Best Online Medical Assistant Programs in Utah
Discover the top-notch online medical assistant programs in Utah that will set you on the path to a successful career in allied healthcare.
By now you’re probably tired of fielding questions from friends and family about why you’re interested in pursuing an online medical assistant program over a traditional, in-person one. What they might not know is that online learning is becoming a trend across Utah with millions of college students enrolled in web-based courses as of 2021. With unmatched flexibility, lower costs, and fine-tuned courses, it’s no wonder 93% of online program graduates report positive returns.
Online medical assistant programs make it possible to build a foundation in the administrative and clinical skills you need to succeed in as few as nine to 12 months, after which you’ll be working alongside doctors and nurses, to ensure quality care for patients. So, if you’re ready to turn your interest in becoming a medical assistant into reality, then we’re ready to help. In this guide, we’ll explore the best online medical assistant programs in Utah, what makes them great, and steps they prepare you to take after graduation.
Spotlighting Top Medical Assistant Programs in Utah
In this section, we’ll shine the spotlight on some of the top online medical assistant programs in Utah today. We’ll provide valuable insights into these programs and give you a better idea of what to expect —and what to look for — when considering your options.
Eagle Gate College
First up is Eagle Gate College. This accelerated nine-month Medical Assisting Program is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and combines online learning with hands-on labs to give students the ultimate learning experience. Designed to accommodate students’ busy schedules, Eagle Gate prepares students not only to earn their diploma but to sit for industry certification exams, including the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam, the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam, or the Registered medical Assistant (RMA) exam.
Didactic courses are provided entirely online, while externship requirements and lab components are offered exclusively on campus or at partnering clinical facilities, with some online components. Over the course of the 28-credit program, students receive instruction in pharmacology, medication administration, diagnostic imaging, medical law, and more.
The program costs just under $14,000 in total, including textbooks and fees. Students eligible for financial aid can watch that number drop even lower, making this quality career training accessible.
Salt Lake Community College
Next on our list is Salt Lake Community College’s Medical Assistant Program. This program’s comprehensive curriculum covers a wide array of administrative and clinical competencies and equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in this field for less than $4,000 including tuition, fees, lab expenses, books, and supplies. Students who need additional financial support along the way, can take advantage of the school’s robust financial aid offerings.
To be admitted to this program, students must be at least 16 years old with a high school diploma or GED. They must also be able to prove that they’ve received the necessary immunizations against Hepatitis B, MMR (Measles), PPD (Tuberculosis), Varicella (Chickenpox), TDaP (Tetanus), Influenza (Flu), and COVID-19.
University of Utah Continuing Education
Last but not least is the University of Utah’s Medical Assisting program. This comprehensive program offers a combination of online coursework and monthly in-person labs held in downtown Salt Lake City. No specific skills or experience are required for admission; students require only a high school diploma or GED and a passion for helping others. With 265 hours of coursework, in-person labs, and clinical training, graduates gain the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive as medical assistants. The program can be completed in one year — or less — of dedicated study.
Tuition for the full certificate is $3,200, but students can also opt for a Medical Assistant Apprenticeship option for a discounted tuition rate of just $1,750. Before beginning their clinical training, students must pass a background check and drug screening, provide immunization records, and be certified in Basic Life Support (BLS). BLS training is provided at no cost. While financial aid is not available for this non-credit certificate program, students are encouraged to explore potential tuition assistance from their employers. Unfortunately, the University of Utah employee tuition reduction does not apply to this specific program.
Must-Haves in Online Medical Assistant Programs in Utah
Now that you’ve learned about some top online medical assistant programs in Utah let’s discuss what key factors you should consider when choosing the right one for you. These must-haves will ensure your success during your studies and beyond.
Accreditation
Accreditation should be at the top of your checklist when considering online medical assistant programs in Utah. Accreditation acts as a seal of approval for these programs and provides assurance to you and your future employers that you received training at an institution that meets high standards of quality. Look for online medical assistant programs in Utah accredited by reputable organizations like the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). This ensures that employers will recognize your certification and increase your chances of landing a top job the allied healthcare industry.
Certification Exam Eligibility
Certification exam eligibility can be a game-changer for your career trajectory! It’s all about making sure that the online Utah medical assistant program you select prepares you to ace one of the following certification exams: the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA),Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), and Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exams.
Faculty Qualifications
Faculty Qualifications are the secret sauce to an extraordinary learning experience! When searching for medical assistant programs online in Utah, keep your eyes peeled for instructors with extensive knowledge and practical experience in the medical field. Take Salt Lake Community College as an example – they showcase their faculty’s credentials for students to explore.
Graduation and Certification Rates
Graduation and certification rates are like the report card of a program’s success! When exploring options, pay close attention to these rates. High numbers indicate that students have the support they need to complete the program and ace their certification exams. They also speak to an effective curriculum and robust support system. Mountainland Technical College’s Medical Assistant program, for example, boasts a respectable 86% completion rate.
State-Specific Considerations
When it comes to online medical assistant programs in Utah, there are some state-specific factors to keep on your radar. While the state does not require medical assistants to hold certification, Utah does go the extra mile and offer specialized training for medical assistants in immunization education. It could be worth your while to consider pursuing this additional training.
Transferability
Transferability can unlock opportunities wherever life may take you! Picture this: you complete your stellar medical assistant programs online in Utah, and suddenly a chance to move arises. You’ll want to be confident your qualifications will follow you. Why does it matter? According to the National Healthcareer Association, 69% of employers screen for applicants with industry-recognized certification. With demand on the rise, having a certification recognized beyond Utah opens doors that lead straight to success!
Becoming a Certified Medical Assistant in Utah
Ready to kick-start your career as a Certified Medical Assistant in Utah? Then you’ll need to be aware of some important steps. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the big-picture steps you need to take to launch your career as a medical assistant in UT. From choosing an accredited program to obtaining the necessary certifications, we’ve got you covered.
Complete a Clinical Externship
Get ready to take your skills from the classroom to the real world with a clinical externship. A clinical externship is the ultimate opportunity to apply what you’ve learned and gain valuable experience. If the sound of working for free puts you off, you’ll be excited to hear that some programs facilitate paid externships. So, not only will you solidify your skills, you’ll also earn while you learn.
Graduate From an Accredited Program
When looking for medical assistant programs online in Utah, there’s one factor you should consider above all others: accreditation. Proper accreditation is the stamp of approval that signals that a school meets quality standards. A program’s academic reputation is critical. Not only can it dictate your experience as a student but your professional prospects as a medical assistant; attending an accredited program signals to potential employers that you take your training seriously.
Pass the Certificate Exam
Passing a certification exam is your ticket to unlocking top career opportunities. While having your clinical and administrative knowledge put to the test can feel daunting at first, the effort pays dividends down the road. A credential like the Clinical Medical Assistant tells employers you aced the test and have the skills to succeed. So hit those books and get certified!
Renew Your License and Take Continuing Education Credits
As a licensed medical assistant, keeping your license up to date is vital to your continued success! When renewal time comes around, be sure to consult the requirements set out by the certifying body through which you earned your license. Both the National Healthcareer Association and the American Association of Medical Assistants provide detailed information on how to maintain your certification. Typically, you can choose between retaking the certification exam and submitting completed continuing education units (CEUs).
Answering Your Questions About UT Medical Assistant Programs Online
A lot goes into making a decision this big and we know you’ve still got questions about online medical assistant programs in Utah, how to pay for them, and how they’ll prepare you. Well, ask no more! We’ve tackled some commonly asked queries below:
Are scholarships or grants available for online medical assistant students in UT?
Absolutely! Many schools like Eagle Gate College offer scholarships and grants to help make online medical assistant programs in Utah more affordable. If you are planning to attend an accredited program, you will also be eligible for federal financial aid.
Are there professional organizations or networking opportunities for Utah medical assistants?
Plenty! Associations like the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the Utah Society of Medical Assistants (USMA) provide networking and continuing education resources to help you thrive as a Utah medical assistant.
Do I need to complete any prerequisites before applying?
Great news — no lengthy prerequisites are necessary for most medical assistant programs online in Utah! Just a high school diploma or GED, and you’re ready to roll. 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 hitting submit on 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’s program is $3,200, while Eagle Gate students pay approximately $13,874. Remember, financial aid can help cut costs, so don’t let the sticker price deter you.
What are the admission requirements for Utah medical assistant programs?
The admissions process for medical assistant programs online in Utah is a breeze! For most programs, you just need a high school diploma or GED to get started. At the University of Utah, you also need to be at least 18 years old and pass a background check and drug test—pretty straightforward.
What does an online medical assistant curriculum in Utah cover?
Medical assistant program curricula in Utah prepare students with a fundamental understanding of topics like medical terminology, anatomy, pharmacology, clinical procedures, healthcare laws, medical billing and coding, and more. The in-depth nature of medical assistant programs online in Utah guarantee you’ll graduate with the know-how to hit the ground running as a medical assistant.
Salary and Career Insights for Utah Medical Assistants
We’ve looked at top Utah schools, the characteristics that make their programs worth attending, and the steps you need to take once you’ve graduated. Now it’s time to address the all-important matter of how much you can expect to make. But first, let’s see how your career prospects in Utah stack up to the rest of the country. The projected job growth rate here in Utah a whopping 34% through 2030, nearly double the national rate of 18%! And with rough 1,400 new job openings annually, your career prospects are practically limitless.
But how much can you expect to earn once you’ve landed one of these 1,400 jobs? The average Utah medical assistant’s salary can range anywhere from $28,960 to $44,850. As you can tell by Utah’s median salary of $37,640, your earning potential — like your cost of living — is higher in urban hubs. As you might expect, the opposite is also true of rural areas . For example, the median income in Logan is $35,400. Consider these figures, and those outlined in the table below, as you weigh the pros and cons of beginning your medical assisting career in a suburban or urban area.
Regardless of where you land, the limitless job opportunities and competitive pay make Utah an excellent place to launch a career in medical assisting.
| Occupation Name | New Jobs (2020-2030) | Job Growth Rate (2020-2030) | Average Annual Openings (2020-2030) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 853,500 | 18.40% | 104,400 |
| Utah | 11,070 | 34.2% | 1,400 |
Source: Projections Central
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah | $28,960 | $37,120 | $44,850 |
| Logan, UT-ID | $24,460 | $35,400 | $38,220 |
| Ogden-Clearfield, UT | $28,630 | $37,120 | $38,220 |
| Provo-Orem, UT | $28,820 | $36,730 | $38,220 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $29,490 | $37,640 | $46,810 |
| St. George, UT | $28,820 | $36,000 | $38,220 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
