You probably have a good sense of what physicians, nurses, and other direct health care providers do. But there's another group of professionals whose work is vitally important to the healthcare field even though they don't wear white coats or scrubs.
Every day, healthcare administrators help medical offices and other healthcare organizations run in an efficient and patient-focused way. As a medical office administrator, you'll play a role in helping patients and providers alike as they navigate the complex medical, financial, and social aspects of nearly 18 percent of America's economy. You'll help ensure that care reaches the people who need it, both now and in the future, in a rapidly changing industry.
The field of healthcare remains one of the most dynamic and attractive industries in the nation for job seekers, with healthcare reform efforts resulting in a renewed focus on healthcare careers at all levels. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), healthcare is one of the largest and most lucrative career fields for those with associate's degrees. The BLS also reports that healthcare support occupations, which include many of those positions you can obtain with an associate's degree, result in a mean annual wage of 34,950 (2013).
Earning your associate's degree in healthcare administration is a great way to enter the field of medical office management. And there are some amazing places to do this! Check out our Best Online Community Collegesranking. An associate's degree now can start you along the path to an entry-level job – or it can lay the groundwork for your bachelor's degree or graduate work later on.
What Are the Best Online Associate's in Medical Office Assisting?
We've ranked the top 20 online associate's degree programs in medical office assisting or healthcare administration. Criteria we used in generating this ranking include the percentage of students successfully completing the program, selectivity in admissions, and whether or not the school has regional accreditation. As you look for the program that's right for you, remember to check carefully into the accreditation and track record of the schools you're interested in. A regionally accredited program gives you a guarantee of academic quality, but some excellent health care specialty programs with proven records of success in graduating and placing their students are accredited in other ways. In addition, local community college programs near you may offer a low-cost alternative route to an associate's degree in this field – so check them out too!
Rankings
See our rankings methodology page.
