Medical Assistant Programs Online in Arkansas: Top Schools
Launching your career as a medical assistant in Arkansas requires learning the ins and outs of working in a clinic. To help the practice run smoothly, you’ll need medical knowledge, administrative training, and customer service skills — all of which you can learn from one of Arkansas’s online medical assistant programs. Discover today’s top online and hybrid MA programs and take your first steps toward becoming a medical assistant with this helpful guide.
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Profiling Online MA Programs for Arkansas Students
While medical assistants are not required to obtain a state license to work in Arkansas, many employers prefer to hire candidates with their Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credentials. Becoming a medical assistant has never been more accessible in Arkansas thanks to online and hybrid programs — the tricky part is deciding which one to choose.
While the curriculum between medical assistant programs covers the same core concepts, program timelines, specializations, outcomes, and accreditation can affect the quality and scope of your learning. In addition, some programs are offered entirely online, while others have hybrid components that pair clinical training with traditional learning. Some are geared toward specific MA certification exams, while others focus on an accelerated timeline or setting you up to earn a higher degree down the line. So, how do you choose the best program for you?
Making an apples-to-apples comparison of three of Arkansas’s best online medical assistant programs is a great way to discern your options. Our educational experts have profiled three of AR’s top choices, answered common student FAQs, and explored your medical assistant career potential to help cut through the noise and outline the best path to becoming a certified medical assistant in Arkansas.
Clinical Medical Assistant Certification — University of Arkansas
The Clinical Medical Assistant Certification offered by the University of Arkansas teaches students the knowledge and skills to support physicians and ensure smooth clinical operations. Coursework is delivered asynchronously, meaning students can log on and complete their studies anytime, anywhere. While coursework is delivered 100% online, program graduates can participate in voluntary local clinical externships and practicums with medical services providers to gain hands-on MA experience.
Graduates of the program are qualified to take any number of leading national certification exams, including the CCMA credential offered by the National Healthcareer Association. They are also equipped to work in various healthcare settings, including physician’s offices, clinics, chiropractor’s offices, hospitals, and outpatient facilities.
Duration: 6 months
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $2,499
Admissions Requirements:
- Reliable internet access
- Access to a computer with Windows or Mac OS and a minimum of 8GB RAM
- Access to standard software, e.g., Microsoft Office or Google Drive
- A webcam and microphone
- Speakers or headphones
Curriculum:
- Patient-centered care, communication, and safety practices
- Medical asepsis and surgical asepsis concepts
- Preparation for minor surgeries and diagnostic procedures
- Laboratory skills, including specimen collection and hematology procedures
- Knowledge of pharmacology and medication administration
- Cardiac anatomy, physiology, and conduction principles
- Proper lead placement, rhythm strip evaluation, and dysrhythmia analysis
- Pacemaker functions, cardiac medications, and myocardial infarction EKG interpretation
- Phlebotomy anatomy, tools, and techniques
- Specimen collection procedures and safety protocols
- Legal, ethical, and regulatory issues
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
AAS in Medical Assisting — Arkansas Tech University (ATU) Ozark
Students interested in eventually obtaining a four-year degree should consider the 60-credit Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Medical Assisting at ATU Ozark. This comprehensive degree equips graduates to make a meaningful impact in diverse care environments by teaching them how to connect with and manage patients, provide administrative support for clinics, maintain accurate records, and support physicians in their daily tasks.
The curriculum is presented in a blended format, combining online coursework and classes with procedures/skills checks attended at ATU Ozark’s campus in Russellville. Graduates of the program are eligible for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
The ATU-Ozark Medical Assisting program boasts a 100% average graduate satisfaction rate for five consecutive years, making it a top choice for MAs looking for a high-quality program. It is also accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Duration: 24 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost:$14,987-$29,974 (residency dependent)
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Be at least 18 years old
- Apply and gain admission to the Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus
- Minimum 2.5 GPA in platform coursework
- Submit the MA Program Application for Admission
- Essay about why you want to enter the medical assisting profession
- Two student recommendation forms
Curriculum:
- Training for therapeutic, supportive, and preventive client services
- Hands-on internship with a minimum of 160 hours in a medical facility
- Volunteer opportunities in nursing homes, schools, and community clinics
- Exposure to various healthcare settings like clinics, urgent cares, and hospitals
- Skills include active listening, critical thinking, communication, cultural sensitivity, and teamwork
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant — University of Arkansas Community College Batesville (UACCB)
Another community college offering in AR is the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Training program at UACCB. Program content is offered 100% online and focuses on preparing students for successful medical assisting in various clinical settings, including physician’s offices, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, and anywhere else where medical services are offered.
This program prepares students to take the CCMA exam and equips them with the skills needed to excel in an ambulatory healthcare setting. Students learn ethical standards, patient privacy laws, therapeutic communication, and key aspects of medical office operations. Training includes medical terminology, insurance basics, body systems, patient history documentation, asepsis, medical records, and venipuncture techniques.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $2,795
Admissions Requirements: N/A
Curriculum:
- Medical terminology and its application across major body systems, special senses, and diagnostic procedures
- Essential skills for medical assisting, including patient care, office management, and legal/ethical practices
- Key body systems, pharmacology, patient assessment, and aseptic techniques for various clinical tasks
- Foundational laboratory procedures, diagnostic imaging, and techniques like phlebotomy and electrocardiography
- Treatment and emergency practices, including administering medications, first aid, rehabilitation, and responding to emergencies in medical settings
FAQs for Arkansas Medical Assistant Students
If you’re considering becoming a medical assistant in Arkansas, you’re probably wondering about the timeline, required qualifications, certifications, and job prospects. You’re not alone! Most students have these same questions when starting out. Below, we’ve answered them in detail to help you feel confident about your next steps.
How do I know if a program is accredited?
Accreditation is the process through which online medical assistant programs in Arkansas are vetted for their academic value and legitimacy. The two types of accreditation to look for during your program search are institutional and programmatic.
Institutional accreditation concerns the academic quality of colleges, universities, or vocational/technical schools taken as a whole. Programmatic accreditation concerns the quality of programs (degrees, diplomas, certificates) in a specific academic/technical field. There are two primary accreditors of online medical assistant programs in the United States: the CAAHEP and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
You will likely find institutional and programmatic accreditation information by visiting the websites of the schools and programs you’re considering. You can also check the current programmatic accreditation status by visiting the CAAHEP and ABHES websites linked above. Institutional accreditation can be checked using the Department of Education search engine.
Can I do medical assistant schooling online?
If you’ve read to this point, then you know that the answer to this question is “yes.” Online medical assistant programs, including those in Arkansas, have become quite popular. As shown by the highlighted programs above, entirely online and hybrid programs are available. It’s important to remember, however, that while it’s possible to get hired in Arkansas without the hands-on practical experience commonly a part of blended MA programs, many of the best employers require (or at least prefer) applicants with experience working directly with patients.
How much does a medical assistant program cost in Arkansas?
The total costs of online medical assistant programs in Arkansas can vary substantially depending on the specific credential offered. For example, non-credit programs (like the University of Arkansas and UACCB programs spotlighted above) cost under $3,000 each. On the other end of the price spectrum is the MA associate degree program at ATU Ozark (also spotlighted above), with a total tuition price of just under $15,000 for Arkansas residents.
It’s important to consider any added expenses you may incur on top of your program’s stated total cost, like fees, books, and other instructional materials. Some programs include these items in their stated costs, while others do not. Just don’t forget to speak with a program representative about any financial aid opportunities and scholarships available to help you pay for your MA education. When choosing your school, you’ll also want to consider which medical assistant programs are the most affordable.
How do I become a medical assistant in AR?
Working as a medical assistant in Arkansas does not require any form of licensure or certification issued by the state. Nevertheless, most employers require or prefer hiring medical assistants with professional certification. Examples of certifications include the CMA(AAMA) and the CCMA from the NHA. Both of these certifications require applicants to have completed formal MA training like that offered through the discussed online medical assistant programs in Arkansas. Therefore, your best path to becoming a medical assistant in Arkansas is completing an MA education program and obtaining your professional medical assistant certification.
How long does it take to become a medical assistant in Arkansas?
Becoming a medical assistant in Arkansas usually takes anywhere from nine months to two years, depending on the type of program you choose. Some accelerated medical assistant programs can be completed in just six weeks. If you opt for a certificate or diploma program, which is the quickest route, you can complete it in as little as nine to twelve months. On the other hand, an associate degree takes about two years but provides a more in-depth education and can open up more opportunities for advancement. Students who choose this path are generally interested in bridge programs to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or go on to earn their Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration.
Medical Assistant Certifications and Continuing Education
In Arkansas, medical assistants are not legally required to hold a certification to work. However, earning certifications like the CMA, CCMA, or RMA can enhance job prospects and salary potential. Certification often requires completing an accredited program and passing an exam.
While Arkansas doesn’t have specific continuing education requirements for medical assistants, maintaining certifications like the CMA requires completing CEUs (continuing education units) every five years. Employers in Arkansas often favor candidates who stay current with industry trends and skills, so continuing education can boost your career trajectory.
To grow your career, consider specializing in phlebotomy, EKG technology, or healthcare administration. Networking through state associations like the Arkansas Medical Society can help you connect with mentors and find advancement opportunities.
Salary & Career Outlook for Medical Assistants in Arkansas
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 4,270 | 5,130 | 860 | 20.10% | 680 |
| 1 – United States | 764,400 | 870,200 | 105,800 | 13.80% | 114,600 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $33,500 | $42,000 | $56,480 |
| Pine Bluff, AR | $30,210 | $35,370 | $42,310 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | $29,560 | $34,780 | $45,390 |
| Jonesboro, AR | $29,890 | $34,890 | $41,230 |
| Hot Springs, AR | $28,080 | $31,100 | $37,700 |
| Fort Smith, AR-OK | $30,020 | $33,440 | $40,820 |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO | $30,420 | $36,050 | $42,920 |
| Arkansas | $29,510 | $35,050 | $43,180 |
Source: Medical Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
