Online Medical Assistant Programs in Minnesota: Comparing Schools

Inside Online Medical Assistant Programs in Minnesota

Becoming a medical assistant in Minnesota begins with choosing the right educational path. Some students opt for short-term certificate or diploma programs to enter the workforce quickly, while others pursue a two-year associate degree for broader training and long-term advancement opportunities. Many programs are designed with flexibility in mind, making them accessible to working students.

Most online medical assistant programs blend virtual coursework with required in-person training. Common program features include:

• Certificate, diploma, or associate degree options
• Online, asynchronous lectures delivered via platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams
• Hands-on clinical rotations at approved healthcare facilities

To help you compare your options, we’ve highlighted three popular online medical assistant programs in Minnesota and outlined what to expect from admissions through graduation.

FAQs for Online Medical Assistant Students in Minnesota

It’s normal to have questions before you enroll in a medical assistant program in Minnesota. Below, you’ll find some of the most commonly asked questions from prospective medical assistants and answers to help you conduct research.

How do I find an accredited medical assistant program in Minnesota?

Start by visiting the websites of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and/or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) websites. Both organizations provide lists of accredited programs in states across the country, including Minnesota.

You can also reach out to local community colleges, technical schools, and/or vocational schools, as many offer accredited medical assistant programs.

Are online medical assistant programs available in Minnesota?

Yes, many schools in Minnesota offer online or hybrid medical assistant programs to provide flexibility for students who need to balance work and family commitments.

These programs allow you to complete most of the coursework online. Typically, you’ll need to visit campus or a local healthcare facility only for hands-on clinical training. You might find fully online programs that don’t require any visits to campus.

How do I become a medical assistant?

First, complete a medical assistant program from an accredited school. These programs typically include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience covering topics like medical terminology, anatomy, phlebotomy, and basic lab procedures.

Many employers prefer or require that graduates obtain certification. You can become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). There are other options, like becoming a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA). You’ll need to pass an exam to get certified.

Then, you can apply for jobs in various healthcare settings like doctor offices, clinics, and hospitals.

How long does it take to become a medical assistant?

A certificate or diploma program can take approximately nine months to one year to complete. If you opt for an associate degree in medical assisting, it takes closer to two years. The added education might provide you with more in-depth knowledge and better job opportunities. The time it takes to become a medical assistant depends on the type of program you choose.

Whether you choose a diploma or a degree, you’ll need time to complete any necessary certification exams after graduation. Either way, you can become a medical assistant relatively quickly compared to many other healthcare professions.

What’s the scope of practice for medical assistants?

Medical assistants combine both administrative and clinical tasks, with duties that may include filing and taking patient records to preparing rooms for examinations and working directly with physicians and nurses.

As a medical assistant, you might perform medical tasks like drawing blood and preparing samples for testing in a laboratory, plus sterilizing medical equipment for use. It’s important to note that medical assistants are more likely to work in a doctor’s office than in a hospital. Working as a medical assistant means having a job that’s full of variety.

Certifications and Continuing Education in Minnesota

Medical assistants in Minnesota are required to have some post-secondary education, but not necessarily a degree. Many diploma and certificate programs, such as those outlined in the profiles above, satisfy the educational requirements to become a medical assistant in the state. You’ll need a high school diploma or GED to enroll in most programs that satisfy Minnesota’s educational requirements.

Becoming certified as a medical assistant by passing a CMA exam can help you stand out to employers and reassure them that you can handle the tasks of this role. You can take your education a step further by earning an associate or bachelor’s degree after working as a medical assistant. These degrees might qualify you to apply for more advanced and often higher-paying roles in the healthcare field.

Salary and Career Outlook for Medical Assistants in Minnesota

Best Online Medical Assistant Programs in Minnesota