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2023 Best Online Certificates for Medical Office Administration

By OnlineU Staff Writers | Updated 7/25/2023
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The field of medical office administration plays a crucial role in the efficient operation of healthcare facilities, ensuring that administrative tasks are effectively managed and patient care runs smoothly. As the demand for skilled professionals in this field continues to grow, pursuing a certificate in medical office administration can provide you with the essential knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a rewarding healthcare career. Earning an online certificate allows you to keep working as you improve yourself and learn the right skills for the job you want.  Whether you are a working professional seeking to enhance your skills or someone transitioning into the healthcare field, our rankings list below will help you find the best online certificate program to meet your educational and career goals.

Our goal is to provide you with a comprehensive resource that simplifies your search and empowers you to make an informed decision based on data, such as Salary Score. View our methodology for more details about our list, or learn more about OnlineU

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Online Medical Office Administration Certificate Degrees You May Be Interested In


#1 Madison Area Technical College

  • Salary Score: 99
  • Median Starting Salary: $41,102
  • Locations: Madison (WI)
  • Accreditation: HLC

Madison Area Technical College (MATC) is a public institution with a 100% acceptance rate and a 42% graduation rate. MATC offers an online Technical Diploma in Healthcare Receptionist, which requires 25 credit hours and takes about one year to complete. Students learn how to apply technology skills to business and administrative tasks, perform healthcare administration procedures, and model professionalism in the workplace.

At MATC, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is 100% online. Courses include Keyboard Skillbuilding, Business Spreadsheet Applications, and Medical Language for the Business Professional. MATC prepares graduates to work as medical receptionists, medical appointment schedulers, and health unit coordinators.

MATC also offers an online Technical Diploma in Medical Billing Specialist as an alternative choice.

#2 Gwinnett Technical College

  • Salary Score: 97
  • Median Starting Salary: $38,481
  • Locations: Lawrenceville (GA) (and 1 other)
  • Accreditation: SACS COC

Gwinnett Technical College (GTC) is a public institution that offers an online Certificate in Medical Front Office Assistant, which takes about 1-2 years to complete and requires 21 credit hours. The program also offers several elective courses for students who want to improve specific skills. GTC has a 100% acceptance rate and a 33% graduation rate.

At GTC, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is entirely online. Students gain skills in word processing, managing files and records, designing forms, and performing other office procedures, with courses such as Document Production, Fundamentals of English, and Medical Terminology for Allied Health Sciences. Graduates may work as medical office assistants, medical receptionists, virtual administrative assistants, and typists.

#3 Northcentral Technical College

  • Salary Score: 75
  • Median Starting Salary: $30,525
  • Locations: Wausau (WI)
  • Accreditation: HLC

Northcentral Technical College (NTC) is a public institution with a 100% acceptance rate and a 56% graduation rate. NTC offers an online Technical Diploma in Medical Office Specialist, which requires 30 credit hours and one year to complete.

At NTC, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is entirely online. Through courses such as Foundations of the Medical Office, Electronic Business Communications, and Healthcare Documentation, students improve their workplace communication skills, business and administrative technology skills, and can perform healthcare administrative procedures. Graduates may work in physician offices, clinics, and hospitals.

NTC also offers an online Certificate in Medical Office Documentation Specialist and an online Certificate in Health Services.

#4 Central Georgia Technical College

  • Salary Score: 63
  • Median Starting Salary: $28,169
  • Locations: Macon (GA) (and 2 others)
  • Accreditation: SACS COC

Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) is a public institution with a 100% acceptance rate and a 46% graduation rate. It offers an online Technical Certificate of Credit in Medical Front Office Assistant, which requires 22 credit hours and may be completed in one year. CGTC has small class sizes and provides students with real-world experience.

At CGTC, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is entirely online and asynchronous. Courses include Medical Administrative Procedures, Acute Care Medical Transcription, and Medical Terminology, but there are many elective courses to choose from. Graduates of the program are ready to work in an entry-level position as a receptionist in physician offices, hospitals, clinics, or other related areas.

#5 Rasmussen University Online

  • Salary Score: 63
  • Median Starting Salary: $28,134
  • Locations: Multiple Locations
  • Accreditation: HLC

Rasmussen University Online (RU) is a small, private institution that offers an online Certificate in Medical Administrative Assistant, which can be completed in as few as nine months. Students may take as many as three self-directed assessments to receive course credit without taking the course. Graduates will know how to assist patients and maintain health records through the most current technology.

At RU, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is entirely online. Students attend live sessions with faculty and staff, as well as complete assignments and discussions with peers. Courses in the certificate program teach students about healthcare, customer service, and office management skills. Graduates may work as medical secretaries or medical administrative assistants.

#6 Spokane Community College

  • Salary Score: 61
  • Median Starting Salary: $27,790
  • Locations: Spokane (WA)
  • Accreditation: NWCCU

Spokane Community College (SCC) is a public institution with a 100% acceptance rate and a 37% graduation rate. SCC offers an online Certificate in Medical Office Receptionist, which requires 29 credit hours and takes about a year to complete. Graduates also earn a Medical Clerical Certificate upon the program's completion.

At SCC, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is entirely online. Students take courses, such as Medical Terminology and Anatomy, Medical Office Computing, and Grammar for Business. This online certificate program prepares graduates to work at insurance companies, medical clinics and private physician offices.

#7 Carrington College

  • Salary Score: 56
  • Median Starting Salary: $26,807
  • Locations: Multiple Locations
  • Accreditation: WASC ACCJC

Carrington College (CC) is a small, private institution that offers an online Certificate of Achievement in Medical Administrative Assistant, which can be completed in nine months. This certificate program teaches online students about health care office procedures, medical and dental insurance, and anatomy, physiology and terminology. CC has an acceptance rate of 100% and a graduation rate of 85%.

At CC, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is entirely online. Carrington College prepares students to work as medical secretaries and administrative assistants. Courses teach students to schedule appointments, handle incoming and outgoing mail, maintain electronic and paper databases and filing systems, and create reports.

#8 Guilford Technical Community College

  • Salary Score: 52
  • Median Starting Salary: $26,183
  • Locations: Jamestown (NC)
  • Accreditation: SACS COC

Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) is a public institution with an acceptance rate of 100% and a graduation rate of 22%. GTCC offers an online Diploma in Medical Office Administration - Patient Relations, which requires 36 credit hours and can be completed in one year.

At GTCC, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is entirely online and asynchronous. Courses include Med Ins & Billing, Electronic Health Records, and Writing and Inquiry. Students gain the knowledge to succeed with patient registration, clerical support for various patient-care units, and most customer service positions in healthcare and usually work as medical office administrators.

As an alternative, GTCC also offers an online Certificate in Electronic Medical Records.

2023 Best Online Certificates for Medical Office Administration

RankSchool Salary Score Median Starting Salary
# 1 #1 Madison Area Technical College 99 99 $41,102
# 2 #2 Gwinnett Technical College 97 $38,481
# 3 #3 Northcentral Technical College 75 $30,525
# 4 #4 Central Georgia Technical College 63 $28,169
# 5 #5 Rasmussen University Online 63 $28,134
# 6 #6 Spokane Community College 61 $27,790
# 7 #7 Carrington College 56 $26,807
# 8 #8 Guilford Technical Community College 52 $26,183
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Overview of Medical Office Programs Online

Although medical office administration does not necessarily require any formal education, professionals who hold degrees may have more job opportunities. Online school for medical office administration can improve skill level, hireability, and further a graduate’s career.

There are four main educational pathways to consider:

1

Students can also receive an education in medical office administration without committing to a full degree program by pursuing a medical office administration certificate online. Online undergraduate certificate degrees are available and take around a year to complete.

2

An associate degree in the medical field takes about two years to complete and prepares graduates to work at entry-level positions, such as medical office assistant, medical secretary, and administrative assistant.

3

For those who are looking to hold management and leadership positions, consider an online medical office administration bachelor's degree. Over the course of four years, students prepare to work as program managers, clinical directors, office administrators, and practice administrators.

4

Online master's degree programs are also available and can be completed in two years. Graduates may go on to work in senior positions, including executive officer, hospital administrator, department manager, and healthcare consultant.

Find an Accredited Online Medical Office Administration Degree

Before enrolling in an online medical office administration degree program, students should verify that their institution is accredited.

Accreditation is important for many reasons. First of all, accredited schools have had their faculty, course work, grading systems, facilities, and student resources assessed by independent organizations to ensure that the schools provide quality education that meets national educational standards.

Only students at accredited institutions are eligible for federal financial aid programs. Additionally, accreditation plays an important role in the transfer process. Most institutions and programs will only accept transfer credits from other higher education institutions that have been accredited.

Online Certificate in Medical Office Administration

People who are not interested in committing to a full undergraduate degree program have the option of participating in an undergraduate medical office administration certificate program. This type of program does not result in an associate or bachelor's degree, yet it still delivers the education needed to begin a successful career in the industry. Certificate programs consist of 47 to 57 credit hours and students can typically complete them in a year, or sometimes a little longer.

Among the required courses are Medical Office Management, Medical Insurance Billing, Patient Prioritizing and Instruction, Medical Coding, Disease of the Human Body, Medical Office Accounting, Medical Records Management, and Medical Terminology. Depending on the program, students may also need to complete an externship that will give them hands-on experience prior to graduation.

Certificate programs are available at community colleges, universities, and vocational schools.

Admission Requirements

Below are some of the requirements when applying for a medical office administration certificate online:

  • Application form
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Writing/computer proficiency test

What Can I Do With a Medical Office Administration Certificate ?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists several careers for individuals with a postsecondary award or certificate. These include medical secretaries, medical assistants, medical records and health information specialists, and medical transcriptionists.

Administrators and assistants are important in every field, and a field like healthcare administration involves a lot of paperwork, data, and patient information, so administrators and assistants are always in high demand.

Online Associate Degree in Medical Office Administration

Students can earn an online associate degree in medical office administration at community colleges, state colleges, and universities. Students enrolled in an online associate degree program can typically graduate in around two years by completing 60 semester credit hours.

Examples of the different courses students encounter during their studies include Keyboarding, Healthcare Systems and Operations, Insurance Claims, Medical Terminology for Healthcare Professionals, Ethics and Health Information Management, and Computer Applications. In some cases, students must also complete a case study research project as well as an internship.

Admission Requirements

Below are some of the key requirements for prospective students seeking an associate degree in office administration:

  • Application form
  • An essay or personal statement
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Transcripts
  • Resume
  • Letters of recommendation

What Can I Do With an Associate in Medical Office Administration?

An associate in office administration that's focused within the medical field prepares graduates to perform clinical and medical administrative duties. O*NET lists several career opportunities for individuals with an associate degree: health information technologists and medical registrar, facilities manager, and clinical data managers. An associate degree in medical office administration is helpful for those who want to advance into a position with more responsibility.

Administrators and assistants are important in every field, and a field like healthcare administration involves a lot of paperwork, data, and patient information, so administrators and assistants are always in high demand.

A Medical Office Administration Bachelor’s Degree

Students can pursue online bachelor's degrees in medical office administration at colleges and universities. Bachelor's degree programs help prepare students for roles in this field through around 120 credit hours of study over the course of four years.

Curriculum at this level comprises classes such as the following: Introduction to Management, Healthcare Finance, Medical Law and Ethics, Healthcare Human Resources Management, Healthcare Quality, Accounting, Leadership and Organizational Behavior, and Principles of Microeconomics. Bachelor's programs online, or in-person, may also require that students participate in an internship or complete a capstone project.

Are you still undecided about your next steps? Check out similar online degree programs at the bachelor's level in this field: healthcare administration, healthcare informatics, and healthcare management.

Admission Requirements

Below are some of the requirements for applying to a bachelors in medical office administration:

  • Application form
  • Essays/personal statement
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Transcripts
  • Resume
  • Letters of recommendation

What Can I Do With a Bachelor's Degree in Medical Office Administration?

An online medical office bachelor's degree prepares graduates for advanced positions in the field and higher salaries. The BLS lists several careers for graduates of this bachelor’s degree. These include administrative services and facilities managers, social and community service managers, and medical and health services managers. These careers overlook departments and programs in order to provide organizational plans and solutions.

Online Master's Degrees in the Medical Field: Next Steps

Our list of online schools above does not feature master's degrees because this next level of education is highly specialized. To explore the best online master's degree programs in this field, check out our articles about healthcare administration and healthcare management. You can even get a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management if you're interested in becoming a healthcare administrator, clinical research coordinator, or clinical ethicist, to name a few possibilities.

Students can typically complete their master's degree studies in two years and are required to take up to 39 semester credit hours of classes. Coursework covers such topics such as healthcare policy and law, strategic healthcare planning, project management and team leadership, healthcare consumerism and marketing, healthcare policy drivers, and human capital management in healthcare.

Bottom Line

The field of medical administration has a variety of career options that require different levels of education. Whether you’re interested in earning a certificate — and working as a medical assistant — or pursuing a bachelor's or master’s degree and leading entire departments, there is an online program for you.

Overview of Medical Office Programs Online

Although medical office administration does not necessarily require any formal education, professionals who hold degrees may have more job opportunities. Online school for medical office administration can improve skill level, hireability, and further a graduate’s career.

There are four main educational pathways to consider:

1

Students can also receive an education in medical office administration without committing to a full degree program by pursuing a medical office administration certificate online. Online undergraduate certificate degrees are available and take around a year to complete.

2

An associate degree in the medical field takes about two years to complete and prepares graduates to work at entry-level positions, such as medical office assistant, medical secretary, and administrative assistant.

3

For those who are looking to hold management and leadership positions, consider an online medical office administration bachelor's degree. Over the course of four years, students prepare to work as program managers, clinical directors, office administrators, and practice administrators.

4

Online master's degree programs are also available and can be completed in two years. Graduates may go on to work in senior positions, including executive officer, hospital administrator, department manager, and healthcare consultant.

Find an Accredited Online Medical Office Administration Degree

Before enrolling in an online medical office administration degree program, students should verify that their institution is accredited.

Accreditation is important for many reasons. First of all, accredited schools have had their faculty, course work, grading systems, facilities, and student resources assessed by independent organizations to ensure that the schools provide quality education that meets national educational standards.

Only students at accredited institutions are eligible for federal financial aid programs. Additionally, accreditation plays an important role in the transfer process. Most institutions and programs will only accept transfer credits from other higher education institutions that have been accredited.

Online Certificate in Medical Office Administration

People who are not interested in committing to a full undergraduate degree program have the option of participating in an undergraduate medical office administration certificate program. This type of program does not result in an associate or bachelor's degree, yet it still delivers the education needed to begin a successful career in the industry. Certificate programs consist of 47 to 57 credit hours and students can typically complete them in a year, or sometimes a little longer.

Among the required courses are Medical Office Management, Medical Insurance Billing, Patient Prioritizing and Instruction, Medical Coding, Disease of the Human Body, Medical Office Accounting, Medical Records Management, and Medical Terminology. Depending on the program, students may also need to complete an externship that will give them hands-on experience prior to graduation.

Certificate programs are available at community colleges, universities, and vocational schools.

Admission Requirements

Below are some of the requirements when applying for a medical office administration certificate online:

  • Application form
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Writing/computer proficiency test

What Can I Do With a Medical Office Administration Certificate ?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists several careers for individuals with a postsecondary award or certificate. These include medical secretaries, medical assistants, medical records and health information specialists, and medical transcriptionists.

Administrators and assistants are important in every field, and a field like healthcare administration involves a lot of paperwork, data, and patient information, so administrators and assistants are always in high demand.

Online Associate Degree in Medical Office Administration

Students can earn an online associate degree in medical office administration at community colleges, state colleges, and universities. Students enrolled in an online associate degree program can typically graduate in around two years by completing 60 semester credit hours.

Examples of the different courses students encounter during their studies include Keyboarding, Healthcare Systems and Operations, Insurance Claims, Medical Terminology for Healthcare Professionals, Ethics and Health Information Management, and Computer Applications. In some cases, students must also complete a case study research project as well as an internship.

Admission Requirements

Below are some of the key requirements for prospective students seeking an associate degree in office administration:

  • Application form
  • An essay or personal statement
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Transcripts
  • Resume
  • Letters of recommendation

What Can I Do With an Associate in Medical Office Administration?

An associate in office administration that's focused within the medical field prepares graduates to perform clinical and medical administrative duties. O*NET lists several career opportunities for individuals with an associate degree: health information technologists and medical registrar, facilities manager, and clinical data managers. An associate degree in medical office administration is helpful for those who want to advance into a position with more responsibility.

Administrators and assistants are important in every field, and a field like healthcare administration involves a lot of paperwork, data, and patient information, so administrators and assistants are always in high demand.

A Medical Office Administration Bachelor’s Degree

Students can pursue online bachelor's degrees in medical office administration at colleges and universities. Bachelor's degree programs help prepare students for roles in this field through around 120 credit hours of study over the course of four years.

Curriculum at this level comprises classes such as the following: Introduction to Management, Healthcare Finance, Medical Law and Ethics, Healthcare Human Resources Management, Healthcare Quality, Accounting, Leadership and Organizational Behavior, and Principles of Microeconomics. Bachelor's programs online, or in-person, may also require that students participate in an internship or complete a capstone project.

Are you still undecided about your next steps? Check out similar online degree programs at the bachelor's level in this field: healthcare administration, healthcare informatics, and healthcare management.

Admission Requirements

Below are some of the requirements for applying to a bachelors in medical office administration:

  • Application form
  • Essays/personal statement
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Transcripts
  • Resume
  • Letters of recommendation

What Can I Do With a Bachelor's Degree in Medical Office Administration?

An online medical office bachelor's degree prepares graduates for advanced positions in the field and higher salaries. The BLS lists several careers for graduates of this bachelor’s degree. These include administrative services and facilities managers, social and community service managers, and medical and health services managers. These careers overlook departments and programs in order to provide organizational plans and solutions.

Online Master's Degrees in the Medical Field: Next Steps

Our list of online schools above does not feature master's degrees because this next level of education is highly specialized. To explore the best online master's degree programs in this field, check out our articles about healthcare administration and healthcare management. You can even get a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management if you're interested in becoming a healthcare administrator, clinical research coordinator, or clinical ethicist, to name a few possibilities.

Students can typically complete their master's degree studies in two years and are required to take up to 39 semester credit hours of classes. Coursework covers such topics such as healthcare policy and law, strategic healthcare planning, project management and team leadership, healthcare consumerism and marketing, healthcare policy drivers, and human capital management in healthcare.

Bottom Line

The field of medical administration has a variety of career options that require different levels of education. Whether you’re interested in earning a certificate — and working as a medical assistant — or pursuing a bachelor's or master’s degree and leading entire departments, there is an online program for you.

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