Medical Assistant Schools in Ohio
Ohio, the Buckeye State, is a great state in which to become a medical assistant. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that Ohio has some of the highest employment rates in the nation, with between 13,890 and 82,450 medical assistants currently working in the state. The salary range is not quite as promising, however, with the current salary being between $23,310 and $28,450 a year. This is a bit below the national average for the profession, but this amount is likely to increase over coming years. The BLS predicts that the medical assisting career field will grow by around 30% over the next decade. As the demand for skilled employees grows, the salary for medical assistants is likely to increase rapidly.
The first step you must take to become a medical assistant is to get a quality education. Ohio has a wealth of schools that offer medical assistant training from the certificate level to degree programs. For the best results, look for a program that is accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Schools that have received this accreditation have proven that they meet rigorous training standards and that they train medical assistants who are knowledgeable, competent, and capable. As such, students who graduate from such programs are eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant examination. Becoming certified is not necessary to become a medical assistant, but it can certainly give you an advantage in landing the perfect job and earning a higher salary.
Fortis College
- Accreditation: ABHES
- Tuition: $14,272
- Program: Diploma
- Fortis College has five campuses across Ohio at which students can earn a diploma in medical assisting. Students who choose Fortis can complete their training in only 36 weeks of full-time study. The medical assisting program at Fortis includes both administrative and clinical training as well as hands-on externship experience. Fortis offer small class sizes, instructors with industry experience, and full student support services to ensure success.
Heritage College
- Accreditation: ABHES
- Tuition: $17,365
- Program: Diploma
- Heritage College has campuses in Cleveland and Columbus at which students can earn a diploma in medical assistingthat students can complete in only 14 months. The X-Ray Medical Technician-Medical Assistant program at Heritage prepares students to complete all of the duties of a modern medical assistant as well as to perform limited scope X-ray services. Heritage College is a name that is widely recognized in career training and they uphold that reputation by providing a high-quality education along with exemplary student support services.
Herzing University
- Accreditation: ABHES
- Tuition: $30,625
- Program: Associate’s degree
- Students who wish to earn an associate’s degree in medical assisting can do so at Herzing University, located in Toledo and Akron. This 80-week program includes both clinical and administrative training as well as hands-on experience in controlled laboratory settings and in a real-world healthcare facility. Herzing has been in the higher education business since 1965 and offers a full range of support services including peer advising.
Professional Skills Institute
- Accreditation: ABHES
- Tuition: $14,851 (diploma); $20,250 (degree)
- Program: Diploma, Associate’s degree
- Professional Skills Institute, located in Maumee, provides a 48-week diploma or a 72-week associate’s degree in medical assisting. Both programs include clinical, administrative, and hands-on training and also qualify students to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant examination after graduation. Students who choose PSI enjoy small class sizes and full student support that is tailored to meet individual needs.
Ross Medical Education Center
- Accreditation: ABHES
- Tuition: $15,740
- Program: Certificate
- Located on five campuses across Ohio, Ross Medical Education Center offers a diploma in medical assisting that takes only 30 weeks to complete. Students who choose Ross will benefit from small class sizes and an environment that specializes in healthcare education. Ross provides a wealth of student services and resources designed to help each individual student succeed. In addition, the cost of the medical assisting program at Ross includes examination fees to become a Certified Medical Assistant. Students who wish to learn more about medical assistant training at Ross can request further information or can chat with a school representative online.
American School of Technology
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Tuition: $14,825
- Program: Certificate
- Students who wish to enter the medical assisting career field can earn a certificate in medical assisting in less than a year. Located in Columbus, American School of Technology provides training that qualifies students to take the Registered Medical Assistant examination after graduation. Students at AST have 24-hour access to research and reference materials and can choose to complete classes during either day or evening classes. After graduation, AST offers medical assistant graduates refresher courses at no additional charge, allowing you to stay on top of the industry.
Belmont College
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Tuition: $105.30/credit hour
- Program: Associate’s degree
- Belmont College offers an associate’s degree in medical assisting at its St. Clairsville, Cadiz, and Woodsfield campuses. Students at Belmont receive access to an impressive array of student support services, resources, and campus activities and organizations. In addition, the CAAHEP accreditation qualifies students to sit for the national certification examination after graduation.
Bradford School
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Tuition: $18,150 (diploma); $28,635 (degree)
- Program: Diploma, Associate’s degree
- Located in Columbus, Bradford School provides students the choice of earning a diploma or an associate’s degree in medical assisting. The diploma program takes only 10 months to complete, or students can earn an associate’s degree in 16 months. Bradford School offers on-campus apartment housing as well as an expansive selection of student support services as well as numerous student activities and resources to round out the educational experience. If you are looking for the full college experience at a pace that will get you to work fast, Bradford may be your ideal choice.
Bryant & Stratton College
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Tuition: $33,060
- Program: Associate’s degree
- Bryant & Stratton College has campuses in Parma, Eastlake, Akron, and Cleveland for student convenience. At these locations, students can earn an associate’s degree in medical assisting with only two years of full-time study. Bryant and Stratton has been in business for over 160 years and maintains a high level of student satisfaction through flexible scheduling and the EmployableYOU program. This program provides Bryant & Stratton graduates with an edge over the competition by building skills related to teamwork, service orientation, management, work discipline, and professional literacy.
Clark State Community College
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Tuition: $5,445
- Program: Certificate
- Located in Springfield, Clark State Community College offers students an accredited certificate in medical assisting that includes both clinical and administrative training as well as hands-on experience. The program takes only one year to complete, allowing students to enter their new careers quickly. Students at Clark State enjoy the typical student support services as well as access to performing arts events and a fully-stocked fitness center.