Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for medical professionals is at an all-time high. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical and health services managers will grow by 32 percent between 2020 and 2030.
There is a need for professionals with the ability to take care of patients and assist doctors and surgeons in their day-to-day activities. In this guide, you will find a curated list of online and in-person medical assisting bachelor’s degree programs to help you launch a career in this field.
What Is Medical Assisting?
Medical assisting is the process of aiding medical professionals with administrative duties and clinical tasks. Medical assistants offer support to medical professionals in their work.
The role of medical assistants depends on the company. In large hospitals, they can be responsible for laboratory testing, taking vital signs, scheduling appointments, handling insurance, bookkeeping, patient histories, and patient care.
What Is a Medical Assisting Bachelor’s Degree?
A medical assisting bachelor’s degree is a four-year program that teaches students how to assist medical professionals in the healthcare field. You can expect to develop clinical and administrative skills if you attend the four-year program. Once you graduate, you can land a job in a hospital, clinic, or private practice.
If you do not want to attend an in-person medical program, you can opt for an online medical assisting bachelor’s degree. Online programs offer students the opportunity to study at their own convenience and tend to be more affordable. Some medical assisting certificate and associate degree programs also feature internships to supplement the existing curriculum.
Medical Assisting Bachelor’s Degree Requirements
The basic requirements include having at least a high school diploma or equivalency. Medical assisting bachelor’s degree requirements are not standard for all institutions. You can also gain entry to a bachelor’s degree program if you have an associate degree in a relevant field.
How Much Does a Medical Assisting Bachelor’s Degree Cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average annual tuition cost is $6,878 at four-year institutions. Total tuition costs vary depending on whether it’s an online or in-person program. You should rely on the tuition calculator offered by universities to establish the exact tuition fees of the program.
Medical Assisting Bachelor’s Degree Financing Options: How to Pay for Your Medical Assisting Degree
Most students looking to join the medical field often seek financing aid options to pursue their degrees. If you want to know how to pay for your medical assisting degree, you can check the specific degree program website. However, the common ways of financing medical assisting degrees include student loans, federal grants, and scholarships.
Best Medical Assisting Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Bellin College | Bachelor of Science in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting | The Higher Learning Commission |
| Boston University | Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Bryant and Stratton College | Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Cedarville University | Bachelor of Science in Allied Health | The Higher Learning Commission |
| Concordia University | Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science | The Higher Learning Commission |
| DePaul University | Bachelor of Science in Psychology | The Higher Learning Commission |
| University of Connecticut | Bachelor’s Degree in Allied Health Sciences | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| University of South Carolina | Bachelor of Science in Cardiovascular Technology | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| The University of Tampa, College of Natural and Health Sciences | Bachelor of Science in Allied Health | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| The University of Texas at Austin | Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
Best Colleges for Medical Assisting: Top Medical Assisting Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The best colleges for medical assisting help students access job opportunities in the field. These institutions feature career-led curriculums and expert instructors. Below you will find a list of top medical assisting bachelor’s degree programs in the US.
Bachelor of Science in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting | Bellin College
Surgical assistants and surgical technologists play a key role in helping surgeons and nurses carry out their practice. In this program, you will learn about surgical instruments and how to help surgeons perform procedures. You will also learn preoperative care. After graduating, you can easily pursue certification by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.
Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration | Bryant and Stratton College
In this program, healthcare students get to cover all their bases when it comes to administrative procedures. The degree curriculum features accounting principles, performance management, healthcare technology, healthcare information systems, healthcare services management, and computing skills. Students take a career development course to gain knowledge of the medical profession.
Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology | Boston University
Boston University offers a four-year degree in human physiology to help medical professionals land a job in laboratory science, health administration, public health, the biotech industry, pharmaceutical industry, or community health centers.
You will cover general chemistry, biology, psychology, statistics, human nutrition science, biochemistry, and human anatomy. You will also get to explore aspects of cardiovascular pathophysiology and neuroanatomy and neurophysiology.
Bachelor of Science in Allied Health | Cedarville University
Allied health professionals offer patients a wide range of diagnostic, therapeutic, and technical care. Graduates can seek healthcare careers as physician assistants, physical therapists, chiropractors, or occupational therapists. In addition to the thorough curriculum, students are required to spend 40 hours in an acute care environment to acquire practical experience.
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science | Concordia University
This program will help you develop a solid foundation in the medical field. The basic coursework will feature biology, chemistry, physics, bioethics, and genetics. It provides human biology, pre-medical, and research tracks for you to specialize in.
The path you select will determine your electives. Each track has unlimited support from biomedical sciences staff to help you fulfill your career goals.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology | DePaul University
In this four-year degree, you will get to learn research methodologies and psychological principles. You can choose between different concentrations offered, including general health care and neuroscience. All of the concentrations will require you to register for courses in mathematics, science, or chemistry.
The curriculum covers community, social, abnormal, and child psychology. You will also cover human development and organizational behavior.
Bachelor’s Degree in Allied Health Sciences | University of Connecticut
This degree can land you a job in community centers, research institutions, healthcare facilities, laboratories, or hospitals. You will have the opportunity to develop your skills and professional network needed to excel. You can choose to major in medical laboratory science, dietetics, or diagnostic genetic sciences.
Bachelor of Science in Cardiovascular Technology | University of South Carolina
You will need a strong background in anatomy, organic chemistry, and human physiology for this three-year degree. The program will take you through cellular and molecular biology, fundamental genetics, CVT training, organic chemistry, physiology, and comparative vertebrate anatomy. You will also spend 18 to 22 months in an internship program at an accredited hospital.
Bachelor of Science in Allied Health | University of Tampa, College of Natural and Health Sciences
If you want to become a physical therapist, physician assistant, or occupational therapist, you can attend this four-year degree program. The degree program offers three concentrations: physical therapy sciences, medical sciences, and occupational therapy sciences.
You can select your preferred option depending on your career goals and interest. There is also an academic advisor available to help you make the best decision for your career.
Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science | The University of Texas at Austin
As part of this degree program, students must first complete 100 hours of academic work. Then, they proceed to gain clinical experience for 12-16 months at the school of medical laboratory sciences.
This degree program can help you earn a professional certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology. It can also open up job opportunities at research centers, hospitals, and clinics, or in public health and education.
Best Online Medical Assisting Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| American National University | Bachelor’s Degree in Medical and Health Services Management | Distance Education Accrediting Commission |
| Central Methodist University | Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences | Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education |
| Drexel University | Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| East Tennessee State University | Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Leadership | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Herzing University | Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management | The Higher Learning Commission |
| Maryville University | Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management | The Higher Learning Commission |
| National University | Bachelor of Science in Allied Health | WASC Senior College and University Commission |
| Northern Arizona University | Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, General Allied Health Emphasis | The Higher Learning Commission |
| University of Wisconsin | Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science: Health Sciences | The Higher Learning Commission |
| Widener University | Bachelor of Science in Allied Health | Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools |
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Best Colleges for Medical Assisting: Top Online Medical Assisting Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Professionals in the field looking to advance their careers or upskill require convenient and flexible online learning options. This is why we took the initiative to curate a list of the best online medical assisting bachelor’s degree programs.
Bachelor’s Degree in Medical and Health Services Management | American National University
This degree program will help you master healthcare law, human resources, management, bioethics, project management, and economics. The career-oriented program features interactive Zoom classes and flexible learning options. If you have an Associate Degree in Allied Health, you should consider pursuing this degree to advance your skills.
Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences | Central Methodist University
This degree in health science can help you develop the required skillset to navigate the medical industry. It’s popular among associate degree holders who are looking to advance their careers. It can also be suitable for professionals who want to upskill or change their careers. The program offers real-world experiences and provides a great entry into the medical arena.
Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration | Drexel University
This degree offers an opportunity for students to develop key competencies to pursue a career in health services management. You will learn about healthcare management principles, operations, and the structure of healthcare services. This degree program will help you land a job at a community center, non-governmental organization, hospital, or nursing home.
Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Leadership | East Tennessee State University
This is an excellent degree for those seeking careers in surgical technology, medical laboratory technology, medical assisting, and physical therapy assisting. The university designed the program to help students develop problem-solving, leadership, research, and critical thinking skills. It attracts those who have completed an associate degree program and want to become licensed or certified.
Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management | Herzing University
This accredited bachelor’s degree will take you 36 months to complete and you will acquire 124 transfer credits. The degree program also features a 90-hour internship program one must complete to acquire the degree. In this four-year program, you will develop the basic skillset to land a position in a hospital, clinic, or insurance company.
The curriculum touches on health information systems and management, information technology on data management, diagnostic and procedural coding, and pharmacology. You will also get to learn concepts of human anatomy and physiology.
Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management | Maryville University
Maryville University offers a four-year degree program to help professionals in the medical field acquire in-demand knowledge and skills. The degree curriculum features courses in healthcare operations, business operations, healthcare compliance, technology in healthcare, and public health.
You will also cover revenue cycle management, medical law, financial management, gerontology, and assisted living. Once you complete the program, you can pursue a career as a physical therapy clinical manager, health information manager, or private practice manager.
Bachelor of Science in Allied Health | National University
Medical assistants play a critical role in helping dentists, physicians, surgeons, and doctors in their practice. You will learn ethics, law, health promotion, disease prevention, healthcare issues, and healthcare systems management. This will help you start a career in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or nursing homes.
Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, General Allied Health Emphasis | Northern Arizona University
If you want to become a health educator or emergency response coordinator you can attend this online health sciences degree program. The four-year degree will cover the basics and advanced levels of the public health discipline. You will also learn the different processes that one can apply in different related disciplines.
By the end of the program, you will be able to land a job in government health agencies, private industries, hospitals, or nonprofit institutions.
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science: Health Sciences | University of Wisconsin
You should also have a medical assistant certificate or equivalent to gain entry into the program. The online degree will help students learn medical laboratory science, biomedical science, cytotechnology, radiologic technology, public health microbiology, health science, and diagnostic imaging.
Bachelor of Science in Allied Health | Widener University
This bachelor’s degree covers medical terminology, nutrition in healthcare, professional writing, introduction to pharmacology, and ethics. You will also learn about genetics, community health, applied epidemiology, and allied healthcare issues.
You will have 120 credits which can lead to an advanced degree. You can also pursue a career in healthcare administration, medical management, or public health.
What’s the Average Medical Assisting Bachelor’s Degree Salary?
According to Salary.com, the average salary of a medical assistant with a bachelor’s degree ranges from $35,567 to $37,164. You can easily increase your salary if you seek out a medical assistant certification or gain more professional experience. You can also increase your job prospects by acquiring a graduate degree.
Top Medical Assisting Bachelor’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Medical Assisting Bachelor’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technician | $49,710 |
| Medical Office Manager | $49,545 |
| Medical Records Specialist | $45,240 |
| EKG Technician | $41,388 |
| Medical Assistants | $35,850 |
| Pharmacy Technicians | $35,100 |
| Phlebotomy Technician | $33,705 |
| Nursing Assistant | $30,830 |
| Patient Care Technician | $29,952 |
| Medical Clerk | $26,289 |
Best Medical Assisting Bachelor’s Degree Jobs Explained
Surgical Technician
- Average Salary: $49,710
- Job Outlook: 9%
- Number of Jobs: 109,700
- Highest-Paying States: Alaska, Nevada, California
A surgical technician or technologist role is mainly focused in the surgical room. These professionals sterilize medical equipment, prepare patients for surgery, and offer post-surgery care. They ensure the entire operating room is sterile and pass surgical tools to surgeons.
Medical Office Manager
- Average Salary: $49,545
- Job Outlook: 32%
- Number of Jobs: 429,800
- Highest-Paying States: District of Columbia, New York, Hawaii
A medical office manager, also referred to as a medical practice manager, supervises the administrative tasks in a medical office. These professionals manage patient records, prepare office budgets, and train administrative staff.
Medical Records Specialist
- Average Salary: $45,240
- Job Outlook: 9%
- Number of Jobs: 416,400
- Highest-Paying States: District of Columbia, Alaska, Washington
Medical records specialists are in charge of organizing and maintaining health information. They record insurance information and verify patient data. They also manage medical histories, physical examinations, tests, and treatments.
EKG Technician
- Average Salary: $41,388
- Job Outlook: 14%
- Number of Jobs: 134,100
- Highest-Paying States: Rhode Island, Oregon, California
EKG technicians conduct tests on patients’ hearts and lungs. They rely on electrocardiograms to perform the tests on patients and diagnose heart or lung problems. For this position, a professional needs extensive technology skills and attention to detail.
Medical Assistant
- Average Salary: $35,850
- Job Outlook: 18%
- Number of Jobs: 720,900
- Highest-Paying States: Washington, Alaska, District of Columbia
The role of medical assistants varies from one institution to the next. However, generally speaking, medical assistants answer telephones, update the files of patients, and schedule appointments. These professionals are under the direct supervision of registered nurses and physicians.
Pharmacy Technician
- Average Salary: $35,100
- Job Outlook: 4%
- Number of Jobs: 419,300
- Highest-Paying States: California, Alaska, Washington
Pharmacy technicians are responsible for preparing and distributing medicine to patients. These professionals often perform calculations before distribution and process billing claims. They also ensure the medicine is sterile.
Phlebotomy Technician
- Average Salary: $33,705
- Job Outlook: 22%
- Number of Jobs: 129,600
- Highest-Paying States: California, New York, District of Columbia
Phlebotomy technicians work in hospitals, clinics, and non-governmental organizations. These professionals are in charge of collecting patient blood and preparing samples for testing.
Nursing Assistant
- Average Salary: $30,830
- Job Outlook: 8%
- Number of Jobs: 1,440,700
- Highest-Paying States: Alaska, New York, California
Nursing assistants are also called healthcare assistants. These healthcare providers help patients in their day-to-day activities. They may help in bathing, dressing, and general grooming of the patient. They also administer medicines and feed the patients.
Patient Care Technician
- Average Salary: $29,952
- Job Outlook: 8%*
- Number of Jobs: 1,440,700*
- Highest-Paying States: Alaska, New York, California*
Patient care technicians are responsible for performing menial tasks in a hospital or clinic. These professionals take note of patients’ needs and concerts and relay the information to nurses. They generally assist doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals in their daily tasks.
Medical Clerk
- Average Salary: $26,289
- Job Outlook: 9%**
- Number of Jobs: 416,400**
- Highest-Paying States: District of Columbia, Alaska, Washington**
Medical clerks collect patient information, issue medical files, and process patient admission and discharge records. To ensure they have the right medical information, they conduct audits on patients.
*Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data on Nursing Assistants
**Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data on Medical Records Specialists
Benefits of a Medical Assisting Bachelor’s Degree
- Opens up a wide range of job opportunities. Earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Assisting will open varied career opportunities. Hiring managers always employ professionals with degrees from accredited institutions.
- Leads to a graduate degree. Earning a bachelor’s degree can help prepare you for a master’s degree or doctoral program. This can, in turn, increase your salary potential, recognition, and job opportunities.
- Increase income potential. Bachelor’s degree graduates tend to earn well compared to medical assisting associate degree holders.
- Job stability. Professionals with four-year medical degrees tend to have job security. The professionals have the required expertise and skills that employers value in any job setting.
- Networking opportunities. A bachelor’s degree program provides an excellent opportunity for medical providers in the field to develop a solid professional network.
Should You Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Assisting?
Yes, you should get a Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Assisting. A medical assisting program will provide you with the required job training, skills, and knowledge for career advancement. If you like helping people, acquiring a four-year degree in medical assisting is a great choice.
Medical Assisting Bachelor’s Degree FAQ
Yes, a Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Assisting can lead to certifications. These degree programs help professionals acquire the information and skills that enable them to sit for medical assisting certification exams.
Which are the best certifications for medical assisting jobs?
There are plenty of medical assisting certifications available. For example, you can become a Certified Medical Assistant, Registered Medical Assistant, National Certified Medical Assistant, or Certified Clinical Medical Assistant. These certifications often lead to career growth and a salary increase.
Are medical assisting bachelor’s degrees worth it?
Yes, a medical assisting bachelor’s degree program is worth it. You will learn to perform important administrative duties including measuring vital signs and a wide variety of other clinical duties. The degree program can lead to jobs in hospitals, corporate, community health centers, or NGOs.
Are there medical assisting master’s degrees?
Yes, there are medical assisting master’s degrees. These two-year degree programs are excellent for helping health providers land better-paying job positions in the healthcare industry. There are also associate degrees in medical assisting, which are key for entry-level professionals in the industry.
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