Online Medical Assistant Programs in Montana: Find and Compare
If you’re looking for a stable and prosperous career in Montana, look no further than online medical assistant programs. Our guide gives you the inside track to becoming a medical assistant—we’ve included information on the best programs, frequently asked questions, and your future career outlook. We’ll help you unpack program options and find the best one for you. Keep reading to learn more about how to kick off your healthcare career with Montana’s online medical assistant programs.
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A Closer Look: Montana’s Online Medical Assistant Programs
You may be surprised to know that it is possible to get your medical assistant degree online. Enrolling in one of the online medical assistant programs in Montana is the first step to becoming a vital member of any healthcare team. In these programs, you’ll learn to perform both clinical and administrative tasks, serving as a connection between patients and other medical professionals and providers.
You’ll take diverse courses ranging from medical terminology to anatomy & physiology to medical billing and coding. Much of this coursework can be completed online, either by remote live learning or asynchronous pre-recorded lectures. After viewing lectures, you’ll complete coursework on your own schedule and submit assignments via a designated online portal.
However, many programs do have a hands-on requirement so students can apply what they’ve learned in real-world settings. Before you commit to a program, it’s important to take a closer look at your options and get a feel for what to expect. Below, we’ve highlighted three outstanding examples of online medical assistant programs in Montana.
The University of Montana — Associate Degree
The Medical Assisting Associate’s Degree Program (AAS) at the University of Montana is one of the top entirely online medical assistant program(s) in Montana and prepares students to work for healthcare employers around the state. The two-year program includes coursework covering clinical procedures, medical ethics, medical terminology, and pharmaceutical products. It’s rounded off with general education courses.
The school’s well-rounded AAS education also includes hands-on instruction. Experiential learning familiarizes students with the daily duties – including patient care practices, billing and coding, and scheduling – of medical assistants. Additionally, students participate in internships that often transition to full-time employment.
Duration: 2 years
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $2,006-$3,898/year
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Completed application
- ACT/SAT scores (encouraged)
Curriculum:
- Medical Assistance and Clinical Procedures I
- Medical Assistance and Clinical Procedures II
- Medical Assisting Exam Prep
- Medical Assisting Externship
- Medical Terminology
- Medical Billing Fundamentals
- Pharmaceutical Products
- Medical Office Procedures
- Computerized Medical Billing
- Medical Ethics
- Electronic Health Records
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Rasmussen University
PROGRAM:
Health Sciences - Medical Assisting - Diploma
For nearly two decades, Rasmussen University has invested in online degrees so that students like you can balance work, life, and school. Not only is it important to find an online program that fits your schedule, but it's also important to find one that prepares you to pursue your career goals with confidence. With over 50 fully online degree programs our learning options allow you to earn your credential your way.
Arizona State University
PROGRAM:
Health Sciences, BS
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Arizona State University offers 300+ top-ranked undergraduate and graduate programs online. As an online student, you'll have access to the same robust curriculum designed and taught by the ASU's award-winning and globally acclaimed faculty. Always pushing the boundaries of education, ASU is repeatedly ranked #1 for innovation in the U.S. for making the most innovative improvements in terms of curriculum, faculty, students and technology. That's a degree better.
Montana State University — Certification Course
Montana State University offers an online Clinical Medical Assistant Master certification course that takes four to six months. The program focuses on providing patient-centered care in a variety of clinical settings, and coursework covers medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, the role and function of EKG technicians, and electronic records in a medical practice. Students can also complete a volunteer externship at a local healthcare facility to reinforce classroom learning by performing tasks like collecting medical specimens and taking patient vital signs. Montana State University also provides video lessons and textbooks accessible on mobile devices as well as learner support accessible 24 hours a day.
Duration: Four to six months
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $4,000
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Background check
- Drug screening
- Immunizations & health records
Curriculum:
- Preparing patients for examination and treatment
- Routine laboratory procedures
- Pharmacology
- Taking and documenting vital signs
- Technical aspects of phlebotomy
- 12-lead EKG and cardiac life cycle
Charter College — Certificate in Medical Assistant
The blended Certificate in Medical Assistant program at Charter College takes 10 months and includes both on-campus and virtual learning. Campus learning takes place at the school’s Billings, Pryor, Hardin, Laurel, Crow Agency, and Huntley locations, and the school is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Coursework covers medical billing and coding, health records management, medical terminology, healthcare compliance, and patient care standards. Students must also participate in an externship where they complete 180 hours of hands-on training in an HMO, clinic, doctor’s office, or ambulatory care facility.
Graduates of this mostly online medical assistant program in MT can sit for certification examinations from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Duration: 10 months
Mode: Partially online
Cost: $386/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Completed admissions form
- Personal interview
- Official transcripts from prior school
Curriculum:
- Compliance in Health Care Environments
- Patient Care Concepts
- Medical Office Emergencies
- Medical Terminology Fundamentals
- Functions of Health Records Management
- Medical insurance Billing and Coding
Your Questions, Answered: Montana Medical Assistant Student Queries
When you’re considering online medical assistant programs in Montana, it’s only natural to have questions about what to look for, how much you’ll pay, and how your degree will work for you after you’ve completed your program. Below, we’ve included prospective medical assistant students’ most pressing questions, along with their answers.
How do I know if a program is accredited?
You can find out if schools you’re interested in are accredited by reviewing information on their website, contacting them directly, or checking the list provided by the accrediting agency, Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, making finding accreditation information relatively easy. Accreditation is important because it ensures you’re getting a quality education and are ready for the demands of the job. Many widely recognized certification exams also require you to attend a properly accredited program.
How in-demand are medical assistants in Montana?
Medical assistants are in high demand in Montana. This rewarding profession is currently experiencing a workforce crisis, both around the country and in Montana, as Montana Free Press reports that almost one-third of residents will be over the age of 60 by 2030. The BLS indicates a 14.1 percent increase in jobs for MAs in the state through 2033. This means an average of 300 jobs added to the workplace annually.
Montana’s job growth percentage is slightly less than the U.S. as a whole. National numbers include a projected increase in the medical assistant workforce by 18.4 percent through 2033, equating to 104,400 new jobs for MAs.
What is the cost of a medical assistant program in MT?
The cost of an online degree will depend on the school you choose. Schools like Montana State University charge a flat fee of $4,200 for residents and $13,090 for non-residents for the entire program. Online tuition for the University of Montana, on the other hand, is $3,518 to $6,920 per year for state residents depending on the number of credits. Out-of-state online students at the University of Montana pay from $10,594 to $21,070. The type of program can also impact cost; for example, a two-year associate degree will cost more than a certificate program.
How do I become a medical assistant in Montana?
Since medical assistants in Montana do not need to obtain a license, according to the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, some medical facilities provide on-the-job training to those with a high school diploma. However, earning a certification after completing an online medical assistant program in MT makes you more attractive to employers. This means completing an online medical assistant program in Montana and sitting for a certification exam. You may also be able to obtain work as a MA in Montana based on your MA credentials earned in another state.
What will I learn in online medical assistant programs in Montana?
Online medical assistant programs in Montana will provide you with both the clinical and administrative skills you need to thrive in healthcare settings, from bustling hospitals to private practice. As part of your clinical training, you may learn to take vital signs, administer injections, draw blood, and assist with patient exams. On the administrative side, you’ll learn medical coding, insurance processing, and patient communication skills. Depending on the program, you may spend additional time practicing what you’ve learned in a hands-on setting. This diverse skill set and real-world practice will ensure you’re ready to take on a variety of roles in Montana’s growing healthcare market.
Continuing Education & Certifications in Montana
There’s no law or regulation on the books in Montana stating that medical assistants need to obtain any specific certification or licensure. However, many employers prefer or require certification, so earning one can make you a more marketable candidate to potential employers. To become certified, register for and pass a recognized exam, like the Certified Medical Assistant Exam and/or the National Certified Medical Assistant Exam.
While there are no specific continuing education requirements for medical assistants in Montana, maintaining your certification usually means seeking out ongoing education. For example, the AAMA requires CMAs to recertify every 60 months by retesting or by earning 60 hours of continuing education.
Continuing education can also help you level up in your career by keeping you up to date with medical advancements, the latest in-patient care, and new technologies. You can find continuing education opportunities through statewide organizations like the Montana Society of Medical Assistants.
Salary & Career Outlook for Medical Assistants in Montana
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $33,500 | $42,000 | $56,480 |
| Missoula, MT | $37,010 | $44,050 | $54,740 |
| Great Falls, MT | $36,850 | $42,320 | $44,800 |
| Billings, MT | $31,860 | $43,390 | $49,530 |
| Montana | $35,070 | $44,040 | $49,670 |
Source: Medical Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montana | 2,000 | 2,490 | 490 | 24.50% | 330 |
| 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.
