Key Details for Students in Massachusetts Medical Assistant Online Programs
If you’re a New Englander interested in a healthcare career, an online medical assistant program is a solid place to start. See how these flexible and affordable programs can help you jumpstart your career.
Whether you’re fresh out of high school or interested in transitioning to a new job in allied healthcare, a medical assistant program can offer a quick and affordable pathway to the helping career you’ve been dreaming of. The best online medical assistant programs in Massachusetts put students first, ensuring you gain the skills and hands-on training you need to thrive. If you’re ready to punch your ticket to a fulfilling and collaborative career in allied healthcare, keep reading.
Throughout this guide we’ll showcase three of the best online medical assistant programs in Massachusetts; spotlight some key attributes that define a quality program; and offer you a step-by-step plan for completing your degree and earning your national certification.
Get started with a look at which schools top our list and how they can help you dive headfirst into your medical assistant career.
An Inside Look at Popular Massachusetts Programs
As you begin your search for the right online medical assistant program in Massachusetts for you, why not get the ball rolling by reviewing a few of the best? In the section below, we’ve highlighted three accredited, flexible, and affordable options that can help you hone the skills you need to jumpstart your career and earn your national certification. Keep reading to see what Massachusetts schools top our list.
MassBay Community College
Massachusetts Bay Community College (MassBay)’s Medical Assistant Certificate Program offers a flexible and affordable hybrid curriculum designed to train the next generation of effective medical assistants.
Over the course of the program, students tackle theoretical coursework that they apply in an in-person lab. Students further solidify that knowledge with extensive hands-on training in the form of a degree-culminating capstone internship that they can complete at approved healthcare sites, including hospitals, nursing homes, and physicians’ offices. This 26-credit hybrid program covers vital topics in medical terminology, electronic health records, pharmacology, and soft skills for medical professionals.
MassBay’s healthcare programs are selective, and prospective students must apply to both the school and the program and hold a high school diploma or GED to be considered for admission. Before starting clinical coursework, students must provide proof of required immunizations, CPR certification, a criminal background check, and a drug screen.
Mount Wachusett Community College
Among Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC)’s many certificate programs is a standout medical assistant option students can complete in roughly one year. After completing its comprehensive curriculum and hands-on training, students are eligible to sit for the American Association of Medical Assistants’ Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam.
MWCC’s 29-credit medical assistant certificate include a roster of classes that lay a solid foundation for a career in allied healthcare. Core classes cover topics in medical terminology, medical administrative procedures, principles of pharmacology, and medical law and ethics. Students also complete a four-credit medical assisting externship before graduation.
Prospective medical assistant students at MWCC must hold a high school diploma or GED. Additionally, students must pass a criminal background check and drug screen before enrolling in clinical classes.
Northern Essex Community College
Northern Essex Community College offers a standout Medical Assistant Certificate track. Students gain essential clinical and clerical skills while also getting the chance to learn in a real-world healthcare setting.
Throughout this 32-credit program, students can choose between an in-person standard daytime program and an evening program delivered both in-person and online. Over roughly one year, students complete the following classes, among others: Introduction to Medical Assisting, Medical Terminology, Human Biology, and Medical Office Administration. Students must earn a grade of C or better in all required courses to graduate from the program.
Prospective students must hold a high school diploma or GED to be admitted. Additionally, students must document all required vaccinations and pass a background check.
The Ultimate Checklist for Online Medical Assistant Programs in Massachusetts
Choosing the right online medical assistant program in Massachusetts for you can play a significant role in the trajectory of your allied healthcare career. From accreditation to your ability to apply your credits toward future academic endeavors, there are a handful of elements you should consider. That’s why we’ve crafted a comprehensive checklist you can utilize to evaluate prospective programs.
Accreditation
Accreditation is essential for online medical assistant programs in Massachusetts because it ensures that an institution meets set educational and professional standards. Accreditation not only guarantees you’ll get your money’s worth, but also enhances your job prospects after graduation. The best programs are accredited by bodies like the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
Eligibility for Certification Exams
The best online medical assistant programs in Massachusetts not only help you hone essential healthcare skills but prepare you to take the national certification exams that put them to the test. The American Medical Technologist’s RMA exam and the American Association of Medical Assistants’ CMA exam, for example, offer up credentials that signal to potential employers that you have the theoretical and practical know-how to get the job done.
Faculty Qualifications
The qualifications and expertise of a program’s faculty directly impact the quality of your online medical assistant program in Massachusetts. When reviewing potential schools, look closely at whether the program boasts a roster of experienced instructors. These experienced allied healthcare professionals can provide valuable insights, practical knowledge, and mentorship, all of which results is an enhanced learning experience that can better prepare you for your own career.
State-Specific Considerations
As a future medical assistant in Massachusetts, it’s essential that you’re aware of the rules and regulations that affect the allied healthcare field. And while Massachusetts does not require a license to practice as a medical assistant, schools like Massasoit Community College strongly encourage students to pursue national certification. Passing a national certification exam not only verifies your skills but also shows future employers that you bring a certain level of commitment to the job.
Student Success Rates: Graduation and Certification
While some schools can hide behind sleek marketing to entice prospective students, the best online medical assistant programs in Massachusetts let the data speak for itself. Seek out programs with strong graduation and certification rates as they indicate a program’s effectiveness and commitment to student success. You can feel confident that schools with high student success rates often provide a supportive learning environment that meet students where they’re at, setting them up for success during the program and beyond.
Transferability
For many students, the work doesn’t stop after completing an online medical assistant program in Massachusetts. Accredited programs—especially those at community colleges—typically offer classes that can count toward other programs, including associate and bachelor’s degree programs. As a result, ensuring that you can transfer credits means laying the foundation for future educational options that can result in expanded career options and increased pay.
How to Become a Certified Medical Assistant in MA: The Next Right Step
As you embark on your career in allied healthcare, you’ll find that there’s more involved than simply completing your online medical assistant program in Massachusetts. There are a series of vital steps you must take to make the most of your education and jumpstart your healthcare career. Continue reading as we spotlight some of these essential steps and how they can help you navigate your journey toward certification and professional practice.
Complete a Clinical Externship
You’ll learn a lot in the virtual classroom, but gaining hands-on experience through a clinical externship is essential. Real-world exposure to professional practice can enhance practical skills while preparing you for some of the challenges you’ll face after graduation.
Graduate From an Accredited Program
Completing an accredited online medical assistant program in Massachusetts can help establish a solid foundation on which you can build a career. For example, Massasoit Community College’s medical assisting certificate program offers a comprehensive education that aligns with industry best practices. Completing an accredited program signals to employers that you’ve received a quality education and that you’re ready for the workforce.
Pass the Certificate Exam
Although passing a national certificate exam isn’t required to secure a medical assisting job, it can prove to be a valuable credential on your resume. Thankfully, the best online medical assistant programs in Massachusetts arm you with both the technical proficiencies you need to dive into your first job, and the understanding of clinical and administrative skills a national certification exam will test you on.
Renew Your License and Take Continuing Education Credits
After you’ve graduated and passed your CMA test, you’ll be required to maintain your credentials by renewing your certification. The American Association of Medical Assistants’ CMA certification requires that you renew your credentials every 60 months. As a result, registered CMAs should plan to either retake their certification exam before their credential expires or to take and submit continuing education credits.
Online Medical Assistant Programs in MA: Your Questions Answered
As you continue your journey toward finding the right online medical assistant program in Massachusetts, you’re bound to have questions. From curriculum details and cost to networking and prerequisites, the following section answers some of our readers’ most common questions. If you have more questions, be sure to reach out to prospective schools for answers.
Do online medical assistant programs in Massachusetts have prerequisites?
Prerequisites vary between programs, but most schools require nothing more than a high school diploma or GED. That said, schools like Massasoit Community College also require that applicants attend their program’s information session and complete their required college placement tests in reading, writing, and mathematics. Review each prospective program’s prerequisites to ensure your eligibility and a smooth admissions process.
How can I network during my program, and does it matter?
Developing and growing your professional network is crucial if you want to expand your career options. As a student at one of the best online medical assistant programs in Massachusetts, you’ll have multiple ways to network. In addition to your fellow students, your experienced instructors can be valuable connections. Schools like Northern Essex Community College and Mount Wachusett Community College also require in-person externships that provide the chance to rapidly expand your professional network.
Is it difficult to be accepted to Massachusetts online medical assistant programs?
The admissions process for top online medical assistant programs in Massachusetts varies between schools. As a result, you’ll want to carefully review a program’s website and/or reach out to the admissions office for each prospective school to ensure you meet all requirements. Some schools may have more open admissions policies, while others, like MassBay Community College, are a bit more selective and require admission into both the school and the program itself.
What funding is available for online medical assistant students in Massachusetts?
As a college student, you’re acutely aware that attending an online medical assistant program in Massachusetts means investing in your future. For many, the cost of college can feel daunting—thankfully, many of the best CMA programs in the state are offered through more affordable community colleges. Additionally, students attending an accredited program can access financial aid options like loans, grants, scholarships, and work-study programs.
What is the average cost of an online medical assistant program in Massachusetts?
The cost of your online medical assistant program in Massachusetts will inevitably depend on the school you attend. Many of the best programs are offered at community colleges that strive to keep tuition rates relatively low. At Mount Wachusett Community College, students pay $235 per credit, while students at Massasoit Community College pay $224 per credit.
What subjects do medical assistant programs in Massachusetts cover?
Curriculum requirements vary between schools, but students can expect a blend of clinical and administrative courses. Additionally, community college students can anticipate several general education classes. At Northern Essex Community College, students complete required courses on medical office administration, medical assisting, clinical laboratory procedures, and medical terminology. Many of the best programs also require students to complete a clinical externship before graduation.
Salary Expectations and Career Prospects for Medical Assistants in MA
As with most other states in the nation, Massachusetts has a high demand for professionals in the allied health field, including medical assistants. While the estimated job growth for medical assistants across the nation is currently 13.8% from 2022 to 2032, the growth in Massachusetts is slightly higher at 15.2%. This translates to an average of 830 job openings across the state for new medical assistants.
Regarding income, medical assistants in Massachusetts can expect a median annual wage of $47,770. Those just starting out are likely to be in the 10th percentile, earning $38,790, while more experienced medical assistants can reach the 90th percentile, earning $59,300. Your earnings are also influenced by your location, as those working in the Boston area will see median wages of $47,960, whereas those in the New Bedford area might earn a median of $43,440. Below, you will find a wealth of information to help you explore the salary and job outlook for medical assistants in Massachusetts.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 764,400 | 870,200 | 105,800 | 13.80% | 114,600 |
| Massachusetts | 5,460 | 6,290 | 830 | 15.20% | 830 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $38,790 | $47,770 | $59,300 |
| Barnstable Town, MA | $38,400 | $47,310 | $56,930 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $39,390 | $47,960 | $59,930 |
| Leominster-Gardner, MA | $37,920 | $46,150 | $58,010 |
| New Bedford, MA | $35,580 | $43,440 | $55,470 |
| Pittsfield, MA | $37,500 | $45,730 | $49,750 |
| Springfield, MA-CT | $37,620 | $46,090 | $53,540 |
| Worcester, MA-CT | $38,480 | $47,090 | $59,280 |
Source: Medical Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
