There are two ways you can obtain the training needed to become a medical assistant, and each comes at a different cost.
Cost of Earning an Associate Degree
One way is to earn an associate degree from an accredited college or university. The programs on our list of affordable online medical assistant degrees have annual tuition rates ranging from $4,800 to $19,808. To get these annual tuition rates, we've multiplied the per-credit cost by the number of credits full-time students typically take, which is 30 each year. You can double this number to see the total tuition for a two-year program. At Barton County Community College, our #1 ranked school, the per-credit cost is $150 and the program requires the completion of 64 credits, resulting in a 2-year tuition cost of $9,600. The full cost of an associate degree will also include books, supplies, and fees charged by the college.
The programs on our list of affordable online medical assistant degrees have annual tuition rates ranging from $4,800 to $19,808.
Cost of Earning a Certificate or Diploma
The alternative is to earn a certificate or diploma by taking a course that will cover essential medical assisting skills and concepts. Some of these courses are accelerated, taking six weeks to three months and costing roughly $1,000 to $3,500. Other certificate programs take anywhere from six to 12 months, and tuition fees can vary widely. These programs may entail some additional expenses for items such as course materials and program fees.
However, cost is only one of many factors that should be considered when deciding what type of medical assistant program is best for you. You might also think about what learning pace feels right, how quickly you want or need to get into the workforce, how much structure you prefer in a learning environment, and what type of certification exam you plan to prepare for. Above all, you'll want to examine your long-term career goals and determine which program is most likely to take you where you want to go.