Online Medical Assistant Programs in New Mexico: Finding a School
If you’re looking for a fast and convenient way to enter the healthcare profession, you’ll want to consider a career as a medical assistant (MA). Medical assistants perform a variety of duties in the exam rooms and front offices of hospitals, outpatient clinics, and facilities where medical care is provided.
In this guide, we’ll explore a few of the best online and hybrid medical assistant programs in New Mexico to help you understand if this profession is a fit for you. We’ve also answered a few questions about costs, job opportunities, and more.
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Inside Online Medical Assistant Programs in New Mexico
In recent years, online medical assistant programs in New Mexico have become more popular with flexible training options for learners at different educational levels. Certificate and diploma programs can be completed in six to 12 months; associate degrees require about two years of in-depth coursework.
Medical assistant programs in New Mexico are hybrid learning, combining virtual lectures, quizzes, and assignments with in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities. Most certifications require in-person lab sessions, even if a college or university program does not have an in-person component.
Online learning is ideal for those who need a flexible schedule, but you’ll want to ensure the program is accredited and meets certification requirements. We’ve shared three of the best New Mexico programs below to help with your search.
New Mexico Junior College
New Mexico Junior College (NMJC) in Hobbs is a public community college offering a range of online healthcare workforce development training programs that can be completed online, including this fully online Clinical Medical Assistant course.
NMJC’s course, completed in four to six months, is an excellent example of how quickly you can finish your medical assistant program in New Mexico. Coursework is delivered asynchronously, meaning students can log on and attend to their studies at any time that fits their schedules.
Students who successfully complete the course receive a certificate of completion and are eligible to take part in a voluntary clinical externship with a local healthcare agency or organization.
Duration: Four to six months, depending on full-time or part-time study
Mode: Online (in-person for voluntary clinical externship)
Cost: $3,000 (includes coursework, CPR training, textbooks, and NHA exam)
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
Curriculum:
- Medical terminology
- Medical and legal aspects of care
- Confidentiality and HIPAA
- Anatomy and physiology
- Documentation of patient medical histories
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University of New Mexico
The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) course offered through the University of New Mexico Continuing Education is another MA program offered 100% online.
All coursework is self-paced, delivered asynchronously, and students can enroll and begin their studies at any time. You can also become CPR certified and develop hands-on skills by participating in unpaid, in-person clinical experiences.
The program includes a voucher covering the registration fee for the CCMA exam. A high school diploma or equivalent is needed to sit for the CCMA exam. Certification opens doors to new job opportunities and may be required by employers.
Duration: 12 months (equaling 540 course hours)
Mode: Online
Cost: $2,995 (includes 12 months of program access, all textbooks, and other course materials)
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
Curriculum:
- Medical terminology
- Nuclear medicine
- Pharmacology
- Diagnostic procedures
- Professional behavior
- Medical office practices and procedures
Southeast New Mexico College
Students preferring a more affordable interactive learning experience should consider the 31-credit partially online Medical Assistant Program offered by Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC). Based on course prerequisites and placement test results, additional coursework may be needed.
Some classes are offered online, and others are in person on SENMC’s campus in Carlsbad. All students must complete 96 hours of supervised clinical practice in a hands-on work environment at a doctor’s office or other healthcare facility.
Students with prior knowledge of course subjects can opt to test and replace course content with a minimum score of 80%.
Duration: Three semesters (one full academic year)
Mode: Hybrid (online and in-person)
Cost: $49 per credit, Carlsbad residents; $82 per credit, all other New Mexico residents; $167 per credit, out-of-state residents
Admissions Requirements:
- None; High school diploma or equivalent required for certification exam
Curriculum:
- Medical terminology
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Medical office procedures
- Pharmacology
- Nursing assistant theory (with lab)
FAQs for New Mexico Medical Assistant Students
Prospective medical assistant students in New Mexico often have questions about this field, including how to become a medical assistant, how much you can earn, and whether programs are fully online. Find answers below to help with your research.
How much does a medical assistant program in New Mexico cost?
The figures mentioned in the three spotlights above provide an idea of the price range for online MA programs in the state (just over $1,500 at Southeast New Mexico College to just under $3,000 at New Mexico Junior College).
You may be able to lower your total program cost with financial aid available directly from MA programs or other sources. Explore financial aid options, such as scholarships and employer-funded programs to see if you can cut costs.
How do I become a certified medical assistant in NM?
There are no mandated licensure requirements for working as a medical assistant in New Mexico. But even if licensure is not required, most employers fill their MA positions with candidates who’ve received professional certification.
Certifications include the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) from the National Healthcareer Association or the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants. Both require completing an accredited MA training program to sit for their certification exams.
Are there medical assistant programs available online?
Yes, medical assistant programs are available online, not only in New Mexico but nationwide. However, programs are rarely entirely online, as most online medical assistant programs in New Mexico require hands-on, in-person experience. Some schools offer in-person options for required clinical work.
Keep in mind that online MA programs in New Mexico can take many forms with different content delivery formats (typically synchronous or asynchronous). We recommend you understand exactly what “online” means for any program you consider before enrolling so you are not blindsided by your course requirements.
Are online medical assistant programs accredited?
When it comes to accreditation, online medical assistant programs are accredited in the same ways and by the same accrediting organizations as campus-based MA programs. There are two basic types of accreditation to look for during your program search.
The first is institutional accreditation, which concerns the overall academic quality of a postsecondary institution. The U.S. Department of Education recognizes several independent regional and national agencies that grant institutional accreditation, which you can research through the department’s database.
The second type, programmatic accreditation, concerns academic programs in a specific field or academic discipline. The two major accreditors of medical assistant programs are the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
What job opportunities are available for medical assistants in New Mexico?
Medical assistants in New Mexico have various employment opportunities in hospitals, private practices, urgent care centers, nursing homes, and specialty clinics.
The highest demand is in urban areas like Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Las Cruces, but rural healthcare facilities also need trained MAs. New Mexico’s large Native American and Spanish-speaking populations create a strong demand for bilingual medical assistants.
Some MAs specialize in administrative roles (billing, scheduling, and medical coding), while others focus on clinical duties (phlebotomy, EKGs, and assisting with procedures). With experience, MAs can pursue roles such as office managers or lead medical assistants.
Certifications and Continuing Education in New Mexico
In New Mexico, medical assistants don’t need state certification or licensure to work, but certification can give you an advantage when job hunting.
Many employers prefer candidates with credentials like the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the AAMA or the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from AMT. To qualify for this certification, you’ll need to complete an accredited medical assisting program, such as those offered at the University of New Mexico.
While New Mexico doesn’t require you to continue education if you’re a medical assistant, staying on top of the latest medical trends and skills can help ensure career growth. We recommend enrolling in specialized workshops, attending local healthcare training programs, or pursuing additional certifications or qualifications in the medical field. Networking with healthcare professionals and joining professional organizations can also help.
Salary & Career Outlook for Medical Assistants in New Mexico
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $33,500 | $42,000 | $56,480 |
| New Mexico | $30,690 | $37,640 | $47,950 |
| Albuquerque, NM | $32,180 | $38,310 | $48,860 |
| Farmington, NM | $30,320 | $37,110 | $45,220 |
| Las Cruces, NM | $28,050 | $35,410 | $44,800 |
| Santa Fe, NM | $34,600 | $43,830 | $55,910 |
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 ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 764,400 | 870,200 | 105,800 | 13.8% | 114,600 |
| New Mexico | 6,920 | 9,130 | 2,210 | 31.9% | 1,240 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
