If you want to start your Medical Administrative Assistant career faster without spending years in college, without taking on student loan debt, from the comfort of your home, then an online course could be the perfect solution.
But with so many options available, how do you know if online training is really worth your time, effort, and money?
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about online Medical Administrative Assistant courses.
We’ll also explore the different types of online classes and help you understand what to look for in an ideal program.
Finally, we’ll introduce you to a self-paced training program that could help you become job-ready faster by gaining hands-on experience, without the hassle of a traditional school.
So, let’s get started.
Are Online Courses Worth Your Time and Effort, and Money?
When considering a career as a Medical Administrative Assistant, many still doubt if online courses are the right choice.
Well, they offer the same knowledge and skills but with speed, flexibility, and at an insanely affordable tuition cost.
But are they really worth it? Let’s break it down.
You Get the Same Knowledge and Skills as Traditional Programs
A common misconception is that online courses don’t provide the same level of education as traditional medical administrative assistant training programs.
However, a well-structured online training program covers the same essential topics—medical terminology, healthcare laws, billing, insurance processing, and front-office operations.
Some programs even align their coursework with certification exams to ensure students meet industry standards.
They Can Provide Hands-On Experience
One common concern about online learning is the lack of practical experience. However, some online programs include an externship opportunity, allowing you to gain real-world experience in a healthcare setting. This hands-on training ensures that you’re not just learning theory—you’re also applying what you’ve learned.
They Offer Flexibility That Traditional Programs Don’t
With in-person training, you have to attend classes on a set schedule, which may not work if you’re juggling a job or family responsibilities.
Online courses let you learn at your own pace—whether that means finishing quickly or taking your time to balance other commitments. You get to decide when and where you study, making it a practical option for adults with busy lives.
They Could Make You Certification Ready
Most employers prefer hiring certified professionals. A high-quality online course could prepare you for industry-recognized certification exams like the CMAA (Certified Medical Administrative Assistant) by the NHA. This certification boosts your resume and improves your job prospects.
They Are Affordable
Traditional degree programs can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $40,000, often leaving students with student loan debt. Even certificate programs can range from $4,000 to $15,000, making them an expensive option for many.
In contrast, online courses are much more budget-friendly, with some high-quality programs available for under $2,000. This makes them an excellent choice for those looking to start their careers without financial strain.
They Help You Start Your Career Faster
A degree program takes two to four years to complete, delaying your entry into the workforce. Even traditional certificate programs require a significant time commitment – 9 months to a year.
Online courses, on the other hand, allow you to complete your training in as little as 6 months. This means you could be job-ready much sooner than if you took the traditional route.
The Bottom Line
Drop your fear and trust online courses! But remember, not all courses are created equal.
Place your bet only on the right program. How do you find one? We’ll discuss that shortly…
Types of Online Classes
Online learning isn’t one-size-fits-all. Depending on the program, online classes come in different formats—each with its own advantages and drawbacks.
Let’s explore the three main types with their pros and cons:
Live Classes
Live online classes function like traditional in-person classes but are conducted virtually through video conferencing platforms. Students attend scheduled sessions, interact with instructors in real-time, and participate in discussions.
Pros
- Offers direct interaction with instructors and classmates.
- Provides structured learning, keeping students accountable.
Cons
- Fixed schedules remove the flexibility that many students seek in online learning.
- Limited ability to revisit lessons since live sessions may not always be recorded.
- Not ideal for those with work or family commitments.
Hybrid Programs
Hybrid programs blend online and in-person learning. Students complete most coursework online but must attend in-person sessions for labs, exams, or practical training.
Pros
- Combines the convenience of online learning with hands-on experience.
- Suitable for courses requiring in-person practice, such as medical training.
Cons
- Requires commuting for in-person sessions, making it less flexible.
- Limited availability, as hybrid programs are not offered everywhere.
Self-Paced Learning
Self-paced courses allow students to learn at their own speed. There are no fixed schedules—students can complete lessons whenever they have time, making it the most flexible option.
Self-paced online courses just have one flaw – they require self-discipline and motivation to stay on track.
Pros
- Complete control over your schedule—study anytime, anywhere.
- Can finish faster, sometimes in as little as 4 to 6 months.
- Ideal for working professionals and those with personal commitments.
Which One Is Best?
If you’re looking for flexibility, affordability, and a faster route to becoming job-ready, self-paced learning is the best option. It allows you to balance your studies with other responsibilities while completing your training in less time.
Plus, if you choose a program with externship opportunities, you can still gain hands-on experience without the constraints of scheduled classes.
What Should You Look for in an Ideal Online Course?
With so many online Medical Administrative Assistant courses available, choosing the right one can make all the difference in how fast and affordably you start your career.
A high-quality online course should not only provide education but also prepare you for real-world job responsibilities and industry certification.
Here’s what to look for in an ideal online course:
Self-Paced Education
One of the biggest advantages of online learning is flexibility. A self-paced program allows you to study at your own speed, meaning you could complete your training in as little as six months or take more time if needed.
This flexibility is especially beneficial for working adults, parents, or anyone with a busy schedule. Unlike traditional programs that follow a rigid schedule, a self-paced course puts you in control of your learning timeline.
Practical Experience Opportunity
Learning the skills is important, but applying them in a real-world setting is what truly prepares you for the job.
An externship allows you to gain hands-on experience in a healthcare facility, helping you build confidence and understand how administrative tasks are handled in a professional environment.
A great online program should include an externship opportunity near your location, so you can gain valuable experience without having to relocate.
Certification-Ready Curriculum
To stand out in the job market, becoming certified is crucial. A well-structured program should align with industry standards and cover all the topics included in major certification exams, such as the CMAA exam by the NHA.
This ensures that once you complete your training, you’re fully prepared to take the certification exam and increase your chances of landing a great job.
Affordable Pricing
Cost is often a major concern when choosing a program. Traditional degrees can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $40,000, and even in-person certificate programs can be expensive, ranging from $4,000 to $10,000.
A well-designed online program should be affordable, with tuition under $2,000, allowing you to complete your training without taking on student loan debt.
Lower costs should not mean lower quality—an ideal program should still provide comprehensive training, certification preparation, and career support.
University Certificate – If You Get The Best
Not all certificates are created equal. Some online programs issue completion certificates, but they may not carry much weight with employers.
The best programs offer a university-backed certificate, preferably from a recognized non-profit institution.
A certificate from a well-known university adds credibility to your resume and assures employers that you have completed a high-quality, industry-standard training program.
Now, you must be thinking – is there any course that offers all of that, including a university certificate?
There is One!
Introducing Preppy’s Self-Paced Medical Administrative Assistant Training Program
When choosing an online program, you want one that checks all the right boxes—flexibility, affordability, credibility, and real-world training. That’s exactly what Preppy delivers.
Unlike other programs that come with hidden costs, rigid schedules, or long completion times, Preppy is designed to help you start your Medical Administrative Assistant career faster, affordably, and with industry-recognized training.
Here’s what you get with Preppy:
100% Online and Self-Paced
Many online programs still require scheduled live classes or in-person attendance, making it difficult for those with jobs or family responsibilities.
Preppy, on the other hand, is completely self-paced. You decide when and where to study. Whether you want to complete the program quickly in just a few months or take your time, Preppy allows you to learn on your own schedule. No commuting, no rigid class times—just pure flexibility.
Affordable Tuition
Higher education is expensive, with degree programs costing anywhere from $10,000 to $40,000 and traditional certificate programs often ranging between $4,000 and $15,000. Preppy offers high-quality training at a fraction of the cost, just $1,599.
This means you can gain industry-relevant skills without taking on student loan debt, making it one of the most cost-effective options available.
Faster Completion
Traditional degree programs can take two to four years to complete, delaying your entry into the workforce. Even some certificate programs can take over a year.
With Preppy, you could complete your training in as little as 4 months, allowing you to start your career much sooner. This means less time in school and more time earning in a growing healthcare field.
University Certificate from a Respected Institution
Earning a certificate from a well-known, non-profit university adds credibility to your resume. Preppy offers you exactly that.
Upon successful completion of our course, you get an Auburn University certificate, signaling to employers that you’ve received training that meets high academic standards.
This isn’t just an ordinary online certificate—it’s from a recognized, non-profit institution that employers respect.
An Externship Opportunity
As discussed earlier, one of the biggest concerns with online training is the lack of hands-on experience. Preppy solves this by including an externship near your location, allowing you to gain real-world experience in a healthcare setting. This externship not only boosts your confidence but also strengthens your resume, giving you an edge in the job market.
You Could Become Certification Ready
The Preppy program is built to align with industry standards, meaning you could become fully prepared for the CMAA exam by the NHA. Earning this certification can increase your job opportunities and prove your expertise to employers.
24/7 Support – You’re Never Alone
Many online programs leave students to figure things out on their own, but Preppy provides round-the-clock support. Whether you need help with coursework, tech support, or career guidance, there’s always someone available to assist you.
Big Bonus – A Free Laptop
To help you succeed, Preppy offers a free laptop to students who pay their tuition in full. This isn’t just a loaner—you get to keep it even after completing the program.
So, if you’re looking for a faster, more affordable, and more flexible way to become a Medical Administrative Assistant, you could check out Preppy’s Self-Paced Training Program.
In Conclusion
Choosing the right path to become a Medical Administrative Assistant can be overwhelming, but online courses have made it easier than ever, so you don’t have to spend years in school or take on student loan debt.
They offer affordability, flexibility, and faster completion compared to traditional degree and certificate programs. However, not all online courses are created equal—choosing the right one is key.
And as discussed, Preppy’s Self-Paced Medical Administrative Assistant training program checks all the boxes—self-paced, affordable, offers a university-backed certificate, and provides an externship opportunity, so you could get job-ready in as little as 4 months.
Also read: Get Medical Office Assistant Certification in 4 Months
About:
Preppy was founded by higher education expert, Grant Aldrich, whose work on college affordability and accessibility has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, Business Insider, American Express, AOL, MSN, Thrive Global, Reader’s Digest, Inside Higher Ed, Evolllution, EducationDive, and nearly 100 radio shows and podcasts.
Time is money. Instead of programs that could take 2 years, Preppy provides you with education in a few months through immersive online training.
Healthcare, IT, Business, Trades…Preppy gets you ready for the trending careers in our modern economy.
Our team of higher education and startup veterans has created the best solution so everyone can obtain the emerging careers of today and tomorrow.
We look forward to speaking with you. You may also call 800-729-1317.
