Seven Affordable Online Medical Assistant Associate’s Degree Programs [Updated 2025]
Medical assistants are crucial in the healthcare industry, bridging the gap between administrative and clinical tasks. Pursuing an associate’s degree is a wise choice if you’re considering a healthcare career and want to become a medical assistant. An associate’s degree in medical assisting can open doors to better job opportunities and increased earning potential. Fortunately, affordable online programs can help you achieve your career goals in 2023. This article will consider seven affordable online medical assistant associate’s degree programs.
Top 7 Affordable Online Medical Assistant Associate Degree Programs
Southeast Community College Area
Lincoln, NE - Public 2-Year - southeast.edu
Associate - Medical Assisting
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Southeast Community College's Medical Assisting diploma program offers a hybrid learning format with online and in-person components, completed in three terms. Students develop clinical skills like vital sign measurement and blood testing, plus administrative procedures, supported by a 225-hour clinical placement. This CAAHEP-accredited program does not require ACT or SAT exams for entry. With an estimated total cost of $5,940, it is affordable due to the community college's typically lower tuition rates and financial aid options. Graduates benefit from a projected 23.5% job growth, preparing them for diverse roles in healthcare settings.
- Diploma program
- Three-term minimum duration
- Online and in-person options
- 225-hour clinical placement
- Estimated total cost $5,940
- Full-time schedule
- Start terms: Fall/Spring/Summer
- Locations: Lincoln, Online
- 23.5% job growth projection
- CAAHEP accredited program
College of Western Idaho
Nampa, ID - Public 2-Year - cwi.edu
Associate - Medical Assistant
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The College of Western Idaho's Medical Assistant program offers a hybrid format, blending online coursework with in-person clinical training for flexibility. Students can pursue an eight-month Intermediate Technical Certificate or a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree, focusing on comprehensive clinical, laboratory, and administrative skills without a specified concentration. Accredited by CAAHEP, the program includes certification exam preparation and externship opportunities, enhancing job readiness. As a bachelor's-level program, it does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams. Affordability is supported by costs ranging from $5,158 to $9,160, apprenticeship partnerships, and a 100% employer satisfaction rate, making it a cost-effective choice for entering the healthcare field.
- Associate and Certificate options
- 8-month to 2-year programs
- CAAHEP accredited program
- Cost: $5,158 - $9,160
- Clinical and administrative training
- Certification exam preparation
- Externship opportunities
- Ada County Center location
- 100% employer satisfaction rate
- Apprenticeship partnerships available
Eastern Florida State College
Melbourne, FL - Public 4-Year - easternflorida.edu
Associate - Medical Assisting Advanced
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Eastern Florida State College's Medical Assisting Advanced program is an Associate in Science degree designed for students who already hold a medical assistant certificate. This hybrid program combines online flexibility with on-campus components at the Cocoa campus, requiring just 21 additional credits to complete. It focuses on advanced clinical skills, patient care, and administrative functions, preparing graduates for expanded roles in healthcare. No entrance exam is required for this associate-level program. With estimated tuition under $2,200 and financial aid availability, it is an affordable option, especially for Florida residents benefiting from the state's low community college tuition rates.
- Associate in Science degree
- 65 total credit hours
- On-campus and hybrid delivery
- Located in Cocoa campus
- Requires prior medical assistant certificate
- National certification required
- Estimated tuition under $2,200
- Flexible course options
- Pathway to bachelor's degree
- Financial aid available
Coffeyville Community College
Coffeyville, KS - Public 2-Year - coffeyville.edu
Associate - Medical Assistant
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Coffeyville Community College's Medical Assistant program provides a comprehensive one-year hybrid certificate or optional two-year associate degree, blending online coursework with in-person components. Students develop clinical and administrative skills through hands-on training and an externship, preparing for roles with salaries of $25,000-$35,000 annually. As a CAAHEP-accredited program with a 100% exam pass rate, it emphasizes practical medical procedures and office tasks. No entrance exam is required for this bachelor's-level program. The program is affordable, with costs around $6,425, due to the college's community-based pricing and efficient hybrid delivery, making it accessible for career changers and local students.
- 1-year hybrid certificate program
- Optional 2-year associate degree
- 100% exam pass rate
- Salary range $25k-$35k
- CAAHEP accredited program
- Externship included
- Clinical and administrative training
- Program cost approximately $6,425
Houston Community College
Houston, TX - Public 4-Year - hccs.edu
Associate - Medical Assistant
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Houston Community College's hybrid Medical Assistant program offers comprehensive training in both administrative and clinical skills, preparing students for roles as multi-skilled healthcare technicians. The program includes electronic medical records, patient care, and medical procedures training, with a 92.74% exam passage rate and CAAHEP accreditation. It leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree or certificates, with fall and spring enrollment. As a bachelor's-level program, it does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams. The online hybrid format provides flexibility, and with total costs ranging from $5,171 to $8,319, it is affordable due to the community college's typically lower tuition rates compared to four-year institutions.
- Associate and Certificate options
- 92.74% exam passage rate
- Multi-skilled healthcare training
- Total cost $5,171-$8,319
- Administrative and clinical skills
- CAAHEP accredited program
- Certification exam preparation
- Fall and spring enrollment
- Credentialing exam options
- Comprehensive medical training
Henderson Community College
Henderson, KY - Public 2-Year - henderson.kctcs.edu
Associate - Medical Assisting
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Henderson Community College offers a hybrid Medical Assisting Associate in Applied Science degree, blending online flexibility with essential classroom instruction over two years. This program equips students with comprehensive administrative and clinical skills for roles in doctors' offices and clinics, supported by a strong 80% retention rate and national accreditation. No entrance exam is required for this bachelor's-level program, and its affordability stems from Kentucky's low tuition rates and scholarship opportunities. Hands-on training and small class sizes ensure graduates are prepared for high-demand healthcare positions, making it an accessible pathway to a medical career.
- Two-year AAS degree program
- 80% cumulative retention rate
- 23-25 classroom credit hours
- Nationally accredited program
- Flexible online/classroom learning
- Low tuition in Kentucky
- Multiple certificate options available
- High-demand healthcare sector
- Small class sizes
- Hands-on learning experience
Fresno City College
Fresno, CA - Public 2-Year - fresnocitycollege.edu
Associate - Clinical Medical Assistant
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Fresno City College's Clinical Medical Assistant program equips students with essential skills to support physicians in clinics, hospitals, and medical offices. This hybrid program combines online flexibility with in-person components, offering both an Associate of Science Degree and a Certificate of Achievement. Core classes follow a cohort model, fostering collaborative learning, while hands-on skill development is emphasized through a dedicated work experience course. No entrance exam is required for this program. As a community college, Fresno City College provides an affordable education with lower tuition rates and financial aid options, making it accessible for students seeking a cost-effective path into the healthcare workforce.
- Associate of Science Degree available
- Certificate of Achievement offered
- Multiple learning format options
- Cohort model for core classes
- Work experience course included
- Hands-on skill development
- AHLTH 11 and 12 prerequisite courses
What to Look for in an Online Medical Assistant Associate Degree Program
When selecting a program, consider the following factors:
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by recognized bodies such as the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation ensures the program meets industry standards and can impact certification eligibility.
- Curriculum: A comprehensive curriculum should cover both administrative and clinical skills, including anatomy, medical terminology, patient care, and office procedures.
- Clinical Experience: Hands-on training through externships or clinical rotations is crucial for real-world experience.
- Certification Preparation: Programs that prepare students for medical assistant certification exams like the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) can enhance job prospects.
Understanding Tuition Costs
Tuition for medical assistant associate degree programs varies widely:
- Community Colleges: Often the most affordable, with in-state tuition ranging from $1,500 to $10,000.
- Private Institutions: Can range from $10,000 to $23,000 or more.
- Online Programs: Typically fall between $3,600 and $9,000, offering flexibility and potential cost savings.
Additional costs may include books, supplies, uniforms, and certification exam fees.
Tips to Save Money on Your Education
- Financial Aid: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study programs.
- Scholarships: Seek out scholarships specifically for medical assistant students. Organizations like Stepful offer scholarships that can significantly reduce tuition costs.
- State Programs: Some states offer free community college tuition through programs like the California Promise Program, which can cover up to two years of tuition for eligible students.
- Payment Plans: Many institutions offer interest-free payment plans, allowing you to spread out tuition payments over time.
- Military Benefits: If you’re a veteran or active-duty service member, explore education benefits like the GI Bill to cover tuition and related expenses.


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