Online Medical Assistant Programs in Georgia: Review & Compare

Navigating Online Medical Assistant Programs in Georgia

Unsurprisingly, the need for medical assistants is growing, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimating an increase in available jobs of 15% by the year 2033 — a much faster-than-average growth rate. To take advantage of the growing number of opportunities available, however, it’s important to familiarize yourself with top programs, certification requirements, and your earning potential.

And the first step is to decide if an associate’s program or certificate program is right for you. An associate’s degree offers more career opportunities but takes two years to complete. A certification program takes less time (usually six to twelve months) but has less long-term career potential.

Below are some schools with associate’s and/or certification programs that stand out in terms of academics, affordability, and accreditation. Plus, all have an online component, making them easier to balance with work and life responsibilities.

Essential FAQs for Georgia Medical Assistant Students

Now that you’ve gotten a glimpse of what several top online medical assistant programs in Georgia offer, let’s break down some of the most frequently asked questions about the online medical assistant programs in Georgia. These questions cover hot topics like paying for your degree, what the best curriculums cover, and available scholarships.

What are the admission requirements for Georgia medical assistant programs?

The general admission requirements to online medical assistant programs in Georgia almost always include a high school diploma or GED. Some schools also require letters of reference and a college admission essay. There are some programs that require prerequisite general education courses as well, such as a college-level course in psychology or biology. Be sure to check each individual school’s admission requirements before applying. If you have any questions about a specific school’s requirements, reach out to their admissions staff.

How much should I expect to pay for my program?

Each school has different tuition rates, which can be offset by things like vouchers, scholarships, or other financial aid options. However, you can expect the general cost of an online medical assistant program in Georgia to start at around $2,500. Some schools, like South College, cost more than that (about $1,000 for every 10-20 credit hours taken, to be exact). Other schools may cost less. Another advantage of online programs is that they make it easier to balance coursework with a full-time or part-time job, which can offset program costs.

Are scholarships or grants available for online medical assistant students in Georgia?

There are many financial aid opportunities for online medical assistant students. These opportunities can be offered by a school itself in the form of merit-based scholarships or through the local or federal government. To make yourself eligible for federal funding, you should always apply for FAFSA. There’s also state-specific financial aid opportunities too. Georgia’s Student Finance Commission runs a scholarship, student loan, and grant program that could provide some funding. The Georgia Board of Healthcare also provides some loan repayment programs that may be a good fit. Remember, if you’re considering attending an unaccredited online medical assistant program in Georgia, you may not qualify for governmental aid.

Are there professional organizations or networking opportunities for Georgia medical assistants?

There are many networking opportunities for medical assistants in Georgia, chief among them being professional organizations like the American Association of Medical Assistants and the Georgia-specific Georgia Society of Medical Assistants. These organizations provide training and educational resources, as well as networking opportunities. Most likely, there are additional networking opportunities through local healthcare organizations. If interested in certain fields, you could also attend networking events put on by a local association that’s niche-specific. A medical assistant who wants to work in a pediatrician’s office, for example, may explore events hosted by the Georgia chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

What does an online medical assistant curriculum in Georgia cover?

The general course curriculum for an online medical assistant program in Georgia covers the various systems within the body, the basics of pharmacology, diagnostic procedures, medical records and documentation, microbiology, first aid, electrocardiogram usage, and nutrition. Many programs also cover important facets of healthcare administration, such as insurance, medical coding, and the healthcare revenue and billing cycle. Each program may cover slightly different concepts or offer elective courses or specializations, making it important to find a program that aligns with your interests.

Georgia’s Certification and Continuing Education Process

In order to receive your certification as a medical assistant in Georgia, there are certain steps you have to take: complete your schooling, complete an externship/internship, take the exam, and keep your certification up to date.

Almost every online medical program in Georgia requires an externship or internship of some kind so that you can apply what you have learned in class and obtain hands-on skills in a real-world environment. These practicums can be completed at local hospitals or clinics, many of which will have some sort of partnership with your school or program.

While Georgia doesn’t have a medical assisting exam, nor does it issue state licenses for medical assistants, a medical assistant certification from a nongovernmental organization boosts your employability. One of the most popular certifications is hosted through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). AAMA requires graduating students to sit for an exam and complete continuing education requirements in order to continue renewing their certification.

Medical Assistant Salary and Job Outlook in Georgia

Georgia is one of the states where medical assistants are in very high demand, as evidenced by the 22.5% job growth projected for the profession through 2032. This rate is significantly higher than the national growth rate of 13.8% for medical assistants. Professionals in the field can expect approximately 4,320 job openings each year. While some of these openings will result from new jobs created due to healthcare expansion, others will arise as professionals retire or transition to other allied health careers.

The median salary for medical assistants in Georgia is $38,060 per year. Those just starting out will likely fall in the 10th percentile, earning around $30,620, while those who are well-established may fall in the 90th percentile, earning approximately $48,020. The area of the state where medical assistants work also affects salaries, ranging from $33,030 in Valdosta to $39,720 in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell area. To learn more, please refer to the tables below.