Online Medical Assistant Programs in Idaho: School Comparison
Are you seeking a career with diverse career growth options, job stability, and the chance to help others? Consider becoming a medical assistant through an online program. This in-demand job has a relatively low barrier to entry in Idaho. The only requirement is to complete an accredited associate’s or certification program in medical assisting. To help, we rounded up the best programs in Idaho, offered entirely online or in a hybrid format.
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Shining a Spotlight on Idaho’s Online Medical Assistant Programs
Not all medical assisting degree programs are the same; some might better fit your needs and skills depending on program location, cost, modality, length, and more. The first factor to consider is whether an accelerated medical assistant program offering a basic certificate or a more extended program with greater potential career opportunities, such as an associate’s degree, is right for you. Both are great options, but they’re right for different types of students.
Regardless of your goal, Idaho offers numerous accredited and high-quality online MA programs that prepare students to become certified medical assistants. The three programs below stand out regarding accreditation, affordability, and academics. Plus, they all have an online component or are delivered entirely online.
Medical Assistant Certificate — College of Western Idaho
With multiple locations, the College of Western Idaho’s Medical Assistant Certificate offers hybrid learning options for students statewide. It is an excellent choice for those who need flexibility, offering online classes paired with 100 clinical hours of hands-on training. Placement in and completion of an externship is solely the student’s responsibility and may be subject to additional requirements, such as a background check and successful completion of a CareerStep course. The school also offers accessible student support via email, live chat, or phone.
Upon graduating, students qualify to test for certifications like the CCMA, CMAA, CPT, and CET. Certification exam fees are covered as part of the program, and with the college’s CareerStep partnership, you can access unique financial aid opportunities, such as monthly payment plans.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $3,799
Admissions Requirements:
- High school degree, GED equivalent, or home-study certificate
- Official transcript for all previous coursework
- 18 years or older
Core Curriculum: The program curriculum covers key topics, including healthcare fundamentals; anatomy, physiology, and body systems; patient care and coordination; pharmacology and medication management; infection control and asepsis; laboratory and diagnostic procedures; medical office administration; medical laws, ethics, and regulations; and externship and career readiness.
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Medical Assistant Course — Idaho Medical Academy
Want to complete your training and get on the job as quickly as possible? The Medical Assistant Course at Idaho Medical Academy is a great option, and it’s certified by the Idaho State Board of Education. In just four months, students learn necessary medical assisting skills, including recording vital signs and medical histories, drawing blood, and preparing patients to be seen by physicians.
After this accelerated medical assisting program, you’ll complete your clinical hours and national certifications. The school has externship partners to help remote students find clinical placements. Current partner clinics include West Valley Medical Center, Full Circle Health, Saint Alphonsus, Mountain Pine Dermatology, and Ada West Dermatology.
Graduates are also prepped to take the Medical Assistant Certification (MAC), National Registered Certified MA (NRCMA), National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA/NCOMA), and Certified Clinical/Admin Medical Assistant (CCMA/CMAA ) credential exams.
Duration: Four months + clinical externship
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $2,000 (monthly installments available)
Admissions Requirements:
- High school degree, GED equivalent, or home-study certificate
- Official transcript for all previous coursework
Curriculum: This program covers administrative, medical, and technical knowledge during the online portion. Upon completing the program coursework, students attend a clinical externship, where they learn practical, hands-on medical assisting skills.
Medical Assisting Diploma — Eagle Gate College
Like the program above, the Medical Assisting Diploma at Eagle Gate College in Boise offers a hybrid format by blending online instruction, hands-on lab exercises, and supervised externship hours. Over the course of this nine-month program, students will learn the clinical and administrative skills required of medical assistants, including various administrative functions and clinical duties.
Overall, this medical assistant program offers a more traditional college learning experience, ideal for those who prefer in-person learning but still need the flexibility to learn online. To begin enrollment, you must first meet with an admissions representative, provide proof of a high school diploma or GED, complete a financial aid appointment, and an admissions assessment.
Duration: Nine months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $13,340.00 total (about $476.43 per credit)
Admissions Requirements:
- High school degree, GED equivalent, or home-study certificate
- Official transcript for all previous coursework
- 18 years or older
Curriculum: This course teaches future medical assistants how to schedule and manage medical appointments, take medical histories, record vital signs, take blood samples and give injections, prepare patients for examinations, administer electrocardiograms, remove sutures and change bandages, sterilize medical equipment, order pharmacy prescriptions, and oversee billing and bookkeeping processes.
FAQs for Idaho Medical Assistant Students
While looking at the best programs in Idaho provides a better understanding of medical assistant programs, it doesn’t answer all your questions. To help you set curriculum expectations and learn how to check a school’s accreditation, we compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below.
What is the cost of a medical assistant program in Idaho?
The cost of a medical assistant program in Idaho depends on several factors. Beyond cost fluctuating from school to school, programs may also differ in price if they’re offered in-person vs. online or hybrid, or if they result in a medical assistant certificate or a medical assistant associate’s degree. As you research your options, you’ll find that some online medical assistant programs are more affordable than others.
For example, the College of Western Idaho’s online medical assistant certificate program starts at $3,799. However, the school’s in-person medical assistant certificate program begins at $5,158. Meanwhile, the school’s in-person medical assistant associate’s degree of applied science program starts at $9,160.
How long does a medical assistant program take?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average medical assistant program takes one to two years to complete. This includes both medical assistant certificate programs and associate’s degree programs, with associate’s degree programs requiring more time overall.
Over that year or two, you’ll learn the necessary skills related to medical terminology, anatomy, and pharmacology. You’ll also complete clinical hours in a medical setting, under supervision, where you can practice what you’ve learned thus far in a hands-on, real-life environment. Accelerated medical assistant programs are available but usually lack the clinical training many employers prefer.
Can a medical assistant program be completed online?
You can complete the classroom portion of a medical assistant program online. As we explored in the program spotlights, some schools offer fully online coursework, while others offer a hybrid option with required hands-on lab work. Beyond classroom instruction, many medical assistant programs also require you to complete in-person externship hours, work in a real-life medical setting, shadow other workers, and possibly perform tasks you might need to perform once you’re hired.
While attending a fully online medical assisting program is possible, reflect on whether this option is right for you. If you’re seeking hands-on experience or learn better in a hybrid environment, a program with some in-person components may be a better fit.
How long does it take to become a medical assistant in Idaho?
Becoming a medical assistant in Idaho typically takes six months to two years. The exact time frame depends on many aspects, including whether you have any previous college-level education, the program you select, and whether you can attend classes part-time or full-time. Idaho has two main program types: an associate’s degree and a certification program. The former takes longer to complete but offers more career opportunities and student resources. The latter provides a quicker graduation timeline.
How can I check if a school is accredited?
The accreditation process ensures that schools meet specific quality standards. Accreditation is conducted by both non-governmental third parties and government agencies at both the state and federal levels. When applying for financial aid through the federal government, the U.S. Department of Education notes if a school is accredited or not. Employers, non-governmental organizations who provide financial assistance, and other academic institutions will also note if a degree is accredited, meaning attending a school without accreditation may negatively impact your professional and educational future, as well as your financial aid options.
To check if a school is accredited, search accreditation records in the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.
Certifications and Continuing Education in Idaho
To work as a medical assistant in Idaho, someone must attend a medical assisting program that meets the state’s standards. Idaho has no specific licensure or exam for medical assistants to complete. However, achieving a certification through a professional organization like the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) can help someone stand out during the job search.
You won’t be permitted by law to do certain things as a medical assistant in Idaho. According to the Idaho Department of Labor, in addition to completing administrative tasks, medical assistants in Idaho are also allowed to perform clinical tasks such as taking and recording vitals and medical histories, drawing blood, and administering medications under the supervision of a physician. You cannot perform tasks like prescribing medication, which physician assistants can do.
While continuing education isn’t required to work as a medical assistant in the state, it can help your professional career. It may also be necessary to renew certifications through organizations like AAMA.
Salary & Career Outlook for Medical Assistants in Idaho
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho | 3,850 | 4,940 | 1,090 | 28.30% | 670 |
| 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 |
| Twin Falls, ID | $33,420 | $39,460 | $47,150 |
| Pocatello, ID | $31,160 | $37,330 | $46,810 |
| Lewiston, ID-WA | $35,900 | $40,930 | $51,670 |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $30,360 | $37,760 | $47,080 |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $35,490 | $42,380 | $50,040 |
| Boise City, ID | $37,010 | $41,300 | $50,450 |
| Idaho | $35,200 | $40,670 | $49,580 |
Source: Medical Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
