Online Medical Assistant Programs in Oklahoma: See Top Schools

Spotlight on Ohio’s Medical Assistant Schools

Oklahoma has many online and hybrid programs that prepare you to become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), or Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). If all of these acronyms have set your head spinning, don’t worry — we’ll outline what you need to know about MA certification and how to align your program with your career goals.

If you’ve already started exploring medical assistant programs, you know your options are abundant, and it can be hard to discern between schools. Most MA programs are relatively short (between nine and 24 months) and only require a high school diploma or GED to enroll. This means that the barrier to entry is low, and you can efficiently complete your studies and enter the workforce. Which program you choose will depend on whether you prefer online or hands-on learning, along with your timeline, budget, and certification goals.

The best way to compare so many factors is to look into three of Oklahoma’s online MA programs and see what they’re all about — so let’s dive in.

Quick Guide: FAQs for Medical Assistant Students

We’ve looked at some great schools and explored some certifications, but you probably still have a few burning questions. If so, you’re in the right place. In this section, we’ll answer some of the most common questions we hear from future medical assistants.

How do I become a medical assistant in Oklahoma?

Officially, medical assistants in Oklahoma aren’t required to be CMAs or RMAs. But committing to career prep pays off in the long run. For starters, most employers prefer to hire medical assistants with a formal certification. Additionally, the experience you gain in your CMA courses can lead to a higher starting salary.

If you opt to pursue a medical assistant certificate in Oklahoma, you’ll need to start by applying to top-quality schools. Expect to spend nine to 18 months completing your classes, though in some cases you can find shorter, accelerated programs. To be eligible for your CMA, you’ll need to attend a program accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. After you’re done, you’ll sit for the CMA exam. Once you’ve passed the test, you’ll earn your CMA and be ready to step into the world of medical assisting.

Can a medical assistant give injections in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma state law prohibits medical assistants from performing injections; this role is exclusively reserved for a Certified Medication Aide. One exception to this rule is that medical assistants can administer insulin or vitamin B12 shots after proper training.

To become a Certified Medication Aide in Oklahoma, you must take a written certification exam designed for nurse aides who administer medication, for which you’ll need to meet the following minimum qualifications:

• minimum 18 years of age
• minimum high school or general equivalency diploma
• current Oklahoma nurse aide certification with no abuse notations
• six months experience as a CNA
• physically and mentally capable of safely performing duties

What’s the difference between a CMA and a medical assistant?

Earning the CMA certification proves that you’ve prepared for a medical assistant career by completing coursework and passing the CMA exam. Because a CMA isn’t mandatory for you to work as a medical assistant, referring to someone as a medical assistant or MA is one way to acknowledge that distinction. Essentially, all CMAs are medical assistants, but not all medical assistants are CMAs. CMA or not, you’ll be looking for postings with the job title “medical assistant” when you start looking for work.

Regardless of which path you pursue, earning the distinction of CMA is still a good way to get ahead. Most employers prefer candidates with their CMA, who can typically expect higher wages and more advanced responsibilities.

What’s the scope of practice for medical assistants in Oklahoma?

The Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision offers no specific scope of work for medical assistants. As such, supervising physicians are responsible for delegating tasks using their discretion.

But as a medical assistant, it’s safe to say you’ll wear many hats. You’ll support doctors and nurses by taking vital signs, preparing exam rooms, and performing lab tests. There’s also an administrative side to the role. You may find yourself working on insurance claims, scheduling appointments, keeping patient records, or working at the front desk. In smaller clinics, you’ll likely be doing a mix of administrative and clinical duties. In larger operations or hospitals, your position will likely be dedicated exclusively to either clinical or administrative work.

Are there travel opportunities for medical assistants?

There are! Travel contracts can be a great option for CMAs who don’t want to be tied down. In many cases, they pay above-average wages. As a traveling CMA, you can expect to work for a set amount of time at a specific location that needs some extra hands on deck. Because your CMA is a nationally recognized credential, you typically won’t need additional licensure to work in another state.

Oklahoma Medical Assistant Certification Options

As noted above, the Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision offers no guidelines for medical assistants. Therefore, certification and continuing education are not determined by state law.

However, as noted throughout this guide, some MA jobs require some form of medical assistant certification. The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and the American Medical Technologists (AMT) are the main certification entities for medical assistants in the United States. If you receive these national certifications, you must complete continuing education credits for re-certification.

To be re-certified as a medical assistant, you must receive 60 certification points within five years, including:

• 10 general points
• 10 clinical points
• 10 administrative points
• 30 points from any combined categories

Oklahoma Medical Assistant Pay and Opportunities