Online Medical Assistant Programs in Ohio: Review & Compare

Medical assistants (MAs) form the backbone of the allied healthcare world. They provide care and support to patients and medical teams in various healthcare settings, meaning you’ll find popular and valuable online MA programs across the U.S. Given their importance, it’s no surprise that MAs are in high demand in Ohio. This guide is both a resource and a ranking, helping you explore online medical assistant programs, gain a clear picture of the process of becoming an MA, and discover career and salary prospects after graduation.

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Online Medical Assistant Education in Ohio

The path to becoming a medical assistant can be as short as six weeks, with more rigorous programs running between 18 months and two years. Program timelines vary based on the type of degree, clinical requirements (or lack thereof), and certification goals.

In asynchronous programs, students can finish their coursework when and where it’s most convenient. This format is commonly found in online certificate courses with no clinical requirements. Meanwhile, synchronous programs follow a set schedule and are more widely utilized in hybrid or in-person medical assisting programs.

Whether or not your program has clinical requirements or hands-on training generally depends on the type of medical assistant certification it is geared toward. Some credentials also require you to graduate from an accredited program to sit for the exam, while others accept a high school diploma and work experience. To help you differentiate between these factors, we’ve outlined three of Ohio’s standout medical assistant programs for comparison.

Certificate of Medical Assisting — Rhodes State College

The Rhodes State Certificate of Medical Assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Rhodes State has earned a 100% pass rate on the CMA exam for eight years, which speaks to its curriculum and overall program quality. Unique features of this program include the ability to test out of certain areas, such as medical terminology or medical coding. You can also work with a coordinator to waive all or part of the 160 externship hours if you have previous medical office experience.

By graduation, you’ll be equipped to work in outpatient healthcare settings like urgent care clinics and medical offices. You’ll also be well-prepared to pass the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam.

Duration: 42 weeks

Mode: Hybrid

Cost: $10,763

Admissions Requirements: You’ll work with a Rhodes State College Success Navigator, who will review your background and guide you through your enrollment process. Rhodes State College does not require a high school transcript or GED scores for admission or degree conferral.

Curriculum: Coursework teaches administrative and clinical skills, and 75% of the curriculum is offered online or in a blended format. You’ll be required to attend class on campus just one day a week (Tuesday) for lab/hands-on learning.

Clinical Medical Assistant Program — East Ohio College

East Ohio College’s online Clinical Medical Assistant program is a convenient option offering the bulk of didactic learning in an online format. Only the necessary labs and externships must be completed on campus and at healthcare sites.

In addition to a flexible online course structure, students can make the most of 24/7 tech support, mobile access to classes, career advising, and small class sizes. The program takes less than two years to complete and prepares students to earn their associate degree and pass the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam administered by the National Healthcareer Association.

East Ohio College offers institutional grants and traditional forms of financial aid to help students fund their education.

Duration: Two years or less

Mode: Online, hybrid

Cost: $14,798 per year

Admissions Requirements: Students must complete a virtual college visit, after which an admissions team member will recommend applying to the medical assisting training program if it is a good fit for their career and life goals.

Curriculum: You’ll learn administrative, clinical, and lab skills. The training plan includes classroom instruction, student services, lab skill development, externships, and career services.

Certified Clinical Medical Assistant — Miami University

The prerequisite-free Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) at Ohio-based Miami University sets itself apart from similar programs because it can be completed 100% online in just one year. Since the program’s coursework is fully online, you can work through the material at your own pace. You’ll have access to the course instructor, industry experts, and a student advising team at any time.

If you want to incorporate hands-on training, you can choose to apply for a 180-hour clinical placement at an approved clinical site nearby. You’ll also receive a voucher for the cost of the CCMA exam.

Duration: 12 months

Mode: 100% Online

Cost: $2,795

Admissions Requirements: While there are no prerequisites to take these courses, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent to sit for the national certification exam.

Curriculum: This 540-hour, two-course career series teaches students how to take patient vital signs, assist providers with exams/procedures, administer injections and medications, perform key lab procedures, manage electronic health records, and perform general administrative tasks.

Get Answers: Medical Assistant Student FAQs

If you’re still unsure which online or hybrid program is right for you, more information about becoming a medical assistant in Ohio can help. Below are some of the most common student questions about paying for school, becoming credentialed, networking, and other key points for future medical assistants.

Are scholarships or grants available for online medical assistant students in Ohio?

Yes. Financial aid in the form of scholarships and grants is often available to medical assistant students in Ohio through private organizations, the government, and your school. The awards available will depend on factors like your academic credentials, financial need, and school. School-administered funding may be available to all students or students of specific programs.

Because of the low barrier to entry and short duration, you’ll find various affordable MA program options available to you.

Are there professional organizations or networking opportunities for Ohio medical assistants?

Yes. Ohio’s primary professional organization for medical assistants is the Ohio State Society of Medical Assistants (OSSMA), a state branch of the American Association of Medical Assistants. Joining a professional organization like OSSMA gives you access to grants and scholarships, networking events like the annual AAMA Annual Conference, and more.

You’ll want to seek online resources for MAs during your study and after graduation. Many of these organizations, databases, and tools will help you gain the essential skills to become a highly qualified medical assistant.

Do I need to complete any prerequisites before applying?

Every online medical assistant program in Ohio has its own unique admission process, so prerequisites can vary significantly between programs. Some require applicants to be placed into one or more prerequisite classes. In contrast, others, like that at Cuyahoga Community College, require students to not just enroll in, but complete four prerequisite courses. Most programs, including Miami University, don’t have any prerequisites.

If you’re looking to pursue a degree or advanced education, like joining an MA to LPN bridge program or continuing on to nursing school, you may need additional qualifications. Reach out to your program of interest to ask about prerequisites.

How much should I expect to pay for my program?

Generally speaking, you can expect to pay a few thousand dollars for your program. However, the price of completing an Ohio medical assistant certification program online depends on several factors. Earning a two-year associate degree will cost more than a one-year certificate. You should also note whether your school is public or private, the latter of which will almost always charge expensive tuition. Finally, consider the availability of financial aid, which could make an otherwise unaffordable program cheaper than those with lower sticker prices.

What does an online medical assistant curriculum in Ohio cover?

Once again, this answer will vary depending on the program you choose. However, most online medical assistant certification programs in Ohio’s curriculum cover two primary practice areas: administrative and clinical. This means you’ll take courses in everything from human anatomy and physiology to medical billing and coding, as well as pharmacology and medical terminology. You may also take classes on how medical offices work and how to complete basic patient-care tasks. These practical skills are typically taught through on-campus labs and/or externships at healthcare offices.

Top-Rated Online MA Programs in Ohio

As long as you ensure your online medical assistant program in Ohio meets specific basic requirements, you really can’t enroll in the wrong program. Spend ample time researching the specifics of your school and program of interest, looking into the types of financial aid offered, prerequisites, curriculum, and student academic support to ensure they align with your needs and goals.

But if you’re looking for more quantifiable measures of success, some programs do stand out from the rest. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the top online and hybrid medical assistant programs in Ohio this year.

This ranking uses criteria based on data from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). EduMed data scientists then assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, including:

  • Number of online programs in the relevant subject area
  • Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class
  • Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time
  • Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an award in six years
  • Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates
  • Student/Faculty Ratio

The results are tallied in the ranking below. Check this out to determine if your school of interest ranks according to the above criteria.

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Continuing Education Made Simple for Medical Assistants

The Ohio State Society of Medical Assistants notes that one professional certification stands out for successful MAs: the CMA. However, there is no standardized law in Ohio that prescribes minimum certification.

Ohio’s scope of practice for medical assistants is determined primarily by state law, summarized in this convenient one-pager addressing most state rules and regulations.

While Ohio law does not dictate continuing education requirements, you typically must complete continuing education credits for re-certification if you hold national certification. For example, to be re-certified as a CMA, you must receive 60 certification points within five years, including:

  • 10 general points
  • 10 clinical points
  • 10 administrative points
  • 30 points from any combined categories

Medical Assistant Salaries in Ohio

As you prepare for a career as a medical assistant in Ohio, it’s helpful to understand what the state offers in terms of salary and job opportunities. Medical assistants in Ohio earn a median salary of $38,280, with the top 10% making up to $47,080. Earnings vary by region. Cincinnati leads with a 90th-percentile salary of $48,740, while Cleveland-Elyria and Columbus also provide strong compensation near $39,000 for mid-level professionals. In smaller cities like Mansfield, earnings are slightly lower but remain competitive for their cost of living. Experience and specialization can also help professionals boost their earning potential.

Ohio’s job market for medical assistants is steady, with a projected growth rate of 9% by 2030. This expansion will add over 2,000 new roles, with an average of 3,160 openings annually, including replacements. While the growth rate is modest compared to some states, Ohio’s healthcare sector offers consistent demand, making it a reliable choice for career stability. Use the tables below to further explore what your future could hold.

Area Curr. Jobs Proj. Jobs New Jobs Growth % Avg. Ann. Openings
Ohio 22,210 24,220 2,010 9.00% 3,160
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.


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Area 10th Percentile Median 90th Percentile
U.S. $33,500 $42,000 $56,480
Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA $26,580 $35,000 $42,300
Toledo, OH $30,940 $38,000 $46,910
Springfield, OH $31,140 $36,440 $45,520
Mansfield, OH $29,190 $37,200 $44,720
Lima, OH $29,860 $37,040 $48,670
Dayton, OH $33,710 $38,670 $48,000
Columbus, OH $33,760 $39,170 $46,630
Cleveland-Elyria, OH $30,290 $38,960 $48,150
Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN $33,840 $39,860 $48,740
Canton-Massillon, OH $29,570 $36,080 $45,640
Akron, OH $31,680 $38,040 $47,050
Ohio $31,110 $38,280 $47,080

Source: Medical Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.

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Mikalee Byerman

Mikalee Byerman AUTHOR

Mikalee Byerman (which rhymes with “prickly fireman,” though she claims to be neither grumpy nor adept at fire suppression) is a freelance writer/editor, marketing coach, humor strategist, keynote speaker, and author of “100 Things to Do in Reno Before You Die.” She holds a master’s degree in journalism, and her writing has been featured in Ladies’ Home Journal, Southwest Spirit Magazine, and Alaska Airlines Magazine, as well as on the Huffington Post. She was named “Best Creative Writer” and “Best Local Author” in the Best of Nevada awards. 

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