Online Medical Assistant Programs in North Dakota: Compare Schools
Online medical assistant programs offer a convenient and quick path to kickstart your healthcare career. But first, you need to find the right program. It should provide flexibility, affordability, and a high-quality curriculum while preparing you for a certification exam. Below, you’ll find the best-in-class online medical assistant programs in North Dakota, along with answers to your questions and a valuable snapshot of your career prospects after graduating. Continue reading to find your dream program.
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Exploring North Dakota’s Online Medical Assistant Schools
The road to becoming a certified medical assistant (MA) looks different for everyone. Maybe you’re hoping for lightning-quick entry into a role — which can happen in as little as six weeks of online schooling. Or perhaps your sights are set on a diploma or degree, which will require more time and money. You might have even loftier goals and want to earn an associate’s degree before testing for your medical assistant certification.
Although North Dakota’s rural nature can lead to fewer educational opportunities, various online options are available. That’s right — you can earn the necessary credentials to become a medical assistant from pretty much anywhere with a reliable internet connection. And many of these programs are self-paced, which is ideal if you’re a busy student with work or family obligations.
Ready to explore a few stand-out medical assistant programs in North Dakota? Keep reading to possibly find your future school and get answers to your FAQs.
Online Clinical Medical Assistant Training — University of North Dakota (UND)
If you’re looking for a top-notch online medical assistant program in North Dakota, UND’s Online Medical Assistant Training program is worth considering. Because the degree is fully online and much of the coursework is self-paced, most students are able to finish in about one year.
The curriculum covers medical terminology and anatomy basics, along with specific coursework in healthcare administration, medical billing and coding, healthcare financial practices, and medical documentation. Other classes cover medical assistant responsibilities, such as medicine administration and assisting with minor office surgeries.
Duration: Self-paced; you’ll have 12 months total to complete coursework
Mode: 100% online
Cost: $2,795
Admissions Requirements: There are no prerequisites to take this course. However, to sit for the national certification, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Curriculum: You’ll learn the professional traits and responsibilities to become part of the healthcare team in a medical office, clinic, hospital, or other healthcare setting. You’ll also be prepared for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam.
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AAS in Medical Assisting — Dakota College at Bottineau
Dakota College at Bottineau offers a 68-credit Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Medical Assisting that includes coursework divided into four semesters, typically spanning two years. The school also provides a shorter certificate track focusing on obtaining certification. Classes can be taken online, on campus, or a combination of both.
In your first year, you’ll complete coursework in psychology, anatomy, and laboratory procedures with space for electives to explore healthcare topics of interest. In the second year, you’ll enroll in specific MA courses covering topics such as nutrition, healthcare office management, and computer applications in healthcare.
While you’ll be prepared to take the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam, you can also elect to take certification exams from the National Center for Competency Testing and the National Healthcareer Association.
Duration: 2 years/4 semesters
Mode: Online, on-campus, or hybrid
Cost: $15,278 to $19,454 (residency dependent)
Admissions Requirements: You must supply an official transcript from an accredited or state-approved high school or GED. Students also need ACT or SAT exam scores for placement purposes.
Curriculum: In 68 credits, you’ll study the basics of human diseases, appropriate interventions within the medical assisting field, and gain hands-on clinical experience.After earning your AAS, you’ll be eligible to sit for the RMA exam through American Medical Technologists.
Certified Medical Assistant — Bismarck State College
Another of North Dakota’s excellent online medical assistant programs is housed at Bismarck State College (BSC). The program takes just 25 weeks to complete, making it one of the fastest in the state. Many classes are offered online with self-paced course modules and assignments, making balancing this degree and work and life obligations easier.
The curriculum focuses on medical basics specific to MAs, including important terminology and anatomy. Classes cover topics like pharmacology, diagnostic testing, surgical preparation, medical documentation, and basic first aid. Along with online courses, you’ll have an in-person externship where you can put your clinical skills to practice in a real-world setting. Students also complete 40 hours of lab work on the BSC campus, making this program a great fit for students who live in or near Bismarck.
Duration: 6.5 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $3,385 (includes online access, books, and lab supplies)
Admissions Requirements: You must be at least 18 years old and meet minimum technological and health requirements before you begin your practicum.
Curriculum: You’ll take coursework covering the professional characteristics and knowledge required of an MA.At the completion of this program, you’ll be prepared to take the National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) exam through the National Center for Competency Testing.
FAQs for Aspiring Medical Assistants in ND
As you’re researching your potential education and future role as a medical assistant in North Dakota, you’ll undoubtedly have questions that arise. Below, find five of the most common questions that prospective MA students have, along with answers. Keep reading to dive even deeper into the realities of becoming a North Dakota medical assistant.
What is the cost of a medical assistant program in ND?
The cost of an MA program in North Dakota varies widely depending on your education level and program type, but you’ll typically pay between $2,000 and $6,000. You’ll find budget-friendly MA programs all the way up to more expensive degree options.
Many North Dakota schools allow you to pay in monthly installments instead of providing total upfront costs. You may qualify for financial aid opportunities, including grants, scholarships, and discounts on the program price.
Another option to pay for a program is to take out a student loan, which offers a lower interest rate than other types of loans. Schools may also provide additional help applying for student loans or creating budget plans so that paying tuition and fees causes less financial stress.
How difficult is it to become a medical assistant?
These programs can be challenging. Course curriculum often covers complex topics such as anatomy, biology, and medical terminology. It can also be difficult to balance medical coursework with healthcare administration classes that cover topics with plenty of terms and medical codes to memorize. Despite these difficulties, MA programs are quicker to complete than other nursing programs and medical degrees, making them a great entry point into medical roles. They also create space for you to explore healthcare’s many facets, providing insight into career paths or specialties you may want to pursue. Admissions are also relatively accessible.
How do I find accredited online medical assistant training courses?
Finding an accredited online program is crucial. Without some form of accreditation, your degree may not be accepted by employers or other academic institutions. To find an accredited program, look for a school with regional or national accreditation. The program may also have programmatic accreditation, demonstrating that it teaches students the essential skills for medical assistants. Credentials are typically easy to spot, as schools will frequently use the accrediting agency’s logo on its website or address accreditation on the program page. Another useful way to explore accreditation is to do a Google search combining the school name, program name, and “accreditation.”
How long is a medical assistant program?
The length of medical assistant programs can vary quite a bit. While it is possible to finish a program in as little as six weeks, most programs range between six months to a year. Many students use an MA program to test the waters for a future nursing degree, so bridge MA-to-LPN programs are another popular option. Of course, with higher levels of education, you’re looking at a longer study duration. All things considered, becoming a medical assistant has a low barrier to entry, especially compared to the time investment required to earn a nursing degree.
Will I be able to find completely online medical assistant programs?
Yes, you can become a medical assistant by completing classes exclusively online. Many schools offer a self-paced and remote curriculum, while others offer a hybrid approach that blends the best of the online world with the in-person skills you’ll need to work well with others. While coursework can be completed online in a synchronous (set classroom time, all students log on simultaneously) or asynchronous (on your own schedule) timeline, most schools also require some type of externship or clinical experience to ensure you have the interpersonal skills necessary to succeed in this in-demand job.
Certifications and Continuing Education in North Dakota
The North Dakota Board of Nursing (NDBON) oversees education requirements and guidelines for medical assistants. You must be registered as an Unlicensed Assistive Person (UAP) to work as an MA. To enter the UAP registry, you must supply either verification of completion of a board-recognized formal training program or current medical assistant certification by a board-recognized national body, such as the Certified Medical Assistant from the American Association of Medical Assistants.
However, if you’re interested in an MA role in North Dakota that involves administering medication to patients, you’ll need to register as a Medication Assistant III (MA III) — and this level requires national certification.
Also of note, to qualify for the MA III registry, your program must have included an in-person clinical component to prepare you to administer medications.
While the NDBON does not list any continuing education requirements, you still must renew your registration every two years. All registrations expire on June 30 of the year in which they expire. The renewal period opens on April 1 and runs through 11:59 p.m. on June 30.
Salary & Career Outlook for Medical Assistants in North Dakota
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | 490 | 570 | 80 | 16.30% | 80 |
| 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 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | $31,060 | $40,280 | $49,810 |
| Fargo, ND-MN | $28,410 | $43,320 | $50,070 |
| Bismarck, ND | $31,260 | $43,260 | $53,280 |
| North Dakota | $28,410 | $40,880 | $48,390 |
Source: Medical Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
