Online Medical Assistant Programs in Nevada: Compare Schools

A Closer Look at Online Medical Assistant Programs in Nevada

Online medical assistant programs in Nevada prepare students to become valuable healthcare team members. Students learn how to perform administrative tasks, like medical billing and coding and patient scheduling, as well as clinical duties, such as taking vital signs or preparing specimens for testing.

Since medical assistants perform a mix of clinical and non-clinical tasks, most of NV’s online medical assistant programs are presented in a hybrid format. Courses like medical terminology or administration are taken via live remote or asynchronous instruction before students complete and submit assignments through an online portal. Hands-on clinical skills courses are usually completed in person.

Depending on the school and curriculum, online medical assistant programs in Nevada take six months to two years to complete. Before you pick a program, it’s important to know what to expect. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about these convenient courses to jumpstart your new career.

Nevada Medical Assistant Student FAQs

Many students considering an online medical assistant program in Nevada have questions about what to expect from prospective schools, the cost of getting a degree, and what life looks like after graduation. Below, we’ve included five of the most common questions students ask before enrolling in a medical assistant program, along with their answers.

Are there online medical assistant programs available?

Yes; online medical assistant classes not only exist, they are widely available through medical assistant programs in Nevada like Western Nevada College. There are also hybrid medical assistant programs in NV through schools like the College of Southern Nevada, United Education Institute, and Pima Medical Institute. Many courses, like those in anatomy, administrative strategy, and medical terminology, can be completed entirely online. However, clinical aspects of medical assisting can only be learned and practiced in real-life medical settings. No matter how the course content is delivered, students get hands-on training in a medical environment.

How much does medical assistant school cost in NV?

The cost for an online program in Nevada for medical assistants varies by school, and medical assistant schools in NV charge in a variety of ways. The College of Southern Nevada, for example, charges $123.75 per credit for in-state students and $136.25 for non-residents. Other schools, like Western Nevada College, charge a flat fee of $2,795 for the entire program. In addition, some schools charge a per-semester fee. Northwest Career College, for instance, charges $5,167 per term for its medical assistant program. However, online students can save considerable money on tuition, living expenses, and commuting compared to campus-based students.

How much do medical assistants make in Nevada?

That depends on a number of factors, including the medical setting you work in, the exact duties of your job, and your experience. Medical assistants in Nevada make an average of $41,390 per year, which is slightly below the national average annual salary of $43,350 for medical assistants. The highest-earning medical assistants in Nevada—who are usually those with the most experience and responsibility on the job—make $48,810. The lowest-earning medical assistants in the state make $31,940, which typically reflects entry-level pay. For comparison, the nation-wide salary range for medical assistants is $33,500 to $56,480.

How do I become a certified medical assistant?

To become a certified medical assistant, first you’ll need to graduate high school or complete an equivalent program, such as the GED. Then, you need to apply and be admitted to a medical assistant training program that will qualify you to take the Certified Medical Assistant Exam and/or the National Certified Medical Assistant Exam. Graduating from the program and then passing either of these exams certifies you as a medical assistant in Nevada. As you make your way through whatever program you choose, be sure to use all the resources available for MAs to help ensure your success.

How long does it take to become a medical assistant in Nevada?

Becoming a medical assistant in Nevada usually takes anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the program and path you choose. First, you’ll spend six months to a year learning the clinical and administrative skills needed for the job inside a certificate or diploma program. If you choose an associate degree program, you’ll spend two years getting a degree. Medical assistants also spend several months working in a clinical setting to gain hands-on experience. Once you’ve completed an accredited program, you’ll be eligible to obtain certification and apply for medical assistant jobs.

Certifications and Continuing Education: Your Options in Nevada

Nevadan medical assistants aren’t required by state law to obtain any specific certification or licensure. However, many employers prefer or require certification, so earning certification can certainly enhance your job prospects. To become certified, register for a recognized exam, like the Certified Medical Assistant Exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and/or the National Certified Medical Assistant Exam.

While there are no specific continuing education requirements for medical assistants in Nevada, maintaining your certification usually necessitates ongoing education. For example, the AAMA requires CMAs to recertify every 60 months by retesting or by earning 60 hours of continuing education in general, clinical, and administrative topics.

Continuing education can 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 also advance your medical assistant career with advanced certifications in areas like phlebotomy or EKG technology.

Salary & Career Outlook for Medical Assistants in Nevada