Online Medical Assisting Programs for 2026

In this comprehensive guide, we share a complete table of all 311 ABHES and CAAHEP accredited schools offering online medical assisting programs and a list of the 15 best online medical assisting programs.

Click a school name to see maps, videos, program durations, costs, degree type and more to explore what online medical assistant programs entail and how to choose the right one for you.

✔️ Page Updated: December 30th, 2025 | Current for 2026

Related: Compare medical assistant programs nearby

Accredited Online Medical Assistant Programs

You can sort, search and filter the table as well as paginate to view up to 100 programs at a time. Click each program to learn more details about it, watch videos, see maps and compare program outcomes, costs and other data.

List of Best Online Medical Assistant Programs

With an online medical assistant program, you can gain the skills and knowledge needed to work in this growing profession without having to leave your current job or relocate. This list will compare the best online medical assistant programs based on cost, accreditation, and flexibility. We’ll provide an overview of each program so you can make an informed decision about which one best fits your needs and interests.

The U.S. Career Institute offers online medical assistant training. This program helps students gain skills needed to work in a doctor’s office or a variety of healthcare facilities. You will study key topics such as medical terminology, anatomy, and how to do clinical procedures.

Next, you will learn to give basic care like first aid. Along with that, you will learn to handle patient records and get patients ready for exams. The complete program gives a deep understanding of a medical assistant’s duties.

Not only this, you get the feel of working in real healthcare settings. This might be a doctor’s office, a lab, or even a care center for the elderly. Teachers provide helpful feedback during your training. This helps improve your problem-solving and critical thinking skills. It also makes you better at finishing tasks correctly each time. This gives graduates a hands-on learning experience that can be highly beneficial when starting work in the medical field upon successfully completing the course.

At the U.S. Career Institute, tutors are available if needed at no extra cost and one’s tuition also includes career support services such as creating résumés/CVs and cover letters, help to prepare for job interviews, or networking strategies, all of which will bolster the progress of one’s career path within the industry they are pursuing.

The Online Medical Assisting Certificate program at Purdue University Global aims to teach you both clinical and office skills. These skills help you offer excellent care to patients. The program also preps you for national certification as a medical assistant.

Purdue University Global-Indianapolis is a university in Indiana. It offers both online and on-campus study programs. The university is part of Purdue University System. It offers degrees and certificates for both undergrad and grad students.

It also has the approval of Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). So, it offers healthcare programs too. Examples include medical coding and billing, medical assisting and physical therapy assistant courses.

At this university, you have many ways to learn. Among these are traditional classroom study, online study, simulcasts, hybrid classes, and independent study projects. Many classes also use web tools for students to work together. This works even if they are in different locations or have different schedules. Included in the program is a medical externship with evaluation to help prepare students to being working in their field.

Penn Foster offers online vocational programs to students across the U.S. One such program is their Medical Assistant Career Diploma. This course helps you learn the skills you need to be a certified medical assistant. It teaches both book knowledge and hands-on skills needed for this job.

Courses include how to prepare patients for exams and how to handle tools correctly. There’s also an externship. This means you get to work in clinics and hospitals for real-world experience. This helps you apply what you have learned and makes you stand out when looking for a job. Penn Foster is recognized by top accreditation bodies, making it a leading online program for medical assistants.

This Clinical Medical Assistant Certificate Program offers in-depth training for a healthcare career. This vigorous course includes 140 hours of online study. Topics cover areas like drawing blood, drug study, using and giving medicine, keeping track of vital signs, and heart studies. After finishing this program one must successfully pass a clinical externship with a local healthcare provider.

Upon completion of the program at the College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPaCE), one would be eligible to sit for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam which would award them with a certificate of completion qualifying them to take other national exams. This certificate proves their expertise to potential employers making it easier for them to acquire jobs in positions they have been trained for.

The Online Medical Assistant Certification (CCMA) by PhlebotomyCareerTraining.com can jump start your medical career in as little to 6 weeks. This 100% online, go-at-your-own-pace program teaches vital skills to be a certified Medical Assistant. This makes you stand out in the job market and can land you jobs at clinics, hospitals, and other health centers.

Program fees cover all course materials. They also give you free access to the Medical Assistant Certification Exam. Experienced clinical workers designed this test using trusted healthcare education methods. This makes sure you’re ready for the role in the healthcare system. Teachers also give customized help to make sure all students feel supported. The course materials and guidance will equip you with the skills to be a successful Medical Assistant.

The Online Clinical Medical Assistant Training (CCMA) is a fully online course. It trains you to be a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). In this program, you learn skills and knowledge for many clinical settings. The CCMA exam tests how well you know things like anatomy, medical terminology, pharmaceutical medications, clinical procedures, safety rules, and more.

When you finish your training at TAMIU, you can take the national exam. If you pass, you get certified by the National Healthcare Career Association (NHA). With this certification, you’re ready for an entry-level job at a hospital or clinic.

Keiser University is a four-year college in Fort Lauderdale, FL. It offers both online and on-campus classes. With programmatic accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), students can be confident in knowing that they’re getting a medical assisting education that meets the highest possible standards.

Various scholarships and grants are available to help incoming students. Keiser University campus facilities and online programs offer up-to-date technologies across multiple disciplines while counseling and financial aid services provide assistance along with career preparation sessions covering all topics related to job search and success. In combination with low-class sizes designed to maximize learning potential, Keiser University is certainly a worthwhile investment inside or outside its vibrant home city of Fort Lauderdale.

Jackson College is a four-year college in Jackson, Michigan. It offers online and on-campus classes. The Medical Assistant Certificate program makes the student ready for a starting medical assistant job. This could be at a medical office, clinic, hospital, or other health center. The program includes study in clinical, administrative skills, and other areas. The program ends with an unpaid externship with a licensed healthcare worker.

After finishing the program, students can take the RMA (AMT) exam. The college has many programs made to meet student needs. It focuses on providing quality education and useful experiences in various fields.

The University of Providence offers a 10-month Medical Assistant Certificate. This course makes students ready for a national Certified Medical Assistant certification. You can get this from one of three national boards, the AMCA – CCMA, NHA – CCMA, or the NCCT – NCMA.

Courses are taught by highly qualified faculty members who use an engaging teaching approach. The certificate includes online study and in-person skill lab training. These labs are in California, Montana, or Oregon. Students must attend these labs on certain weekend dates, which may require travel. There is also a 160-hour practicum with one of their local health partners.

Besides the 10-month certificate, the university offers more options for current healthcare workers to become a nationally certified Medical Assistant.

Dakota College at Bottineau is a two-year community college located in Bottineau, North Dakota. It offers both online and campus courses to its students. The school does not have any programmatic accreditation but it has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1994. They’re also recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

The online Medical Assistant program at Dakota College is an excellent choice for those wanting to kick-start their career in the medical field. The program offers both online and on-site classes, with hands-on training and externship experiences. The program covers medical terminology, how to care for patients, and office tasks. So, students will be ready for healthcare jobs after they graduate. Dakota College helps students find jobs quickly once they finish their studies. If you want a flexible, complete program for a healthcare career, consider the online Medical Assistant program at Dakota College.

The College of Health Care Professions offers an Online Medical Assisting Program to help students gain the administrative and clinical skills needed to be successful medical assistants. A certificate from this program is perfect for someone who wants to get into the medical field but is unsure which specialty they would like to pursue. In this career, individuals have the opportunity to work directly with patients and also in an office environment.

The online program at CHCP will provide you with all of the knowledge and tools necessary for you to become an effective medical assistant. You will learn about patient care coordination, pharmacology, and emergency preparedness while also studying laboratory procedures and medical coding. This certificate is a great starting point if you are looking at pursuing a healthcare career since it gives you a broad foundation of skills that can be used for multiple roles in a healthcare setting. With your qualifications and experience, employers will be eager for you to join their team.

At Herzing University you can choose your pathway in Medical Assisting by either enrolling in a diploma or associate degree program. Depending on which you choose, you can be prepared to enter into the profession as a qualified medical assistant.

These programs provide students with fundamental knowledge and skills such as medical terminology, administrative duties for the medical office, insurance claims processing and adjudication, legal issues related to patient care, basic principles of pharmacology, laboratory procedures and infection control protocols, ethics, professionalism, and customer service skills. After these classes, students will be ready to succeed at work.

Depending on the program they choose, students may also get hands-on experience through internships or externships. All classes are online so students can work them around their own schedule and job. Whether you want to start your career with these key credentials or refine your current skills, Herzing University’s online programs have all you need to do well as a medical assistant.

San Francisco State University offers a top Clinical Medical Assistant program. This program is affordable and takes 4 to 6 months to finish. It includes a 160-hour clinical externship. It is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Program highlights that stand out include low cost, strong reputation, and interactive online learning. It also offers self-paced online learning. You can access lecture materials, visual aids, and text emails. These help you stay current with assignments and understand course material. You can also interact with peers to better understand topics like medical vocabulary and patient care methods.

Texas State University offers a program to train as a certified clinical medical assistant and certified electronic health records specialist. You can finish this program in 12 months. In doing so, you earn special qualifications alongside your medical assistant training. The program’s cost is lower than similar programs at other schools. It also gives in-depth study in both specialty areas.

If you choose this well-designed program, you get thorough industry prep. You also get two certifications from this SACSCOC-accredited school. Successful completion also offers access to a wide range of career opportunities as well as higher earning potentials due to having two invaluable certifications. Texas State University’s comprehensive validation through its exceptional faculty and advanced curricula make this specialty certification an ideal choice for graduating medical assistants.

The online Associate in Medical Assisting (AS) Degree from South University is a 2 year program designed to give students the skills necessary to become successful and productive professional medical assistants. This associate-level degree will give students the knowledge of medical terminology, coding systems, communication between health professionals, clinical procedures, administrative duties, records management, and financial operations within the healthcare system.

It also provides an understanding of healthcare insurance requirements and regulations. The curriculum also features topics such as human anatomy and physiology; biology; clinical laboratory science; pharmacology; medical volunteering; medical law and ethics; customer service principles; information technology applications in healthcare settings.

Courses are taught by experienced faculty who ensure that program graduates are marketable career professionals prepared to be trusted members of the modern healthcare environment. Students must meet minimum academic requirements for admission which include: GPA/grade requirements that must be achieved in prior coursework; transcripts from prior institutions that demonstrate grade point average history; applicable standardized examinations if required by school accreditation bodies or program requirements. Once accepted into the program at South University, students will receive comprehensive learning opportunities including internship experience in local medical clinics and assistance with resume writing and job searching.

How Online Medical Assisting Programs Work

• Online medical assisting programs cover clinical procedures and provide hands-on-training through externship
• Comprehensive curriculum includes everything required to confidently begin working as a medical assistant
• Flexible online format is ideal for working students, those with busy schedules, or anyone with limited access to a local program.
• Study at your own pace while gaining essential knowledge and skills for a successful career.
• Virtual classroom interactions with instructors and peers enhance the educational experience without compromising quality.
• Complete hands-on-training during a clinical externship working at a local healthcare facility.

Choosing an Online Medical Assistant Program

• Verify Accreditation: Accreditation isn’t required but it ensures a quality education, it is best to check if the program is accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES
• Ensure Eligibility: Make sure you are in a program that make graduates eligible to take one of the certification exams upon completion (CMA or RMA)
• Compare Costs: A medical assistant degree doesn’t have to break the bank, compare tuition fees and explore financial aid options such as scholarships, loans, grants and employer reimbursement opportunities
• Program Duration: If you are interested in beginning your career quickly, review each school’s curriculum and program length to understand how soon you can being working
• Externship: Some programs will require hands-on externships at a local healthcare facility while others focus on classroom instruction

Curriculum for an Online Medical Assistant Program

Online medical assistant programs have certain course requirements that students must fulfill in order to earn their degree or certification. These requirements may vary depending on the specific program, but there are some common courses that most programs will include.

Here is a list of study topics and medical assisting classes included in an online medical assisting program:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Medical Terminology
• Clinical Procedures
• Administrative Procedures
• Surgical Procedures
• Medical Office Administration
• Insurance Billing and Coding
• Electronic Health Records Management
• Pharmacology
• Laboratory Techniques
• Patient Care and Education
• Healthcare Law and Ethics
• Communication Skills
• Ethical Behavior
• Health Information Management
• 160-hour externship or 100-hour clinical externship
• Medical office management
• Exam Prep
• Administrative Responsibilities
• Infection Control
• Clinical Training
• Medical Documents

Which Certifications Do Online Medical Assisting Programs Provide?

Online medical assistant programs offer recognized certification in healthcare. These programs usually give a certificate or diploma once you finish the coursework and pass a national certification test.

Organizations like the National Healthcare Association (NHA), the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), or the American Medical Technologists (AMT) administer the national certification exams. These organizations set the rules for medical assistant certification and make sure programs follow them.

The certification test covers topics like body structure and function, medical terminology, medical law and ethics, drug study, and clinical procedures. If you pass the test, you show that you know and can use these areas. You are also recognized as a qualified healthcare worker.

There are different certifications that medical assistants can get. These include Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), and Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA). The exact certification depends on the program and the group that gives the test.

In short, online medical assistant programs give recognized healthcare certification and show the medical assistant’s skill in different healthcare areas. The exact certification gained depends on the program and the group running the test.

Is Externship Included in an Online Medical Assistant Program?

Online medical assisting programs usually cover theory and practice. They begin with classroom learning and end with a clinical externship. The theory part of an online medical assistant program often covers topics like medical terminology, body structure and function, medical office procedures, clinical procedures, and medical law and ethics.

The externship component of an online medical assistant program often includes hands-on training in a real or mock clinical setting. This can include using medical tools and equipment, doing basic medical procedures like taking vital signs, giving medications, and cleaning medical equipment. Students might also learn how to do medical coding and billing, set up appointments, and handle medical records. This experience meets the clinical requirements to be a medical assistant.

On top of these practice parts, online medical assistant programs might also offer externships or clinical rotations in a real-world medical setting. This gives students vital experience working with patients and healthcare workers. They can also use the skills and knowledge they learned in their classes in real-life situations.

In all, an online medical assistant program should give students a full education to work in different healthcare settings and offer quality patient care. It should also give many chances for hands-on learning. This makes sure students are ready to work as skillful and confident medical assistants.