Best Online Medical Assistant Programs in Florida
Learn everything you need to know about Florida’s best online medical assistant certification programs, how to choose the one for you, and what to do after you graduate.
Whether you’re a recent high school graduate, a young professional itching for a new career opportunity, or a current medical assistant looking to develop new skills, the top online medical assistant programs in Florida can help you achieve your goals. These programs not only empower you to help people while working in a collaborative environment, they open the door to an in-demand and fulfilling allied healthcare career.
In this guide, we’ll dive into three of Florida’s top online medical assistant programs, break down the attributes that make a program great, and offer a detailed blueprint to jumpstarting your career. We’ll also answer some of your most pressing questions and, of course, touch on what you can expect after graduation.
Keep reading to see which online medical assistant programs in Florida top our list and what they can do for you.
An Inside Look at Popular Florida Programs
Pinning down the right school for you can play an outsized role in the quality of your academic experience and professional potential. To help you get you started, we’ve highlighted three popular online medical assistant programs in Florida. Keep reading to check out the schools that consistently rank among the best in the state.
Daytona College
Among Daytona College’s many flexible allied health training options are an online Medical Assisting Associate of Science Degree program and a Medical Assisting Diploma — graduates of the diploma program are eligible to transfer into the associate degree program. Throughout the 70-week associate degree program, students develop the skills they need to secure entry-level healthcare jobs in medical facilities like hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. As students work through this flexible online option, they learn to record vital signs, administer medication, collect specimens, and draw blood. Students also become familiar with medical business communications, records management, patient scheduling, and insurance and billing.
Prospective students must have a high school diploma or GED. Daytona College also offers a medical assisting program, students of which can choose to transfer to the school’s associate degree program.
Florida International University Online
Florida International University (FIU)’s multiple campuses and wide array of online programs expand students’ access to flexible and affordable academic options, including the online Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program.
Throughout this 12-month program, students complete 540 hours of coursework focused on two main areas: medical terminology and practical training for the certified clinical medical assistant. Core topics include medical assisting foundations, professional behavior, patient scheduling, managing medical records, and medical coding. Students also gain clinical training in pharmacology, pathophysiology, and specimen collection.
FIU Online’s Clinical Medical Assistant program boasts an open enrollment policy, allowing students to apply and begin studying whenever convenient. This self-paced program offers students the freedom to complete coursework while managing personal and professional obligations.
Keiser University
Keiser University is a private institution with main campuses in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach that offers one of the best online medical assistant programs in Florida. Keiser’s associate degree program introduces students to both the clinical and clerical skills they need to obtain and succeed in entry-level healthcare positions — and to pass their Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credentialing exams.
As students move through Keiser’s 60-credit associate degree program, take core classes including but not limited to introduction to healthcare, pharmacology, medical office procedures, and medical office management. Students also complete a number of general education classes in areas like communications, humanities, and social sciences. This program is a solid option for students interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the future.
Prospective students can apply online and must hold a high school diploma or GED.
The Ultimate Checklist for Online Medical Assistant Programs in FL
If you’re considering enrolling in an online medical assistant program in Florida, you’ll want to find a program that aligns with your personal and professional goals. Still, other elements are worth considering. From accreditation to faculty qualifications, we spotlight some of the most important features that can help you distinguish between a golden opportunity and a gilded one as you decide which program is a solid fit.
Accreditation
When seeking out the best online medical assistant program in Florida for you, be sure to prioritize accredited programs. Standout programs are accredited by reputable groups such as the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Accreditation ensures that programs meet various academic and professional standards, guaranteeing quality training that aligns with employer needs.
Eligibility for Certification Exams
While the training you receive through a quality online medical assistant program in Florida is vital, it’s not the only thing that matters — it’s also essential that you verify that a program’s curriculum mirrors the requirements for national certification exams. The American Association of Medical Assistants’ Certified Medical Assistant exam and the American Medical Technologists’ Registered Medical Assistant exam can lead to certifications that likely enhance your competitiveness when applying for jobs.
Faculty Qualifications
The best online medical assistant programs in Florida are staffed by qualified, experienced instructors. Experienced faculty can have a significant impact on your educational experience. These professionals not only enrich your classroom experience but can also offer pragmatic insights into what you can expect in real-world healthcare situations. Schools like FIU Online boast instructors with more than 30 years of professional experience.
State-Specific Considerations
Even though Florida does not require licensure for medical assistants, that doesn’t mean that accredited training and certifications from national organizations aren’t important. The best online medical assistant programs in Florida not only help you hone essential healthcare skills but also prepare you for the national certifications that can enhance your career options and lead to higher wages.
Student Success Rates: Graduation and Certification
Numbers don’t lie, and a program’s track record in graduation rates and graduate employment can help verify a program’s quality. High graduation and employment rates point to a program’s effectiveness in preparing students for their future healthcare jobs. You can also contact alums to gauge their satisfaction with their online medical assistant program in Florida.
Transferability
For many students of online medical assistant programs in Florida, their ambition doesn’t stop after entering the workforce. If you’re one of them, then transferability is vital. Whether you are interested in pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree program down the line or are thinking of moving out of state, seeking out an accredited program that offers transferable credits means that those credits count toward your future academic and professional endeavors do matter where you are.
How to Become a Certified Medical Assistant in FL: The Next Right Step
Finding and completing an accredited online medical assistant program in Florida is a great way to jumpstart your career, but the work doesn’t end there. One of the best ways to maximize your marketability and earning potential is to secure certification through a professional organization like the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Continue reading as we break down some of the requirements you’ll need to meet as you pursue your medical assistant certification.
Complete a Clinical Externship
Theoretical learning is great, but the practical application of what you learn in the virtual classroom is essential. Clinical externships offer a hands-on pathway toward real-world experience, enhancing your knowledge while facilitating the transition from the classroom to a professional healthcare setting. This real-world training can also help you establish a professional network.
Graduate From an Accredited Program
Graduating from an accredited online medical assistant program in Florida is not just about earning a degree, it’s about meeting certification requirements while leaving open the possibility of future higher education coursework. Completing a recognized program also helps to signal to employers that you’ve developed the skills and knowledge vital to professional practice.
Pass the Certificate Exam
While earning a certified medical assistant credential isn’t required to begin your healthcare career, passing these exams shows future employers that you’ve honed the skills required to operate at the highest levels. Additionally, earning national certification showcases your commitment to the profession, enhancing your competitiveness when searching for that first post-graduation job.
Renew Your License and Take Continuing Education Credits
After earning your CMA certification, Florida-based medical assistants must maintain their credentials by renewing their licenses by exam at least two months before the expiration of their certification or by taking continuing education classes in administrative, clinical, and general subject areas.
Online Medical Assistant Programs in FL: Your Questions Answered
The process of searching for the right online medical assistant program in Florida can bring up a lot of questions, questions that are difficult to answer without the proper resources. From inquiries about prerequisites to concerns about costs, we address some of our readers’ most pressing questions below.
Do online medical assistant programs in Florida have prerequisites?
At this point in your search for the best online medical assistant program in Florida you’ve likely noticed that prerequisite requirements can vary pretty significantly, particularly between certificate and associate degree programs, the latter of which typically has greater requirements. Many programs require students to complete foundational courses in math and science before they transition into higher-level coursework. Schools like Keiser University require that students complete classes like English composition, introduction to computers, and college mathematics. If you haven’t done so already, consider completing these courses to maximize the number of programs for which you are eligible.
How can I network during my program, and does it matter?
Networking is a crucial part of growing your career. Many of the best online medical assistant programs in Florida encourage students to engage in virtual forums, join professional groups, and participate in other online networking events. Schools like Fortis College also offer virtual career services, connecting students with industry professionals.
Is it difficult to be accepted to Florida online medical assistant programs?
Admission requirements also vary between schools, but many of Florida’s online medical assistant programs require just a high school diploma or GED. Still, it’s vital that you review admissions and application requirements when searching for medical assistant programs. Florida International University’s online CMA program offers open enrollment, meaning you can register and start classes whenever you’re ready.
What funding is available for online medical assistant students in Florida?
Accredited programs offer standard financial aid options. The best online medical assistant programs in Florida work to ensure that financial concerns aren’t a barrier to your education. In addition to school-administered scholarships, you can apply for federal student aid in the form of loans, grants, scholarships, by completing the FAFSA. Be sure to reach out to your school’s financial aid office with any questions you may have before completing the enrollment process.
What is the average cost of an online medical assistant program in Pennsylvania?
Online medical assistant programs at public schools in Florida costing the least and private institutions typically costing the most. Florida International University’s online CMA program currently costs $2,750 for the 540 hours of training you’ll receive. Because a number like that can feel daunting to many students, most programs provide payment plans that allow you to divide the cost into more manageable payments.
What subjects do medical assistant programs in Pennsylvania cover?
When tackling your Florida online medical assistant program, you can expect a comprehensive curriculum covering various clinical and administrative topics. At Daytona College, students acquire essential skills in diagnostic testing, medical business communications, managing health records, and patient intake and assessment.
Salary Expectations and Career Prospects for Medical Assistants in FL
Salary and career data for medical assistants in Florida typically mirrors broader national numbers. However, it’s still worth taking a closer look at the data to ensure you know what to expect after graduation. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, medical assistants in the Sunshine State earn a median income of $36,700, just under the national median of $38,270. Florida’s cost of living is slightly higher than the national average, but the cost of living can vary dramatically between major cities like Miami and smaller towns and rural areas.
When weighing the best places to work in Florida, the larger metropolitan areas like Tampa and Miami not only offer higher wages but tend to have more job openings. Sizeable urban centers are typically home to expansive healthcare facilities with a higher demand for experienced healthcare professionals. The opposite is also true —smaller towns generally require fewer healthcare workers and offer slightly lower wages.
Deciding where to work and live is a personal choice that hinges on finding the right balance between job opportunities, the cost of living, your earning potential, and your lifestyle preferences. An online medical assistant program can expand career options and competitiveness in the job market. Take a closer look at the tables below to see how.
| Occupation Name | New Jobs (2020-2030) | Job Growth Rate (2020-2030) | Average Annual Openings (2020-2030) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 853,500 | 18.40% | 104,400 |
| Florida | 74,140 | 29.8% | 9,300 |
Source: Projections Central
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | $28,910 | $36,700 | $46,240 |
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL | $29,920 | $37,410 | $47,470 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL | $28,820 | $36,520 | $45,250 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL | $27,210 | $29,900 | $42,410 |
| Gainesville, FL | $28,080 | $35,310 | $38,220 |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | $27,060 | $33,560 | $42,400 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $29,340 | $36,940 | $45,850 |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $28,420 | $30,150 | $38,070 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | $29,420 | $37,380 | $47,860 |
| Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL | $30,630 | $37,490 | $47,440 |
| North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL | $30,110 | $37,180 | $46,960 |
| Ocala, FL | $27,770 | $30,380 | $37,910 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | $28,640 | $30,540 | $38,220 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL | $28,820 | $30,120 | $39,590 |
| Panama City, FL | $28,560 | $35,200 | $38,150 |
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL | $28,080 | $29,830 | $37,990 |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $29,230 | $36,970 | $38,240 |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $28,820 | $35,900 | $43,640 |
| Sebastian-Vero Beach, FL | $23,920 | $36,590 | $45,850 |
| Sebring, FL | $26,420 | $29,830 | $37,990 |
| Tallahassee, FL | $25,570 | $33,270 | $38,070 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $28,820 | $36,810 | $45,470 |
| The Villages, FL | $28,250 | $29,990 | $38,000 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
