Top Christian Schools With Medical Specialty Programs

If you are a student seeking a Christian-cultured environment and also interested in medical assisting or related careers, your options may be limited. Fortunately, we found several religious based colleges that offer such programs. The following list describes some of the top online Christian schools that can prepare students to work as medical assistants, assistants to physicians, and nurses. Keep in mind, specific certification requirements for a medical specialty can vary from one state to another and may require participation in laboratory and clinical training settings. Programs that are available online may offer local clinical access to third party facilities. Be sure to check with your specific state requirements on becoming certified or registered.

Liberty University

DeMoss Hall – Lynchburg, VA

To prepare for a career in the medical field through Liberty University, students enjoy many options. Founded in 1971, this educational institution bills itself as the largest specifically Christian college in the world. The 7,000 acre campus in Lynchburg, Virginia serves over 110,000 students, many of them distance learners. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration entirely online to prepare for a career assisting physicians and patients in hospital management. Alternatively, they can apply to attend classes on campus to obtain a BS in Biomedical Sciences or Nursing.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges provides accreditation to Liberty University. The school offers 289 online programs. On campus tuition reportedly ranges from $33,100 to $34,690 annually.

http://www.liberty.edu
(434)582-2000
1971 University Boulevard
Lynchburg, VA 24515

Nebraska Methodist College

Josie Harper Campus – Omaha, NE

This private college established in 1891 maintains affiliations with the Methodist Health System and offers many types of health care-related degrees through several campuses. It offers two completely online masters level courses which might interest current Certified Medical Assistants: a Masters of Business Administration in Healthcare and a Masters of Science in Wellness and Health Promotion Management.

The college offers a one year Medical Assistant Certificate program conducted at the Josie Harper Campus. Program requirements include passage of the AAMA exam as a requirement for graduation. (Some undergraduates at Nebraska Methodist College incorporate this certificate program into other degree plans.) Students receive 300 hours of laboratory experience and a total of 930 physical hours of classroom education. Students can anticipate a total tuition cost of $13,018 for this certificate program in 2017. The Higher Learning Commission accredits NMC.

http://www.methodistcollege.edu
(402)354-7000
720 N. 87th Street
Omaha, NE 68114

Indiana Wesleyan University

IWU Campus – Louisville, KY

This private nonprofit educational institution maintains affiliations with the Wesleyan Church. It maintains high academic standards and has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Its 14,192 students attend classes at the 320-acre Marion campus or online.

Students who obtain admission to IWU can prepare to apply to graduate-level Physician Assistant programs by completing online classes in pre-medical subjects. Some learners also pursue a completely online BS in Healthcare Administration through this institution. Tuition in 2017 costs $432 per credit hour.

http://www.indwes.edu
(866)468-6498
4201 S. Washington St.,
Marion, IN 46953

Evangel University

Evangel University – Springfield, MO

The Alliance For Assemblies of God Higher Education organization endorses this university in Southern Missouri. Evangel characterizes itself as a “comprehensive Christian” educational institution. It offers more than 100 different accredited academic programs through its campus and online, including a complete online undergraduate degree through its Behavioral Health Bachelors of Science Program.

Undergraduate campus-based programs (which include pre-Med and pre-Physician Assistant programs) offer a variety of classes which may assist learners seeking positions working in a variety of medical and allied health fields. On its website, Evangel University strongly encourages students pursuing degrees through the Pre-Physician Assistant program to arrange to obtain as many hours of practical experience as possible in practicum settings. Both the Higher Learning Commission (founded in 1895) and The Association of Theological Schools accredit Evangel University. In 2017, undergraduate students can expect to pay $10,750 for 12-18 credit hours.

http://www.evangel.edu
(417)865-2815
1111 N. Glenstone,
Springfield, MO 65802

Concordia University

Concordia University – Mequon Campus, WI

Affiliated with the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and Concordia University Systems, this college in Wisconsin and Michigan serves 2,400 online students and many campus-based learners. Tuition apparently varies by program. Concordia University offers an online degree in Health Care Management with a five week practicum, as well as a separate on-campus Medical Assistant Certificate program.

Students seeking to become Medical Assistants can apply to attend in-person training at two campuses: Beloit Center (2040 Sutler Ave., Beloit, WI 53511) and Miller Park Way Center (1640 Miller Park Way, West Milwaukee, WI 53214). The training program requires 13 months to complete as a full-time student and 26 months on a part-time basis. It has received CAAHEP accreditation.

Students who enroll in the Medical Assistant Certificate program choose a concentration in one of three areas: administrative procedures, lab work, or clinical procedures. The college requires all applicants to possess a GED or a high school diploma. Additionally, they must pass a physical exam, complete a personal interview and complete an aptitude test. During the past five years, the program has achieved a 90% pass rate on the Medical Assistant examination.

http://www.cuw.edu
1-(877)-289-1897
Multiple Campuses

Midway University

Belle Wisdom Hall – Midway, KY

Dr. L.L. Pinkerton founded Midway College in 1847 as a religious institution of higher education designed to educate orphaned girls. The school today remains affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). In 2016, it became a coeducational institution. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accredits this university.

Midway University offers classes on campus, during the evening and via the Internet. Students who enroll in distance learning programs can undertake an entirely online Bachelor of Arts degree in Healthcare Administration to prepare them to work in administrative support positions in nursing homes, hospitals, and other health care facilities. Additionally, Midway University offers on campus programs designed to prepare students to pursue degrees in Medicine and Allied Health Care fields.(Completion of on-campus training may assist students hoping to apply to Physician’s Assistant graduate level training programs.) In 2017, full-time tuition at Midway University costs $11,850 per semester.

http://www.midway.edu
1-(800)-952-4122
512 East Stephens St,
Midway, KY 40347

Mount Aloysius College

Mount Aloysius Admin Building – Cresson, PA

Students can seek an Associate Degree through this Pennsylvania educational institution’s Medical Assistant Program accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health. Mount Aloysius College remains one of the oldest Catholic academic institutions in the United States. Founded in 1853, today the college relies on computers extensively in its instructional programs. In 2017, students pay $810 per credit hour.

Every student in the Medical Assistant program selects an area of emphasis: office management, medical coding or phlebotomy. The program includes both lectures and laboratory coursework. Students who enroll in the Medical Assistant Program must complete 25 “core” program credit hours. Additionally, they will require a total of 60 credit hours to receive an Associate Degree.

http://www.mtaloy.edu
(814)886-4131
7373 Admiral Peary Highway
Cresson, PA 16630-1999

Brigham Young University

BYU – Provo Campus, UT

This large university founded by Mormon leader Brigham Young maintains a close affiliation with the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints. It offers extensive fully accredited online classes in a wide array of topics. Distance learners include high school and undergraduate students. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities provides accreditation to Brigham Young University. Tuition in 2017 varies based on the per semester course load and student location.

Although Brigham Young University does not offer a specific degree in Medical Assisting, this excellent academic institution does offer numerous campus-based courses which allow graduates to apply to attend graduate-level Physician Assistant or medical degree training programs. Some academic programs available through Brigham Young University maintain highly competitive, limited enrollment. However, students who enroll in campus-based studies can pursue Bachelor of Science degrees in fields such as Medical Laboratory Science or Nursing.

http://www.byu.edu
(801)422-4636
120 Morris Center,
Provo, UT 84602-0300

Ohio Christian University

Maxwell Center – Circleville, OH

This Ohio university maintains an affiliation with the Churches of Christ in Christian Union. Founded in 1948 as a Bible college with extensive coursework in theology and religion, the institution expanded its academic program to include a variety of additional subjects during subsequent decades. Today, the university serves thousands of distance learners as well as campus-based students. The Higher Learning Commission accredits OCU.

Students interested in assisting medical personnel in an administrative and planning capacity can pursue an undergraduate-level Certificate in Healthcare Management entirely via distance learning through Ohio Christian University. This course requires the successful completion of 12 credit hours. College graduates can also apply for admission to another OCU online program offering a Masters of Business Administration with a specialization in Healthcare Management. Graduate business courses at this institution in 2017 cost approximately $525 per credit hour.

http://www.ohiochristian.edu
(877)762-8669
1476 Lancaster Pike,
Circleville, OH 43113

Southwest Baptist University

SBU Main Campus – Bolivar, Mo

Southwest Baptist University in Missouri has changed and evolved over the course of time. The institution originally opened as a college in Lebanon, Missouri near the end of the Reconstruction Era. It subsequently relocated to Bolivar, some 25 miles north of Springfield. Today this university maintains close ties with the Missouri Baptist Convention, which furnishes financial support to SBU.

Southwest Baptist University currently maintains a 152-acre campus. It serves both campus-based and distance learners. The Higher Learning Commission and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing provide accreditation to programs offered at SBU. In 2017, some students pay $815 per credit hour in tuition.

Undergraduates attending Southwest Baptist University enjoy many options for pursuing independent study projects (including some online studies) in conjunction with programs offered through the institution. In 2005, SBU began a nursing training program which in 2012 became the Mercy College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Students interested in becoming Medical Assistants would conceivable enjoy opportunities to apply to undertake practicums as part of their coursework through SBU.

Additionally, distance learning opportunities available through the school include an Associate of Applied Science degree program. It involves taking both campus-based coursework and online courses. Distance learners can pursue both Associate and Bachelor degrees in Health Sciences through this institution entirely over the Internet.

http://www.sbuniv.edu
1-(800)-526-5859
1600 University Avenue,
Bolivar, MO 65613

Conclusion

Today, both secular institutions and many schools with religious affiliations offer programs leading to rewarding careers in the health care industry. Careers which require the provision of clinical services involving the care of patients typically do not rely 100% on distance learning: they include practicum-based programs to teach students skills as well as academic knowledge.