum in Texas cover?
Your online medical assistant curriculum will vary depending on which Texas program you attend. However, a quality program will prepare you with a basic understanding of medical terminology, medical technology, office procedures, insurance and billing basics, and the hands-on skills you need to assist doctors and other medical professionals across various healthcare settings.
As you narrow your program choices, review course listings to see how various schools’ courses are similar and different. If you plan to specialize in a certain area of medicine, look for courses that address that topic. At many schools, you’ll also complete a clinical externship to gain hands-on experience before earning your online medical assistant certification in Texas.
Expert Insight
The curriculum for an online medical assistance program can differ from an in-person program. For instance, I found some online programs that offer phlebotomy as part of their curriculum. Since I was interested in learning phlebotomy, I made sure to find programs that offered this in their curriculum. Make sure to check the skill set listed in local job listings in your area to determine what employers are looking for. The reason I prioritized phlebotomy is due to several job listings were looking to employ someone with that skill set.
Certification and Continuing Education for MAs in Texas
The rules for becoming an MA in Texas are fairly loose. But that doesn’t mean just anyone can excel in a medical assistant role. You’ll need extensive knowledge covering both exam procedures and office procedures, and the best way to get that knowledge is by completing an online medical assistant program in Texas.
Another way to prove your competency — and stand out to potential employers — is through certification. NHA is one of the best-known certification options, however other companies also provide certifications for medical assistants in Texas. The National Center for Competency Testing offers the Nationally Certified Medical Assistant exam, American Medical Technologists offers the Registered Medical Assistant exam, and the American Medical Certification Association offers the Clinical Medical Assistant Certification, among others.
Even once your training is complete, you’ll still learn on the job. In Texas, if a physician trains you to do a task, you are then qualified to complete that task. Tasks might include:
- Taking vital signs
- Instructing patients about medications
- Doing EKGs
- Applying and changing wound dressings
- Starting IVs
- Assisting with minor surgery
On the administrative side, tasks you may learn on the job include using specific computer programs, arranging for hospital admissions and lab work, and handling insurance forms and billing.
Texas Medical Assistant Salary & Career Potential
Medical Assistants
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $31,200 | $39,520 | $49,260 |
| Abilene, TX | $30,610 | $37,550 | $44,830 |
| Amarillo, TX | $29,600 | $37,170 | $45,440 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | $37,210 | $45,820 | $54,820 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | $31,580 | $37,690 | $47,890 |
| Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | $27,720 | $34,960 | $43,600 |
| College Station-Bryan, TX | $33,430 | $37,850 | $45,720 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $30,280 | $37,070 | $46,740 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $35,570 | $43,100 | $55,620 |
| Eagle Pass, TX | $28,040 | $29,490 | $38,680 |
| El Paso, TX | $28,710 | $35,790 | $44,800 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX | $30,910 | $42,110 | $49,360 |
| Killeen-Temple, TX | $33,670 | $40,270 | $48,630 |
| Laredo, TX | $28,060 | $35,320 | $43,240 |
| Longview, TX | $31,190 | $37,040 | $44,960 |
| Lubbock, TX | $30,380 | $36,900 | $44,500 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX | $27,240 | $34,810 | $41,480 |
| Midland, TX | $36,450 | $44,010 | $48,490 |
| Odessa, TX | $31,980 | $37,820 | $47,410 |
| San Angelo, TX | $27,640 | $36,550 | $44,340 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | $35,950 | $39,180 | $46,870 |
| Sherman-Denison, TX | $34,240 | $38,800 | $49,380 |
| Texarkana, TX-AR | $29,030 | $36,160 | $44,040 |
| Tyler, TX | $30,090 | $37,460 | $44,720 |
| Victoria, TX | $28,740 | $37,060 | $45,430 |
| Waco, TX | $33,380 | $38,910 | $48,210 |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $31,400 | $40,240 | $46,530 |
Source: Medical Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025
Data does not reflect school-specific information.
Medical Assistants
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 811,000 | 912,200 | 101,200 | 12.5% | 112,300 |
| Texas | 71,610 | 87,160 | 15,550 | 21.7% | 10,970 |
Source: Projections Central, 2024-2034
