Online Medical Assistant Programs in Louisiana: Find a School
Medical assistants play a critical role in helping patients navigate the complex healthcare system. If you’re looking to begin your online medical assistant education in Louisiana, this article provides a complete breakdown of top programs, including costs, curriculum, and admission requirements. Learn more about this fast-growing field and the best online medical assistant programs in the state.
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How the Programs Work
Before you begin looking for jobs as a medical assistant, you’ll need to complete an accredited educational program. Medical assistant training can be completed in one year or less for a diploma program, while an associate degree typically takes two years of full-time study.
In a medical assistant program, you’ll learn the foundations of anatomy and medical terminology, as well as the administrative and technical skills necessary to work in a medical office. Online programs teach these skills through synchronous or asynchronous video courses with independent study. Below are some high-quality online medical assistant programs in Louisiana.
Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) in Medical Assisting – Blue Cliff College
Blue Cliff College offers one of the best and shortest online Clinical and Administrative Medical Assisting programs in the state for students who have already completed a Clinical Medical Assisting program.
This program covers essential topics such as medical terminology, the basics of healthcare administration, and healthcare laws. Attendees also take a student success course to help develop career goals after graduation.
To help lower costs, Blue Cliff offers various financial aid opportunities. Graduates of this program are also provided the opportunity to earn an associate’s degree.
Duration: 9 Months
Mode: Online
Cost: $35,899
Admissions Requirements:
- Online application
- Completion of the Medical Assistant diploma program at Blue Cliff or an equivalent program at another school
Curriculum:
- Introduction to the HealthCare Workplace
- Medical Terminology 1
- Introduction to Clinical Procedures
- Anatomy and Physiology 1
- Computer Fundamentals
- Medical Office Procedures 1
- CPR / First Aid
- Medical Techniques and Procedures 1
- Medical Coding and Insurance
- Anatomy and Physiology 2
- Phlebotomy/Laboratory Procedures 1
- Pharmacology for the Medical Assistant
- Medical Techniques and Procedures 2
- Phlebotomy/Laboratory Procedures 2
- Professional Development
- Medical Assisting Externship
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Certification for Medical Administrative Assistants – Louisiana State University of Alexandria
Louisiana State University’s Alexandria campus offers a robust medical assistant certification program. The 12-month program is completely online, and the curriculum covers materials on the National Healthcareer Association’s Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam.
Students receive a voucher as part of their tuition for this exam’s costs and online study resources, as well as a voucher that can be used on a medical billing exam. The course covers basic medical coding and billing knowledge as well as the duties of a medical assistant. Students also learn medical terminology, healthcare laws, and how telehealth works.
Further, the school offers a course in finding medical assistant jobs as well as online professional development resources.
Duration: 12 Months
Mode: Online
Cost: $3,695
Admissions Requirements:
- Enroll online at any time; no prerequisites
- $20 application fee
Curriculum:
- Becoming an Administrative Medical Assistant
- Managing Stress and Improving Communication
- Law, Ethics and Healthcare
- Improving Your Medical Office
- Computers in the Ambulatory Care Setting
- Telecommunications and Patient Scheduling
- Medical Terminology: Word Parts, Plurals, Abbreviations
- Managing Medical Records
- Written Communication
- Working with Medical Documents
- Medical Billing and Coding: An Overview
- The Administrative Medical Assistant as Office Manager
- Introduction to Medical Billing and Coding
- Introduction to Health Insurance
- Legal Aspects of Health Insurance and Reimbursement
- CPT Coding
- HCPCS Level II Coding
- Pharmacology for Coders
- Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI)
- Insurance Claims
- Commercial Insurance
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Medicare
- Medicaid, CHIP, TRICARE, Workers’ Compensation
- Certification
- How to Find a Job in Medical Billing and Coding
Certificate in Medical Assisting – Louisiana State University of Eunice
Eunice, another LSU campus, offers a great Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program that can be completed 100% online in 12 months. Along with online coursework, students can access virtual exam study materials and professional development resources.
Students can also take electives in specialties of interest to them, such as mental health or nutrition. The total course fee is discounted for all students and includes a voucher for the certified medical assistant exam that’s administered by the NHA.
Duration: 12 Months
Mode: Online
Cost: Estimated tuition starts at $5,600 plus fees
Admissions Requirements:
- Enroll Online
- No Prerequisites
Curriculum:
- Introduction to Medical Terminology
- Diagnostic Procedures, Nuclear Medicine, Pharmacology
- Becoming a Medical Assistant
- Managing Stress and Improving Communication
- Law, Ethics and Healthcare
- Improving Your Medical Office
- Computers in the Ambulatory Care Setting
- Telecommunications and Patient Scheduling
- Enhancing Patient Experience
- Managing Medical Records
- Written Communication
- Working With Medical Documents
- Medical Billing and Coding: An Overview
- Daily Financial Practices
- The Administrative Medical Assistant as Office Manager
- Pathophysiology
- Nutrition and Special Diets
- The Chief Complaint and Patient History
- Recording Vital Signs
- The Physical Examination
- Specialty Exams and Procedures
- Medical Asepsis and Infection Control
- Surgical Asepsis and Sterilization Techniques
- Surgical Instruments
- Assisting With Minor Office Surgeries
- Introduction to the Medical Laboratory
- Basic Microbiology
- Introduction to Phlebotomy
- Basic Hematology
- Electrocardiogram
- Administering Noninjectable Medications
- Basic Guidelines for the Administration of Injections
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Rehabilitation and Treatment Modalities
- First Aid Techniques
- Emergencies in the Medical Office
Medical Assistant Student FAQs
Enrolling in a medical assistant program is a major step, and it’s natural to have questions. Below, we answer some of the most common queries from prospective students.
How do I become a medical assistant in Louisiana?
To become a medical assistant in Louisiana, you must graduate from an accredited program. However, many of the highest paying roles require other credentials, including passing the medical assistant certification exam and possessing relevant experience.
Specializing in a particular medical field, such as obstetrics or pediatrics, can aid your job search and potentially lead to higher pay.
What are medical assistants allowed to do in Louisiana?
Medical assistants in Louisiana work alongside doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals to provide care. What you may not know about medical assistants is that they are in an excellent position to specialize and take on leadership roles.
Some CMAs run day-to-day operations for private practices, thanks to their specialized knowledge. If you decide that you want to specialize as a Louisiana CMA, you may need to look into continuing education or seek out roles that provide on-the-job training.
How long is medical assistant school in Louisiana?
The length of your medical assistant program in Louisiana depends primarily on the curriculum. In medical assistant school, students learn valuable skills that include:
- Reporting lab work to patients
- Coordinating with doctors to provide care
- Following medical diagnostics and charts
The average medical assistant program lasts about 12 months. Louisiana doesn’t have any programs that can be completed in six weeks, and the shortest accredited program we found can be completed in nine months at Blue Cliff College.
How much does a CMA make an hour in Louisiana?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly rate for a CMA in Louisiana is $16.16, and the average annual salary for a Louisiana medical assistant is $33,610 per year. This figure may vary depending on your location, role responsibilities, and experience level.
Can medical assistants practice limited-scope radiography in Louisiana?
Medical assistants in Louisiana can only perform limited-scope radiography services after earning a radiologic technology license. This license is an entirely separate qualification from an on-campus or online medical assistant qualification.
If you are interested in performing limited-scope radiography, look into a licensure program, which may be especially helpful if it’s used in your workplace as a CMA.
Certification for Louisiana Medical Assistants
The state of Louisiana only requires that you pass the CMA exam and doesn’t require any form of continuing education to maintain certification. However, medical assistants do need additional certifications to expand their roles and take on more responsibilities working with medical technology.
These certifications include a radiologic technology license for those interested in working with limited-scope radiology, licensure for phlebotomists, and other clinical laboratory personnel.
To take on an administrative role within a medical assistant career, no specific licensure or continuing education is required. However, work experience and education level (associate degree vs. diploma) may be relevant when applying for leadership roles.
Career & Salary for Medical Assistants in Louisiana
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $35,020 | $44,200 | $57,830 |
| Louisiana | $26,580 | $35,870 | $42,450 |
| Alexandria, LA | $21,510 | $31,340 | $37,130 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $24,000 | $35,830 | $45,240 |
| Hammond, LA | $27,820 | $34,910 | $40,700 |
| Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA | $22,880 | $32,860 | $39,710 |
| Lafayette, LA | $26,380 | $32,360 | $37,440 |
| Lake Charles, LA | $27,870 | $37,440 | $37,440 |
| Monroe, LA | $22,720 | $30,640 | $36,170 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | $31,210 | $37,770 | $45,010 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City, LA | $26,670 | $35,110 | $42,000 |
| Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA | $29,340 | $36,010 | $43,010 |
Source: Medical Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, 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 ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | 10,740 | 12,060 | 1,320 | 12.30% | 1,580 |
| 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.
Best Online Medical Assistant Programs in Louisiana
Bossier Parish Community College
Bossier City, LAProgram Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $3,733 Avg. Aid Amount
- 24% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 22/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Bossier Parish Community College
- The Medical Assistant program includes a voucher that covers the fee for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) national certification exam, reducing certification costs for students.
- Students participate in an unpaid clinical experience at physicians' offices and clinics, providing practical, hands-on training with local healthcare providers.
- The program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering both administrative and clinical duties, preparing students to perform a wide range of tasks from front office to clinical settings efficiently.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $3,733 Avg. Aid Amount
- 24% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 22/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $2,389 Avg. Aid Amount
- 32% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Louisiana Delta Community College
- The Medical Assistant program at Louisiana Delta Community College includes supervised, preceptor-based clinical externships ensuring hands-on real-world experience before graduation.
- Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Certification exam for Medical Assistants, positioning them for recognized professional credentials upon program completion.
- The program is aligned with standards set by the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB) and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), emphasizing high-quality education and professional competencies.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $2,389 Avg. Aid Amount
- 32% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Fletcher Technical Community College
Schriever, LAProgram Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $2,217 Avg. Aid Amount
- 35% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 22/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Fletcher Technical Community College
- The Fletcher Medical Assistant program can be completed in an accelerated 22-week hybrid format, allowing students to enter the workforce quickly and with flexible learning options.
- The program includes preceptorship placements at local clinics, physician’s offices, hospitals, and urgent care facilities, providing high-quality hands-on clinical experience in real healthcare settings.
- Class sizes are limited based on clinical space availability, ensuring personalized instruction and strong faculty-student engagement during training.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $2,217 Avg. Aid Amount
- 35% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 22/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Baton Rouge Community College
Baton Rouge, LAProgram Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $1,852 Avg. Aid Amount
- 20% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 29/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Baton Rouge Community College
- The Medical Assistant program at BRCC offers eligibility to take the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) national exam, enhancing certification and job readiness upon completion.
- It provides supervised clinical/preceptor activities that give students hands-on experience essential for workplace preparedness.
- Students benefit from a comprehensive curriculum covering both administrative and clinical skills, preparing them to efficiently perform diverse duties in various healthcare settings.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $1,852 Avg. Aid Amount
- 20% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 29/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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