Online Medical Assistant Programs in NY: Compare Schools & More

An Inside Look into Online Medical Assistant Programs in New York

There are several colleges and universities in New York that offer nationally-certified programs for medical assistants, providing flexible and comprehensive training for your new career. Those options include programs where you can earn a certificate, often a faster route to working as a medical assistant, or an associate degree that can help with placement into a larger and more lucrative healthcare role.

Most online courses take place on the college or university website, and sometimes they are located on independent sites affiliated with the program. Some courses offer students classes that you can take in real time on a firm schedule, which is called synchronous. Others are asynchronous, which means that you can complete your coursework anytime, sometimes with 24/7 availability. There are also hybrid options, which are a blend of on-campus and online courses. With many program format options, you can choose one that is right for your needs.

Below are three online medical assistant programs in New York offering thriving educational paths to students. Read on to find a match suited for you.

FAQs for NY’s Medical Assistant Students

You likely will have some questions before you’re ready to hit “submit” on your application to one or more online medical assistant programs in New York. If so, there’s a good chance that the following section will answer one or more of those questions, so read on for additional details about your education.

Are scholarships or grants available for online medical assistant students in NY?

There are a lot of opportunities for MA students in New York to find financial aid beyond what the school or university may offer. Many of these grants or scholarships are offered by third-party organizations like corporations and nonprofit organizations. Others are government-based, such as the New York State government’s grants and scholarships for full- or part-time assistance. One source of gift-based aid is the New York City Individual Training Grant, which with the help of Workforce1 Career Centers helps eligible students pay tuition, registration and testing fees, and purchase books and other materials necessary for their online medical assistant training programs.

Are there professional groups or networking opportunities for New York medical assistants?

Absolutely. The most prominent professional organization is the New York State Society of Medical Assistants. This is the state wing of the American Association of Medical Assistants, but you can also join local chapters in Erie, Monroe, Nassau, or Onondaga. Regardless of where you join, you can take advantage of the organization’s education and networking opportunities to help take your career to the next level. Another group to consider is the New York Health Information Management Association (NYHIMA). This organization offers education, advocacy and alliances through its resources and meetings throughout the year.

What are the requirements and prerequisites I need for New York medical assistant programs?

Prerequisites vary from school to school, ranging from none to having a high school diploma or GED. As far as courses go, neither SUNY Corning Community College nor City College of New York list any as conditions for admission. However, the City College of New York strongly recommends that incoming students complete its Knowledge of Medical Terminology and Anatomy courses before beginning the program. For admission requirements, most applicants must submit an online application (and associated fee) and proof of that high school diploma or GED. If you have completed any college courses, you must also submit your transcripts.

How much should I expect to pay for my program?

The exact program cost will depend on factors as large as degree or certificate type and as small as what you save on commuting time. A one-year certificate or diploma program will generally be cheaper than a two-year associate degree program. To get a rough idea of what you can expect to pay, take a closer look at the City College of New York’s medical assistant program — this certificate program costs roughly $3,200, while the one at Lehman College is close to $2,000. Don’t forget that grants and scholarships, including financial aid from your institution of choice, can offset these costs.

What’s covered for an online medical assistant curriculum in New York?

The typical curriculum covers two main areas: administrative support and clinical skills. Classes prepare you with a basic understanding of topics like medical terminology, electronic health records, billing, insurance reimbursement, basic medical procedures, anatomy, and the legal aspects of medical care. Most online programs deliver the didactic elements of the curriculum online and facilitate the hands-on clinical elements at on-campus labs and partnering clinical facilities. Another aspect of your learning will include office work in general, as you get instruction on navigating systems such as calendars and billing, as well written and unwritten rules in keeping that environment professional and running smoothly.

Certifications and Continuing Education: Your Options in New York

After completing your online medical assistant program in NY state, you’ll have several certification exam options from which to choose. Two of the more common certifications are the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). The certification exam for which you are eligible is often determined by what elements your program’s curriculum is geared toward. You may also decide to take the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam through the American Medical Technologists or the Nationally Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) test through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).

If you are employed by a facility that requires you to be licensed, you will have to renew and maintain your certification by taking a certain number of continuing education classes or by retaking the certification exam. The AAMA requires medical assistants seeking certification renewal to earn a set number of points to prove that they are staying current in the field.

New York Salary & Career Potential for Medical Assistants

New York offers lucrative opportunities for medical assistants, with median salaries statewide reaching $45,440. Entry-level professionals in the 10th percentile earn $36,570, while the top 10% command up to $57,490. The New York-Newark-Jersey City metro area leads the state with a 90th-percentile salary of $57,580. Meanwhile, cities like Ithaca and Albany-Schenectady-Troy offer competitive median salaries of $45,680 and $40,340, respectively. These figures reflect a vibrant job market across urban and regional areas, making New York an attractive state for aspiring medical assistants.

The career outlook in New York is even more compelling. With a 26.8% growth rate—nearly double the national average—medical assistant jobs are projected to increase from 35,250 to 44,680 by 2030. This growth translates to 9,430 new jobs and approximately 940 annual openings. Such robust demand highlights the state’s need for skilled professionals in healthcare, ensuring plentiful opportunities for career advancement. Review the tables below for a deeper dive into these trends.