Online & Campus Medical Assistant Programs in Minnesota: Discover Popular Schools for Your Career

Inside Online Medical Assistant Programs in Minnesota

You’ll need to attend an accredited educational program to become a medical assistant. These programs in Minnesota are often non-degree programs that offer diplomas or certificates. You’ll view traditional lecture-style courses online; these courses are usually offered in an asynchronous format, via a video service like Zoom or MS Teams. But, you might need to complete some in-person work, such as clinical rotations, at a healthcare facility.

Below, you’ll find profiles of three high-quality online medical assistant programs in Minnesota. We’ll give you an idea of what to expect when you apply for these programs.

FAQs for Online Medical Assistant Students in Minnesota

It’s normal to have questions before you enroll in a medical assistant program in Minnesota. Below, you’ll find some of the most commonly asked questions from prospective medical assistants and answers to help you conduct research.

How do I find an accredited medical assistant program in Minnesota?

Finding an accredited medical assistant program is key to ensuring that you receive a quality education that meets industry standards. Start by visiting the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and/or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) websites. Both organizations provide lists of accredited programs in states across the country, including Minnesota.

You can also reach out to local community colleges, technical schools, and/or vocational schools, as many offer accredited medical assistant programs. Make sure the program is accredited, because that can impact your ability to take certification exams and make you more competitive in the job market.

Are online medical assistant programs available in Minnesota?

Many schools in Minnesota offer online or hybrid medical assistant programs to provide flexibility for students who need to balance work and family commitments. These programs allow you to complete most of the coursework online; typically, you’ll need to visit campus or a local healthcare facility only for hands-on clinical training. You might find fully online programs that don’t require any visits to campus.

How do I become a medical assistant?

The first step is completing a medical assistant program from an accredited school. These programs typically include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience that covers topics like medical terminology, anatomy, phlebotomy, and basic lab procedures.

Many employers prefer or require that graduates obtain certification. You can become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). There are other options, like becoming a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA). You’ll need to pass an exam to get certified. Then, you can apply for jobs in various healthcare settings like doctor’s offices, clinics, and hospitals.

How long does it take to become a medical assistant?

The time it takes to become a medical assistant depends on the type of program you choose. A certificate or diploma program can take approximately nine months to one year to complete. If you opt for an associate degree in medical assisting, it takes closer to two years. But, the added education might provide you with more in-depth knowledge and better job opportunities.

Whether you choose a diploma or a degree, you’ll need time to complete any necessary certification exams after graduation. Either way, you can become a medical assistant relatively quickly compared to many other healthcare professions.

What’s the scope of practice for medical assistants?

Working as a medical assistant means having a job that’s full of variety. Medical assistants combine both administrative and clinical roles, with duties spanning tasks from filing and taking patient records to preparing rooms for examinations and working directly with physicians and nurses. As a medical assistant, you might perform medical tasks like drawing blood and preparing samples for testing in a laboratory, plus sterilizing medical equipment for use. It’s important to note that medical assistants are more likely to work in a doctor’s office than in a hospital.

Certifications and Continuing Education in Minnesota

Medical assistants in Minnesota are required to have some post-secondary education, but not necessarily a degree. So, many diploma and certificate programs, such as those outlined in the profiles above, satisfy the educational requirements to become a medical assistant in the state. You’ll need a high school diploma or GED to enroll in most programs that satisfy Minnesota’s educational requirements.

Becoming certified as a medical assistant by passing a CMA exam can help you stand out to employers and reassure them that you can handle the tasks of this role. You can take your education a step further by earning an associate or bachelor’s degree after working as a medical assistant. These degrees might qualify you to apply for more advanced, and often higher paying, roles in the healthcare field.

Salary and Career Outlook for Medical Assistants in Minnesota