Medical assistants work for and under the guidance of licensed physicians. They assist with things like records management and simple procedures.
To become a medical assistant, you'll first need a degree. Keep reading to learn more about your options for medical assisting degree programs.
Medical assisting degree programs are almost exclusively offered at the associate level. Instead, students can consider a bachelor's degree in health sciences.
We've listed our top picks for associate degrees in medical assisting and bachelor's degrees in health sciences below.
Associate Degrees in Medical Assisting
An associate degree in medical assisting is a great start to your educational journey toward a career as a medical assistant.
Associate degrees are two-year undergraduate degrees and are primarily offered through career, community, and technical colleges.
1. Herzing University
Herzing University is a private university based in Milwaukee, WI with campuses across the country and several online programs.
Students at Herzing University can earn an Associate of Science in Medical Assisting Services. It takes 20 months to complete.
The degree teaches knowledge and skills in medical terminology, pathophysiology and pharmacology, insurance claims, patient privacy, billing and coding, and much more.
Courses offered in the curriculum include:
- Introduction to Billing and Coding
- Medical Terminology
- Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
- Patient Privacy
All courses in this program are delivered online, but there are some in-person clinical experiences and internships required.
2. Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is a public community college system with campuses throughout Indiana. It offers an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting.
This program prepares students to work as medical assistants and to pass the Certified Medical Assistant exam through the American Association of Medical Assistants.
The program includes courses such as:
- Disease Conditions
- Introduction to Clinical Practice
- Medical Terminology
- The Professional Medical Assistant
The program takes four semesters to complete and is offered at 21 different campuses in Indiana.
Students can also earn a technical certificate in medical assisting. This is a two to three-semester certificate and can be obtained while working towards the associate degree.
3. Keiser University
Keiser University is a private university based in Fort Lauderdale, FL with campuses throughout the state. It offers two associate degrees for medical assisting.
The first is an Associate of Science degree in medical assisting science, which prepares students to perform various clinical duties.
This is a 60-credit program offered through four Florida campuses as well as online. Courses include:
- Anatomy & Physiology with Terminology & Disease Process
- Medical Law & Ethics
- Medical Office Procedures with Insurance
- Pharmacology
An Associate of Science in Medical Assisting is also available and trains students to perform medical assisting duties under the direct supervision of a physician. Courses include:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Clinical Procedures
- Medical Office Management
- Medical Terminology
This degree requires 60.5 credits and is offered through 15 campuses. Both programs require in-person labs and externships.
Bachelor's Degrees in Health Sciences
Those who want to work as medical assistants but also want to obtain a bachelor's degree can earn a bachelor's in health sciences.
Bachelor's degrees usually take four years to earn, but they may take as little as two years if you've already earned an associate degree.
1. Drake University
Drake University is a private university in Des Moines, IA. It offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences through its College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
This program focuses on developing the necessary knowledge, skill sets, and professional experience to help students become successful healthcare professionals.
Three concentrations are available: healthcare administration, public health, and clinical and medical sciences.
Students wanting to become medical assistants should choose the clinical and medical sciences track.
Courses in this program include:
- Innovation and Leadership in Health Sciences
- Medical Terminology
- Professionalism in Health Care
- Values & Ethics in Health Sciences
2. Ohio State University
Ohio State University is a public research university based in Columbus, OH. Its School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences.
This program introduces students to the healthcare field and provides in-depth science learning. Courses offered in the program include:
- Ethical Decision Making in Healthcare
- Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
- Nutrition for Fitness
- Pharmacological Aspects of Practice in Health & Rehabilitation Sciences
This degree program is available both on campus and online.
3. University of Florida
The University of Florida is a public research university in Gainesville, FL. It offers a Bachelor of Health Science through its College of Public Health and Health Professions.
The program offers a general health sciences specialization as well as specializations in occupational therapy, pre-occupational therapy, pre-physical therapy, and pre-professional.
120 total credits are required. The degree includes courses such as:
- Applied Human Physiology with Laboratory
- Ethical and Legal Issues in the Health Professions
- Pathophysiology
- Survey of Diseases and Disabilities
Aside from coursework, hands-on labs and research projects are also required.
FAQs About Degrees in Medical Assisting
Below, you'll find the answers to frequently asked questions about degrees in medical assisting.
How Long Are Degrees in Medical Assisting?
Medical assisting degrees are usually associate degrees and associate degrees usually take around two years to complete.
Bachelor's degrees, like a bachelor's in health sciences, usually take four years.
Can I Earn a Degree in Medical Assisting Online?
Some schools, including those listed above, offer degrees in medical assisting online.
Do I Need a Certification to Work as a Medical Assistant?
While certification isn't required to work as a medical assistant, some employers prefer to hire candidates with certification.
Find Degrees in Medical Assisting
Students wanting to become medical assistants can earn associate degrees in medical assisting or bachelor's degrees in health sciences.
Check out the degree options listed above to find your perfect choice today!
