Online Medical Assistant Programs in Pennsylvania: School Review

Online Medical Assistant Programs in Pennsylvania: An Inside Look

Medical assistant training comes in an array of formats, as students come to this field with a wide variety of experiences. Some programs grant degrees, often an associate degree, while others are certificate or diploma programs, and it’s up to you to decide which type is the best fit for you. When you’re evaluating a program, consider whether you would like to earn a degree now or potentially apply your medical assistant training towards a degree in the future, and, most importantly, the pathways to certification that a program offers. Check out our sampling of programs that offer strong curricula, affordable tuition, and support students in hands-on learning and certification exam preparation.

FAQs for Pennsylvania’s Medical Assistant Students

Having additional questions is a good sign that you’re interested, so we’ve researched the most common questions about online medical assistant programs in Pennsylvania and answered them below. These questions address funding options, networking opportunities, curricula and prerequisites, and more.

Do online medical assistant programs in Pennsylvania have prerequisites, and is it difficult to be accepted?

Most medical assistant programs in Pennsylvania, online or otherwise, don’t require prerequisites, although some require students to be at least 18 years old. If you plan to take a certification exam, then you’ll also need a high school diploma or equivalent.

And it’s not difficult to be accepted to MA programs, as most of them have few admission requirements given that they are designed to prepare you for entry level positions that require neither academic or professional experience in the field. Some programs, like that at the Community College of Philadelphia, require students who have taken college courses prior to applying to demonstrate a minimum GPA of 2.0.

How can I network during my program, and does it matter?

Networking opens doors to job and mentorship opportunities both before and during your career. You can network in your online medical assistant program by getting to know your classmates, professors, and the clinical instructors during your externship. These professionals are always looking out for the next skilled members of their team. If you feel particularly passionate about one medical setting, such as inpatient, ambulatory, rehabilitation, or testing settings, make sure to prioritize getting to know people who work in those areas and ask them about their experiences. Another way to network is by joining professional organizations and groups focused on the medical assisting industry, such as the PA Society of Medical Assistants, American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), or National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

What funding is available for online medical assistant students in Pennsylvania?

The type of funding available to you depends on the program you choose to pursue. You can always apply for private scholarships that are neither program- nor school-specific. If you attend an online medical assisting course in PA that’s administered by an institution or university, then you may be eligible for scholarships and other forms of federal financial aid. Your current employer may offer a tuition assistance benefit.

What is the average cost of an online medical assistant program in Pennsylvania?

As can be expected, costs vary between medical assisting programs. Schools that partner with ed2go for their medical assisting diplomas have students pay the company-set tuition, which typically hovers between $2,700 and $2,900 total. Schools that provide their own private medical assisting curriculum, like Penn Foster Community College, generally charge between $2,400 and $4,200. If you choose to enroll in a degree-granting program for an associate degree in medical assisting, your tuition cost will be higher since it will result in a degree rather than a certificate.

What subjects do medical assistant programs in Pennsylvania cover?

Since medical assistants provide essential support in so many different medical settings, they need to be prepared with basic knowledge across several areas. Online medical assistant programs in Pennsylvania, therefore, cover subjects in medical billing and coding, the revenue cycle, communication, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology basics, CPR and Basic Life Support, outpatient procedures, medication administration, legal, ethical, and regulatory issues affecting medical assistants, as well as and rehabilitation and nutrition. You can expect hands-on training in phlebotomy and other roles that support medical procedures, such as placing and interpreting a 12-lead EKG strip.

Your Certifications and Continuing Education Options in PA

The two most common certifications for medical assistants are Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), and Clinical Certified Medical Assistant (CCMA) by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Each credential has requirement for completing education requirements before sitting for the exam, and both emphasize the importance of attending an accredited program. In addition to helping prepare you for your certification exam, an accredited program shows prospective employers that you can manage the responsibility of a rigorous program.

As you prepare for your exam, take advantage of your program’s review sessions, make flashcards, study with classmates, review your notes, and consider taking a practice test (or a few). Don’t sweat it if you don’t pass on the first try. Keep reviewing and studying and try again in 30 days (or later if you need more time).

Once you pass your exam, your certification is valid for five years. At the end of those five years, you’ll need to recertify through earning 60 continuing education units (CEUs) or by retaking the certification test.

Salary & Career Prospects for Pennsylvania’s Medical Assistants

Best Online Medical Assistant Programs in Pennsylvania