Online Medical Assistant Programs: Comparing Schools in Michigan
Online medical assistant programs in Michigan give you a great opportunity to begin a career in a flexible and affordable setting. Let EduMed walk you through the best programs available in the state, admissions requirements, cost structures, and salary figures after certification.
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Breakdown of Online Medical Assistant Programs in Michigan
In Michigan, several online programs offer unique combinations of top curriculum, flexible delivery methods, and quality student support services. Therefore, it’s important to take the time to explore your options and know what you’re looking for before enrolling in any program.
To start you on your program search, we’ve spotlighted three online medical assistant programs in Michigan — including their admission requirements, costs, and timelines — and what you can expect after graduating.
Medical Assisting Certificate Program – Southwestern Michigan College
Southwestern Michigan College’s Medical Assisting Certificate program prepares graduates with the clinical and administrative skills needed to fill entry-level medical assistant positions.
Students are required to complete two courses (BIOL 110 and HEED 101) through their “degree granting” institution and nine online medical assisting courses through SMC. Additionally, students complete a medical assisting internship which may be attended face-to-face or virtually depending on the internship provider.
Program starts are available in the fall only. Both full-time and part-time options are available.
Duration: 36 credits; three semesters (full-time) or five semesters (part-time).
Mode: Online (with two prerequisite courses and internship that may need to be taken in person)
Cost: $3,498 (not including prerequisite courses)
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; prerequisite coursework.
Curriculum:
- Human Biology
- Medical Terminology
- Disease Overview
- Introduction to Electronic Medical Records
- Medical Assistant Clinical Procedures
- Medical Assistant Pharmacology
- Diagnostic and Lab Procedures
- Medical Office Administration
- Insurance Claims Processing
- Medical Assisting Internship
- Medical Assistant Seminar
Certificate in Medical Assisting – Grand Rapids Community College
Grand Rapids Community College’s Medical Assistant certificate program curriculum covers both administrative and clinical skills, with the goal of preparing students for entry-level positions in doctor’s offices, hospitals, and clinics.
The program is presented in hybrid format with a 50-50 mix of online coursework and in-person learning. In addition to lectures, group work, and simulations, the program also includes an in-person externship.
At the completion of the program, students may take the exam for Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) professional certification (exam fee is included in the program’s cost.)
Duration: 772 hours (22 weeks)
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $6,956 (Michigan residents); $7,601 (non-residents)
Admissions Requirements: Must be 18 years or older and complete an application.
Curriculum:
- Billing and Coding
- Telephone Triage Skills
- Phlebotomy
- Obtaining Vital Signs and Administering Injections
- Electrocardiography and CLIA Waived Testing
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Central Michigan University Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Program
This Online Clinical Medical Assistant Certification Training course from Central Michigan University is an affordable and flexible option that prepares students to sit for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam. Content delivery is 100% online and self-paced allowing students to complete course requirements at any time that suits their busy schedules.
The course fee includes 12 months access to all online course materials and a voucher to take the CCMA exam.
Duration: 540 hours (12 months)
Mode: 100% online
Cost: $3,595
Admissions Requirements: No requirements to take the course. However, a high school diploma or equivalent is needed to sit for the CCMA exam.
Curriculum:
- Medical terminology
- Medical law and ethics
- HIPAA rules
- Scheduling systems
- Administrative duties
- Clinical duties (such as vital sign measurement)
FAQs from Michigan Medical Assistant Students
If you’ve come this far you likely have several questions, and that’s okay. It is normal to want to know as much as possible about the opportunities available to you before selecting the online medical assistant program that best suits your needs.
To help, here are the answers to five questions frequently asked by prospective online medical assistant students in Michigan:
Is it difficult to be accepted into an online medical assistant program in Michigan? Are are there any prerequisites?
It’s not difficult being accepted into a Michigan-based online medical assistant program. Almost all programs require only a high school diploma or equivalent (like a GED), and that’s only because a high school diploma is needed to qualify for most medical assistant professional certifications.
There are a few exceptions, like the Southwestern Michigan College’s program (spotlighted above) which includes two prerequisite courses. But overall, online medical assistant programs in Michigan offer one of the least difficult paths you’ll find to entering the healthcare profession.
Expert Insight
When I was searching for a program, I made a list of programs and what their requirements were. This way, you can find which program is the best fit for you. If your heart is set on a certain program, check their prerequisites to find what you still need to complete to apply.
Can I network during my program? And does it matter?
Yes, and yes. Networking before, during, and after completing your medical assistant program is a wise decision that can help in both jump starting and advancing your career.
While in school, you can work to develop relationships with your instructors and peers by actively participating in online class discussions and creating study groups.
You may also consider seeking out a mentor — whether it’s someone local or an individual you can connect with virtually. Many schools offer career resources that may be able to help you find a mentor.
You can also join a medical assistant professional organization, like the Michigan Society of Medical Assistants which offers a wide array of resources and networking opportunities you can access at any point in your career.
What funding is available for online medical assistant students in Michigan?
In Michigan, qualified candidates can often receive training for growing, in-demand career fields at little to no cost to them through the Michigan Works Service Center. The center helps prospective students learn more about medical assisting programs, training grants, and other services they be eligible for.
In addition, online medical assistants may be eligible for any of a number of financial aid resources through their program itself. There are also several scholarship opportunities geared toward medical assistant students. One example is the Maxine Williams Scholarship sponsored by the American Association of Medical Assistants.
To learn more about any funding help available for your online MA education, be sure to contact the financial aid offices at each school you’re considering.
What is the average cost of an online medical assistant program in Michigan?
The cost of a Michigan-based online medical assistant program depends on the program length and type of credential.
Generally speaking, you can expect to find program cost ranging from around $3,500 to $8,000. And if you pursue your medical assistant training as part of a degree program (associate of bachelor’s) your total education cost could easily advance to nearly $20,000 or even much more.
Given the broad range of education costs, it’s critical that you consider carefully your personal and career goals, both short-term and long-term, before enrolling in any online medical assistant program in Michigan.
Expert Insight
While some MA programs include expenses such as textbooks in their tuition cost, not all programs do so. If you find yourself enrolled in a program that does not provide the course textbooks, there are options to get them at a lower cost. I found resources online to rent or buy course textbooks at a lower cost. Sites such as Amazon or Vital Source, I found, were great resources to get course textbooks.
What subjects do medical assistant programs in Michigan cover?
Because medical assistants work in both medical and administrative roles, students can expect courses to cover basic concepts of each, including:
- Medical terminology
- Patient care basics
- Anatomy and physiology
- Infection control principles
- Insurance billing and coding
- Communication
- Clerical duties
Depending on the program, students may also become certified in CPR and participate in a hands-on clinical experience. And, of course, program content is focused on preparing graduates to obtain any of a number of professional certifications.
Expert Insight
Before I enrolled in an online medical assistant program, I did an online search to see what kind of MA job openings were available. I was able to see what kind of candidates employers were looking for, specifically what skills they preferred candidates to have. This helped me narrow down what subjects I needed the MA program to cover. If you find several job openings in your area that prefer candidates to have phlebotomy skills, then this is something you should ensure the MA program covers. You want to make sure you are a well-rounded candidate for employers to offer a potential job offer.
Certification Process for Michigan Medical Assistants
Although not a state requirement for medical assistant practice in Michigan, obtaining professional certification is pretty much a must for anyone intending an MA career in the state or elsewhere. In fact, most employers prefer and even require their medical assistant hires to have it.
Fortunately, practically all online medical assistant programs in Michigan qualify their graduates for one or more MA professional certifications. But do not assume this. Always confirm certification eligibility before signing on to any MA training program.
Among the most well-known medical assistant certifications are:
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
- Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
- Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant (NRCMA)
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
Once you’ve obtained your medical assistant certification, you’ll need to renew it on a regular basis, typically every year or two years. Renewal commonly requires earning a stated number of continuing education (CE) credits during the renewal period along with paying a nominal renewal fee.
Job Market and Pay for Medical Assistants in Michigan
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $35,020 | $44,200 | $57,830 |
| Michigan | $35,090 | $38,840 | $47,280 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $37,810 | $39,750 | $48,440 |
| Battle Creek, MI | $37,180 | $38,830 | $47,070 |
| Bay City, MI | $30,260 | $36,700 | $47,120 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | $35,540 | $38,370 | $47,240 |
| Flint, MI | $33,420 | $36,870 | $45,500 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI | $35,440 | $41,550 | $47,590 |
| Jackson, MI | $34,420 | $37,020 | $45,280 |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI | $35,220 | $42,250 | $51,750 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $32,640 | $37,680 | $47,640 |
| Midland, MI | $35,810 | $38,240 | $40,830 |
| Monroe, MI | $31,930 | $37,290 | $49,030 |
| Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | $33,650 | $39,050 | $46,240 |
| Niles, MI | $35,440 | $39,940 | $47,520 |
| Saginaw, MI | $33,990 | $40,160 | $44,540 |
| Traverse City, MI | $36,160 | $40,500 | $46,530 |
Source: Medical Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 24,670 | 27,830 | 3,160 | 12.80% | 3,660 |
| 1 – United States | 764,400 | 870,200 | 105,800 | 13.80% | 114,600 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
