Best Online Medical Assistant Programs in Indiana
Top-rated online medical assistant programs in Indiana prepare you for a meaningful career while boasting a flexible format. See what schools top our list and what they can do for you.
You’re passionate about helping people and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, but need a bit of guidance on how best to get started down the path you know will let you do both. Whether you’re fresh out of high school, or years into a career that isn’t quite right, an online medical assistant program in Indiana can expand your job prospects and earning potential.
On this page you’ll find everything you need to know about entering the allied health field as a medical assistant. We’ll start by giving you a taste of three of the best online medical assistant programs in Indiana before digging into what you should consider as you take your search for the right medical assistant program into your own hands. We’ll also outline what it takes to earn your certification — and why it matters — and answer any lingering questions you have.
If you’re ready to dive into the world of online medical assistant programs in Indiana, keep reading and take your first step toward a fulfilling career.
Profiling Top-Tier Indiana Programs
Finding the right school for you is a big deal. It can be overwhelming to have to consider a seemingly never-ending list of factors, from cost to faculty, location, to course content. That’s why we’ve highlighted some of the best online medical assistant programs in Indiana — looking at top-tier programs and their offerings can help you get a feel for what sets a great program apart. Keep reading to see which schools top our list and what they can do for you.
Fortis Colleges and Institutes
Fortis College in Indianapolis offers one of the top online medical assistant programs in Indiana. Designed to prepare students with the knowledge they need to jumpstart a career in healthcare, the curriculum prepares students to perform tasks in patient care, medical records management, and office administration.
Throughout this ABHES-accredit program, students take courses in wide range of topics, including medical office procedures, anatomy and physiology, clinical procedures, and pharmacology. Students also gain hands-on clinical training at approved clinical sites. Fortis College’s medical assisting program also lays out a clear pathway toward CMA certification.
Those interested in applying to Fortis’s medical assisting program must have a high school diploma or GED prior to enrollment. Many applicants also complete an in-person interview with the school’s admissions staff and have the chance to tour the campus.
Ivy Tech Community College
Established in 1963, Ivy Tech Community College is a public network of schools that serves over 160,000 students annually throughout Indiana. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, this community college system is home to a medical assisting program that students can complete in just two semesters. This flexible and affordable program is a solid fit for students interested in earning a professional credential while leaving open the possibility of completing future coursework toward an associate degree.
Throughout this 39-credit technical certificate track, online degree seekers tackle vital topics such as medical terminology, insurance coding, pharmacology, laboratory techniques, and electronic administrative practices. Students also learn about the role of the medical assistant and gain hands-on training in a professional clinical setting.
Ivy Tech utilizes a selective admissions process for this online medical assistant program because the school can only enroll a relatively small number of students each cycle. Applicants must hold a minimum of a high school diploma or GED, but top-performing students with prior college experience are given preference.
Purdue Global
Developed to expand access to higher education for working adults, Purdue Global is a public online university that serves nearly 44,000 online learners. Purdue Global’s medical assistant certificate is a flexible option that supplies working students with the freedom they need to keep up with their myriad responsibilities while completing academic requirements.
Over the course of this 58-credit program, students study diverse topics essential to a career in medical assisting career. In the 1 ½ years it takes to complete the program, students complete classes like diseases of the human body, medical office management, and professionalism in healthcare. Additionally, students receive hands-on training in essential clinical skills, including administering injections, recording EKGs, and assisting with lab testing.
Prospective students must be at least 18 and hold a high school diploma or GED. They must also make the necessary financial arrangements before classes begin.
What to Look for in Online Medical Assistant Programs in Indiana
When weighing your options and deciding which online medical assistant program in Indiana is right for you, there are several features worth considering. Read on as we discuss the most important elements of online medical assistant programs in Indiana and the effect they can have on your education and career.
Accreditation
Accreditation ensures that you receive a quality education that prepares you for state certification. Accrediting organizations such as the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) verify that online medical assistant programs in Indiana meet established educational and professional standards.
Certification Exam Eligibility
If you plan to work as a medical assistant after graduation, you likely need to pass the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification exam. The best online medical assistant programs in Indiana prepare you for certification exams, ensuring you develop the skills necessary to thrive in future jobs while expanding your job prospects and earning potential.
Faculty Qualifications
The qualifications of your instructors can have a sizeable impact on online medical assistant programs in Indiana. Experienced and knowledgeable faculty use their expertise not only to help you understand the course material but also to prepare you for the real-world challenges you’ll likely encounter after graduation.
Graduation and Certification Rates
When reviewing prospective programs, be sure to investigate graduation and certification pass rates. High numbers in these metrics indicate a program’s effectiveness in preparing students for the workforce. The best online medical assistant programs in Indiana have a track record of successful graduates, meaning you can feel confident they will offer you the skills and know-how you need for a thriving medical assistant career.
State-Specific Considerations
In Indiana, like in other states, it’s vital to stay current on shifts in state-specific policies, licensing requirements, or changes in the healthcare field that can impact your career. And while Indiana does not require medical assistant certification, completing an online medical assistant program in Indiana can enhance your career options and earning potential. To stay informed on medical assistant news in the state, be sure to check out the Indiana Society of Medical Assistants.
Transferability
For many Indiana students, their education doesn’t stop at the end of their online medical assistant program. If, like them, you think you may be interested in pursuing an additional healthcare-related degree, it’s important that you seek out programs that will allow you to transfer credits down the road. This way, you can earn your medical assistant certification while setting yourself up for future studies.
Requirements to Become a Certified Medical Assistant in Indiana
Finding the right online medical assistant program in Indiana is an important first step, but launching your career as a medical assistant in Indiana takes more than a commitment to furthering your education. Keep reading as we highlight some of the major milestones to becoming a certified medical assistant in the state.
Complete a Clinical Externship
A clinical externship allows you to apply your knowledge in a professional healthcare setting, developing both confidence and essential skills. Most accredited medical online medical assistant programs in Indiana require students to complete clinical hours to gain the vital practical experience that simply can’t be replicated virtually.
Graduate From an Accredited Program
Attending and graduating from an accredited medical assistant program is crucial — accreditation ensures that a program aligns with commonly held professional and academic standards. Accredited programs not only provide a solid educational foundation but can also impact the transferability of credits and even your future job prospects.
Pass the Certificate Exam
Completing the Certified Medical Assistant certification exam can be a significant milestone that opens career doors. The best online medical assistant programs in Indiana emphasize the importance of sitting for and passing your exam and offer coursework and resources that prepare you for test day.
Renew Your License and Take Continuing Education Credits
Your CMA certification signals to employers that you can perform the tasks associated with your position. It’s also just the tip of the iceberg. As a medical assistant in Indiana, you must keep your credentials up to date by renewing your license periodically — typically every 60 months — through the American Association of Medical Assistants.
Answering FAQs About Online Medical Assistant Programs in Indiana
We’ve covered a lot of ground so far, and while you may have a clearer idea of your top school —or how to find it — and most pressing certification requirements, it wouldn’t be surprising if you still had questions. We’ve addressed some of the most common ones below to help you gain even greater clarity.
Are scholarships or grants available for online medical assistant students in IN?
Yes, financial aid options are often available for students attending online medical assistant programs in Indiana. You can take advantage of school and statewide funding, among other resources, from Indiana’s Workforce Ready Grant to scholarships like those offered at Ivy Tech Community College.
Are there professional organizations or networking opportunities for Indiana medical assistants?
Yes, the Indiana Society of Medical Assistants provides networking and professional development opportunities. Joining groups like this can help you develop professional relationships, learn new skills, and keep up with trends in the allied healthcare field.
Do I need to complete any prerequisites before applying?
While online medical assistant programs in Indiana don’t typically require students to have completed any prerequisite courses, admission requirements can vary—be sure to closely review each school’s requirements before you apply.
How much should I expect to pay for my program?
The cost of an online medical assistant program in Indiana can vary significantly from school to school.The 39-credit medical assisting program at Ivy Tech Community College costs roughly $6,600, while Purdue Global’s 58-credit medical assistant certificate program costs over $21,000. Don’t let this deter you, though. Financial aid opportunities like loans, grants, scholarships, and work-study programs can help defray the cost of tuition.
What are the admission requirements for Indiana medical assistant programs?
Admission requirements vary between schools but usually include a minimum of a high school diploma or GED, complete immunization records, and a clean background check. Many schools also require students to submit to a drug screen. For a more detailed look at what it takes to get into medical assistant school, take a look at our dedicated admissions guide.
What does an online medical assistant curriculum in Indiana cover?
The standard curriculum of most online Indiana medical assistant programs includes medical office procedures, anatomy and physiology, and administrative training. Think of this as a foundation from which individual programs can build and offer more specialized or niche training. The curriculum at Purdue Global, for example, also covers topics in pharmacology and professionalism in healthcare.
Indiana Medical Assistant Salary and Career Insights
While medical assistant salaries and job openings in Indiana generally align with national data, there are some variations worth considering. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical assistants in Indiana earn an average salary of $36,960, slightly less than the national average of $38,270. It is worth keeping in mind, however, that Indiana’s cost of living is about 16% lower than the national average.
Regardless, if you’re looking to maximize your earning potential as a medical assistant in Indiana, you’ll find the highest salaries in larger metropolitan areas like Indianapolis and South Bend. These areas typically have more healthcare facilities and a higher demand for medical assistants. Conversely, more rural areas typically have fewer job openings and slightly lower salaries.
Determining where to live and work will depend heavily on your personal preference, desired salary, cost of living, and other lifestyle considerations, but hopefully the data below can help inform your decision.
| Area | New Jobs (2020-2030) | Job Growth Rate (2020-2030) | Average Annual Openings (2020-2030) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 853,500 | 18.4% | 104,400 |
| Indiana | 20,320 | 18.10% | 2,480 |
Source: Projections Central
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana | $29,130 | $36,960 | $46,890 |
| Bloomington, IN | $29,330 | $36,520 | $46,950 |
| Columbus, IN | $29,080 | $36,450 | $44,990 |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN | $29,680 | $36,620 | $38,790 |
| Evansville, IN-KY | $27,740 | $35,460 | $43,600 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $28,820 | $36,360 | $45,670 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN | $29,980 | $37,860 | $48,160 |
| Kokomo, IN | $29,280 | $36,490 | $38,230 |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN | $30,020 | $36,600 | $45,850 |
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN | $28,270 | $35,390 | $37,990 |
| Muncie, IN | $28,490 | $36,270 | $45,850 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | $29,190 | $36,780 | $38,560 |
| Terre Haute, IN | $28,480 | $35,060 | $43,670 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
