Best Online Associate in Medical Office Administration Programs
An online associate degree in medical office administration can kick-start your career in healthcare in a flexible training environment. Check out our best program list.
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Jobs in the medical field continue to grow, and as practices expand, medical office administrators will be needed to keep things running.
Getting an associate degree in medical office administration can prepare you for administrative work in the healthcare field.
Medical secretaries and administrative assistants work at hospitals, doctor’s offices, dentist’s offices, and outpatient care centers. They earn between $31,900 and $58,340 a year, with an average wage of $20.85 an hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Online degree programs provide flexibility for you to pursue your professional goals. An associate degree in medical office administration typically requires two years of full-time study.
Best Online Associate in Medical Office Administration Programs
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
Lenoir Community College
Kinston, NC2 yearCampus + Online
$2,432
$8,576
N/A
82%
North Carolina-based LCC offers an online associate of applied science in medical office administration degree. The degree has a general medical office track and a medical billing and coding track. Graduates find employment with dental or medical offices, hospitals, insurance companies, medical billing companies, and other health care businesses. Applicants must hold a GED or high school diploma.
N/A
N/A
61%
2,199
Public
Yes
$2,432
$8,576
Kinston, NC2 yearCampus + Online
$2,432
$8,576
N/A
82%
N/A
N/A
61%
2,199
Public
Yes
North Carolina-based LCC offers an online associate of applied science in medical office administration degree. The degree has a general medical office track and a medical billing and coding track. Graduates find employment with dental or medical offices, hospitals, insurance companies, medical billing companies, and other health care businesses. Applicants must hold a GED or high school diploma.
Vance-Granville Community College
Henderson, NC2 yearCampus + Online
$1,824
$6,432
N/A
91%
VGCC offers an online medical office administration associate of applied science degree program. The classes prepare students for additional certifications, including electronic health records specialist, professional medical coder, certified billing and coding specialist, and Microsoft office certifications. Applicants must hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
N/A
N/A
72%
2,814
Public
Yes
$1,824
$6,432
Henderson, NC2 yearCampus + Online
$1,824
$6,432
N/A
91%
N/A
N/A
72%
2,814
Public
Yes
VGCC offers an online medical office administration associate of applied science degree program. The classes prepare students for additional certifications, including electronic health records specialist, professional medical coder, certified billing and coding specialist, and Microsoft office certifications. Applicants must hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
Craven Community College
New Bern, NC2 yearCampus + Online
$1,824
$6,432
100%
77%
Craven offers an online associate of applied science in medical office administration. The curriculum covers office skills, medical terms, records management, medical report production, patient interfaces, and confidentiality.
Craven also offers an AAS in medical administration in medical billing and coding. Prospective students must hold a GRE certificate, high school diploma, or an equivalent. Graduates find jobs in dental offices, hospitals, insurance companies, and laboratories.
N/A
N/A
62%
2,701
Public
Yes
$1,824
$6,432
New Bern, NC2 yearCampus + Online
$1,824
$6,432
100%
77%
N/A
N/A
62%
2,701
Public
Yes
Craven offers an online associate of applied science in medical office administration. The curriculum covers office skills, medical terms, records management, medical report production, patient interfaces, and confidentiality.
Craven also offers an AAS in medical administration in medical billing and coding. Prospective students must hold a GRE certificate, high school diploma, or an equivalent. Graduates find jobs in dental offices, hospitals, insurance companies, and laboratories.
Southwestern Community College
Sylva, NC2 yearCampus + Online
$1,976
$6,968
N/A
60%
Southwestern Community College offers an online medical office administration associate of applied science degree. The curriculum explores sociology and psychology, statistical methods, medical terminology, professional research and reporting, and two office administration capstones.
Students complete classroom, lab, and clinical hours. Applicants must hold a GRE certificate, high school diploma, or an equivalent. Applicants also need to fill out the online application, take placement tests, and submit any transcripts of previously completed coursework.
N/A
N/A
58%
2,256
Public
Yes
$1,976
$6,968
Sylva, NC2 yearCampus + Online
$1,976
$6,968
N/A
60%
N/A
N/A
58%
2,256
Public
Yes
Southwestern Community College offers an online medical office administration associate of applied science degree. The curriculum explores sociology and psychology, statistical methods, medical terminology, professional research and reporting, and two office administration capstones.
Students complete classroom, lab, and clinical hours. Applicants must hold a GRE certificate, high school diploma, or an equivalent. Applicants also need to fill out the online application, take placement tests, and submit any transcripts of previously completed coursework.
Surry Community College
Dobson, NC2 yearCampus + Online
$2,550
$8,694
N/A
52%
SCC, based in North Carolina, offers an online medical office administration associate program to prepare students as medical administrative personnel. Graduates pursue jobs in medical billing and coding, dental office administration, patient services, and medical documentation.
The program curriculum includes mathematical measurement and literacy, records management, and an office administration capstone. Applicants must pass a background check.
N/A
N/A
65%
2,797
Public
Yes
$2,550
$8,694
Dobson, NC2 yearCampus + Online
$2,550
$8,694
N/A
52%
N/A
N/A
65%
2,797
Public
Yes
SCC, based in North Carolina, offers an online medical office administration associate program to prepare students as medical administrative personnel. Graduates pursue jobs in medical billing and coding, dental office administration, patient services, and medical documentation.
The program curriculum includes mathematical measurement and literacy, records management, and an office administration capstone. Applicants must pass a background check.
Wayne Community College
Goldsboro, NC2 yearCampus + Online
$2,432
$8,576
N/A
68%
WCC provides students a pathway into medical administration jobs with its online associate of applied science degree. The curriculum prepares students for industry-recognized certification exams and careers in medical or dental offices, hospitals, laboratories, and other healthcare-related businesses.
Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA while enrolled. Applicants must submit previous transcripts and proof of a GED certificate or high school diploma.
N/A
N/A
80%
2,732
Public
Yes
$2,432
$8,576
Goldsboro, NC2 yearCampus + Online
$2,432
$8,576
N/A
68%
N/A
N/A
80%
2,732
Public
Yes
WCC provides students a pathway into medical administration jobs with its online associate of applied science degree. The curriculum prepares students for industry-recognized certification exams and careers in medical or dental offices, hospitals, laboratories, and other healthcare-related businesses.
Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA while enrolled. Applicants must submit previous transcripts and proof of a GED certificate or high school diploma.
Pitt Community College
Winterville, NC2 yearCampus + Online
$1,824
$6,432
N/A
72%
Located in Winterville, North Carolina, Pitt offers a medical office administration associate of applied science degree. The five-semester program includes classes such as text entry and formatting, medical terminology, healthcare customer relations, and a medical office administration capstone course. Applicants must complete a North Carolina residency form and fill out an online application.
N/A
N/A
68%
7,144
Public
Yes
$1,824
$6,432
Winterville, NC2 yearCampus + Online
$1,824
$6,432
N/A
72%
N/A
N/A
68%
7,144
Public
Yes
Located in Winterville, North Carolina, Pitt offers a medical office administration associate of applied science degree. The five-semester program includes classes such as text entry and formatting, medical terminology, healthcare customer relations, and a medical office administration capstone course. Applicants must complete a North Carolina residency form and fill out an online application.
Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh, NC2 yearCampus + Online
$2,432
$8,576
N/A
77%
Wake Tech offers an associate of applied science medical office professional. The degree prepares students for careers as medical office personnel, covering medical terminology, editing and formatting, critical thinking, team building, and problem-solving.
Graduates pursue jobs in medical offices, hospitals, insurance companies, research facilities, and medical supply companies. Applicants must hold a high school diploma, GRE certificate, or an equivalent.
N/A
N/A
68%
21,551
Public
Yes
$2,432
$8,576
Raleigh, NC2 yearCampus + Online
$2,432
$8,576
N/A
77%
N/A
N/A
68%
21,551
Public
Yes
Wake Tech offers an associate of applied science medical office professional. The degree prepares students for careers as medical office personnel, covering medical terminology, editing and formatting, critical thinking, team building, and problem-solving.
Graduates pursue jobs in medical offices, hospitals, insurance companies, research facilities, and medical supply companies. Applicants must hold a high school diploma, GRE certificate, or an equivalent.
Guilford Technical Community College
Jamestown, NC2 yearCampus + Online
$3,024
$9,936
100%
63%
GTCC offers a medical office administration associate of applied science degree through its distance learning program. Students in the five-semester program train to use different healthcare and administrative software programs and applications, communicate effectively, and manage medical office records.
Applicants must complete a North Carolina residency form and submit high school transcripts. Graduates are prepared for the Microsoft Office User Specialist exam.
N/A
N/A
50%
10,067
Public
Yes
$3,024
$9,936
Jamestown, NC2 yearCampus + Online
$3,024
$9,936
100%
63%
N/A
N/A
50%
10,067
Public
Yes
GTCC offers a medical office administration associate of applied science degree through its distance learning program. Students in the five-semester program train to use different healthcare and administrative software programs and applications, communicate effectively, and manage medical office records.
Applicants must complete a North Carolina residency form and submit high school transcripts. Graduates are prepared for the Microsoft Office User Specialist exam.
What Courses Will I Take in an Online Associate in Medical Office Administration Program?
An online associate degree in medical office administration can open many doors for you. You’ll receive training on healthcare systems and operations, health information management, and scheduling. Below are a few classes you might take in an associate in medical office administration program.
Healthcare Systems and Operations
This course covers operational systems in healthcare, including financial, legal, and administrative activities. Coursework will help you understand both nonclinical and clinical operations, which can ultimately aid in creating a smooth working environment.Medical Terminology
This course introduces you to various medical terms that are used in healthcare workplaces. You’ll develop an understanding of numeric and alphanumeric codes that signify various conditions, injuries, diseases, procedures, and treatments.Medical Law and Ethics
Understanding medical law and ethics can help you navigate privacy and values like collaboration, timeliness, and social responsibility in healthcare. Coursework covers various important laws and ethical challenges related to the medical field.Health Information Management
Information management in healthcare is essential for monitoring and evaluating patient records for easy workflow, governance, and regulation. This course often teaches the ethical standards of the American Health Information Management Association.Scheduling Office Operations
Office operation scheduling involves assigning jobs and choosing suitable machines or human resources to handle them in real time. This course teaches you how to balance healthcare resources, the available workforce, and patient needs to improve patient care.
What Can You Do With an Associate in Medical Office Administration Degree?
An associate degree in medical office administration can qualify you for several professions in the healthcare field, especially if you are motivated to continue your schooling and training.
One of the top roles is health care administrator, both in salary and demand. These professionals have typically gone on to earn a bachelor’s or a master’s degree. They coordinate office activities, develop work schedules, manage billing, monitor budgets, and oversee facility logistics.
Transcriptionists and receptionists are entry-level careers for someone with an associate degree in medical office administration.
| Job | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Healthcare Administrator | $75,724 |
| Hospital Administrator | $95,066 |
| Nursing Home Administrator | $99,569 |
| Medical Records and Health Information Specialists | $48,780 |
| Medical Secretary | $43,380 |
| Medical Receptionist | $35,291 |
| Medical Transcriptionists | $37,060 |
Pros and Cons to Earning an Associate in Medical Office Administration Online
Choosing your career path and training route is a decision that you should make carefully. There are many pros and cons to earning an online associate degree in medical office administration. We’ve outlined some of the opportunities and potential challenges you might face below.
Pros
Short program length and asynchronous learning offer flexibility for working professionals.- You’ll join a rewarding career where the focus is on helping patients in need
- You can find job stability with adequate pay and benefits as an entry-level worker, especially if employed by a large hospital system.
- You’ll learn transferable skills and opportunities to advance within the medical field or to secure other clerical or administrative work
Cons
Most of your online class work will be done independently and off-campus.- Positions in healthcare and patient services can be stressful and emotionally exhausting.
- Entry-level positions offer lower salaries. You might need additional training and schooling for advancement.
- Some programs can be expensive. It’s worth weighing the cost between obtaining an associate degree or diving straight into a bachelor’s degree.
Frequently Asked Questions About Associate in Medical Office Administration Programs
Yes. An associate degree in medical office administration can be worth it for those looking to enter the healthcare industry.
This degree can serve as a stepping stone to four-year programs that lead to lucrative and in-demand careers. An associate degree in medical office administration allows you to switch career paths even after graduating.
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