Inside Top Online Medical Assistant Programs in Utah
With convenient online programs and flexible schedules, you can become a certified medical assistant in Utah in just six to 12 months. Use EduMed’s guide for the inside scoop on these programs, including how they work, what they cost, how to get in, and what your career will look like after completing your education.
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How These Programs Work
Online medical assistant programs in Utah offer a flexible and efficient way to earn a certificate or diploma, with many programs completed in just six to 12 months. These programs are designed for students who want to enter the healthcare workforce quickly while balancing work or personal commitments.
Key features to consider include:
- Program length: Most online MA programs can be completed in six to 12 months, making them a fast option for career entry.
- Course delivery: Programs may be synchronous, with live online classes at scheduled times, or asynchronous, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedules.
- Hands-on training: Some programs require in-person labs or clinical experiences to develop practical skills in real healthcare settings.
- Credential outcome: Graduates typically earn a certificate or diploma that prepares them for entry-level medical assistant roles and certification exams.
Below are examples of standout online medical assistant programs in Utah that show how these features come together in real-world training options.
Medical Assistant Diploma – Eagle Gate College
Eagle Gate College offers a nine-month accelerated medical assisting program that’s institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools. The curriculum is a blend of online and hands-on learning; courses are entirely online, while externships and labs are offered on campus or at partnering clinical facilities.
After completion, students are ready to take industry certification exams, including the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam, the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam, or the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam.
Duration: Nine months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $14,676
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or GED
Curriculum: 28 credits, including
- Introduction to Medical Assisting and Medical Law
- Pharmacology, Medication Administration, and Diagnostic Imaging
- Infection Control, Assessment, Cardio-Pulmonary, and Gastroenterology
- Eyes, Ears, Nose, Throat; Nervous and Endocrine Systems
- Surgical Technique, Stages of Life, Pediatrics and Geriatrics
- Office Management and Computerized Systems in Medical Assisting
- First Aid, Emergencies, and Behavior in Acute Situations
- Labs for each course
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Certificate in Medical Assisting – Salt Lake Community College
Part of the Salt Lake Community College Technical College, the Medical Assistant program takes as little as one year to complete. Full-time online students who opt for online studies are expected to spend at least 24 hours per week completing coursework; part-time students are expected to spend at least 12 hours per week.
Upon completion, you’ll be prepared to pursue multiple certifications, including National Certified Medical Assistant, RMA, and CMA.
Duration: About a year
Mode: Fully online at the Jordan campus; in person at the West Valley Campus
Cost: $3,487
Admissions Requirements:
- Age 16 for enrollment, age 18 for externship and certification
- High school diploma or GED
- Keyboarding test
- Immunizations against hepatitis B; measles, mumps, and rubella; tuberculosis; chickenpox; tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis; flu; and COVID-19 (highly recommended, required by most clinical sites)
Curriculum: 28 credits, including
- Introduction to Medical Assisting
- Medical Office I and II
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Procedures
- Medical Terminology
- Medical Assistant Laboratory Procedures
- Assisting with Medical Specialties I and II
Medical Assistant Certificate Program – University of Utah Continuing Education
The University of Utah Clinical Medical Assistant Program offers a combination of 265 hours of self-paced online coursework, 24 hours of monthly in-person labs in Salt Lake City, and 180 hours of clinical training. Students who spend 12 hours on classwork each week can finish the program in nine months.
It’s important to note that this program is not accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), so you will be ineligible to take the CMA certification exam. However, you can take Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam provided by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Duration: Six to 12 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $3,200
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Age 18
- English proficiency
- Criminal background check and drug screening
Curriculum: 265 hours, including
- Foundational Skills
- Patient Care Basics
- EKG and Rapid Response
- Clinical Procedures
- Medication Administration
- Preparing for Onsite Clinical Hours
FAQs for Utah Medical Assistant Students
A lot goes into making a decision on which medical assistant program is the right one for you. We know you might still have questions about online medical assistant programs in Utah, including how to pay for them and how they’ll prepare you for your future career. So, we’ve tackled some commonly asked queries below:
Are scholarships or grants available for online medical assistant students in UT?
Absolutely! Many schools, such as Eagle Gate College, offer scholarships and grants to make online medical assistant programs in Utah more affordable. If you attend a for-credit program, you may also be eligible for federal financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study jobs.
The advertised price of a program isn’t necessarily what you have to pay; explore all the financial aid options that a school offers to get an idea of the true cost of a program. Sometimes programs that look more expensive are at schools with deep pockets that can offer considerable financial aid.
Are there professional organizations or networking opportunities for Utah medical assistants?
Yes, there are professional organizations for Utah medical assistants. Check out the American Association of Medical Assistants or the Utah State Society of Medical Assistants for networking and continuing education resources. You can also tap into conferences, job boards, publications, and more to enhance your educational experience, build your stash of student resources, and prepare you for job interviews.
Do I need to complete any prerequisites before applying?
No. The admissions process for online medical assistant programs in Utah is straightforward, and most programs don’t have prerequisites aside from a high school diploma or GED. Some schools may also require that you provide a background check, drug screen, and/or immunization record, so be sure to read each school’s admission requirements closely before submitting your application.
How much should I expect to pay for my program?
Tuition for medical assistant programs online in Utah varies but generally ranges from $3,000 to $10,000. For instance, tuition at the University of Utah program is $3,200, while Eagle Gate students pay over $14,000.
Compare the programs to decide which one is more convenient or a better fit for your goals. Remember, with for-credit programs financial aid can cut costs, so don’t let the sticker price deter you from digging into the details to find out which program is most affordable.
What does an online medical assistant curriculum in Utah cover?
Medical assistant program coursework in Utah prepares covers a fundamental understanding of medical and administrative topics, including:
- Medical terminology
- Anatomy
- Pharmacology
- Clinical procedures
- Medical billing and coding
- Software
- Scheduling
- Finances
Many hybrid programs also include or require hands-on experience in labs or an externship.
Medical Assistant Certifications in Utah
When looking for medical assistant programs online in Utah, accreditation is the most important factor. Proper accreditation is the stamp of approval that signals that a school meets quality standards and prepares you for certification.
Passing a certification exam is your ticket to unlocking top career opportunities. A credential like the CMA tells employers you aced the test and have the skills to succeed.
Once you’re certified, you’ll need to keep your license up to date. Exact renewal requirements vary depending on the certifying body, but you can usually choose between retaking the certification exam and submitting completed continuing education units. Both the National Healthcareer Association and the American Association of Medical Assistants provide detailed information on how to maintain your certification.
Earnings & Job Prospects for Medical Assistants in Utah
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $35,020 | $44,200 | $57,830 |
| Utah | $34,990 | $43,040 | $50,930 |
| Logan, UT-ID | $34,320 | $40,280 | $55,100 |
| Ogden, UT | $35,240 | $43,490 | $53,320 |
| Provo-Orem-Lehi, UT | $31,200 | $38,220 | $48,910 |
| St. George, UT | $34,860 | $38,100 | $49,650 |
| Salt Lake City-Murray, UT | $36,440 | $44,370 | $51,230 |
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 ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utah | 10,060 | 14,440 | 4,380 | 43.50% | 2,000 |
| 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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