Online & Campus Medical Assistant Programs in Minnesota: Discover Popular Schools for Your Career
Minnesota offers strong online medical assistant programs, paving an exciting road of diverse career opportunities. Find the right school today.
Starting your journey to become a medical assistant is an exciting and rewarding step toward a fulfilling career. You’ve already decided to pursue a profession where you’ll be helping others and contributing to the healthcare system —a choice that speaks to your compassion and drive. Now it’s time to take the next steps toward achieving your goal, and this guide can help make that process as smooth as possible.
There are excellent online medical assisting programs in Minnesota you can access to help prepare you for a dynamic and growing field. Whether you’re fresh out of high school, returning to the workforce, or changing careers, this is an opportunity to build valuable skills, gain hands-on experience, and find a role that fits your passion for healthcare.
This guide walks through everything you need to know about getting started, from choosing the right online medical assisting program in Minnesota to understanding salary and certification expectations. With the right approach, becoming a medical assistant is an attainable and exciting path — and you’re already on the way! Dive in below to and get ready for success.
Popular Online Programs for Medical Assistants in Minnesota
There are a variety of excellent online medical assisting programs in Minnesota, each providing the hands-on training and knowledge you need to succeed in the field. Whether you’re looking for flexibility, affordability, or specialized training, there’s a program that’s right for you. Some top schools offering comprehensive programs are highlighted below to give you a strong foundation for launching your career as a medical assistant.
Minnesota State College Southeast
Minnesota State College Southeast partnered with Ed2Go to provide students the opportunity to earn their certifications through this online medical assisting program in Minnesota. The comprehensive course is self-paced and can be started at any time. Students have up to 12 months to graduate with a certificate from Minnesota State College Southeast, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The course costs $2,890, with discounts available at various times. Included is a voucher covering the Certified Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam fee. Since it’s non for credit, this program does not qualify for federal aid.
Throughout this Online Clinical Medical Assistant Training program, students learn about medical terminology, legal and ethical issues in a medical facility, telecommunications, patient scheduling, medical records, insurance claims, infection control, pharmacology, specimen collection, medication administration, minor office surgeries, and more. It also includes the opportunity for students to become CPR-certified and participate in an unpaid clinical experience.
Century College
Century College offers a 51-credit online medical assisting program in MN that offers flexible options for students in all situations. Students can start in either the fall or spring, with full or part-time study options available. Students studying full-time can complete the program in 14-18 months. Courses are online, hybrid, or in-person format depending on the material covered. Students receive a diploma upon graduation.
Courses in this Medical Assistant Diploma Program, which is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). include human biology, medical terminology, psychology, interpersonal communications, and clinical procedures. Students must obtain CPR certification before being can move on to certain courses. They also participate in a 300-hour clinical practicum under the direct supervision of mentors (e.g., providers, nurses, lab technicians, medical assistants, and clinic managers) in the clinic. At the end of the course, students are prepared to take the American Associate of Medical Assistants certification exam.
Minnesota Salary & Career Outlook for Medical Assistants
| Area | 10th Percentile | Mean Annual Wage | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $33,500 | $43,350 | $56,480 |
| Minnesota | $38,550 | $49,740 | $57,520 |
| Duluth, MN | $37,040 | $46,770 | $55,740 |
| Mankato-North Mankato, MN | $31,200 | $43,350 | $48,530 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, | $39,200 | $51,170 | $57,720 |
| Rochester, MN | $47,150 | $48,580 | $57,520 |
| St. Cloud, MN | $33,910 | $43,080 | $51,510 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023
| Area | New Jobs | Job Growth Rate | Avg. Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 132,600 | 18.4% | 104,400 |
| Minnesota | 1,500 | 16.1% | 1,320 |
Source: Projections Central, 2020-2030
The table above gives a helpful snapshot of what to expect when it comes to earning potential and job growth and outlook as a medical assistant in Minnesota compared to the national average. Most medical assistants in Minnesota start out making around $38,550 annually, slightly higher than the U.S. average of $33,500 for the 10th percentile. This means that even in entry-level positions, Minnesota offers competitive wages.
If you work in major cities like Minneapolis-St. Paul, you’ll see even better pay with an average annual wage of $51,170 and the potential to earn over $57,700 in the top percentile. In Rochester, where healthcare is a booming industry – perhaps thanks to the Mayo Clinic – wages are also strong with an average annual income of $48,580 and top earners making up to $57,520.
The job outlook is strong for medical assistants both in Minnesota and across the U.S. Nationally, the medical assisting field is expected to add 132,600 new jobs with an impressive 18.4% growth rate. In Minnesota, the job growth rate is slightly lower but still solid at 16.1%, creating 1,500 new positions and an average of 1,320 annual job openings.
Answers to Your Questions
How do I find an accredited medical assistant program in Minnesota?
Finding an accredited medical assistant program is key to ensuring you receive a quality education that meets industry standards. Start by visiting the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) websites. Both organizations provide lists of accredited programs across the country, including Minnesota. You can also reach out to local community colleges, technical schools, or vocational schools, as many of them offer accredited medical assistant programs. Make sure the program is accredited because this can impact your ability to sit for certification exams and make you more competitive in the job market.
Are there online medical assistant programs in MN?
Many schools in Minnesota offer online or hybrid medical assistant programs to provide flexibility for students who may be balancing work or family commitments. These programs allow you to complete most of the coursework online, and you typically only need to visit campus or a local healthcare facility for hands-on clinical training. Make sure the program is accredited to ensure the education meets industry standards and that you’ll be eligible to sit for certification exams like the CMA exam.
How do I become a medical assistant?
The first step is completing a medical assistant program through an accredited school. These programs typically include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience, covering topics like medical terminology, anatomy, phlebotomy, and basic lab procedures. After graduating, many employers prefer or require certification. The most common certification is the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), though there are other options like the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA). You’ll need to pass an exam to get certified. Once certified, 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. If you enroll in a certificate or diploma program, it typically takes around nine months to one year to complete. These are fast-tracked programs designed to get you into the workforce quickly. If you opt for an associate degree in medical assisting, it takes closer to two years, but the added education may provide you with more in-depth knowledge and better job opportunities. Whether you choose a diploma or degree, you also 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.
Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
Medical assistants (MAs) play a crucial role in healthcare, performing a wide range of tasks to support doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. However, their duties are regulated by state laws and healthcare facility policies, which outline what medical assistants are allowed to do and what tasks they are not permitted to perform.
What Medical Assistants Can Do
Medical assistants are primarily responsible for performing administrative and basic clinical tasks under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional. Common duties include:
- Administrative Tasks: Medical assistants often handle tasks like scheduling appointments, greeting patients, maintaining medical records, and processing insurance forms. They also manage front-office operations to ensure the smooth flow of patients.
- Patient Care: MAs can take patients’ vital signs, such as blood pressure, temperature, and pulse. They may also assist patients with basic activities like preparing for exams or providing instructions about medication or procedures under the direction of a healthcare provider.
- Phlebotomy and Injections: Many medical assistants are trained to draw blood, administer injections, and perform basic lab tests like urinalysis or blood glucose tests. They are also allowed to collect and prepare laboratory specimens.
- Assisting with Procedures: MAs often assist physicians during minor medical procedures. This can involve handing instruments to the physician, preparing the exam room, and helping with patient positioning.
What Medical Assistants Cannot Do
Medical assistants are not licensed healthcare professionals, so their scope of practice is limited. Here are some tasks they are not authorized to perform:
- Medical Diagnoses: MAs are not allowed to diagnose medical conditions or make treatment decisions. They can relay information from a doctor to a patient but cannot interpret lab results or X-rays.
- Prescribing Medication: Medical assistants cannot prescribe or refill medications. Only licensed healthcare providers, such as doctors or nurse practitioners, have this authority.
- Performing Complex Medical Procedures: MAs are not permitted to perform surgical procedures, administer anesthesia, or provide advanced patient care (like IV therapy) that require specialized training.
Understanding these boundaries ensures that medical assistants provide safe, effective care while staying within their legal scope of practice.
