Online Medical Assistant Programs - Most Affordable

Inside Affordable Online Medical Assistant Programs

What makes a program affordable? Tuition and fees play a major role in determining affordability, but what else? As you explore online medical assistant programs below, keep the following cost points in mind:

• Tuition: Some online medical assistant programs offer students an in-state tuition rate, or they have a flat rate specifically for online students. When vetting programs, make sure you know how their tuition works and compares.

• Fees: Campus programs may have lab fees and similar fees, while online programs may have technology fees to watch out for. Although fees aren’t usually as much as tuition, they can add up.

• Format: An online program removes things like commuting and parking from the cost equation, which can drive costs down. However, you may need a strong internet connection and a laptop. Before entering any program, take stock of what you need to succeed.

Let’s take a look at actual online medical assistant programs with affordable price tags.

Comparing Cost: Campus & Online Medical Assistant Programs

In-person medical assistant programs can have higher costs compared to online options due to differences in tuition, campus fees, parking, and commuting expenses. Students studying on-campus may also need to budget for expenses such as physical textbooks and other materials.

Online programs often have lower tuition and eliminate commuting costs; however, they may include additional fees for technology to access coursework, such as accessing online platforms or required software.

Furthermore, online students also need to invest in a reliable computer and internet connection. While in-person programs may provide hands-on training on campus, online programs offer greater flexibility to work their studies into their existing responsibilities.

FAQs: Low-Cost Medical Assistant Programs

At this point in your research for the most affordable program, students likely still have questions about additional expenses, available financial aid, online versus in-person learning, and job placement support after graduation. We’ve answered some of the more common concerns that future medical assistant professionals like you may have here.

What is the highest hourly pay for a medical assistant?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median wage for medical assistants was $21.25 per hour in 2024. The top 10% in the field earned a reported $27.80 per hour.

Hourly pay for a medical assistant can vary depending on factors like location, experience, specialization, and the type of healthcare facility.

Medical assistants working in metropolitan areas or specialized fields like cardiology or dermatology tend to earn more. Additionally, those with years of experience, advanced certifications, or working in high-demand areas can see pay rates exceed $35 per hour. Some employers may offer bonuses, benefits, or other incentives that increase overall compensation. Check out our salary guide for medical careers for further insight into your salary potential in similar roles.

Can you work online as a medical assistant?

The clinical duties of a Medical Assistant typically require in-person work; however, there are some opportunities to work remotely in administrative roles. Medical assistants with strong administrative skills can pursue positions such as medical office manager, medical coder, or medical biller, many of which can be performed online. These roles often involve tasks such as scheduling appointments, managing patient records, handling billing and coding, and answering patient inquiries, all of which can typically be done remotely with the right technology. Nevertheless, hands-on clinical tasks, such as taking vital signs or assisting with procedures, must be carried out in person.

How much does the CCMA exam cost?

The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The typical cost is $155 for members and $190 for non-members. This fee includes access to study materials and exam preparation resources. However, additional expenses may arise from purchasing official study guides, online practice exams, or study courses to help with exam preparation. Some students may also choose certification preparation programs that bundle the exam fee into the overall course cost. It’s important to check the NHA website for the most up-to-date pricing, as fees can occasionally change.

What medical assistant job pays the most?

The highest-paying medical assistant jobs are usually found in specialized fields such as cardiology, dermatology, and radiology, where advanced knowledge and technical skills are in high demand. Medical assistants working in these specialties often earn higher wages than those in general practice. Additionally, positions in metropolitan areas or within healthcare systems experiencing high demand may also offer better pay. For instance, medical assistants in outpatient care centers or surgical hospitals typically have greater earning potential compared to those employed in smaller clinics. Factors such as experience, certifications (like the CCMA or CMA), and administrative roles can further enhance the salary for these positions.

Today’s Most Affordable Online Medical Assistant Programs

While many considerations go into choosing a school, affordability is often the deciding factor. To determine our rankings of the best affordable online medical assistant programs, schools had to meet our criteria. We’ve based our decision on data obtained from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), combining factors such as proper accreditation, online learning components, academic counseling, and career support services (for more information on our ranking methodology, click “About the Rankings”).