Medical Assistant Programs Online in Wisconsin: Finding a School
Becoming a medical assistant in Wisconsin begins an exciting journey that allows you to work closely with patients and blaze your path through the allied health field. This guide offers in-depth information on some of Wisconsin’s best programs for medical assistants, what to expect after graduation, and even why certification matters. Read on to discover what you need to know about medical assistant programs in Wisconsin.
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How Online Medical Assistant Programs Work in Wisconsin
Medical assistants can enter the field in many ways. Some learn on the job with little to no formal training, but most choose an educational path that allows them to earn certification. This might mean they take a certificate or diploma program that takes only a few weeks or months to complete, or it might mean they choose to earn an associate degree, which can open doors to other positions in the future. Here are a few schools that demonstrate what’s out there for medical assistants in Wisconsin.
Medical Assistant Technical Diploma – Nicolet College
Nicolet College offers a hybrid medical assistant technical diploma to students who want to quickly enter the healthcare field. All the theory-based content is taught online, with on-campus labs available multiple times during the week to accommodate working students. Course examples include medical terminology, medical assistant admin procedures, lab and clinical procedures, applied communications writing, pharmacology for allied health, and medical office insurance and finance.
Duration: Two semesters and 32 credits
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $5,439
Admissions Requirements: Physical exam, caregiver background check, and specific health requirements, in addition to completing an admissions packet.
Curriculum: Students will engage in medical terminology, front office and back office procedures, billing, and coding, and hone their communication skills.There are no general education courses with this diploma.
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Medical Assistant Certificate Program – University of Wisconsin -Milwaukee
UW-Milwaukee’s School of Continuing Education states that its open-enrollment, on-demand medical assistant course has an “over-achieving curriculum” that will thoroughly train you on both routine patient care and clinical office procedures. Working alongside industry professionals with decades of real-world experience, students will have the opportunity to accrue 100 hours’ worth of experience in a clinical setting within their area (if possible). This will help them achieve the knowledge necessary to pass the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) test, along with earning Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) and Certified EKG Technician (CET) credentials if desired.
Duration: 2-4 months to complete
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $3,799
Admissions Requirements: Open enrollment requires registration and a high school diploma or GED.
Curriculum: Providing wound care, assisting with sutures and fractures, performing phlebotomy, obtaining vital signs, administering medications, assisting during procedures, labeling and processing specimens, and preparing patients for and performing EKGs.
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Program – University of Wisconsin – Whitewater
The certified clinical medical assistant program at UW-Whitewater is 100% online and can be started anytime throughout the year. It’s self-paced and will prepare you for the CCMA test through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Students have one year to complete the curriculum, which includes the necessary skills to function as a healthcare team member, including ethics, developing therapeutic communication, and protecting patient privacy. The program even includes a voucher that covers the certification costs.
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 still qualify for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam provided by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Duration: One year to complete
Mode: Online
Cost: $2,890 for the course
Admissions Requirements: No requirements, though those who want to sit for the exam must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Curriculum: Medical terminology related to the body’s various systems and CCMA topics such as pharmacology fundamentals, assisting with examinations, patient scheduling and record management, cardiology and diagnostic procedures, and medication administration procedures.
FAQs for Wisconsin Medical Assistant Students
There are so many questions a person could ask about becoming a medical assistant, and we know we didn’t cover all of them above. Whether you’re curious about training, job responsibilities, career prospects, or the admissions process see below to find answers to common queries about this vital healthcare role.
How do I become a medical assistant in Wisconsin?
You can technically work as a medical assistant in Wisconsin without being certified. However, many employers prefer to hire certified medical assistants. If certification is your goal, you’ll need to complete an accredited medical assisting program or degree and pass the CCMA certification test offered through the NHA.
Can medical assistants give injections in Wisconsin?
It depends. Medical assistants in Wisconsin are required to know about venipuncture, calculating medication dosages, and administering oral or parenteral (not IV) medications. An injection could be considered a parenteral medication, so it could technically be delegated to a medical assistant if it follows the employer’s specific guidelines. MAs can also stack certifications to be able to perform more tasks which in turn can lead to a higher salary.
How much does a CMA make in Wisconsin?
Again, this depends on how long you’ve been working as a CMA and in what area you work. Those with less experience will earn a lower salary. However, the average annual wage for medical assistants in Wisconsin is $45,160. In comparison, the national average annual wage for medical assistants is $40,700 with the top ten percent of medical assistants earning $51,710 per year.
What can medical assistants do in Wisconsin?
According to Wisconsin’s scope of practice, medical assistants in the state can:
- Measure vital signs
- Perform electrocardiography
- Perform venipuncture
- Perform pulmonary function testing
- Calculate proper dosages of medication for administration
- Administer oral and parenteral (excluding IV) medication
- Obtain specimens and perform tests waived from national clinical lab standards
- Perform wound care
- Performing dressing changes
Medical assistants also likely perform office tasks, such as answering phones, scheduling patients, and updating records.
How long does it take to be a medical assistant in Wisconsin?
This depends on the program or degree you choose to pursue. One of the programs we highlighted above is self-paced, but students only have a year’s access to it, indicating that it can reasonably be completed in that time. Another program we highlighted requires 32 credits, which typically takes students 2-3 full-time semesters to complete.
What types of jobs are there for medical assistants in Wisconsin?
Medical assistants have diverse opportunities in a variety of healthcare settings. They perform everything from routine administrative tasks to assisting a doctor in minor surgery. If medical assistants choose to stack their certifications, they could be eligible for salary increases and broader choices in their profession. Several of their titles could include:
- Medical Assistant
- Claims Analyst
- Medical Records Clerk
- Medical Office Assistant
- Phlebotomist
- Pharmacy Aide
- Receptionist
- EKG Technician
- Laboratory Assistant
- Medical Office Manager
- Medical Transcriptionist
- Dialysis Technician
Professional Certifications and Continuing Education in Wisconsin
Wisconsin does not require medical assistants to be licensed or certified; however, those who earn certification might be seen more favorably by employers. Wisconsin doesn’t offer a state-based test, so graduates will need to take a national examination for their certification.
Just as there is no requirement for licensing or certification, there is also no requirement for continuing education. However, there are continuing education requirements to keep your national certification in force. Joining the Wisconsin State Society of Medical Assistants can help you figure out where to get those credits and exactly what else is needed to make you stand out from the pack when it’s time to find a job or move to a new one.
Salary & Future Career Opportunities for Medical Assistants in Wisconsin
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $35,020 | $44,200 | $57,830 |
| Wisconsin | $38,440 | $47,610 | $55,880 |
| Appleton, WI | $38,210 | $47,360 | $56,440 |
| Eau Claire, WI | $38,330 | $47,520 | $56,160 |
| Fond du Lac, WI | $38,560 | $47,670 | $55,360 |
| Green Bay, WI | $37,750 | $46,550 | $53,980 |
| Janesville-Beloit, WI | $38,840 | $45,040 | $51,430 |
| Kenosha, WI | $38,270 | $47,640 | $54,300 |
| La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN | $38,840 | $49,720 | $53,950 |
| Madison, WI | $42,620 | $48,150 | $56,720 |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI | $40,000 | $48,430 | $57,240 |
| Oshkosh-Neenah, WI | $37,960 | $46,170 | $50,360 |
| Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI | $37,740 | $47,420 | $56,070 |
| Sheboygan, WI | $39,010 | $48,000 | $55,880 |
| Wausau, WI | $37,230 | $46,390 | $55,450 |
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 ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | 13,000 | 15,380 | 2,380 | 18.30% | 2,040 |
| 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.
Best Online Medical Assistant Programs in Wisconsin
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $617 Avg. Aid Amount
- 69% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 7/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Northwood Technical College
- Northwood Technical College’s Medical Assistant program boasts a 100% graduate employment rate within six months of graduation, demonstrating strong job placement success.
- The program offers experienced instructors with many years of clinical and laboratory experience, ensuring students receive expert, hands-on training.
- Students benefit from a convenient hybrid schedule, attending campus classes two to three days per week while completing other courses online from home.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $617 Avg. Aid Amount
- 69% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 7/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,109 Avg. Aid Amount
- 63% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Lakeshore Technical College
- The Medical Assistant program at Lakeshore College is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), ensuring recognized quality and credibility in healthcare education.
- The program combines online and face-to-face components, offering a flexible blended learning format to accommodate diverse student needs.
- Students receive comprehensive training covering clinical, administrative, and laboratory skills, preparing them for a wide range of responsibilities that increase employability in various medical settings.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,109 Avg. Aid Amount
- 63% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Green Bay, WIProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,394 Avg. Aid Amount
- 49% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
- The Medical Assistant program includes vouchers covering the fees for national certification exams (CCMA and CEHRS), reducing out-of-pocket costs for students.
- Students gain hands-on experience through an unpaid clinical practicum supervised by trained mentors, ensuring real-world readiness and strong skill integration.
- The program combines Certified Clinical Medical Assistant and Electronic Health Records Specialist training, providing specialized dual career credentials in one bundle.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,394 Avg. Aid Amount
- 49% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- ACCSC Accreditation
- $1,923 Avg. Aid Amount
- 44% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Western Technical College
- Western Technical College’s Medical Assistant program features a Fast Track option that enables completion in just 8 months, accelerating entry into the healthcare workforce.
- Students learn from instructors with extensive real-world medical experience and current certifications, ensuring up-to-date, practical training from experts.
- The program maintains a high five-year retention rate of over 91% and an average exam passage rate above 85%, reflecting strong student success and program quality.
Program Details
- ACCSC Accreditation
- $1,923 Avg. Aid Amount
- 44% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Moraine Park Technical College
Fond du Lac, WIProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,026 Avg. Aid Amount
- 63% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Moraine Park Technical College
- Graduates of Moraine Park’s Medical Assistant program are eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants, affirming program quality and enhancing employability.
- The program includes comprehensive training in both clinical and administrative tasks such as preparing patients for exams and managing medical records, preparing students for real-world job demands.
- Moraine Park’s program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), assuring recognized standards and credibility to employers and students alike.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,026 Avg. Aid Amount
- 63% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Mid-State Technical College
Wisconsin Rapids, WIProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,366 Avg. Aid Amount
- 43% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Mid-State Technical College
- Mid-State’s Medical Assistant program offers a comprehensive clinical practicum at a variety of local medical offices and clinics, ensuring real-world hands-on experience and strong preparedness for employment.
- The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP), allowing graduates to pursue nationally recognized Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credentials.
- Mid-State’s Medical Assistant Program Advisory Committee meets every semester with community representatives to continuously update and align the curriculum with current employer needs and healthcare standards, enhancing job readiness.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,366 Avg. Aid Amount
- 43% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Milwaukee Area Technical College
Milwaukee, WIProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $4,094 Avg. Aid Amount
- 32% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Milwaukee Area Technical College
- The Medical Assistant program at MATC boasts a five-year cumulative job placement rate of 87.25%, demonstrating strong employment outcomes for graduates.
- The program requires certification in Basic Life Support CPR for Healthcare Providers from the American Heart Association (AHA) prior to entry, ensuring students are clinically prepared and competitive.
- All Medical Assistant courses must be completed within 18 months of starting, offering an accelerated timeline to technical diploma completion.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $4,094 Avg. Aid Amount
- 32% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Nicolet Area Technical College
Rhinelander, WIProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $559 Avg. Aid Amount
- 58% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 7/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Nicolet Area Technical College
- Nicolet College’s Medical Assistant program includes preparation for recognized professional certification exams, enhancing graduates’ employability and career readiness.
- The program offers hands-on clinical experience in local healthcare settings, ensuring practical skills and high clinical placement rates for students.
- Nicolet maintains strong partnerships with local healthcare employers, facilitating networking opportunities and supporting effective job placement after program completion.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $559 Avg. Aid Amount
- 58% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 7/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,421 Avg. Aid Amount
- 39% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Madison Area Technical College
- Madison College’s Medical Assistant program boasts a 5-year average job placement rate of 85%, demonstrating strong employment outcomes for graduates.
- The program provides hands-on clinical placement in local offices or clinics during the final semester, ensuring practical real-world experience before graduation.
- Madison College emphasizes equity, inclusion, and diversity throughout its curriculum and learning environment, cultivating culturally competent healthcare professionals.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,421 Avg. Aid Amount
- 39% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Waukesha County Technical College
Pewaukee, WIProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,431 Avg. Aid Amount
- 55% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Waukesha County Technical College
- The Medical Assistant program at WCTC offers a hands-on skills workshop with full access to equipment and direct faculty support, ensuring thorough practical preparation before clinical practicum.
- Students benefit from the ability to sit for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) national certification exam with the exam voucher included, enhancing employment prospects upon completion.
- The program features a comprehensive practicum experience in real patient care settings under trained mentors, facilitating smooth transition into professional medical assistant roles.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,431 Avg. Aid Amount
- 55% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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