Most Affordable Online Medical Assistant Programs: 2024
Explore low-cost, accredited online programs that can help you become a certified medical assistant for less.
Written By
Blake Huggins
- Bio
Blake Huggins is a writer, researcher, and educator based in New England. He writes widely on a range of topics with specific expertise in the higher education, healthcare, and technology spaces. An Oklahoma native, Blake holds a PhD from Boston University and has taught college courses in writing and composition, religion, and philosophy.
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Online medical assistant programs offer a flexible way for students to enter a thriving field. With a 19% projected growth rate, work for skilled medical assistants outpaces other healthcare support occupations. Earning your certificate, diploma, or degree from an affordable program helps you take full advantage of those trends, reducing expenses so you can graduate with less debt and focus on your career.
Designed as a starting place for aspiring professionals looking for budget-friendly options, this page ranks the most affordable online medical assistant programs for 2024. You’ll also find additional tips throughout on how to further cut costs for your medical assistant program.
Most Affordable Online Medical Assistant Programs in 2024
While many considerations go into choosing a school, affordability is often the deciding factor. With that in mind, we developed the following ranking of the most affordable online medical assistant programs found at community colleges and universities using the latest data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System). See “About the Ranking” below for more details on our rankings methodology.
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Base Methodology for EduMed’s Most Affordable Online College Rankings for the ’23-’24 school year.
One: Create list of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves.
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least 1 online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
Two: Assign Weighting
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the schools themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted.
Tuition – The average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.
Institutional Aid – Percent of full-time undergraduate students who are awarded institutional grant aid, as self-reported by the school.
Following metrics were all equally weighted.
Online Programs – Number of online programs in the relevant subject area.
Online Student % – Number of total students who are enrolled in at least 1 distance-learning course in the relevant subject area.
Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
Career Placement Services – Existence of this service on campus or online.
Student/Faculty Ratio
About Our Data: EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2023
| # | School Name | Type | Tuition | Institutional Aid | More Details | School Information | Online Students | Academic Counseling | Career Placement | Students w/Institutional Aid | Median Earnings 10yrs After Entry | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rasmussen University-WisconsinGreen Bay, WI | Private for-profit | $$ | 45% | The ABHES-accredited Medical Assisting Diploma program from Rasmussen University balances the flexibility of online coursework with the face-to-face learning of a clinical externship. This externship lets students gain real-world experience by observing medical assistants working at a physician’s office or other medical provider. At the end of the program, students will be ready to take the necessary exams to become a certified medical assistant. The exam fees are included in the total program costs. Depending on the student’s location, they may also be eligible to receive one or more certifications through the American Medical Technologists Association. Program Highlights: Medical Assisting Diploma
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Online Programs1 |
Online Student %96% |
|||
| 2 | Herzing University-KenoshaKenosha, WI | Private not-for-profit | $$ | 51% | Herzing University offers two pathways to become a medical assistant. First, there’s the diploma track, which takes about 10 months to complete and consists of 24 credits. Second, there’s the associate degree track that takes 20 months to complete and consists of 60 credits. No matter which track a student takes, the bulk of their coursework will be available online, with virtual tutoring, academic advising, library, and technical support services readily available. In addition to these online courses, students must also complete in-person clinical labs and an externship. Program Highlights: Associate Degree in Medical Assisting
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Online Programs2 |
Online Student %79% |
|||
| 3 | Spokane Community CollegeSpokane, WA | Public | $ | 7% | Students interested in attending Spokane Community College to become medical assistants can choose between the certificate and associate degree path. Both are hybrid programs with online classroom education and hands-on training through an externship that occurs during the final term in the program. The certificate program can be completed in about one year while the associate degree program takes closer to two years to complete. One thing to note about either program is that they both have programmatic accreditation and use the quarter system. Program Highlights: Associate in Applied Science – Medical Assistant
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Online Programs2 |
Online Student %50% |
|||
| 4 | University of ProvidenceGreat Falls, MT | Private not-for-profit | $$$$ | 94% | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Online Programs1 |
Online Student %100% |
||||
| 5 | Keiser University-Ft LauderdaleFort Lauderdale, FL | Private not-for-profit | $$$$ | 78% | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Online Programs1 |
Online Student %50% |
||||
| 6 | American National University-PikevillePikeville, KY | Private for-profit | $$ | N/A | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Online Programs2 |
Online Student %100% |
||||
| 7 | Remington College-KnoxvilleKnoxville, TN | Private not-for-profit | $$$ | 37% | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Online Programs1 |
Online Student %95% |
||||
| 8 | Purdue University GlobalWest Lafayette, IN | Public | $ | 7% | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Online Programs1 |
Online Student %100% |
||||
| 9 | American National UniversitySalem, VA | Private for-profit | $$ | 5% | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Online Programs2 |
Online Student %100% |
||||
| 10 | Hussian College-Daymar College ClarksvilleClarksville, TN | Private for-profit | $$$ | 44% | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Online Programs2 |
Online Student %99% |
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Base Methodology for EduMed’s Most Affordable Online College Rankings for the ’23-’24 school year.
One: Create list of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves.
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least 1 online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
Two: Assign Weighting
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the schools themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted.
Tuition – The average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.
Institutional Aid – Percent of full-time undergraduate students who are awarded institutional grant aid, as self-reported by the school.
Following metrics were all equally weighted.
Online Programs – Number of online programs in the relevant subject area.
Online Student % – Number of total students who are enrolled in at least 1 distance-learning course in the relevant subject area.
Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
Career Placement Services – Existence of this service on campus or online.
Student/Faculty Ratio
About Our Data: EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2023
| # | School Name | Type | Tuition | Institutional Aid | More Details | School Information | Online Students | Academic Counseling | Career Placement | Students w/Institutional Aid | Median Earnings 10yrs After Entry | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Highland Community CollegeHighland, KS | Public | $ | 66% | Highland Community College's Medical Assisting certificate program trains students to handle both front and back office tasks. Many of the classes are online, but there are several in-person curriculum requirements that include externships and a work experience. After program completion, students are prepared to pass the Registered Medical Assistant exam. They can also complete an additional year of coursework after earning this certificate to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree. Program Highlights: Medical Assistance Certificate
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Online Programs1 |
Online Student %52% |
|||
| 2 | Bossier Parish Community CollegeBossier City, LA | Public | $ | 49% | Bossier Parish Community College's Medical Assistant program allows students to take some basic courses online, but many are taught on campus and at offsite locations. Towards the end of the program, for instance, students can complete a practicum that takes place at a healthcare provider to help them apply their clinical and administrative skills for eight hours a day, three to five days per week. This practicum lasts two to three months. Program Highlights: Associate of Applied Science -- Medical Assistant
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Online Programs4 |
Online Student %76% |
|||
| 3 | Central Community CollegeGrand Island, NE | Public | $ | 48% | Central Community College's Medical Assisting program provides students with an Associate of Applied Science degree and training to handle clinical and administrative tasks for healthcare providers. Some classes are available online for convenient learning, and students must complete a practicum where they apply their classroom knowledge to a real-world physician's office or healthcare provider. After completing the program, students are ready to take the American Association of Medical Assistants certification exam. Program Highlights: Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Online Programs2 |
Online Student %72% |
|||
| 4 | Panola CollegeCarthage, TX | Public | $ | 41% | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Online Programs2 |
Online Student %72% |
||||
| 5 | Cerritos CollegeNorwalk, CA | Public | $ | 33% | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Online Programs2 |
Online Student %78% |
||||
| 6 | James A. Rhodes State CollegeLima, OH | Public | $ | 34% | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Online Programs3 |
Online Student %35% |
||||
| 7 | Lakeshore Technical CollegeCleveland, WI | Public | $ | 39% | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Online Programs1 |
Online Student %66% |
||||
| 8 | Southwest Wisconsin Technical CollegeFennimore, WI | Public | $ | 41% | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Online Programs1 |
Online Student %35% |
||||
| 9 | Western Texas CollegeSnyder, TX | Public | $ | 34% | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Online Programs2 |
Online Student %26% |
||||
| 10 | Somerset Community CollegeSomerset, KY | Public | $ | 34% | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Online Programs1 |
Online Student %65% |
||||
| 11 | Northwood Technical CollegeShell Lake, WI | Public | $ | 25% | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Online Programs1 |
Online Student %73% |
||||
| 12 | Missouri State University-West PlainsWest Plains, MO | Public | $ | 25% | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Online Programs1 |
Online Student %62% |
||||
| 13 | Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell CampusRoswell, NM | Public | $ | 5% | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Online Programs2 |
Online Student %71% |
||||
| 14 | Lake Area Technical CollegeWatertown, SD | Public | $ | 25% | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Online Programs1 |
Online Student %44% |
||||
| 15 | Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical CollegeCumberland, KY | Public | $ | 22% | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Online Programs1 |
Online Student %50% |
||||
| 16 | South Piedmont Community CollegePolkton, NC | Public | $ | N/A | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Online Programs1 |
Online Student %76% |
||||
| 17 | Southwestern Community CollegeSylva, NC | Public | $ | 3% | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Online Programs1 |
Online Student %62% |
||||
| 18 | Cerro Coso Community CollegeRidgecrest, CA | Public | $ | N/A | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Online Programs1 |
Online Student %80% |
||||
| 19 | Northeast Wisconsin Technical CollegeGreen Bay, WI | Public | $ | 14% | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Online Programs1 |
Online Student %41% |
||||
| 20 | Mt Hood Community CollegeGresham, OR | Public | $ | 17% | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Online Programs1 |
Online Student %40% |
||||
| 21 | Oklahoma City Community CollegeOklahoma City, OK | Public | $ | 8% | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Online Programs1 |
Online Student %6% |
||||
| 22 | West Virginia Junior College-MorgantownMorgantown, WV | Private for-profit | $$ | 36% | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Online Programs1 |
Online Student %81% |
||||
| 23 | ETI Technical CollegeNiles, OH | Private for-profit | $$ | 25% | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Online Programs1 |
Online Student %2% |
What Makes an Online Medical Assistant Program Affordable?
Tuition varies widely among schools with a few key factors impacting the overall cost of your education. Use the affordability considerations detailed below to help you make a smart, well-informed decision that meets your needs without hurting your wallet.
How much financial aid you can get for your online medical assistant program
Financial aid from schools, government programs, and other outlets can significantly reduce education costs. Prospective students should complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal aid. Most schools with medical assistant programs also offer financial aid as do organizations like the American Association of Medical Assistants.
If the online medical assistant program has a class schedule that allows you to work while you study
Working while you study can be challenging, but it does offer distinct benefits. Receiving a steady income throughout your studies not only provides extra stability but also gives you more resources to cover costs. Specifics vary, but many medical assisting programs with online formats allow for flexibility on this, especially if you already work in the healthcare industry.
If the college is private or public
If you want to complete your medical assisting studies at a private school, plan to spend more on tuition. With few exceptions, public colleges and universities offer cheaper rates than private institutions, especially if you are an in-state resident, since private schools largely rely on tuition and outside donations for financial support.
How much of the medical assistant program coursework is offered online
Hidden travel and commuting expenses impact the overall cost. Virtually all online medical assisting programs involve at least one in-person component—usually a hands-on externship or clinical placement—but some may require more (e.g., meetups, skill labs, orientation sessions, etc.). Put those requirements into financial perspective to help inform your decision.
How much the college charges for you to apply
Some schools require a non-refundable application processing fee that costs $30-50 depending on the school. A single application may not cost much, but they add up if you apply to more than one program. Avoid that expense by prioritizing schools that either waive fees or don’t charge them at all.
What software and other equipment the school covers
Skilled medical assistants need the technical knowledge necessary to use advanced software packages and manipulate sensitive medical instruments. Some schools provide those tools for you or include them with tuition. Other programs expect students to cover those expenses, a hidden cost that could raise your final price tag.
How to Lower the Cost of Your Online Medical Assistant Degree
Expenses can add up even for the most affordable online medical assisting programs. Fortunately, there are a few ways to lower the cost. Here are a few budget-friendly tips to help lessen the burden.
- Search for scholarships, grants, and other financial aid designed specifically for medical assistant students.
Need or merit-based awards like scholarships and grants can go a long way, especially because they’re free and don’t need repaid, unlike student loans. Many medical assisting schools automatically place you in contention for financial aid when you apply, and some also connect incoming students with outside funding. See our guide to online medical assisting programs with financial aid for more information.
- Maximize student discounts
Individual student discounts may seem insignificant at first, but they do save you money and accumulate over time. For example, if you need to travel for school, companies like Kayak offer discounts for healthcare workers, applicable to rental cars, hotel reservations, and airfare. Our page on student discounts provides more detail and lists 50 different ways you can save.
- Utilize payment plans
Medical assisting programs often extend options for students who want to spread out their tuition expenses over time. For example, several schools included the ranking above partner with third-party providers to offer accommodating payment plans with reduced interest. Those plans aren’t always explicitly advertised, so it’s worth contacting financial aid offices to discuss your options.
More Resources
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Kyra Sutherland
by: Kyra Sutherland
Kyra Sutherland has been a freelance writer since 2017 and enjoys infusing her work with her passion for education. When she isn’t writing she can be found building her backyard garden, experimenting in the kitchen, or chasing her two energetic boys and their feisty cat. You can find out more about Kyra on her blog No Nightlights.