Online Medical Assistant Programs: Mississippi's Top Schools
You’ve decided that becoming a medical assistant is the right career path for you, but may be unsure what comes next. That’s where this guide can help. Below, you’ll be introduced to a few of the best online medical assistant programs in Mississippi. You’ll also gain insight into state salary figures and employment outlook, learn about program requirements, get answers to your questions, and discover certification options and continuing education opportunities.
Ready to dive in? Keep scrolling to take the first step toward your brand-new medical assisting career.
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Inside Online Medical Assistant Programs in Mississippi
Most medical assistant programs culminate in certificates, but there are opportunities to earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in the field, especially if you want to advance your career. The following online medical assistant certificate are completely virtual and can be completed in months, so they’re perfect for individuals looking to jumpstart their allied health career ASAP. In the majority of online medical assistant programs in Mississippi, you’ll complete your theoretical coursework remotely, and, depending on the program, you may also have labs or a hands-on externship to practice your clinical skills. At the end of the online program, you’ll prepare to sit for a certification exam.
Mississippi State University — Medical Assistant Certification
Mississippi State University’s Medical Assistant Training Program covers the subjects graduates need to know to earn three separate credentials — Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CBT), and Certified EKG Technician (CET). The first part of the program consists of 100% online theory courses that employ a variety of instructional approaches, including videos, images, training games, and interactive instructional simulations. Students can access these self-paced online courses for 12 months.
Once the online courses are finished, students must move on to the second part of training —100 hours of clinical externship experience with one of the providers in the program’s network of partners. To gain placement, students can apply online through the school’s Learner Placement Portal. Throughout the program, students have access to one-on-one support resources via phone, live chat, and email.
Mississippi State University holds institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Duration: 12 months or less
Mode: Hybrid – Online coursework plus 100 clinical externship hours
Cost: $3,799, which includes a venipuncture kit and exam fees
Admissions Requirements: No prerequisite coursework is required, but individuals must have a high school diploma or equivalent to sit for the certification exam
Curriculum: Students take interactive online theory classes and engage in a hands-on externship in preparation to take the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) national examination, the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) examination, and the Certified EKG Technician (CET) examination. Learning modules include the human body, patient care, medical procedures, and administrative duties.
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Mississippi College — CCMA Certification
For those who are looking for a straightforward, affordable online medical assistant program in Mississippi, the 540-credit training offered at Mississippi College is a great option. This Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program is self-paced, so students can enroll and begin any time. Once enrolled, the online materials remain accessible for 12 months, which makes it much easier to fit studies into a busy schedule. Its curriculum covers everything medical assistants need to know to work in a variety of front- and back-office roles.
After completing the online portion of the program, students apply their learning in a hands-on clinical experience, and they also have the option to gain CPR certification. Graduates who complete all requirements are prepared to pass the CCMA exam and become certified. Mississippi College is also accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Duration: 12 months or less
Mode: Hybrid – Online coursework and in-person clinical experience
Cost: $2,795, which includes a voucher for the CCMA exam
Admissions Requirements: No prerequisites, but you must have a high school diploma or equivalent to sit for a certification exam
Curriculum: The course focuses on both medical terminology and preparation for becoming a certified clinical medical assistant. There is the opportunity to become CPR certified and participate in an externship.
Pearl River Community College — CCMA Certification
The hybrid medical assistant program at Pearl River Community College combines convenient online coursework with opportunities for hands-on learning, including twice weekly labs and a 3-week in-person externship. Students gain plenty of real-world experience in this program, preparing them to take the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) national exam. And at $2,000, the program is also one of the most affordable in the state. For accepted students, there are also opportunities for tuition assistance. Additionally, Pearl River Community College’s Medical Assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Duration: 500 hours
Mode: Hybrid – Online coursework plus twice weekly labs and a 3-week externship
Cost: $2,000
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, copy of immunization records, TB skin test, drug screening, and a medical examination
Curriculum: Student learning will focus on preparation for taking the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) national examination, the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) examination, and the Certified EKG Technician (CET) examination.
Answers to Mississippi Medical Assistant Students’ Questions
Choosing the right online medical assistant program is a big decision, and it’s normal to have questions. Before you make the financial and time investment in your future, it’s important to have an idea of what to expect. Below, we’ll answer address some of the most common questions that prospective students often wonder.
What is the cost of a medical assistant certification program?
Unsurprisingly, the cost of online medical assistant programs in MS can vary a bit from school to school, but affordable options exist here and throughout the country. In general, programs that offer an associate degree instead of a diploma often cost more. But on average, tuition costs for basic certification programs in Mississippi usually average around $2,500. A program on the higher end of this spectrum is offered at Mississippi State University, which costs $3,799. Conversely, the program offered at Pearl River Community College is one of the most affordable in the state at a price of only $2,000. When calculating overall costs, remember to factor in supplies, additional fees, and any financial aid or assistance that you may qualify for.
Can a medical assistant program be completed online?
Yes, but usually not entirely: Though many medical assistant programs exist online, students will often have in-person requirements. The nature of the work requires more than learning theory through online courses; you must also be able to effectively and competently apply your learning to real-life situations. Therefore, labs and clinicals are indispensable components of any legitimate program that allow you to gain the hands-on experience you will need. Furthermore, eligibility requirements for certification exams such as the CMA specify that you must complete a set number of practicum or externship hours before taking the test.
How long does it take to become a medical assistant in Mississippi?
With an online accelerated medical assistant program, you can complete your medical assistant training in under a year. For example, Delta Technical College offers a nine-month accelerated program that includes various features to make the quickened pace more manageable: in-person labs, classes in the evening, and even career placement assistance. Along with the programs listed above falling just under 12 months, you can be on your way to a career helping your communities with their wellbeing faster than you might’ve thought.
Are medical assistants in demand in Mississippi?
Yes, absolutely. Although wages for medical assistants in Mississippi may be a bit low compared to the national average, the demand for them is absolutely booming. Nationally, the job is expected to grow an extremely healthy 15% over the next 10 years. And in Mississippi, this number is projected to skyrocket to 22%, with 550 new jobs anticipated by 2030. In short, medical assistants in Mississippi should not have difficulty finding plenty of employment opportunities. As you apply for employment as a medical assistant, an online degree from an accredited school and a certification can help you stand out from other applicants.
What are the most common duties and job responsibilities for medical assistants in Mississippi?
According to the Medical Assisting Technology Mississippi Curriculum Framework, which prescribes curriculum for Mississippi’s community colleges, some of the business administrative duties that medical assistants routinely perform include scheduling, answering phone calls and correspondence, collecting patient data, and handling insurance matters. A medical assistant’s clinical duties will vary depending upon the specific training they have received as well as their level of certification. Some common clinical responsibilities include taking vital signs, collecting blood and urine/stool samples, preparing patients for exams, and drawing blood. Again, the specific duties will depend on the medical assistant’s training and their specific job.
Certifications and Continuing Education in Mississippi
While Mississippi law does not prescribe licensure or certification for medical assistants, many employers will require or prefer individuals to be certified. Currently, there are four main certifications: Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) certification from National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification from the American Medical Technologists organization, and the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).To be eligible to sit for one of these certification exams, you’ll need to complete an accredited program; just one more reason why it’s important to choose a quality school.
To maintain a certification in the state of Mississippi, medical assistants need to complete continuing education coursework (or re-take the exam). If you’re interested in advancing your career, earning an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in the health sciences or working on a specialized certification can help you to move up to a managerial role.
Salary & Career Potential for Mississippi’s Medical Assistants
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | 3,680 | 4,080 | 400 | 10.90% | 540 |
| 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 |
| Jackson, MS | $28,840 | $35,480 | $45,160 |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $24,720 | $31,290 | $42,360 |
| Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula, MS | $28,290 | $33,290 | $38,190 |
| Mississippi | $27,110 | $34,040 | $42,380 |
Source: Medical Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
