Inside Online Medical Assistant Programs in Utah
With convenient online programs and flexible schedules, you can become a certified medical assistant — and already be working in the Utah health field — in just six to 12 months. Discover online medical assistant programs in Utah that will set you on the path to a successful career in allied healthcare. Keep reading to learn more about how these programs work, what they cost, how to get in, and what your career will look like after completing your online medical assistant education in Utah.
Why Trust EduMed? We partner with 150+ nursing & allied health professionals to bring you the most in-depth data & insights on higher education & careers in healthcare. Meet our team and review our editorial values.
Navigating Online Medical Assistant Programs in Utah
Discover the top-notch online medical assistant programs in Utah that will set you on the path to a successful career in allied healthcare.Online medical assistant programs make it possible to build a foundation in the administrative and clinical skills you need, all in just six to 12 months. With most programs you’ll finish with a certificate or diploma; after that, you’ll be working alongside doctors and nurses to ensure quality care for patients.
Each online program is a little different. Some are 100% online and offer synchronous (in real time) classes. Others offer asynchronous classes that you can complete at any time that’s convenient for your schedule. Hybrid programs include both online and in-person elements. Students looking for maximum flexibility tend to favor totally online asynchronous classes. Students who prioritize hands-on practice over maximum convenience tend to favor hybrid programs. No matter which you choose, you’ll be able to find a standout online medical assistant program in Utah. Here are a few standouts to start with.
Medical Assistant Diploma – Eagle Gate College
Eagle Gate College offers an accelerated medical assisting program that’s institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools. A combination of online learning and hands-on labs gives students a high-quality learning experience while also accommodating students’ busy schedules. Eagle Gate College prepares students not only to earn their diploma but to sit for industry certification exams, including the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam, the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam, or the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam. Academic courses are provided entirely online, while externship requirements and lab components are offered on campus or at partnering clinical facilities, with some online components.
Duration: Nine months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $14,861
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or GED
Curriculum: 28 credits, including
- Introduction to Medical Assisting and Medical Law
- Pharmacology, Medication Administration, and Diagnostic Imaging
- Infection Control, Assessment, Cardio-Pulmonary, and Gastroenterology
- Eyes, Ears, Nose, Throat; Nervous and Endocrine Systems
- Surgical Technique, Stages of Life, Pediatrics and Geriatrics
- Office Management and Computerized Systems in Medical Assisting
- First Aid, Emergencies, and Behavior in Acute Situations
- Labs for each course
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Certificate in Medical Assisting – Salt Lake Community College
Part of the Salt Lake Community College Technical College, the Medical Assistant program prepares you with the knowledge and skills to step right in to keep a medical office or clinic running smoothly. Full-time students who opt for online studies are expected to spend at least 24 hours per week completing coursework; part-time students are expected to spend at least 12 hours per week. Graduates maintain medical records, handle billing, record vital signs, and draw blood. Upon completion, you’ll be prepared to pursue multiple certifications, including National Certified Medical Assistant, RMA, and CMA. While the tuition is modest compared with many other schools, students who need additional support can take advantage of Salt Lake Community College’s robust financial aid offerings.
Duration: About a year
Mode: Fully online at the Jordan campus; in person at the West Valley Campus
Cost: $3,507
Admissions Requirements:
- Age 16 for enrollment, age 18 for externship and certification
- High school diploma or GED
- Keyboarding test
- Immunizations against hepatitis B; measles, mumps, and rubella; tuberculosis; chickenpox; tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis; flu; and COVID-19 (highly recommended, required by most clinical sites)
Curriculum: 28 credits, including
- Introduction to Medical Assisting
- Medical Office I and II
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Procedures
- Medical Terminology
- Medical Assistant Laboratory Procedures
- Assisting with Medical Specialties I and II
Medical Assistant Certificate Program – University of Utah Continuing Education
The University of Utah Clinical Medical Assistant Program offers a combination of 265 hours of online coursework, 24 hours of monthly in-person labs held in downtown Salt Lake City, and 180 hours of clinical training. Students who spend 12 hours on classwork each week can finish the program in nine months. Before beginning their clinical training, students must pass a background check and drug screening, provide immunization records, and be certified in Basic Life Support. The program is self-paced, so you can make your own schedule. Financial aid isn’t available for this noncredit certificate program; however, many employers offer tuition assistance to defray costs. It’s important to note that this program is not accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), so you will be ineligible to take the CMA certification exam. However, you can still qualify for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam provided by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Duration: Six to 12 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $3,200
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Age 18
- English proficiency
- Criminal background check and drug screening
Curriculum: 265 hours, including
- Foundational Skills
- Patient Care Basics
- EKG and Rapid Response
- Clinical Procedures
- Medication Administration
- Preparing for Onsite Clinical Hours
Answers to Key Questions for Utah Medical Assistant Students
A lot goes into making a decision on which medical assistant program is the right one for you. We know you still have questions about online medical assistant programs in Utah, including how to pay for them and how they’ll prepare you for your future career. We’ve tackled some commonly asked queries below:
Are scholarships or grants available for online medical assistant students in UT?
Absolutely! Many schools, such as Eagle Gate College, offer scholarships and grants to help make online medical assistant programs in Utah more affordable. If you’re planning to attend a for-credit program, you may also be eligible for federal financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study jobs. Remind yourself that the advertised price of a program may not be what you’ll really pay; explore all the financial aid options that a school offers to get an idea of the true cost of a program. Sometimes programs that look more expensive are at schools with deep pockets that can offer considerable financial aid.
Are there professional organizations or networking opportunities for Utah medical assistants?
Yes, there are professional organizations for Utah medical assistants. Associations such as the American Association of Medical Assistants or the Utah State Society of Medical Assistants provide networking and continuing education resources to help you thrive as a Utah medical assistant. Tap into conferences, job boards, publications, and more to enhance your educational experience, build your stash of student resources, and prepare you to head out to that first job interview. Make connections and do some networking. While the medical assistant profession is growing, it’s always helpful to know someone at the medical office or clinic where you may be doing an externship or starting your first job.
Do I need to complete any prerequisites before applying?
The admissions process for online medical assistant programs in Utah is very straightforward. Unlike other allied health fields, no lengthy prerequisites are necessary for most programs. With just a high school diploma or GED, you’re ready to apply. Some schools may also require that you provide a background check, drug screen, and/or immunization record, so be sure to read each school’s admission requirements closely before hitting submit on your application. Not needing to fulfill a lot of prerequisites will save you time in your studies and help you get into the job market more quickly.
How much should I expect to pay for my program?
Tuition for medical assistant programs online in Utah varies but generally ranges from $3,000 to $10,000. For instance, tuition at the University of Utah program is $3,200, while Eagle Gate students pay over $14,000. Take a good look at each program to see if the added costs are worth it to help you be successful in your new career. Remember, with for-credit programs financial aid can help cut costs, so don’t let the sticker price deter you from digging into the details to find out what program is most affordable.
What does an online medical assistant curriculum in Utah cover?
Medical assistant program coursework in Utah prepares students with a fundamental understanding of medical topics, including medical terminology, anatomy, pharmacology, and clinical procedures, and administrative topics, including medical billing and coding, software, scheduling, finances, and more. Many hybrid programs, such as the one at the University of Utah, include labs that provide hands-on, practical experience. Another option for gaining practical experience is completing an externship, which some schools require. The in-depth nature of online medical assistant programs in Utah guarantees you’ll graduate with the know-how to hit the ground running.
Career Certifications and Ongoing Education in Utah
When looking for medical assistant programs online in Utah, there’s one factor you should consider above all others: accreditation. Proper accreditation is the stamp of approval that signals that a school meets quality standards. A program’s academic reputation is critical. Not only can it dictate your experience as a student, but it can also affect your professional prospects as a medical assistant.
Passing a certification exam is your ticket to unlocking top career opportunities. While having your clinical and administrative knowledge put to the test can feel daunting at first, the effort pays dividends down the road. A credential such as the CMA tells employers you aced the test and have the skills to succeed.
As a medical assistant, keeping your license up to date is vital to your continued success. When renewal time comes, be sure to consult the requirements set out by the certifying body through which you earned your license. Both the National Healthcareer Association and the American Association of Medical Assistants provide detailed information on how to maintain your certification. Typically, you can choose between retaking the certification exam and submitting completed continuing education units.
Earnings & Job Prospects for Medical Assistants in Utah
Utah’s booming healthcare sector makes it a prime destination for aspiring medical assistants. The state’s median salary of $40,270 reflects competitive earnings, with Salt Lake City leading the pack at $42,820. High earners in Logan and Ogden-Clearfield see salaries surpassing $49,000, showcasing opportunities for advancement. While Provo-Orem and St. George offer slightly lower medians in the $37,000 range, these cities remain attractive for professionals seeking affordability without sacrificing career growth.
What truly sets Utah apart is its unprecedented job growth. The number of medical assistant roles is projected to surge by 43.5%—a pace unmatched in most states. This growth will add 4,380 new jobs by 2030, creating 2,000 annual openings through expansion and turnover. For those entering or advancing in the field, Utah’s dynamic job market provides a wealth of opportunities across both urban and smaller communities. Check out the data tables below to chart your path forward.
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $33,500 | $42,000 | $56,480 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $36,370 | $42,820 | $49,300 |
| St. George, UT | $31,950 | $37,580 | $47,530 |
| Provo-Orem, UT | $29,660 | $37,410 | $47,270 |
| Ogden-Clearfield, UT | $34,540 | $42,880 | $49,430 |
| Logan, UT-ID | $31,640 | $41,180 | $53,020 |
| Utah | $33,910 | $40,270 | $48,770 |
| Utah | $33,910 | $40,270 | $48,770 |
| Logan, UT-ID | $31,640 | $41,180 | $53,020 |
| Ogden-Clearfield, UT | $34,540 | $42,880 | $49,430 |
| Provo-Orem, UT | $29,660 | $37,410 | $47,270 |
| St. George, UT | $31,950 | $37,580 | $47,530 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $36,370 | $42,820 | $49,300 |
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 ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utah | 10,060 | 14,440 | 4,380 | 43.50% | 2,000 |
| 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.
