Medical Assisting Associate Programs

Medical assistants are often considered the front line of positive medical care experiences. In addition to providing a litany of office-related tasks, medical assistants serve as a direct conduit between primary care providers and the patients in hospital or medical office settings.

What is this degree/program of study about?

While numerous degree options or specializations may be available, two such prominent options are the associate of occupational studies in medical assisting, and the associate of applied science in medical assisting. As a degree intended for entry-level career placement, students will gain an understanding in both a number of medical subjects and procedures (topics include health sciences, cardiopulmonary, etc.) and administrative tasks, such as communication for health professionals, office administration, and computer applications.

What does it take to earn this degree, and what will it result in for graduates?

Upon completion of an associate’s degree program – generally the programs can be completed in between 18 and 30 months – students should be well suited for both clinical and administrative positions. Opportunities as laboratory assistants, medical bookkeepers, or medical receptionists may also be available, but medical assistant positions are expected to grow by more than 17 percent in the decade leading up to 2018. The median salary for such entry-level medical positions can average between $25,000 and $29,000 annually (BLS.gov).

Associate Degrees in Medical Assisting

Bryant & Stratton College: AAS: Medical Administrative Assistant (Office & Billing)
Herzing University: AS: Medical Assisting Service
Kaplan University: AAS: Medical Assisting
Keiser University: AS: Medical Assisting

Top Online X-Ray Tech Programs

To become an x-ray technician, you need to practice on actual x-ray machines, so you canâ€™t complete both a degree and get licensed online. However, the following schools provide accredited online x-ray tech courses that can get you closer to an x-ray tech career before you jump into practical experience.

AAS in Medical Assisting	Kaplan University — The AAS in medical assisting program provided by Kaplan University provides an entry-level education that concentrates on helping students acquire knowledge and develop skills in performing laboratory, clinical, and medical office procedures. In addition to the online A.S. or B.S. program in Health Information Technology, you complete an unpaid clinical instruction experience and an unpaid externship in an ambulatory setting to complete your course of study as an x-ray technician. Click Here
BS in Health Services Mgmt	DeVry University — DeVry offers a bachelor's degree in health services management that prepares students to enter clinical radiology or X-ray programs upon graduation. DeVry has a reputation of working with the top healthcare industry leaders to build curricula that is geared toward students' success in the real world. Click Here
AS in Allied Health	South University — This Associate of Science in Allied Health Science degree program online exposes you to a broad education in general studies combined with an emphasis on life sciences. This program offers a fast and flexible solution for students who want to get their x-ray technician prerequisites, or to continue to earn an MBA in Healthcare Administration. Click Here
AOS in Radiography BS in Radiologic Science	Pima Medical Institute — The AOS in Radiography program trains students in anatomy and physiology, methods of patient care, medical terminology, radiographic techniques and communication via online. The Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences is geared toward radiology and X-ray technicans seeking a bachelor degree completion program. The program prepares graduates for employment responsibilities where knowledge and skills beyond those typically attained at the associate degree level. Click Here
AS in Medical Assisting	Keiser University — Keiser University's online AS degree in Medical Assisting prepares students with the x-ray training prerequisites needed to perform medical assisting duties under direction of a physician/practitioner. Medical assistants also learn to function in an administrative capacity, providing the skills you need to advance in your career as an x-ray technician. Click Here