Online Medical Assistant Programs: Comparing Schools in Michigan

A Comprehensive Breakdown of Online Medical Assistant Programs in Michigan

Before you can embark on a new career in medical assisting, you must complete a medical assistant program that prepares you with the knowledge and skills you need to assist patients and other practitioners. You may be wondering what online medical assistant programs are available to you in Michigan and how to distinguish between them. It’s important to take the time to explore your options and know what you’re looking for. That’s where we come in. Keep reading to learn more about the online medical assistant programs in Michigan that made it onto our list — including their admission requirements, costs, and timelines — and what you can expect after graduating. Importantly, all of these programs offer online courses, allowing you to learn at your own pace and on a schedule that’s convenient.

Explore Common Questions from Michigan Medical Assistant Students

You may still have questions about online medical assistant programs in Michigan, and that’s okay. It is normal to want to know as much as possible about the opportunities available to you before selecting an online medical assistant program that best suits your needs. That’s why we’ve collected and answered some of the most frequently asked questions regarding medical assistant programs offered online in Michigan.

Is it difficult to be accepted to Michigan online medical assistant programs and are there any prerequisites?

No, being accepted into a Michigan-based online medical assistant program is not usually considered difficult by applicants. Please note that programs that prepare students to sit for Certified Medical Assistant exams typically require a high school diploma or GED equivalent as a condition of admission.

Most Michigan-based online medical assistant programs have few, if any, prerequisites. While the majority of programs, including the one at Grand Rapids Community College, require applicants to be 18 or older at the start of the program, no prior healthcare experience is necessary. For that reason, becoming a medical assistant is a great option for individuals interested in entering the healthcare industry.

How can I network during my program, and does it matter?

Yes, and yes. Networking before, during, and after completing your medical assistant program is a wise decision that can help jumpstart and accelerate your career. The Michigan Society of Medical Assistants is a professional organization with a bevy of resources and connections that can help you at any point in your career.

While in school, you can work to develop relationships with your instructors and peers by actively participating in class discussions and/or creating study groups. You may also consider seeking out a mentor, whether it’s someone local or an individual you can connect with digitally. Many schools have a career resources that may be able to help you find a mentor.

What funding is available for online medical assistant students in Michigan?

In Michigan, qualified candidates are eligible to receive training for growing, in-demand career fields at little to no cost to them. The Michigan Works Service Center helps prospective students learn more about medical assisting programs, training grants, and other services you may qualify for. Online medical assistants at accredited schools are also eligible for financial aid and school-administered scholarships.

There are also several scholarships geared toward medical assistant students. A few options to consider are the Alice Newell Joslyn Medical Scholarship and the Maxine Williams Scholarship. Some schools, such as Grand Rapids Community College, have their own institutional scholarship options, so be sure to check in with the financial aid office.

What is the average cost of an online medical assistant program in Michigan?

The average cost of a Michigan-based online medical assistant program depends on the length and type of degree you’re pursuing. There are accelerated online MA programs and evening online programs that are best fit for busy students trying to balance their education with work and family obligations. For example, Henry Ford College offers a 15-month certificate program for $3,987 but for those seeking an associate degree in medical assisting, the cost can easily exceed $18,000. The program at Siena Heights University costs $4,000, which seems to be about the average. The tuition at Grand Rapids Community College comes in at $8,675, but it includes a number of expenses including:

• Criminal Background Check fee
• Computer Competency Assessment
• RMA National Certification Exam fee
• American Heart Association BLS CPR and Heartsaver First Aid
• Course textbooks
• Uniform & Stethoscope
• Learning lab resources
• Facilities Maintenance Fee

As you can see, tuition varies, so be sure to look into what exactly is covered.

What subjects do medical assistant programs in Michigan cover?

Because medical assistants work in both medical and administrative roles, students can expect courses to cover basic concepts of each. Students will learn about medical terminology, patient care basics, anatomy and physiology, and infection control principles, as well as insurance billing and coding, communication, and clerical duties.

Depending on the program, students may also become certified in CPR and participate in a hands-on clinical experience. For many programs, the goal is to prepare students to sit for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam.

The Certification Process for Louisiana Medical Assistants

At present, the State of Louisiana only requires that you pass the CMA exam. The state does not require medical assistants to complete any form of continuing education in order to retain certification. However, additional certifications are required for medical assistants who want 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, and licensure for phlebotomists and other clinical laboratory personnel. These licenses are necessary to work with medical laboratory technology in Louisiana.

For those hoping to take on an administrative leadership role within a medical assistant career, there is no specific licensure or continuing education required. However, duration of work experience, and whether the medical assistant holds an associate degree as opposed to a diploma, may be relevant when a medical assistant is applying for leadership roles.

The Job Market and Pay for Medical Assistants in Louisiana

Medical assistants in Michigan can expect competitive salaries and strong career prospects. Statewide, the median salary for medical assistants is $38,300, with the 10th percentile earning $31,550 and the 90th percentile earning $46,080. Ann Arbor and Jackson offer some of the highest median salaries, reaching $42,710 and $42,260 respectively, while smaller cities like Bay City and Battle Creek have lower medians closer to $36,000. Across Michigan, location and experience significantly impact earnings, making urban centers particularly attractive for professionals seeking higher wages.

On the career front, Michigan has 24,670 current medical assistant jobs, projected to grow to 27,830 by 2030—a 12.8% increase, slightly below the national growth rate of 13.8%. This expansion will generate 3,160 new positions, with an estimated 3,660 annual job openings. These figures reflect sustained demand in the healthcare sector, ensuring ample opportunities for aspiring medical assistants in the state. Explore the tables below to dive deeper into these trends.