Online Medical Assistant Programs in Oklahoma: Finding a School

Inside Oklahoma Medical Assistant Programs

Oklahoma offers a wide range of online and hybrid medical assistant programs that prepare students for certifications such as CMA, RMA, or CCMA. With many options available, understanding how programs differ can help you choose one that fits your goals, budget, and learning style.

Key points to consider include:

1. Certification preparation: Programs align with different credentials, so it’s important to match your training with your desired certification.
2. Program length and admissions: Most MA programs take nine to 24 months to complete and require only a high school diploma or GED.
3. Learning format: Options include fully online coursework, hands-on training, or hybrid models that combine both.

To help you compare these factors, we’ve spotlighted three online medical assistant programs in Oklahoma that show what you can expect.

Oklahoma Medical Assistant FAQs

We’ve looked at some great schools and explored some certifications, but you might still have a few burning questions. If so, you’re in the right place. In this section, we’ll answer some of the most common questions we hear from future medical assistants.

How do I become a medical assistant in Oklahoma?

Officially, medical assistants in Oklahoma aren’t required to be CMAs or RMAs. But committing to career prep is a wise investment because most employers prefer to hire medical assistants with a formal certification. Additionally, the experience you gain in your CMA courses can lead to a higher starting salary.

If you opt to pursue a medical assistant certificate in Oklahoma, you’ll need to start by applying to top-quality schools. Expect to spend nine to 18 months completing your classes, though in some cases you can find accelerated programs with a shorter timeline.

To be eligible for your CMA, you’ll need to attend a program accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. After you’re done, you’ll sit for the CMA exam, and once you’ve passed, you’ll be ready to step into the world of medical assisting.

Can a medical assistant give injections in Oklahoma?

No. Oklahoma state law prohibits medical assistants from performing injections. This role is exclusively reserved for a Certified Medication Aide. One exception to this rule is that medical assistants can administer insulin and vitamin B12 shots after proper training.

To become a Certified Medication Aide in Oklahoma, you must take a written certification exam designed for nurse aides who administer medication, for which you’ll need to meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Minimum 18 years of age
• Minimum high school or general equivalency diploma
• Current Oklahoma nurse aide certification with no abuse notations
• Six months experience as a CNA
• Physically and mentally capable of safely performing duties

What’s the difference between a CMA and a medical assistant?

Essentially, all CMAs are medical assistants, but not all medical assistants are CMAs. Holding a CMA isn’t mandatory for you to work as a medical assistant in Oklahoma, but earning the certification proves that you’ve prepared for a medical assistant career by completing coursework and passing the CMA exam.

Whether you become CMA or not, you’ll want to look for postings with the job title “medical assistant” when you start your job hunt.

Regardless of which path you pursue, earning the distinction of CMA is still a good way to get ahead. Most employers prefer candidates with their CMA, who can typically expect higher wages and more advanced responsibilities.

What’s the scope of practice for medical assistants in Oklahoma?

The Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision offers no specific scope of work for medical assistants. As such, supervising physicians are responsible for delegating tasks using their discretion.

But as a medical assistant, it’s safe to say you’ll wear many hats. You’ll support doctors and nurses by:

• Taking vital signs
• Preparing exam rooms
• Performing lab tests

You’ll also help ensure the office or practice runs smoothly by performing administrative tasks like:

• Working on insurance claims
• Scheduling appointments
• Maintaining patient records
• Working at the front desk

In smaller clinics, you’ll likely be doing a mix of administrative and clinical duties, but in larger operations or hospitals, your position will likely be dedicated exclusively to one type of work.

Are there travel opportunities for medical assistants?

Yes, medical assistants have plenty of opportunities to work and travel! These short-term contracts can be a great option for CMAs who don’t want to be tied down to a specific location or office. In many cases, they also pay above-average wages.

As a traveling CMA, you can expect to work for a set amount of time, usually around three months, at a specific location that needs some extra help. Because your CMA is a nationally recognized credential, you typically won’t need additional licensure to work in another state.

Oklahoma Medical Assistant Certification Options

Since the Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision offers no guidelines for medical assistants, certification and continuing education are not determined by state law.

However, as noted throughout this guide, some MA jobs require some form of medical assistant certification. The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and the American Medical Technologists (AMT) are the main certification entities for medical assistants in the United States.

If you receive these national certifications, you must complete continuing education credits for re-certification.

To be re-certified as a medical assistant, you must receive 60 certification points within five years, including:

• 10 general points
• 10 clinical points
• 10 administrative points
• 30 points from any combined categories

Career & Salary Info