Best Online Medical Assistant Programs in Ohio

Medical assistants form the backbone of the allied healthcare world. They provide front and back-office support to other members of the medical team at hospitals, clinics, and physicians’ offices across the country. Given their importance, it’s no surprise that these professionals are in high demand in Ohio. In fact, the Ohio Department of Higher Education reported that this demand is so great that many medical care providers were developing special medical assistant training programs for existing employees to address this need.

Even if your current employer does not offer a training program, becoming a certified medical assistant is more convenient now than ever thanks to the abundance of online medical assistant programs in Ohio. These online programs typically combine the flexibility of remote classwork with the effectiveness of in-person experiential training.

Unfortunately, understanding the benefits of these programs isn’t the same as knowing how to pick the best one for you — that’s why we created this guide. We’ll help you choose the right program, get a clearer idea of what you’ll learn, and walk you through your career and salary prospects after graduation.

Profiling Top-Tier Ohio Programs

As long as you ensure your online medical assistant program in Ohio meets certain basic requirements (we’ll go over these in the next section), you really can’t enroll in the wrong program. That being said, there are still some programs that stand out in terms of affordability, curricula, and student services. Let’s take a look at three programs that stand out with respect to these characteristics.

What to Look for in Online Medical Assistant Programs in Ohio

There are plenty of online medical assistant programs in Ohio, but before spending the time and money applying to any of them, you’ll first want to create a checklist of must-have features. In addition to any personal must-haves, make sure the medical assisting online certification programs you apply to check the boxes on this list. Doing so will give you the peace of mind you will receive a high quality education that prepares you with the skills you need to make a positive impression on future employers.

Requirements to Become a Certified Medical Assistant in Ohio

Ohio doesn’t technically require medical assistants to be licensed, but that doesn’t mean just anyone can become a medical assistant; employers want to be confident that their medical assistants possess a minimum level of knowledge and skills. To confirm you have the training necessary to work as a medical assistant in Ohio, you should expect to meet the following requirements:

Answering FAQs About Online Medical Assistant Programs in Ohio

If you’re still on the fence about the online medical assistant program in Ohio that’s right for you, it may be because you still have questions. Chances are you’re not the only one. Below we’ve addressed some of the concerns you and other students are likely to have about Ohio medical assistant programs.

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

Yes. Scholarships and grants are available to medical assistant students in Ohio through private organizations, the government, and your individual school. The awards available to you will depend on factors like your academic credentials, financial need, and school. School-administered funding may be available to all students or to students of specific programs, as is the case at Cuyahoga Community College’s.

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

Yes. The primary professional organization for medical assistants in Ohio 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.

Do I need to complete any prerequisites before applying?

Prerequisite requirements can vary significantly from program to program. Some require applicants to place into one or more prerequisite classes while others, like that at Cuyahoga Community College, require students to not just enroll in, but complete four prerequisite courses. The vast majority of programs, including Miami University, don’t have any 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 take note of 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 are the admission requirements for Ohio medical assistant programs?

Every online medical assistant program in Ohio has its own unique admission process, but at a minimum, you should expect to have to complete an application prove you have earned a high school diploma or GED. Depending on the school, you may also need to be enrolled in or have completed certain prerequisite classes. Some programs may also require you to provide placement testing scores and immunization records.

What does an online medical assistant curriculum in Ohio cover?

The curriculum at most online medical assistant certification programs in Ohio cover two main areas of practice: 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.

Ohio Medical Assistant Salary and Career Insights

The demand for new medical assistants in Ohio is well-represented in terms of job growth and average annual salary. That said, both metrics sit slightly below the national average. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national median annual salary for medical assistants is $38,270, while the median annual salary in Ohio is $36,800. It’s important to remember, however, that the overall cost of living in Ohio is more than17% lower than the national average.

Medical assistants make more in larger urban areas and outpatient care centers, particularly compared to rural areas and doctor’s offices. The following table offers a more detailed look at medical assistant salaries across Ohio.

As for the annual job growth rate for medical assistants, Ohio lags behind the national average but is still robust at 13.5%, well above the total growth rate for all occupations in the United States, which is just 3%.

Source: Projections Central

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics