Online Schools for Medical Administrative Assisting: How to Choose

Online medical administrative assisting programs prepare students for entry-level positions as certified medical administrative assistants or medical records administrators. Students selecting an online program should consider the level of degree desired and online support services and career development services provided.

How to Select an Online Medical Administrative Assisting Program

Award Level

When choosing an online medical administrative assisting program, students should know what level of award they are seeking for their long-term career goals. Professional diplomas and associate degrees are generally the highest awards offered online.

Program Type

Most programs offering online courses in medical administrative assisting do not have live lectures that require attendance. This allows students to access course content whenever it is convenient for them.
Since entire programs are delivered online students should investigate the faculty and technical support offered by schools. Most online medical administrative assisting programs provide online discussion groups and messaging boards. Other programs offer study-buddy programs as a way of building their student's academic and professional networks. Some schools that provide technical support 24/7.

Career Services

Career services and job placement services are another consideration when looking for an online medical administrative assistant program. Students may want to find schools that offer career development services, networking services and assistance with job placement. Additionally, some schools prepare students to become Certified Medical Administrative Assistants (CMAA) with the National Healthcare Association (www.nhanow.com).

List of Online Medical Administrative Assistant Programs

Online Medical Administrative Assistant Diploma

This is an online medical administrative assistant diploma program that takes about one year to complete. Students learn how to process insurance claims, organize medical records and assist in managing the daily operations of a variety of healthcare facilities.
Students study medical terminology, medical law and ethics, medical record management, health care coding, medical transcription and medical office procedures. Additional coursework in anatomy, physiology and pharmacology is also included.

Online Medical Administrative Assistant Associate Degree

Online medical administrative assisting associate degree programs are generally two years in length. In addition to general education requirements, major requirements can include anatomy and physiology, healthcare reimbursement and billing, medical office systems and software applications, healthcare law, document processing and transcription.