The Best Medical Assistant Programs in Massachusetts 2023
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- Medical assistants perform administrative and some clinical tasks.
- They can work in hospitals, private practices, clinics, and similar settings.
- You can become a medical assistant with an associate degree or certificate program.
- Becoming a medical assistant can help you pursue other healthcare careers.
Demand for medical assistants is projected to grow faster than all occupations between 2021 and 2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). With only a two-year degree or certificate program, you can enter the healthcare field and make a difference to patients. Learn about the best online medical assistant programs in Massachusetts, what to expect, and what the career is like.
What Can I Do With a Medical Assistant Degree?
A medical assistant degree equips you to perform administrative work and communicate with patients. Many states have specific regulations on what a medical assistant can and cannot do. You do not need a license to be a medical assistant in Massachusetts, but most employers prefer or require certification.
Where Can I Work With a Medical Assistant Degree?
- Outpatient Care Centers: Medical assistants may update medical records, take vital signs such as height, weight, and blood pressure, prepare materials for insurance and billing, and support daily functions.
- General Medical and Surgical Hospitals: Medical assistants in hospitals may specialize in clinical tasks, such as sterilizing instruments, disposing of materials safely, or running basic lab tests.
- Specialty Medical Offices: Medical assistants may have specific roles in specialized practices. For example, in an optometrist's office, they may help patients use contact lenses or order lenses and glasses.
How Much Can I Make With a Medical Assistant Degree?
The average salary for medical assistants in Massachusetts is $46,130 annually, or $22.18 per hour, according to the BLS.
However, the cost of living in many parts of Massachusetts can offset some of that difference. Certification may increase your pay, even if an employer does not require it. Experience and location also affect salaries.
Popular Online Associate Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What to Look for in a Medical Assistant Programs in Massachusetts Program
The best online medical assistant program in Massachusetts depends on your background and goals. Other considerations include the program's curriculum, accreditation, length, and graduation rate.
Program Curriculum
Look into the program's course offerings and electives. Determine if the curriculum matches your interests and offers specialty courses.
Accreditation
Accreditation is the most important factor in measuring a program's quality. Most employers will not hire graduates from an unaccredited program, and accredited programs often do not accept credits from unaccredited programs. Because it is so vital, all of the programs on this list of best online medical assistant programs in Massachusetts are accredited.
Program Length
When researching programs, determine if the program length and pace meet your needs, whether you want a shorter certificate program or a longer associate degree program, and if you can complete the program while fulfilling any other responsibilities.
School Graduation Rate
The school graduation rate is a good indicator of whether it adequately supports students to be successful in the program.
The Best Medical Assistant Programs in Massachusetts
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North Shore Community College
Danvers, MA - 2 years
- Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $223
Out-of-State | $455
Credits to Graduate: 29
The North Shore Community College, in Danvers, offers a one-year medical assistant program. The program concludes with a practicum comprising 168 unpaid hours in an ambulatory care setting, 32 on-campus simulation hours and 25 on-campus seminar hours.
To graduate, enrollees must demonstrate mathematical and communications proficiency by showcasing high school or college-level classes on transcripts, standardized test scores, or, if needed, registering for programs at the school.
Northern Essex Community College
Haverhill, MA - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $334; $115 for high school and early college program participants
Out-of-State | $347 for New England states; $575 for all other states
Credits to Graduate: 32
Northern Essex Community College's medical assistant program is available as a day or evening program. The day option is entirely on campus, while the evening program is hybrid, with regular on-campus components. Both programs require CPR certification at the healthcare professional level before clinical courses begin. While applicants may need a criminal background check, the school is willing to meet and work with students experiencing legal issues to offer guidance.
Massasoit Community College
Brockton, MA - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health
Programs
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $224
Out-of-State | $430
Credits to Graduate: 38
At Massasoit Community College, the medical assistant program takes nine months of full-time study and a 245-hour practicum for completion. The school guarantees placement in the practicum. The program includes advising on certification options. Admission is on a first-come, first-served rolling basis.
Because the program is selective admission, applicants must complete required testing in reading, writing, and mathematics, and attend a mandatory information session. Students who do not pass the testing can enroll in classes and re-test.
Cape Cod Community College
West Barnstable, MA - 2 years
- Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $223
Out-of-State | $429
Credits to Graduate: 29
Cape Cod Community College's medical assistant certificate program typically takes one year for full-time students to complete, though the school notes that many students attend on a part-time basis. To enroll, learners must attend an informational session and, to graduate, they must maintain a 75% average and take a certification examination.
The program is open enrollment. However, when offered admission, students must submit a background check form and documentation of required immunizations. Applicants must also either document college-level courses in reading and study skills, writing, and math, or complete a placement test and take any needed courses based on the results.
Greenfield Community College
Greenfield, MA - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $237
Out-of-State | $250 for New England states; $492 for other states
The Greenfield Community College medical assistant program can be completed in one year, with most of the classes online and weekly on-campus lab sessions. Students must pass a background check and have CPR certification by the time they participate in clinicals. In 2020, the program reported an 87.5% retention rate, 93% certification exam passage rate, and an 82% job placement rate.
All courses in the program require a C or higher to pass.
Middlesex Community College
Bedford, MA - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $252
Out-of-State | $279 for New England state; $505 for other states
Credits to Graduate: 29
The medical assistant program at Middlesex Community College requires a 2.0 GPA, proficiency with computers and in English and math. Students can demonstrate proficiency through testing or other college-level courses or take classes. Applicants must also pass a criminal background check.
The program takes full-time students one year to complete, including the externship, and learners must earn a 73% grade in each class. In 2020, the passing rate for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant CCMA exam was 81%.
Springfield Technical Community College
Springfield, MA - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $329
Out-of-State | $342 for New England states; $546 for other states
Credits to Graduate: 29
At Springfield Technical Community College, the medical assistant program takes one year to complete, or students can continue to the associate degree program. Classes take place only during the day. While the classwork ends after two semesters, learners must complete the three-credit externship during the summer with at least 160 hours. Admission is competitive, and applicants must demonstrate competence in English, math, and medical terminology through testing or coursework.
Quinsigamond Community College
Worcester, MA - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $205
Out-of-State | $411
Credits to Graduate: 22
The Quinsigamond Community College medical assistant program lasts two semesters and is followed by an unpaid externship. Learners must attend an onboarding session or complete an onboarding class, but there are no other course or proficiency requirements.
Before the spring term, students must meet with the Career Services department or apply for the associate degree program, which takes an additional year. Unlike many programs, only three classes require a C grade or higher to continue in the program. In 2021, 70% of the students graduated, 50% passed at least one certification exam, and 50% were working in their field.
What Can I Expect From a Medical Assistant Program in Massachusetts
During one of the best online medical assistant programs in Massachusetts, you can expect to learn about:
- How medical offices and the healthcare system work
- How to perform administrative tasks such as handling prescription refill requests, updating medical records, or submitting bills
- How to work with patients
You will also learn about protecting patient rights, especially maintaining their health record privacy.
Some programs take less than one year and give you a certificate. Other programs take two years and award an associate's degree. You will also practice medical skills in person during a medical assistant program, often called an externship.
What Are the Admission Requirements for Medical Assistant Programs in Massachusetts?
Many medical assistant programs at community colleges or vocational schools do not require a specific GPA. You must have a high school diploma or GED certificate. Coursework in using office software, math, or bookkeeping is common. Biology coursework may also be useful if you want to focus on medical rather than administrative tasks.
- Education: Most programs require only a high school diploma or a GED certificate.
- GPA: While many programs do not require a specific GPA, a GPA of 2.0 helps your chances of getting admitted.
How Much Does a Medical Assistant Degree Cost?
The cost of attending a medical assistant program in Massachusetts varies, but most tuition costs $7,000-$9,000 per year. You should also consider buying or renting books, equipment, and other expenses. However, you can get scholarships or grants from the federal government, nonprofits, and organizations, including scholarships specifically for healthcare students.
Everything Else You Need to Know About Medical Assistant Programs in Massachusetts Programs
Where do the highest-paid medical assistants work?
The highest-paid medical assistants often work in specialized medical fields, such as podiatry or insurance and billing in medical facilities and for insurance companies.
Are medical assistants in demand in Massachusetts?
Nationally, the number of medical assistant jobs is projected to increase by 16% between 2021 and 2031. Because Massachusetts is home to several major medical centers, it is likely that medical assistants are also in demand in Massachusetts.
What's the difference between a medical assistant diploma, certificate, and degree?
The main difference between a medical assistant diploma, certificate, and degree is the program's length, curriculum, and level of detail. A diploma is typically six months to a year, a certificate takes approximately a year, and a degree takes approximately two years.
What can a medical assistant do to make more money?
To make more money, a medical assistant can earn certification, become an expert in insurance and billing, learn specific medical support skills, or earn additional certifications in either office or medical functions. Some medical assistants continue their education to become nurses or other clinical roles.
