Alaska’s Top Online Medical Assistant Programs
If you want to start a medical career within the next year, becoming a medical assistant is something to consider. Medical assistants make an impact on patients, enjoy excellent job security, and are able to enter the healthcare field relatively quickly.
In this guide, you’ll find information about some of the best medical assistant programs in Alaska and everything you need to know before applying. From Juneau to Anchorage, discover three premier programs that offer flexible hybrid learning, hands-on clinical experience, and stellar certification exam pass rates.
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Profiling Three of Alaska’s Top Medical Assistant Programs
In a state where healthcare access can be as challenging as the terrain, medical assistants play a vital role in Alaska’s medical system. As one of healthcare’s fastest-growing roles, medical assistant careers offer an accessible entry point into the medical field. With only a high school diploma or GED required to get started at most schools, and programs that blend online convenience with hands-on clinical experience, becoming a medical assistant in Alaska has never been more attainable. So let’s explore three top programs that offer the perfect blend of flexibility, academic excellence, and career preparation to launch your healthcare journey.
University of Alaska Southeast
The University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) offers a Medical Assisting program comprising clinical and administrative procedures coursework along with a practicum. All prerequisites and courses are offered online, and the final semester includes an in-person practicum involving clinical hours plus coursework. Coursework prepares students to sit for a certification exam, and the school boasts a 100% pass rate from 2018 to 2022. The University of Alaska’s medical assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The UAS also participates in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program, which means residents of Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and are eligible for a special out-of-state tuition rate.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $8,656 in-state, $12,987 WUE, $29,600 out-of-state
Admissions Requirements:
- Negative TB test
- Proof of immunizations
- Provider Level First Aid/CPR card or prerequisite course
- Demonstrated skills/knowledge in writing and math
Core Curriculum:
- CPR and first aid
- Medical terminology
- Medical clinical assisting
- Anatomy and physiology
- Math
- Medical assisting procedures: administrative and clerical
- Practicum
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Charter College
Charter College in Alaska offers a 10-month Certificate in Medical Assistant program in a blended learning format. This program includes both in-person and online learning to allow students the flexibility necessary to manage their other responsibilities. With multiple campuses around the state, the in-person component is accessible for many students in Alaska.
Alongside coursework, students complete an externship with a local hospital or healthcare organization. With classes starting every five weeks, the program prepares students to take a certifying exam from the National Center for Competency (NCCT) or National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The medical assistant program at Charter is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Duration: 10 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $24,556
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma, GED, or the equivalent
- Admissions rep interview
Core Curriculum:
- Compliance in health care
- Patient care
- Medical office emergencies
- Medical terminology
- Health records management
- Medical insurance, billing, and coding
- 180-hour externship
Herzing University
Herzing University offers an online medical assisting program for students in Alaska that’s accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Within this program, you can choose to receive a diploma (10 months) or an associate’s degree (20 months). Depending on which program you choose, you’ll either prepare for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam or the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification exam. Classes for the medical assisting program are fully online, and students participate in hands-on training at clinical sites throughout Alaska. With a rolling admissions process, you can enroll anytime, and the school offers lifelong career coaching support.
Duration: 10 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $12,360
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Prior ACT/SAT scores, prior college credit, or entrance testing
- Drug testing, immunizations, health checks, and background check
- Interview with admissions advisor
Core Curriculum:
- Medical Terminology
- Administrative skills for medical offices
- Ethics and professionalism
- Insurance claims, processing, and adjudication
- Anatomy and physiology
- Medical clinical assisting labs
- Externship and credentialing
FAQs for Medical Assistants in Alaska
Considering there are multiple options for becoming a medical assistant, you likely have questions about what type of program is right for you. From deciding how much a program will cost to determining what your future salary will be, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions below.
What are the job prospects for medical assistants in Alaska?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook, medical assisting is projected to grow 16% through 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. In Alaska specifically, the demand is particularly strong due to the state’s unique healthcare challenges and rural medical needs. Medical assistants can find opportunities in various settings, including hospitals, private practices, and community health centers across the state, from urban Anchorage to remote rural locations. Many facilities offer competitive benefits packages, including sign-on bonuses and relocation assistance, to attract qualified candidates to underserved areas.
How much do medical assistants make in Alaska?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that medical assistants in Alaska earn $45,160 to $53,780 on average, compared to a national median salary of $42,000. Based on these medical assistant salaries and minimal time to certification completion, the role can be a profitable entry point to a healthcare career. Those who want to earn more can consider bridge programs such as medical assistant to LPN programs as their careers progress. Medical assisting roles are also great starting points for those who want to move into related careers like healthcare management.
How much does a medical assistant program cost?
The total cost depends on the school and type of program, but most programs cost anywhere from $8,500 to $24,000. Medical assistant programs tend to be more affordable than associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in healthcare, which makes them a great starting point for those who want to enter the medical field. Fortunately, many programs also offer medical assistant scholarships, financial aid, and payment plans, so your medical assisting tuition can fit your budget and lifestyle.
How do I get a medical assistant certification?
Becoming a medical assistant requires the completion of an accredited medical assistant program. While Alaska doesn’t have state licensure requirements, employers often have their own set of requirements when it comes to hiring medical assistants. Most want individuals who hold a Certificate in Medical Assisting or an Associate in Medical Assisting. Multiple organizations offer certification exams, and your program is likely already affiliated with a specific exam. These programs usually cover medical assistant certification study materials to help you ace your certification exam and start working as a medical assistant faster.
How long is medical assistant school?
A medical assistant program can take anywhere from 10 months to two years to complete. How long it takes will depend on what type of program you choose. Generally, it’s going to take longer to complete an associate program than it will to complete a certificate program. A degree isn’t required to become a medical assistant, but medical assistants who earn an associate’s degree typically get paid more than those who earn a certificate.
Alaska’s Medical Assistant Certifications Made Simple
Medical assisting is a great way to start your career in the medical field because it doesn’t require a ton of time nor college degree. In Alaska, the first step to becoming a medical assistant is to complete a medical assistant program. Even though these steps aren’t officially required by the state, most employers only hire medical assistants who have gone through an accredited program.
Several different certification options for medical assistants are available in Alaska. One common certification is through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Its Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification requires you to complete an accredited program, fulfill its practical experience requirement, and pass the CMA Certification Exam.
Alaska residents also have the option to become a National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA). This national certification requires you to graduate from a medical assistant program or have at least one year of experience as a medical assistant.
Medical Assistant Careers: Alaska Salary Insight
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $33,500 | $42,000 | $56,480 |
| Alaska | $41,390 | $50,160 | $64,300 |
| Anchorage, AK | $41,420 | $50,420 | $64,300 |
| Fairbanks, AK | $40,790 | $48,890 | $64,180 |
Source: Medical Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 764,400 | 870,200 | 105,800 | 13.8% | 114,600 |
| Alaska | 2,110 | 2,340 | 230 | 10.9% | 310 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
