An online associate degree in medical assisting may provide individuals with the training needed to complete administrative and clinical tasks in a healthcare setting. In this two-year program, students may learn how to take medical history, prepare blood for laboratory testing, and administer injections. Program coursework may include select general education requirements alongside major-specific core medical assisting courses including pharmacology, medical law, and medical office management.

Upon graduation from the program, students may either seek entry-level employment or enroll in a four-year baccalaureate degree program. Associate-level graduates may seek employment in clinics, hospitals, physician’s offices, adult care facilities, and home health programs.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: High School Diploma or GED
• Program Length: Two years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Entry-Level Employment or Bachelor’s Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 31% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum for associate-level medical assisting programs may include some general education required courses as well as core coursework. These courses may teach students how to take vital signs, complete administrative tasks in a medical office setting, and maintain confidential medical records. Core online medical assisting courses may include the following:

• Medical Law
• Medical Terminology
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Pharmacology
• Diseases of the Human Body
• Medical Office Management
• Medical Coding and Insurance

Career Options

Associate-level graduates may seek employment in hospitals, physician offices, clinics, home healthcare facilities, and assisted living homes. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities in medical assisting are projected to increase by 31% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Administrative Medical Assistant
• Clinical Medical Assistant
• Optometric Assistant
• Podiatric Medical Assistant
• Hospital Unit Clerk

Continuing Education

Once students complete a medical assisting program, they may have the opportunity to further their education by enrolling in a four-year baccalaureate degree program. A bachelor’s degree in medical assisting may provide students enhanced training in health promotion and disease prevention. Employers may not require formal schooling to be eligible for entry-level medical assisting positions, but an associate degree in medical assisting may prove beneficial.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook