Online Medical Assistant Programs in Indiana: View Top Schools
If you’re passionate about helping people and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, you should consider a career in healthcare. Starting as a medical assistant is a great way to enter the field without any previous training, and thanks to the prevalence of online medical assistant programs, becoming an MA in Indiana has never been easier. This guide dives into Indiana’s standout programs, FAQs, career prospects, and earning potential.
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Inside Online Medical Assistant Programs in Indiana
Whether you’re fresh out of high school or years into a career that isn’t quite right, an online medical assistant (MA) program in Indiana can expand your career prospects and earning potential. If time and flexibility are a concern, many online education pathways exist to help you become a certified medical assistant in Indiana with little to no in-person components.
You can choose between entirely online, self-paced MA programs and hybrid curricula offering structured coursework, usually paired with in-person externships and clinical experiences. This includes shorter certificate programs, sometimes on an accelerated timeline, and two-year associate degree programs. When choosing a program, you’ll also want to pay attention to certification outcomes and accreditation. If this sounds like a lot, we’ve got you covered with an in-depth profile on three of Indiana’s quality medical assistant programs outlining your options.
Medical Assistant Certificate — Purdue University Global
Purdue University Global’s Medical Assistant Certificate program is designed to equip students with clinical and administrative skills for healthcare settings. The 47-credit program combines online coursework with hands-on clinical experiences, including a 160-hour externship in an approved ambulatory or medical office setting. Graduates are prepared for national certification exams such as CMA, RMA, NCMA, CCMA, and CMAC.
The curriculum includes courses in medical law, terminology, office management, and clinical competencies. Courses are a mix of traditional online courses and modules built around a specific learning outcome. Admission requires health clearances and CPR certification.
Duration: 1 year
Mode: Online
Cost: $21,518
Admissions Requirements: Must be at least 18 and pass a criminal background
Curriculum:
- Medical Knowledge and Ethics: Build a strong foundation in medical law, bioethics, terminology, and understanding diseases of the human body.
- Administrative Skills: Learn the key aspects of medical office management, coding, and insurance processes to support healthcare operations.
- Professional and Clinical Development: Develop professionalism and clinical expertise through hands-on training and progressive competency-building courses.
- Anatomy and Physiology: Gain essential human structure and function knowledge to support clinical and administrative tasks.
- Real-World Experience: Apply skills in a professional healthcare setting through an externship, gaining practical experience and evaluation.
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Medical Assistant Program — FORTIS Colleges and Institutes
FORTIS — an educational network of colleges and institutes — offers one of Indiana’s top online Medical Assistant Programs. Designed to prepare students with the knowledge they need to jumpstart their medical assisting careers, the curriculum prepares them to care for patients, manage medical records, and complete administrative tasks.
Throughout this accredited program, students take courses in various topics, including medical office procedures, anatomy and physiology, clinical procedures, and pharmacology. Students also gain hands-on clinical training at approved clinical sites. Fortis College’s medical assisting program also lays out a clear pathway toward Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) certification.
Duration: 1 year
Mode: Online
Cost: $13,481 to $16,812
Admissions Requirements: Admission requirements differ by campus
Curriculum:
- Clinical and Administrative Training: Learn essential skills like lab sample collection, front desk administration, and patient coordination to provide critical medical support.
- Patient-Centered Care: Develop the ability to support patients compassionately through their wellness journeys while responding professionally to their needs.
- Healthcare Knowledge: Gain a broad understanding of the healthcare system while honing your skills for a rewarding and impactful career in the medical field.
- Teamwork: Train to manage the dynamic environment of healthcare settings, from hospitals to clinics, ensuring smooth operations and quality patient care.
Medical Assisting Technical Certificate — Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College offers a Technical Certificate in Medical Assisting accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). This flexible and affordable program can be completed in just two semesters, enabling students to enter the workforce ASAP. This MA certificate is a solid choice for students interested in earning a professional credential and later earning an associate degree. While this program is currently not offered online, Ivy Tech has 22 campuses to choose from, making it an accessible option for Indiana students looking for hands-on training via a traditional program.
Throughout this 39-credit technical certificate track, online degree seekers tackle vital topics such as medical terminology, insurance coding, pharmacology, laboratory techniques, and electronic administrative practices. Students also learn first-hand about the medical assistant’s role through hands-on training in a professional clinical setting.
Ivy Tech utilizes a selective admissions process for this online medical assistant program because the school can only enroll a relatively small number of students each cycle. Applicants must hold a minimum of a high school diploma or GED, but top-performing students with prior college experience are given preference.
Duration: 1to1.5 years
Mode: Online
Cost: $6,957
Admissions Requirements: Students must complete the prerequisite courses APHY 101 Anatomy and Physiology I and HLHS 101 Medical Terminology. From there, a weighted point system is used to evaluate applicants for admission based on their grades in these prerequisite courses. Point totals for applicants receiving admission offers will vary between campuses.
Curriculum:
- Core Anatomy and Physiology Knowledge: Build a strong understanding of human body systems and their functions through comprehensive anatomy and physiology coursework.
- Medical Knowledge and Terminology: Learn essential medical terminology to support accurate communication and documentation in healthcare settings.
- Professional and Administrative Skills: Develop the professionalism and administrative expertise required for effective healthcare operations, including electronic systems management.
- Clinical and Laboratory Skills: Acquire practical clinical and laboratory techniques to provide quality patient care and support diagnostic processes.
- Pharmacology and Coding Expertise: Study the basics of pharmacology and learn outpatient insurance and coding principles to ensure smooth healthcare operations.
- Externship Experience: Gain hands-on professional experience through a medical assisting externship to apply skills in a real-world setting.
Indiana Medical Assistant Questions Answered
We’ve covered a lot of ground so far, and while you may have a clearer idea of your top school and how to find it, you probably have some lingering questions. Below, we’ve addressed some of the most common questions from Indiana students to help you gain even greater clarity.
How much should I expect to pay for my program?
The cost of an online medical assistant program in Indiana can vary significantly from school to school. The 39-credit medical assisting program at Ivy Tech Community College costs roughly $6,600, while Purdue Global’s 58-credit medical assistant certificate program costs over $21,000. Additionally, degrees often cost more than certification programs. Don’t let this deter you, though — financial aid opportunities like loans, grants, scholarships, and work-study programs can help defray the cost of tuition.
You can take advantage of school and statewide funding, among other resources, from Indiana’s Workforce Ready Grant to scholarships like those offered at Ivy Tech Community College. Many professional organizations for medical assistants also provide financial aid through scholarships or grants to help alleviate the costs associated with education.
Each school and program offers and accepts different forms of financial aid. For example, certificate programs may not be eligible for federal financial aid. It’s essential to contact your school’s financial aid office to see what they accept and whether they offer any grants or scholarships.
Are there professional organizations or networking opportunities for Indiana medical assistants?
Yes, the Indiana Society of Medical Assistants (ISMA) provides networking and professional development opportunities. Joining groups like this can help you develop professional relationships, learn new skills, and keep up with trends in the allied healthcare field. Many professional organizations also offer resources and vouchers for certifications, like Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), to help level up your career and enhance your resume.
There are also many events and conferences for medical assistants in Indiana and across the country, allowing you to develop valuable connections with other members of the healthcare field and further your career through professional development.
Do I need to complete any prerequisites before applying?
While online medical assistant programs in Indiana don’t typically require students to have completed any prerequisite courses, admission requirements can vary — be sure to closely review each school’s requirements before you apply. Some schools may require that you take specific courses, such as biology or anatomy and physiology, before enrolling. Additionally, you may have to have particular experience or certifications, such as CPR certification or previous healthcare experience.
What are the admission requirements for Indiana medical assistant programs?
Admission requirements vary between schools but usually include a minimum of a high school diploma or GED, complete immunization records, and a clean background check. Many schools also require students to submit to a drug screen. Some schools may require specific experience, credentials, or certifications as well. For example, a school may require that you have prior healthcare experience. You may also have to complete specific coursework, such as biology or anatomy. It’s important to note that these are just general admission requirements.
What does an online medical assistant curriculum in Indiana cover?
The standard curriculum of most online Indiana medical assistant programs includes medical office procedures, anatomy and physiology, and administrative training. Consider this a foundation for individual programs to build and offer more specialized or niche training. For example, the curriculum at Purdue Global also covers topics in pharmacology and healthcare professionalism.
Many medical assistant programs also offer in-person externships or clinicals as part of the curriculum. These hands-on experiences will help you build the necessary skills and confidence to succeed in a real healthcare setting. Ask your school whether you’ll need to find your own clinical site or if they’ll assign one.
Certifications for Medical Assistants in Indiana
Completing the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification exam can be a significant milestone that opens career doors. The best online medical assistant programs in Indiana emphasize the importance of sitting for and passing your exam and offer coursework and resources that prepare you for test day.
Your CMA certification signals to employers that you can perform the tasks associated with your position. It’s also just the tip of the iceberg. As a medical assistant in Indiana, you must keep your credentials current by renewing your license periodically — typically every 60 months — through the American Association of Medical Assistants.
To keep your CCMA certification active, you must complete continuing education (CE) credits. The exact number of credits and specific topics may vary, so be sure to check with the NHA for the most current requirements. Staying up-to-date with the latest medical practices and regulations is essential for professional growth and legal compliance.
Medical Assistant Careers: Indiana Salary Insights
In Indiana, allied health is a significant industry, leading to a strong demand for medical assistants. Nationally, the average growth rate for medical assistants is 13.8%, while in Indiana, it is slightly higher at 14.6%. This equates to 3,060 job openings each year. The demand for medical assistants is greater in areas with more medical facilities, but don't overlook small towns, where medical assistants often manage both front and back office tasks in small practices.
Medical assistants in Indiana can expect a median annual income of $40,680, with the 10th percentile earning $34,990 and the 90th percentile earning $49,600. The highest-paying area in Indiana for medical assistants is Lafayette-West Lafayette, where the median income is $43,460. The lowest income is found in Columbus, at $36,030. Refer to the charts below to learn more about what medical assistants in Indiana can expect.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana | 20,210 | 23,170 | 2,960 | 14.60% | 3,060 |
| 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 |
| Terre Haute, IN | $32,240 | $38,480 | $51,210 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | $32,230 | $39,060 | $46,570 |
| Muncie, IN | $35,060 | $42,860 | $46,270 |
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN | $33,840 | $40,670 | $48,950 |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN | $35,840 | $43,460 | $50,230 |
| Kokomo, IN | $34,720 | $38,410 | $46,670 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN | $37,530 | $43,010 | $51,260 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $34,950 | $40,090 | $47,570 |
| Evansville, IN-KY | $31,730 | $37,540 | $46,540 |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN | $35,990 | $41,170 | $48,330 |
| Columbus, IN | $34,700 | $36,030 | $45,120 |
| Bloomington, IN | $31,200 | $38,910 | $47,050 |
| Indiana | $34,990 | $40,680 | $49,600 |
Source: Medical Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
