Can You Earn a Medical Assistant Degree Online in 6 Weeks?

Navigating the Options for Accelerated Online Medical Assistant Programs

Because of the breadth of administrative and clinical responsibilities you’ll need to learn to become a medical assistant, six-week programs are rare — but some are available. Stand-out programs typically aren’t entirely online, as the hybrid formats combine online theoretical work and in-person practical experience, requiring you to spend many hours completing both clinical requirements and an internship in a professional medical environment.

Much of the coursework for medical assistant programs can be completed online — and often at your own pace. For the busy working student, this kind of asynchronous learning allows you to complete coursework on essential topics spanning human anatomy to medical records management while keeping up with personal and professional obligations.

Below, EduMed has provided three accelerated online medical assistant programs with completion timelines that range from six weeks to four months to help you begin your search for the ideal format.

Everything You Need to Know: Student FAQs About 6-Week Medical Assistant Degrees

You can access a range of medical assistant support and resources as a future student, but it’s likely you still have lingering questions about the fundamental aspects of accelerated online programs and which program is best for you. Below, we’ve provided answers to common student questions to help you in your search.

What is the shortest online medical assistant program?

The fastest online medical assistant programs can be completed in six to eight weeks of online coursework; however, most programs also have a required in-person externship, which is also referred to as an internship or practical, depending on your school (be sure to check out our guide on internships for healthcare students to learn more). And while you can complete the coursework within six weeks in some programs, most will allow you to take up to six months to a year to finish.

It’s important to keep in mind that the shortest program may not be the best option for you. Do your research and ensure that the program you’re considering prepares you for the medical assistant exam you’d like to take and offers a style of learning in which you’ll thrive.

How fast can you get a CMA?

After you complete your program, you can schedule your test and earn your certification as soon as you pass. But keep in mind that to gain medical assistant certification, you’ll need to have completed any required externships or clinical hours as well. This means that once you meet all program requirements, you can earn your certification.

While it is possible to earn your CMA certification in about two months, most students take about six months or longer. Remember that required coursework often totals around 1,000 hours of time, so even at your own pace, this might take you considerably longer than the six weeks that some programs tout.

Can you take CMA classes online?

Yes; many CMA courses can be completed online, though it’s important to keep in mind that coursework is only one component of the requirements to sit for your exam and you’ll often need a set number of hours of clinical or practical experience.

The beauty of most online CMA coursework is that it can be completed at your own pace and from a location that is convenient to you. This means that if you’re working in the field on completing your externship hours, you can sometimes be simultaneously working to complete your mandatory coursework, meaning you can graduate and earn your certification more quickly.

Can you take the medical assistant exam without going to school?

You’ll find that you have various certification options in the field of medical assisting that is administered by different testing agencies. Remember, however, that each testing agency will have its own rules.

However, almost universally, you’ll need to pass a medical assistant program in order to sit for an exam. A few of these testing agencies will allow you to take the exam if you have a significant amount of documented work experience as a medical assistant, but this is exceedingly rare. Most prospective medical assistants find a program, complete coursework and externship hours, then sit for an exam administered by a national agency.

Typical Timeline to Become a Medical Assistant

So, what is the typical pathway most students take to become hired as a medical assistant? You’ll likely need to begin with a high school diploma or GED, but after that, you can be working in the field within a few short months. Review the following outline to get a sense of the time commitment involved.

Earn a High School Diploma or GED

Time: 4 years

Details: Most programs will require a diploma or GED, though some will note that these aren’t required and are instead recommended. Especially when making the transition to online learning, you’ll need to have the discipline to practice time management skills and have the capacity to take in a lot of information in a short period of time. This makes a solid educational foundation an important consideration.

Complete a Medical Assistant Program

Time: 3 months to 2 years

Details: As noted above, six-week programs aren’t the norm; instead, most students choose programs that take at least three months. This gives you adequate time to learn the concepts and pass any required tests. And just like you’ll find a range of duration of programs, you’ll also find a range of costs. Because the role is in high demand, you’ll find many affordable medical assistant programs.

Participate in an Externship

Time: Typically 100 to 200 hours

Details: Practical skills are an essential component of the work performed by medical assistants, making the externship an important part of most programs. A reputable program will typically help to match you with a local healthcare provider that can supervise your externship hours. Make sure you research any clinical requirements before committing to a program.

Obtain Certification

Time: Immediately upon passing your exam

Details: You’ll first need to decide which certification you’re seeking, which can include:

• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
• Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from the American Medical Technologists (AMT)
• Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
• National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
• Clinical Medical Assistant Certification (CMAC) from the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA)

Each certification has its own timeline and testing requirements, so spend time researching each certification before beginning your program.

Apply for Jobs

Time: Immediately upon receiving your certification

Details: You’ll be eligible to search for jobs while you’re in your program — many employers understand that you’re in the process of receiving your certification and can therefore hire you provisionally. With that in mind, it’s far simpler to have your certification in hand when you begin interviewing. Some schools even guarantee employment within a certain duration after you pass your certification exams, such as Advanced eClinical, which will refund your program fee if you don’t find employment within three months.