Oklahoma Medical Assistant Programs: Best Online & Campus Options

Working as a medical assistant can be a great way to get started in healthcare. When you study to become a credentialed medical assistant, you set yourself up for a stable career with plenty of opportunities for long-term growth. Alternatively, you can use your experience as a springboard for continuing your education and take on new roles in patient care or healthcare administration. What’s great is that medical assistant programs are relatively short (between nine and 18 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.

If you’re planning on working toward your certified medical assistant (CMA) or registered medical assistant (RMA) credential, it’s essential to select a program that matches your goals. And, as you may have already found out, it can be difficult to decide which program is right for you or to judge if a program is high quality. In this guide we’ll make sure your program search gets started on the right track. First, we’ll look at some of Oklahoma’s top medical assistant programs. Next, we’ll consider your earning potential and job prospects. Finally, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about becoming a medical assistant and share resources to help you pay for — and succeed in — your studies. Let’s get started.

Overview of Medical Assistant Programs in Oklahoma

If you’ve already started exploring medical assistant programs, you may have noticed that your options can be a little confusing. Oklahoma has many medical assistant programs that prepare you to become a CMA, RMA, certified clinical medical assistant (CCMA), or a certified medical administrative assistant (CMAA). All of these acronyms just might set your head spinning. Just keep reading to clear up the confusion.

ATA College

For the CMA-minded, the hybrid medical assistant programs at ATA College’s Tulsa campus should be the first stop in your program search. ATA offers a ten-month certificate program that prepares you to sit for your CMA exam. You also have the choice to pursue a 17-month associate degree that qualifies you for both your CMA and your phlebotomy technician certification. For either option, expect blended coursework that combines online study with hands-on learning. To make on-campus sessions more accessible, ATA offers morning and evening class options that accommodate all sorts of busy schedules.

ATA offers outstanding student support, including technology loans and ample academic assistance. As you prepare for graduation, you can take advantage of professional development services including workshops on resume writing and interview skills. ATA also helps you coordinate externships with local clinics to gain work experience while completing your studies.

Community Care College

If you’re considering pursuing your RMA, programs such as the hybrid medical assisting course at Community Care College (CCC) can be a great option. This nine-month hybrid program combines the flexibility of online coursework with valuable hands-on learning. Your online courses will cover essential concepts such as body systems, terminology, and administrative systems. In the lab, you’ll have a chance to practice taking vital signs, learn phlebotomy, run lab tests, and assist in minor procedures. You’ll also develop your interpersonal skills by practicing patient interactions including medication administration, wound dressing, and patient education.

CCC also stands out for flexible course scheduling. The school offers weekly start dates, so you can jump right into your studies as soon as you’re ready. If CCC sounds like the place for you but you’re committed to earning your CMA, consider their 100% in-person option that qualifies you to sit for the CMA exam.

Oklahoma State University

The CCMA online program at Oklahoma State University is a great example of what to expect from a 100% online medical assistant program in Oklahoma. This 12-month, self-paced program covers all the material needed to earn your CCMA credential. You’ll be prepared to work in clinical assistant positions and can choose to continue your education and achieve RMA certification. Although the administrative elements of medical assisting aren’t covered in this program, you’ll be able to pick up those skills on the job or complete the separate CMAA certificate. Both programs are offered for a flat rate and include the cost of your CMA exam.

During this program, you’ll learn essential medical terminology, legal and ethical considerations, HIPAA compliance, and essential job duties of clinical medical assistants. You can also coordinate with the school to arrange for CPR certification and internship opportunities to help you further develop your skills.

Medical Assistant Pay in Oklahoma: A Look at Average Salaries

When considering your next career move, of course you want to be sure that your new job will pay the bills. So let’s take a look at what you can expect to earn as an Oklahoma medical assistant. In the table below, we’ve laid out average wages for medical assistants nationally, state-wide, and in specific Oklahoma cities.

As you’ll see, your average wage can range between $33,810 in Lawton to $39,260 in Oklahoma City. And while a higher salary in a big city might seem more appealing, don’t forget to factor in the cost of living in various areas. Part of the reason you’ll earn more in larger cities is that housing and other costs can be significantly higher.

Keep in mind, too, that these figures include data for CMAs, RMAs, and noncertified medical assistants. With your CMA you can expect to see higher paychecks, especially after you gain work experience.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023

Growth for Medical Assistant Careers in Oklahoma

Demand for medical assistants has grown astronomically over the past few years, particularly in Oklahoma. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, growth is expected to continue at an above-average rate for the foreseeable future. This means you can look forward to excellent job security and many employment opportunities once you enter the job market. While demand for medical assistants is particularly high in Oklahoma, you aren’t putting all your eggs in one basket by earning your CMA or RMA in the state. Your credentials are valid nationwide, so you’ll be ready to take advantage of the many opportunities for medical assistants that are popping up across the country.

Source: Projections Central, 2020 – 2030

All You Need to Know About Medical Assistant Programs in Oklahoma

We’ve looked at some great schools and explored your earning potential, 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 programs that are shorter. 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.

How much does a CMA make an hour in Oklahoma?

The average wage for medical assistants in Oklahoma is $37,480. That works out to about $18 per hour. As you likely noticed above, average pay varies significantly based on your location. It’s also important to note that these numbers don’t distinguish between CMA and noncertified medical assistant wages. With your CMA certification, you’ll likely make above-average pay, especially after you’ve built up some work experience.

Can a medical assistant give injections in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma state law does not allow medical assistants to perform injections. There is an exception though: After proper training, medical assistants can administer insulin or vitamin B12 shots.

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.

Remember though, that earning the distinction of CMA is still a good way to get ahead. As we mentioned earlier, most employers prefer candidates with their CMA. CMAs can typically expect higher wages and more advanced responsibilities.

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

As a medical assistant, you’ll wear many hats. Medical assistants support doctors and nurses by taking vital signs, preparing exam rooms, administering medication, 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.