Online Medical Assistant Programs in Texas: Top Schools in TX
The best online medical assistant certification programs in Texas prepare you to dive headfirst into a rewarding allied healthcare career. Discover top schools in the state, learn how long your program will take, and see what courses are required. Get the scoop on the certifications that prepare you to quickly land a job, and find out what a typical starting salary could look like. Everything you need to get started is below.
A Closer Look at Online Medical Assistant Programs in Texas
As healthcare costs soar, certified medical assistants are playing increasingly influential and diverse roles in healthcare settings: the more a medical assistant can do, the more time (and costs) it saves for other healthcare professionals. Because of that, solid training as a medical assistant is a must. Earning a medical assistant certification online in Texas is one of the fastest ways to enter the healthcare field and build a foundation in basic medical terminology, procedures, and anatomy. Typically, programs run about two years and lead to an associate degree or certificate; however, some programs can be completed in as little as six months. Some online medical assistant programs in Texas are available 100% online while others require hands-on training and in-person internships, so delve into the program details to determine course formats by reading on.
Texas A&M International University — Certificate
Texas A&M International University has a robust online medical assistant certification program. This fully online program is accredited by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and is open to students across the country. Courses are divided into two sections: a theoretical medical terminology section and a practical certified clinical medical assistant section, preparing you to work in a variety of medical settings. The program encompasses 540 course hours and is self-paced, so you can start anytime. While these noncredit courses aren’t transferable, your fee includes sitting for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam through the NHA, making you a strong candidate for potential employers.
Duration: Six to 12 months
Mode: Fully online
Cost: 4-6 months: $3950, 12 months:$2,795
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Curriculum:
- Introduction to Medical Terminology
- Becoming a Medical Assistant
- Law, Ethics, and Healthcare
- Enhancing the Patient Experience
- Managing Medical Records
- Medical Billing and Overview Coding
- Major Body Systems
- Pathophysiology
Tyler Junior College — Certificate
Tyler Junior College hosts a top Texas Clinical Medical Assistant Online Certification Program that combines affordable tuition with the in-depth coursework necessary for students to become certified clinical medical assistants in doctors’ offices, clinics, hospitals, and outpatient facilities. The course includes generous support, with mentoring available 24/7, pre- and post-course assessments, online performance tracking, and a student portal with career guidance, resume-writing help, and other resources. This program is ideal for students interested in pursuing a future Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential or nursing LPN or RN program. Upon course completion, graduates are prepared to sit for the NHA CCMA certification exam.
Duration:Six months
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $2,199
Admissions Requirements: Have or be pursuing a high school diploma or GED
Curriculum:
- Responsibilities of the Clinical Medical Assistant
- Introduction to Healthcare Facilities
- Medical Terminology
- Medical and Legal Aspects of Care
- Aseptic Techniques, Infection Prevention, and Biohazards
- Documenting Patient Medical Histories
- Phlebotomy, Venipunctures, and Collecting Specimens
- Electrocardiograms (EKGs)
University of Houston — Certificate
The University of Houston Clinical Medical Assistant Training program is one of the most popular online medical assistant certification courses in Texas. The program covers the essentials you need to enter the field, such as basic anatomy, medical documentation, and medical terminology, and advances to professional topics such as legal regulations, HIPAA requirements, and policies that impact medical care. Students also gain a deeper understanding of how to handle cases in which patients are insured by private and government insurance plans. While graduates are prepared to work in the healthcare setting of their choice, the program emphasizes the knowledge and skills expected of medical assistants in ambulatory settings. The program is accredited by the NHA and includes a voucher to take the CCMA exam. You’ll have 24/7 access to lectures, assignments, and course resources.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $2,795
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Curriculum:
- Medical Terminology
- Mental Health
- Diagnostic Procedures, Nuclear Medicine, and Complementary Medicine
- Medical Assisting Foundations
- Professional Behavior
- Legal and Ethical Issues
- Medical Office Environment
- Daily Financial Practices
Your Questions, Answered: FAQs for Texas Medical Assistant Students
To help clarify any confusion you may be feeling as you zero in on the medical assistant program that’s right for you, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about online medical assistant programs in Texas. Read on to learn more about medical assistant program scholarships, prerequisites, and costs.
Are scholarships or grants available for online medical assistant students in Texas?
Yes, scholarships— plus grants and other financial resources— are available for online medical assistant students in Texas. The cost of an online medical assistant certification can be expensive. For students in Texas specifically, some of the best scholarships include:
- Texas Society of Medical Assistants Scholarships, which cover the academic expenses of two student members each year.
- The Outstanding Rural Scholar Recognition Program, which covers the cost of an allied health program, including online medical assistant certification programs in Texas, for students from rural parts of the state. Recipients commit to returning home to work in an allied health position.
Are there professional organizations or networking opportunities for Texas medical assistants?
Yes. You’ll find professional organizations and other resources for Texas medical assistants. These organizations provide scholarships, information that supports you during your education, networking opportunities, and job boards to help you land your first job as a medical assistant. Professional organizations can also help you learn what settings interest you most and connect you with potential employers. As you’re getting your online medical assistant certification in Texas, consider joining these organizations:
Do I need to complete any prerequisites before applying?
Prerequisites vary from program to program. However, most Texas online medical assistant programs require applicants to have just a high school diploma or GED. For example, at Houston Medical Assistant School and Texas A&M International University, applicants need a high school diploma or GED. However at Tyler Junior College, while technically the application requirements are the same, applicants may get preference if they intend to continue their medical careers and education to become LPNs, CMAs, or RNs. If you meet the basic admissions criteria, review the course listings to ensure the topics spark your interest. If you’re naturally interested in the subject matter, you’re likely to succeed in your classes.
How much should I expect to pay for my program?
The cost of online medical assistant programs vary. However we’ve crunched the numbers and found that, on average, total tuition cost is roughly $3,250. The amount doesn’t vary significantly between online, in-person, and hybrid courses.
For a better idea of how much specific online medical assistant certification programs in Texas cost, check out the tuition of these five accredited programs:
- Austin Medical Assistant School (hybrid): $4,490
- Dallas College (in person): $3,960
- Texas A&M International (online): $2,795
- Tyler Junior College (online): $2,199
- University of Houston (online): $2,795
What does an online medical assistant curriculum in Texas cover?
Your online medical assistant curriculum will vary depending on which Texas program you attend. However, a quality program will prepare you with a basic understanding of medical terminology, medical technology, office procedures, insurance and billing basics, and the hands-on skills you need to assist doctors and other medical professionals across various healthcare settings. As you narrow your program choices, review course listings to see how various schools’ courses are similar and different. If you plan to specialize in a certain area of medicine, look for courses that address that topic. At many schools, you’ll also complete a clinical externship to gain hands-on experience before earning your online medical assistant certification in Texas.
Ranking the Best Online Medical Assistant Programs in Texas
Our rankings lists use consistent methodology to deliver the results you see here. All schools included in the rankings must hold institutional accreditation and offer at least one online component in their program. In addition, they must offer academic counseling and career placement services.
Schools that offer more online programs and that have a higher percentage of students taking at least one distance education class will pop up higher on the list. Other factors that impact the rankings include tuition, the percentage of students who complete their program, the amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time undergraduates, and the student/faculty ratio. All of that comes together to create the rankings you see here.
Panola College
Carthage, Texas
Public
Amarillo College
Amarillo, Texas
Public
Western Texas College
Snyder, Texas
Public
Your Options for Certifications and Continuing Education in Texas
The rules for becoming an MA in Texas are fairly loose. But that doesn’t mean just anyone can excel in a medical assistant role. You’ll need extensive knowledge covering both exam procedures and office procedures, and the best way to get that knowledge is by completing an online medical assistant program in Texas.
Another way to prove your competency — and stand out to potential employers — is through certification. NHA is one of the best-known certification options, however other companies also provide certifications for medical assistants in Texas. The National Center for Competency Testing offers the Nationally Certified Medical Assistant exam, American Medical Technologists offers the Registered Medical Assistant exam, and the American Medical Certification Association offers the Clinical Medical Assistant Certification, among others.
Even once your training is complete, you’ll still learn on the job. In Texas, if a physician trains you to do a task, you are then qualified to complete that task. Tasks might include taking vital signs, instructing patients about medications, doing EKGs, applying and changing wound dressings, starting IVs, and even assisting physicians during minor surgery. On the administrative side, tasks you may learn on the job include using specific computer programs, arranging for hospital admissions and lab work, and handling insurance forms and billing.
Texas Medical Assistant Salary & Career Potential
Texas offers unparalleled career potential for medical assistants, blending rapid job growth with regionally competitive salaries. The statewide median salary is $37,570, with top earners reaching $47,010. Austin-Round Rock leads the state, boasting a median salary of $44,880, while Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington also offers attractive pay at $39,240. Smaller cities like Brownsville-Harlingen provide entry-level opportunities, though with lower medians around $30,720. Whether aiming for a fast-paced urban setting or a quieter start, Texas has options for every career stage.
What truly sets Texas apart is its explosive job growth. With a projected increase of 25.2%, the state is on track to add 16,830 new medical assistant positions by 2030, growing the workforce to 83,570. This surge will create over 11,000 annual job openings, making Texas a prime destination for those seeking long-term stability and advancement in healthcare. Review the tables below to pinpoint where your career can thrive in this dynamic state.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $33,500 | $42,000 | $56,480 |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $29,090 | $35,170 | $43,400 |
| Waco, TX | $29,170 | $36,440 | $43,850 |
| Victoria, TX | $28,810 | $35,780 | $42,440 |
| Tyler, TX | $29,770 | $35,990 | $43,830 |
| Texarkana, TX-AR | $28,270 | $33,940 | $42,480 |
| Sherman-Denison, TX | $30,600 | $36,280 | $47,360 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | $31,520 | $37,550 | $44,570 |
| San Angelo, TX | $29,290 | $36,400 | $43,020 |
| Odessa, TX | $32,660 | $35,980 | $46,230 |
| Midland, TX | $34,400 | $38,570 | $45,980 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX | $24,020 | $28,650 | $37,000 |
| Lubbock, TX | $27,600 | $35,100 | $42,910 |
| Longview, TX | $28,140 | $35,440 | $42,840 |
| Laredo, TX | $25,680 | $30,460 | $39,190 |
| Killeen-Temple, TX | $29,090 | $35,970 | $44,680 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $30,940 | $38,810 | $48,420 |
| El Paso, TX | $26,180 | $33,680 | $40,120 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $34,840 | $39,240 | $47,440 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $29,230 | $35,610 | $43,440 |
| College Station-Bryan, TX | $29,310 | $36,970 | $44,490 |
| Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | $24,450 | $30,720 | $37,440 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | $29,160 | $35,710 | $45,340 |
| Austin-Round Rock, TX | $35,860 | $44,880 | $47,880 |
| Amarillo, TX | $27,800 | $35,200 | $43,810 |
| Abilene, TX | $29,350 | $35,490 | $42,660 |
| Texas | $29,640 | $37,570 | $47,010 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 66,740 | 83,570 | 16,830 | 25.20% | 11,250 |
| 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.
