Ohio, the Buckeye State, is home to more than 11 million people. The state has many fantastic outdoor activities and some lively metropolitan areas. In recent years, the healthcare industry in Ohio has grown rapidly, making it an excellent state in which to enter the medical assisting field. Students in Ohio have a large number of schools from which to choose, many of which are accredited and that offer everything from medical assisting certificates to associate’s degrees. If you are ready to become a medical assistant in Ohio, there are many scholarships and other financial aid opportunities that can help you cover the costs. Help is available through such funds as the Ohio Student Choice Grant, the Ohio College Opportunity Grants, and more.
Employment Environment
The Bureau of Labor Statistics places Ohio in the highest level for medical assistant employment, but in the low range for medical assistant salaries. While the average salary for Ohio medical assistants is around $27,610, there are numerous job opportunities. As the healthcare industry continues to grow, there will be even more positions available and the possibility of earning higher salaries is good as employers compete for the best medical assistants. Students can also increase earning potential by taking the Certified Medical Assistant examination that is offered through the AAMA.
Medical Assisting Future in Ohio
The healthcare industry is expected to grow by over 30% in the next decade, creating a high need for qualified medical assistants. If you have been considering entering the medical assisting field in Ohio, doing so now will prepare you to be in on this growth and will provide you with employment security for years to come.
List of Medical Assistant Schools in Ohio
Professional Skills Institute
- Program Link: Medical Office Assistant diploma program
- Description: Located in Maumee, Professional Skills Institute offers a medical assisting diploma that students can earn in less than a year. This program provides both administrative and clinical training as well as hands-on experience that prepares students to work in all aspects of the medical assistant career. Students who get medical assistant training through PSI will receive full student support services and will be eligible to take a number of certification exams after graduation.
- Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- Programs: diploma
- Average Program Length: 48 weeks
- Tuition: $14,804
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: 72%
- Fun Fact: Graduates of this program can take the Certified Medical Assistant, Registered Medical Assistant, and Certified Phlebotomy Technician examinations.
Ross Medical Education Center
- Program Link: Medical Assistant program
- Description: Ross has campuses in Cincinnati, Dayton, Niles, Ontario, and Sylvania that offer medical assistant training. At Ross, students can learn everything they need to know about medical assisting in as little as 5 months. The program at Ross includes hands-on training through an externship in an established healthcare facility and prepares students to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant examination.
- Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- Programs: certificate
- Average Program Length: 30 weeks (day); 36 weeks (evening and weekend)
- Tuition: $15,740
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: 89%
- Fun Fact: Ross Medical Education Center offers medical assistant training through day, evening, or weekend classes.
American School of Technology
- Program Link: Medical assistant program
- Description: American School of Technology in Columbus offers medical assistant training that can be completed in under one year. The program includes clinical and administrative training as well as hands-on training during an externship in a real-world healthcare facility. The school provides a Library Resources Information Network that offers 24-hour access to research and resources as well as free lifetime skill refresher courses for graduates and a full range of student support services.
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Programs: certificate
- Average Program Length: less than one year
- Tuition: $14,700
- Clinical Experience:
- Job Placement Rate: 76%
- Fun Fact: AST offers medical assistant training during day or evening hours.
Bradford School
- Program Link: Medical Assisting program
- Description: Bradford School offers students the choice between a diploma or an associate’s degree in medical assisting. Students at Bradford learn all aspects of patient care and front office administration, preparing them to work in all areas of a healthcare facility. The program culminates in an externship that allows students to put their skills into practice. The school has been in business since 1911 and provides a full range of student services, including financial aid assistance, career counseling, job placement, and much more.
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Programs: diploma; associate’s degree
- Average Program Length: diploma – 10 months; degree – 16 months
- Tuition: diploma – $18,150; degree – $28,635
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: diploma – 75%; degree – 86%
- Fun Fact: Bradford School offers on-site student housing for those who need it.
Cuyahoga Community College
- Program Link: Medical Assisting certificate program; Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting
- Description: Cuyahoga Community College offers classes in 15 different locations in Ohio. The school has been in operation since 1963 and is one of the state’s largest and oldest public community colleges. Students who choose CCC can choose between a certificate or an associate’s degree in medical assisting, both of which provide administrative and clinical training as well as externship experience. The school’s multiple locations, excellent student services, and vast resources make it a favorite among Ohio students.
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Programs: certificate; A.A.S.
- Average Program Length: certificate – less than one year; degree – two years
- Tuition: $128.44/credit hour
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: not available
- Fun Fact: At Cuyahoga Community College, students can get their medical assistant training as full- or part-time students.