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Author: Jason Collins
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Jason Collins is a writer and editor with a decade of experience producing research-driven content across nursing and allied health. He holds a degree in English from Loyola Marymount University. Jason specializes in making complex topics accessible and engaging, with a focus on health and wellness writing that integrates research, lifestyle, and education. He also has expertise in SEO and digital content strategy to ensure that important health information effectively reaches target audiences.
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Shannon Daigle is a healthcare education writer with a BA in Journalism & Public Relations from Flagler College. She specializes in creating clear, approachable content that helps students and professionals navigate career paths, degree programs, and essential student resources in healthcare. Shannon has strong research skills and focuses on breaking down complex healthcare topics. She stays current with industry trends to provide readers with relevant and practical information for advancing their educational and professional journeys.
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Hybrid/Online Medical Assistant Programs in Rhode Island: Find Your School

Learn how to choose the right online medical assistant program in Rhode Island, and get key details on certification and admissions requirements. Also, find information on tuition, career outlook and salary potential so you know what to expect after graduation.

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

An orange stylized graduation cap with the letter "E" forms part of the design, set against a white circular background.
Author: Jason Collins
An orange stylized graduation cap with the letter "E" forms part of the design, set against a white circular background.
Jason Collins Arrow up right
Jason Collins is a writer and editor with a decade of experience producing research-driven content across nursing and allied health. He holds a degree in English from Loyola Marymount University. Jason specializes in making complex topics accessible and engaging, with a focus on health and wellness writing that integrates research, lifestyle, and education. He also has expertise in SEO and digital content strategy to ensure that important health information effectively reaches target audiences.
Areas of Expertise
Check HealthcareNursingPre-Nursing
HealthcareNursingPre-Nursing
Editor: Shannon Daigle, BA
A close-up portrait of a smiling woman with long brown hair, inside a room with soft lighting and blurred background featuring chairs and décor.
Shannon Daigle, BA Arrow up right
Staff Writer
Shannon Daigle is a healthcare education writer with a BA in Journalism & Public Relations from Flagler College. She specializes in creating clear, approachable content that helps students and professionals navigate career paths, degree programs, and essential student resources in healthcare. Shannon has strong research skills and focuses on breaking down complex healthcare topics. She stays current with industry trends to provide readers with relevant and practical information for advancing their educational and professional journeys.
Areas of Expertise
Check HealthcareAdv. NursingNursing
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Inside Online Medical Assistant Programs in Rhode Island

Medical assistant training programs in Rhode Island are offered as certificate, diploma, or associate degree programs. Certificate and diploma programs take four to six months, though accelerated courses are shorter. An associate degree takes two years, but you’ll gain more advanced medical knowledge.

While you can complete online medical assistant program coursework remotely, you’ll need to participate in an in-person externship at a healthcare facility. Below, we’ll look at two medical assistant programs in Rhode Island to help you find the right fit.

Community College of Rhode Island

The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) offers a Medical Assistant training program is a full-time 16-week program. Students begin with 12 weeks of classroom instruction before moving on to a four-week clinical externship. The curriculum also includes preparation for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam.

This online program is offered at no cost to all qualified applicants and includes career support to help students find employment. Bilingual students are especially encouraged to apply to help address the diverse linguistic needs of Rhode Island residents.

Duration: 16 weeks

Mode: Hybrid

Cost: Free for all qualified and accepted applicants

Admissions Requirements: Students must be at least 18 years old and a resident of Rhode Island, submit to a background check by the Rhode Island Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI), and possess a high school diploma or GED. Students must provide proof of immunization for COVID-19 and other diseases.

Curriculum: This program covers key topics in medical assisting, including patient triage, education, specimen collection, injections, vital signs, ECGs, and social determinants of health.

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Stepful

Stepful offers a five-month online Medical Assistant training program. Students participate in live online 90-minute classes twice a week and complete all assignments, exams, and simulations online before gaining up to 160 hours of in-person clinical experience.

An at-home clinical kit, background check, and drug screen are included with tuition. Stepful also provides students with an eight week Job Coaching Program to help them find a full-time job after graduation.

Duration: Five months

Mode: Hybrid

Cost: $2,399

Admissions Requirements: Students must be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or GED.

Curriculum: This program covers medical terminology, basic anatomy and physiology, patient care coordination, phlebotomy, EKG, medical law and ethics, and electronic health records. Students learn hands-on clinical skills during an externship.

FAQs for Medical Assistant Students in Rhode Island

When you’re considering a medical assistant role, it’s natural to have questions about the profession. Below, we’ll discuss salary expectations for medical assistants, finding a program, and how long it will take to complete your studies.

How much do medical assistants make in Rhode Island?

The median annual salary for medical assistants in Rhode Island is $44,579, which is higher than the national median salary of $44,200. Keep in mind that salaries vary depending on factors like experience, specialization, and location.

How do I become a certified medical assistant?

Here are the steps you’ll need to take to start a career as a certified medical assistant (CMA) in Rhode Island:

  1. Complete a medical assistant program to develop the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience you need to succeed in the field.
  2. Get certified by taking and passing an exam such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) test offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
  3. Apply for medical assistant jobs at hospitals, physician’s offices, or private practices.

Can I take medical assistant courses online?

Yes, you can complete medical assistant training online. Some programs use self-paced or asynchronous coursework, while others require that you attend some live or in-person classes.

It’s important to remember that while you can complete most of your studies online, you can’t become a medical assistant without practical in-person training. Many programs set up clinicals for you, while others expect you to independently find opportunities for hands-on experience.

How long does a medical assistant training program take to complete?

Most online programs can be completed in nine to 16 months, but the exact length of medical assistant programs in Rhode Island varies based on format, intensity, and if you’re enrolled full- or part-time. However, some schools offer accelerated programs that can be completed faster.

Are medical assistants in high demand in Rhode Island?

Yes. Rhode Island has designated medical assistants as a high-growth occupation, and national demand for medical assistants is expected to grow 12% from 2024 to 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This growth is faster than the average for other occupations.

Completing an online medical assistant program in Rhode Island can significantly improve your job prospects, especially if you also develop specialized skills such as EKG or phlebotomy training.

Certifications and Continuing Education in Rhode Island

Medical assistants in Rhode Island don’t need state-specific licensure to practice. However, if you are a recently qualified medical assistant, obtaining a nationally recognized certification, such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the AAMA or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from American Medical Technologists (AMT), can improve your chances of landing a job.

Note that though Rhode Island does not require a medical assistant to continue their education, you’ll need to enroll in ongoing education classes to maintain national certification. For example, CMA certification necessitates recertification every five years by either retaking the certification exam or completing continuing education credits.

Salary and Career Outlook for Medical Assistants in Rhode Island

Area ↕ 10th Percentile ↕ Median ↕ 90th Percentile ↕
U.S. $35,020 $44,200 $57,830
Rhode Island $38,390 $45,820 $51,430
Providence-Warwick, RI-MA $38,000 $45,850 $51,500

Source: Medical Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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

Area ↕ Curr. Jobs ↕ Proj. Jobs ↕ New Jobs ↕ Growth % ↕ Avg. Ann. Openings ↕
United States 764,400 870,200 105,800 13.8% 114,600
Rhode Island 3,230 3,600 370 11.5% 470

Source: Projections Central

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

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Jason Collins AUTHOR

Jason Collins is a writer and editor with a decade of experience producing research-driven content across nursing and allied health. He holds a degree in English from Loyola Marymount University. Jason specializes in making complex topics accessible and engaging, with a focus on health and wellness writing that integrates research, lifestyle, and education. He also has expertise in SEO and digital content strategy to ensure that important health information effectively reaches target audiences.

Read More About Jason Collins

Shannon Daigle, BA EDITOR

Shannon Daigle is a healthcare education writer with a BA in Journalism & Public Relations from Flagler College. She specializes in creating clear, approachable content that helps students and professionals navigate career paths, degree programs, and essential student resources in healthcare. Shannon has strong research skills and focuses on breaking down complex healthcare topics. She stays current with industry trends to provide readers with relevant and practical information for advancing their educational and professional journeys.

Read More About Shannon Daigle
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