Online Courses for Certified Medical Assistants

Online college courses in medical assisting are offered for students and working professionals. Read on to learn about an array of courses designed to train prospective medical assistants in administrative and clinical assisting roles.

Overview of Online Courses for Certified Medical Assistants

Medical assistants are responsible for a variety of clinical and administrative tasks to support other health practitioners within hospitals, health care clinics and medical offices. Hands-on learning is required for certain tasks, such as sterilizing instruments or taking patient vital signs, thus fully online medical assisting programs are not typically available. Online classes are available, however, as part of hybrid diploma, certificate and degree programs. Graduates are qualified for state or national credentialing exams to become certified medical assistants. Program lengths vary, but can often be completed in 10-24 months.

Course Requirements

Students need a computer with Internet access and a browser capacity supportive of online learning. Courses may necessitate access to word processing and media viewing software. An active e-mail account is mandatory for communication with teachers or fellow students and textbooks can be either purchased on campus or at online university bookstores.
These medical assisting courses often utilize online learning platforms such as Blackboard; thus, students submit assignments on a prearranged schedule. Occasionally, these programs feature open entry enrollment systems, which allow students to enter classes on personal timelines. In this case, courses follow a semester schedule that begins at the time of enrollment. Exams may be given online or at approved program sites. Students may need current CPR-first aid certification prior to program enrollment.

List of Online Courses for Certified Medical Assistants

Medical Terminology for Medical Assistants Course

This introductory online course familiarizes students with medical terms that relate to major body systems, clinical laboratory procedures, oncology and diagnostic imaging processes. Classes emphasize knowledge of commonly used medical terms; learning may be structured via common roots, prefixes and suffixes.

Anatomy and Physiology Course

A firm understanding of body structures and their functions form the heart of this course. Participants examine each organ system and the role particular systems play in supporting overall body functions. Disease processes and modalities for diagnostic treatments are included. This class is typically found towards the beginning of many medical assisting programs

Human Disease

Common disease conditions, including possible causes and symptoms, are highlighted in this online course. Class content includes the effect of diverse disease activities on body systems, and prevailing diagnostic and treatment procedures.

Administrative Skills

This distance learning administrative skills course provides an overview of administrative tasks medical assistants commonly perform. Topics covered include bookkeeping procedures, clerical functions, medico-legal concepts, ethical communication and the management of written and electronic medical records.