Best Online Medical Assistant Programs in New Jersey
Earning your medical assistant certification through an online program in New Jersey sets you up for excellent opportunities and earning potential. Start your search for the right school below.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to support other allied health professionals and provide patient care in a fast-paced clinical environment? If so, becoming a medical assistant could the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. And your timing couldn’t be better. The allied health field is growing rapidly in New Jersey and in need of skilled professionals looking to make a difference in the lives of patients.
Medical assistants are cross-trained to perform administrative and clinical care duties that keep medical facilities functioning like well-oiled machines, from scheduling appointments to taking patient histories and so much more. In this guide, we’ll explore the kinds of programs best equipped to prepare you for a career as a medical assistant; the requirements you’ll have to meet to get your career off the ground; answer your lingering questions; and break down your earning potential. Keep reading to learn more about your next steps to earning your medical assistant certification in NJ online.
Profiling Top-Tier New Jersey Programs
When making a decision as big as this one, it can be difficult to know where to start. Before you can do anything else, you’ll need to research the online medical assistant programs available in New Jersey today. If you’ve already started, you know there are many options available. We’ve spotlighted three of the best below to help you recognize what sets a great school apart from the rest.
ACI Medical and Dental School
Located in Eatontown, New Jersey, ACI Medical & Dental School offers flexible learning options for prospective medical assistants; students can choose to compete an accelerated daytime course of study in just 14 weeks or opt for an extended 29-week timeline. While the accelerated course must be completed in person, the extended offers lectures both remotely and in the evenings. Both tracks include in-person lab and clinical requirements. ACI’s online medical assistant program is accredited by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). In addition to preparing students with the skills and knowledge they need to become Certified Medical Assistants, ACI offers additional training for EKG, Phlebotomy, and Patient Care Technician certifications, maximizing students’ career and earning potential post-graduation. In order to maximize their likelihood of professional success, the program also offers a comprehensive Career Assistance Program.
AIMS Education College of Health Sciences
Medical assistant students at the AIMS Education College of Health Sciencescan take advantage of the hybrid learning environment to complete their education in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, wound care, medical billing, and more on their schedule. Students can expect to complete this online New Jersey medical assistant certification program in just 10 months. Students can attend lectures and complete didactic work online but must complete their lab and clinical training hours in-person on campus or at a clinical site. AIMS Education medical assistant students are placed at one of many affiliated sites throughout New Jersey to complete their requisite clinical training hours. In addition to foundational coursework in laboratory techniques, clinical and diagnostic procedures, pharmacology, and first aid, AIMS students are taught specialty skills that can be used in OB/GYN and pediatric practices. Upon graduation, students are eligible to take certification exams through the American Association of Medical Assistants, the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), or the American Medical Technologists (AMT).
New Jersey City University
The online medical assistant certification program at New Jersey City University (NJCU) is offered 100% online. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for the NHA’s Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification exam. Tuition for the program is $3,299.00 and includes a voucher that covers the expense of the CCMA certification exam. The course is self-paced, so students can begin at any time and complete their coursework around other personal or professional commitments they may have. NJCU does not have any prerequisites to enrollment, however, students must have a high school diploma or equivalent to be eligible for the national certification exam. NJCU also offers an online course option in Spanish. After completing their online coursework, students may choose to complete an optional clinical immersion.
What to Look for in Online Medical Assistant Programs in New Jersey
Highlighting top online medical assistant programs in New Jersey may help you get the ball rolling on your search for the right program but teaching you what to look for will guarantee you don’t lose momentum. In this section, we will look at the most important qualities and features a New Jersey online medical assistant certification program should have. We’ll also remind you of the importance of considering your unique learning style, schedule, and financial situation in combination with any given program’s offerings.
Accreditation
Accreditation ensures the academic excellence of a program and should be an important consideration for anyone looking at New Jersey online medical assistant courses. Accreditation is often tied with student performance, graduation, and professional certification rates. In some instances, your ability to become certified as a medical assistant will hinge on completing an accredited program.
Certification Exam Eligibility
Certification is a common requirement for allied health careers as it will demonstrates your ability to work competently and professionally in a healthcare setting. Your eligibility to take a certification exam following the completion of your program depends heavily on the school you enroll in, so look for those that offer exam preparation to increase your likelihood of earning your certification with ease.
Faculty Qualifications
The quality of the education you receive at a New Jersey online medical assistant program is highly dependent on the qualifications and competence of its faculty. Since they are responsible for providing instruction, feedback, and guidance, it makes sense that the faculty’s qualifications would directly impact the overall caliber of education a program is able to provide.
Graduation and Certification Rates
Graduation and certification rates help shed light on how many students are completing their online medical assistant program in New Jersey and, more importantly, going on to pass their certification exams after doing so. Programs that offer additional academic and professional support services tend to have higher pass rates, so keep an eye out for these resources as you continue your search.
State-Specific Considerations
In New Jersey, medical assistants are not required to be licensed or certified in order to work (although many employers prefer prospective hires to be certified regardless). In New Jersey, certified medical assistants are able to provide injections and perform venipuncture and phlebotomy services after completing an additional 10 hours of training under the direct supervision of a licensed physician. Make sure you are applying to and enrolling in a program that prepares you to meet your full potential as a New Jersey medical assistant.
Transferability
Each state and medical facility has its own unique requirements educational and professional requirements. If you believe you may move soon, or at any point in the future, be sure to guarantee that your hard work will not go to waste because your courses are not valid in your prospective state. It will be your responsibility to meet any additional requirements if you find that your credits will not transfer.
Requirements to Become a Certified Medical Assistant in NJ
While these requirements will vary depending on the program you choose and the jobs to which you apply, there are four basic steps you will need to take when setting down the path to becoming a certified medical assistant in New Jersey. Read on to learn more about these requirements.
Complete a Clinical Externship
While completing an externship is not necessarily required to become a medical assistant, it is strongly encouraged. Clinical externships offer you hands-on experience in the field prior to graduation. In New Jersey, prospective Registered Medical Assistants (RMAs) must complete at least 160 hours of externship hours.
Graduate From an Accredited Program
As we discussed above your program’s accreditation status can have serious ramifications on your ability to sit for a certification exam, as well as your likelihood of landing a quality job. The New Jersey health code requires a medical assistant certification program to be accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). To receive this level of accreditation New Jersey medical assistant programs must include at least 600 hours of instruction.
Pass the Certificate Exam
Even though certification is not required by the State of New Jersey, many employers will require a medical assistant before they are considered for employment. To become certified, you will need to have completed an accredited program and met any other requirements outlined by the certifying body.
Renew Your License and Take Continuing Education Credits
Your license renewal and continuing education requirements will depend on the certifying body you take your certification exam through. Many certifying bodies require practicing medical assistants to renew their credentials periodically. Maintaining up-to-date continuing education hours is a good way to remain eligible for recertification.
Answering FAQs About Online Medical Assistant Programs in New Jersey
More often than not, the answer to any remaining questions you have about enrolling in a medical assistant training program will depend on your individual situation and program of choice, but there are still some topics we can shed additional light on. Let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions about online medical assistant certification programs in New Jersey.
Are scholarships or grants available for online medical assistant students in NJ?
Yes, there are many scholarships and grants available to those looking at online medical assistant certification programs in New Jersey, many of which are offered through the school itself. Take the time to peruse each school’s website and reach out to designated financial aid officers for more information on the financial aid programs and funding opportunities you are eligible for.
Are there professional organizations or networking opportunities for New Jersey medical assistants?
Absolutely! For example, the New Jersey Society of Medical Assistants (NJSMA) holds an annual convention as well as remote continuing education events on Saturdays for their members. NJSMA is a non-profit organization that opens membership to all credentialed medical assisting professionals as a way to enhance their professional practice.
Do I need to complete any prerequisites before applying?
Necessary prerequisites to New Jersey online medical assistant programs vary depending on both your program of choice and your career goals. Most programs require a minimum of a high school diploma or GED equivalent prior to being accepted into the program. For more information on application requirements to medical assistant school, check out our dedicated admissions guide.
How much should I expect to pay for my program?
The length of your program, further training or specialization, and your degree type all factor in to the overall cost. As such, tuition can range from less than $5,000 to nearly $20,000. Take NJCU and Eastwick College as examples; the former offers a certificate program for $3,299.00, while the latter charges $18,590 per year.
What are the admission requirements for New Jersey medical assistant programs?
Online medical assistant certification programs in New Jersey have few, if any, admission requirements beyond the submission of application materials and fees. Some programs require a high school diploma or equivalent but that varies on the program — although this is often required to be eligible to sit for a certification exam after graduation. Absolutely no prior medical experience is necessary.
What does an online medical assistant curriculum in New Jersey cover?
Like many allied health courses, an online medical assistant program in New Jersey covers topics in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, EKG monitoring, patient care, infection control, and phlebotomy. In addition to patient care topics, medical assisting programs offer administrative learning courses on billing and coding, communication, and patient privacy laws. Most programs, including that offered at Lincoln Tech, also include a medical assisting internship or other clinical component.
New Jersey Medical Assistant Salary and Career Insights
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over the next decade the field of medical assisting is expected to grow much faster than average at a rate of 18% per year nationally and nearly 24% in New Jersey. In 2022, the median pay for a medical assistant in the U.S. was $38,270 and in New Jersey it was $39,600. As is the case with most salary trends, you can expect to earn more in urban areas (and more densely populated states as a whole) and less in rural areas.
Keep in mind that that your salary as a New Jersey medical assistant will also likely be based, at least in part, on the cost of living in your area and the current workforce demand. Luckily, medical Assistants are in demand across the country, and especially in New Jersey. As such, you can expect competitive pay upon graduating and a bevy of employment opportunities — in short, working closely with patients and physicians in this capacity comes with great personal and financial reward.
| Occupation Name | New Jobs (2020-2030) | Job Growth Rate (2020-2030) | Average Annual Openings (2020-2030) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 853,500 | 18.4% | 104,400 |
| New Jersey | 22,400 | 23.90% | 2,770 |
Source: Projections Central
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $30,150 | $37,640 | $47,470 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | $29,830 | $37,240 | $45,810 |
| Ocean City, NJ | $27,580 | $36,940 | $42,340 |
| Trenton, NJ | $29,490 | $38,220 | $48,490 |
| Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ | $28,980 | $37,120 | $47,680 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
