Have You Considered Online Medical Assisting Programs?

Medical assisting is a fast growing career which typically requires working with physicians and patients and performing duties such as taking patient history and vital signs, assisting the doctor with examinations, carrying out physician orders, such as injections or preparing blood for laboratory tests, and scheduling patient appointments. Sound intersting? Then an online medical assisting degree could be right for you!

There is also the option to become a medical administrative assistant, which typically requires supporting doctors and physicians, while coordinating medical office operations. At some offices, you may even wear a functional lab coat. In small offices, medical administrators may handle everything from appointment setting and office supplies, to insurance billing and patient records. In larger facilities, medical administrators may devote more time to a specific job function or to executive support (calendar management, travel arrangements, research assistance) for a particular physician.

Both medical assistant and medical administrative assistant training can be offered through online medical assisting programs or courses at a physical campus. Programs may require an externship, which is hands-on training that can prepare you for what you will encounter as a medical assistant.

Employment Data for Medical Assistants & Medical Administrative Assistants According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Medical Assistant

  • Median Salary: $28,860 per year [ii]
  • Candidates for these positions should see another 162, 900 jobs added to the U.S. economy between 2010 to 2020[i]

Medical Administrative Assistant

  • Median Salary: $34,660 per year [iii]
  • Candidates for these positions should see another 210,200 jobs added to the U.S. economy between 2010 to 2020.[iii]

It’s important for medical assistants to have a variety of skills to help them succeed, whether in a clinical or administrative role. Technical skills are helpful when using clinical instruments to take a patient’s vital signs or updating patient information on a computer program. Interpersonal skills are also useful when dealing with patients who need to feel comfortable when discussing information with the medical assistant, so the assistant must act in a calm and professional manner.


[i] bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm#tab-6 [ii] bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm#tab-1 [iii] bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/secretaries-and-administrative-assistants.htm