2026 Best Online Medical Office Administration Associate Degrees
Evaluate which are the best online medical office administration associate degrees using verified student feedback.
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- 90,000+ Verified Student Reviews
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Online medical office administration associate degrees build the organizational, technical, and communication skills needed to support healthcare operations. Review ratings from students show how each online associate program performs in practice.
Key Takeaways:
- Ultimate Medical Academy and Liberty University are the only schools with ratings near or above 4.0 and recommendation rates above 80%.
- Bryant & Stratton College Online has the highest tuition and highest reported salary.
- Annual costs run from $8,250 at Iowa Central to $20,460 at Bryant & Stratton.
Below our analysis, we include an interview with Sienna Eve Benton, a specialist at CNU College of Medicine, who explains how an associate degree in medical office administration can serve as a valuable entry point to leadership and coordination roles in medical education.
How We Rank "Best" Schools
The OnlineU research team verifies that only institutionally accredited schools offering at least one fully online associate in medical office administration degree make the cut. On top of that, schools must also have at least five verified student reviews and an aggregate rating of 2.5+ on a five-point scale. While some of our rankings include partner schools, every school is evaluated using the exact same criteria.
We prioritize the most relevant student feedback by starting with reviews tied to the exact program and degree level. If too few associate in medical office administration qualify, we gradually expand the review pool to include related programs or other degree levels, while preserving the most program-specific results at the top of the list. This process continues until all eligible review data has been considered.
We also manually research all tuition rates and include median earnings for medical office administration majors five years after graduation when that data is available. By presenting the most complete data available, we aim to give you an honest, well-rounded picture of each program.
2026 Best Online Medical Office Administration Associate Degrees
| Rank | School | Review Rating | Recommendation | 90% | $14,250 | $28,720 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty University | 3.98 / 5 | 84% | $11,700 | $34,314 | ||
| Iowa Central Community College | 3.24 / 5 | 76% | $8,250 | N/A | ||
| University of Arkansas Grantham | 2.99 / 5 | 60% | $9,150 | $28,874 | ||
| Bryant & Stratton College Online | 2.88 / 5 | 63% | $20,460 | $36,438 |
Online Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- UMA holds the #1 student-picked associate degree in medical administration online.
- UMA offers both an 18-month associate degree and an 11-month diploma in medical administrative assisting.
- Rolling admissions allow students to begin classes every two to three weeks.
- Online classes are capped at 25 students.
93 Student Reviews for Associate in Medical Office Administration Degrees
I attended Ultimate Medical Academy and graduated and recieved my Associate of Science Degree in Medical Administrative Assistant and my experience was mostly positive. The teachers explained lessons in clear ways, and many were patient and supportive.... Read More
Ultimate Medical Academy is an accredited medical college that offers excellent one-on-one experiences with your instructor, learner advisor, and even student support, if you need help. UMA extends a plethora of medical programs to anyone who is ready... Read More
UMA makes every student especially me feel like I was at home with them. They made me feel great about going to college to successfully graduate. My favorite part of UMA is that you could call them within the hours and after hours most of the time. It... Read More
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Ultimate Medical Academy are broadly positive, driven by high ratings and frequent praise for responsive advisors, encouraging instructors, and a flexible online format that fits work, parenting, illness, and other life demands. Many reviewers say regular check-ins, tutoring, mock interviews, resume help, and job leads made them feel supported rather than anonymous. Several also value practical coursework, easy navigation, shipped books or laptops, and confidence-building recognition like Dean’s List honors. Negative reviews center on financial aid confusion, refund delays, aggressive calling, inconsistent communication across departments, weak teaching in some classes, high debt, credit-transfer concerns, and disappointment with job placement outcomes after graduation.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 8,849 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $14,250
- Out-of-State Tuition: $14,250
- Program Length: 2 years
- Median Earnings: $28,720
- Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- A Christian worldview is integrated throughout the medical office online curriculum.
- Electronic textbooks are included with undergraduate courses at no additional cost.
- The program includes an optional 160-hour externship for work-based experience.
1 Student Review for Associate in Medical Office Administration Degrees
Liberty University is a wonderful and positive place to learn. When I started in 2015, I had been out of school for many years. I was very intimidated and was unsure that I could keep up in an online learning environment. From the start, I found Liberty's... Read More
Student Review Summary: Reviews portray a sharply divided experience shaped by fit, expectations, and support quality. Supporters frequently praise flexible online scheduling, accelerated terms, affordable tuition, accepted transfer credit, veteran and military discounts, responsive professors, and coursework they found rigorous, practical, and faith-affirming. Many say the format works especially well for working adults and caregivers. Critics focus on inconsistent advising, slow or confusing financial aid, aggressive recruiting, hidden fees, and poor communication across departments. A recurring complaint is limited instructor teaching, with heavy self-directed reading and writing. Many also say biblical integration appears in nearly every assignment, which some found meaningful and others found excessive, distracting, or professionally misaligned.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 39,156 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $11,700
- Out-of-State Tuition: $11,700
- Program Length: 2 years
- Median Earnings: $34,314
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 65%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- This associate degree focuses on administrative leadership beyond just front-desk medical office duties. Its curriculum emphasizes planning, supervising, and directing healthcare delivery. It's designed for both newcomers to healthcare and current professionals seeking advancement.
- Iowa Central explicitly states that the degree does not lead to professional licensure or certification.
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Iowa Central Community College describe a polarized experience, with sentiment shaped largely by strong academics on one side and serious service and online-learning concerns on the other. Positive reviewers consistently praise instructors for being helpful, encouraging, and unwilling to lower standards; they say courses are challenging, grades must be earned, and tutoring and varied learning materials support mastery. Several also highlight responsive advising, proactive outreach, helpful bookstore support, and financial aid staff who explained costs and loan questions clearly. The sharpest criticism targets some online courses, which are described as overly self-directed, slow to receive instructor responses, and lacking a formal process for handling major life disruptions.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 528 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $8,250
- Out-of-State Tuition: $8,250
- Program Length: 2 years
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
- Retention Rate: 52%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- A dedicated course prepares students for medical administrative assistant certification.
- The capstone examines HIPAA, EMTALA, fraud prevention, privacy, law, and ethics.
- Online students complete an ePortfolio showcasing skills developed throughout the associate program.
Student Review Summary: Reviews of University of Arkansas Grantham are sharply divided, though the balance leans negative because many low-rated accounts describe persistent administrative breakdowns. Positive reviewers value the flexible online format, eight-week terms, affordable pricing, military-friendly policies, transfer credit for prior experience, and schedules that fit work, family, deployment, or travel. Several also say supportive instructors and advisors helped them advance careers, earn promotions, or avoid debt. Negative reviewers repeatedly cite financial aid delays, unreturned calls, advisor turnover, shifting graduation timelines, and inconsistent teaching quality. A less obvious concern is utility: some felt the self-taught structure, outsourced course platforms, and accreditation limits reduced transferability and employer confidence.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 2,838 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $9,150
- Out-of-State Tuition: $9,150
- Program Length: 2 years
- Median Earnings: $28,874
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 43%
- Retention Rate: 30%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- This online associate medical administration program prepares graduates for the NHA Certified Medical Administrative Assistant exam.
- Students complete a required internship through Career Development III.
- It focuses exclusively on nonclinical healthcare administration and office operations.
2 Student Reviews for Associate in Medical Office Administration Degrees
Positive teachers and staff, easy online based system, wonderful classes. System is easily maneuvered. I will be coming back for my bachelor degree in a year or so. Most of the text books is online. And easy to understand. Books are easy to order if preferred.... Read More
I want to start off by saying that I don't understand the negative reviews this school I getting. I just graduated and out of all the instructors that I had, I only have one that was very rude and unhelpful. She was so rude and unhelpful that I dropped... Read More
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Bryant & Stratton College Online are sharply divided, but the overall pattern leans negative because many low-rated accounts cite serious administrative and instructional problems. Dissatisfied reviewers describe high tuition, surprise fees, billing disputes, delayed grading, weak communication, credit-transfer issues, and feeling forced to teach themselves through slides, textbooks, or outdated videos. Several also report schedule changes, inconsistent policies, and little help during personal emergencies. Positive reviewers praise the flexible format, fast terms, responsive advisors, supportive instructors, clear online platform, and career-friendly convenience for working adults, especially when they stayed organized, self-motivated, and proactive about asking for help.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 10,343 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $20,460
- Out-of-State Tuition: $20,460
- Program Length: 2 years
- Median Earnings: $36,438
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 23%
- Retention Rate: 22%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Stories Behind the Best Online Medical Office Administration Degrees: An Editorial Analysis
Technical Training for the Modern Medical Office
University of Arkansas Grantham
UA Grantham's associate program has a very technology-heavy curriculum that reflects the digital systems used in contemporary medical offices. Students complete dedicated coursework in healthcare software applications, electronic health records, health information management, encoding tools, computer-assisted coding, and diagnosis coding. The program also moves beyond entry-level administrative topics by including healthcare leadership and management courses within the 60-credit associate degree.
Transfer Up to Three-Quarters of the Degree
Liberty University
Liberty offers the ranking’s most transfer-friendly structure, allowing students to apply previous coursework toward as much as 75% of the associate degree. This policy could substantially shorten the remaining path for students who already hold general education, business, or healthcare credits.
Choose an 11- or 18-Month Credential
Ultimate Medical Academy
UMA offers the most flexible entry timeline in the ranking. Rolling admissions and classes beginning every two to three weeks allow students to start far more frequently. Online students can choose between an 11-month Medical Administrative Assistant diploma and an 18-month associate degree in the same specialization, providing distinct routes for faster workforce preparation or broader college-level study. Both options include preparation for the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant exam for eligible students.
Expert Advice on Building a Career From an Online Associate Degree in Medical Office Administration
"In medical colleges, an associate degree opens doors for multiple positions. These positions can include:
-
Clerkship coordinators
-
Curriculum coordinators
-
Research coordinators
-
Executive assistant opportunities.
At first, these may seem like entry level positions, however they hold real value because of the opportunity to work 1:1 with deans, assistant deans, and other executive leadership that can provide meaningful guidance and insight into how medical education systems function.
Establishing strong relationships with leadership will aways lead to more opportunities.
Along side the degree, supervisors place high value on work ethic, effective communication, initiative, and if the candidate is teachable. The medical field requires a diverse skill set that could serve as pathways to becoming a wellness counselor, accreditation specialist, or a communications management position if one is teachable.
Leadership typically values employees eager to grow, and often present challenges to assess if the employee is ready to transition into higher positions."
FAQs About Choosing an Online Medical Office Administration Associate Degree
Why Does Accreditation Matter When Comparing Online Medical Office Administration Associate Degrees?
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.
What Can You Expect From an 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
- Standardized test scores
- Transcripts
- Resume
- Letters of recommendation
What Careers Can You Pursue With an Associate Degree 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: , , and .
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 involves a lot of paperwork, data, and patient information, so administrators and assistants are always in high demand.
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.
Student Reviews of Online Medical Office Administration Programs
This was the best decision I ever made when I decided to go back to school. The instructors are amazing and very helpful. Learners Service and my advisor got me through when I needed help with my assignments and kept me in the loop. Thank you for being the best role model and guidance I could ever have.
Review Date: 5/7/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
UMA UNIVERSITY is outstanding, because they are very attentive when we need help. Also, there's always help 24/7 if you need anything. They take pride with there students! I have had such great instructors! The classes I've had I enjoyed all of my classes
Review Date: 4/19/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
UMA, is the best school by far i have had experience with. The staff here at UMA are incredibly helpful and respectful. You can definitely tell they care about you and their job. Over a phone call they will stay on the line to assist you until your problem is resolved. UMA, is a very motivated and successful school!
Review Date: 4/2/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Uma is one of the best schools I have attended online. I can receive all the help I need when I encounter problems with any work. This is the fourth school I have attended online and hands down the best. The number of resources that are available is unbelievable.
Review Date: 3/17/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Studying at Ultimate Medical Academy online has been a great experience so far. The instructors are supportive, and the material is easy to follow, even in a virtual environment. The online platform is user-friendly, making it simple to stay on top of assignments and connect with classmates and instructors. I’m learning important skills that are preparing me for a healthcare career, and I’m excited about what’s ahead!
Review Date: 1/22/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Very great school to attend! They all make sure you are on top of things from doing your courses, getting your financial aid in, studying, etc. I started in August of 2024 and there hasn't been a time where I didn't get a call just to be checked up on to make sure everything is good. Sometimes we need that motivation from others to keep striving and they haven’t missed a beat.
Review Date: 9/25/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
UMA has exceeded my expectations. They make sure that you know you have resources for any and everything and I love that. I am doing online classes and they would call me to make sure I'm ok and ask me if I had any questions or needed anything. Great school
Review Date: 8/21/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
UMA is by far the best school I have attended. Everyone you encounter has the best and positive attitude. They work to make sure that we have the motivation and a proper guidance to help us achieve for the best. Joining UMA was the best decision I ever made.
Review Date: 1/23/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Ultimate Medical Academy is an accredited medical college that offers excellent one-on-one experiences with your instructor, learner advisor, and even student support, if you need help. UMA extends a plethora of medical programs to anyone who is ready to strive in their future careers and has a team that is ready to offer their services to ensure you go above and beyond what is expected. My time with Ultimate Medical Academy was a journey that I am grateful for as well as pleased, not only with the... Read More
Review Date: 5/11/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
UMA is an amazing school. The courses are easy to navigate through online. UMA online courses give me the flexibility that I need to maintain being a mother, working full-time, and achieving my new career goals. The instructors are very informative as well as supportive. UMA also provides a large support group for students that help academically, personally, and prep you to succeed professionally. Highly recommend to everyone! #SuccessAwaits so don't hesitate to join our family now.
Review Date: 3/11/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I can say this since I choose UMA I know choose the right career and school everyone is very helpful and they check up on me weekly to make sure I am ok and it lets me know that others care about my career as much as I do. My classes are very easy to understand my instructors are very helpful there when I need them the most.
Review Date: 9/27/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
My name is brianna I'm currently a ultimate medical academy student pursuing medical administrative assistant and I'm loving the program so far its been teaching me so much the advisors are nice as well as staff I love everything ultimate medical academy has to offer enrolling in the program has been by far the best thing I've done
Review Date: 5/21/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I decided to go back to school this past fall and didn't know if I was going to be able to find the right school. But I found Ultimate Medical Academy and I am able to do my classes online. As well as I so many advisors that I can get help with my school work if needed. My academic advisor calls and checks on me regularly. Which I appreciate very much. I would recommend Ultimate Medical Academy to anyone.
Review Date: 5/22/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I love this online class, UMA has been so great with helping along the way. I’m very excited that I chose to go back to school. UMA was the best choice I’ve made. Go Puma! Taking an online class, at first I was so nervous, then once I talked with my student advisors I felt at ease. UMA class of 2025 here I come!
Review Date: 8/20/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Going to UMA has given me a second chance on getting into my dream career. Your advisors and instructors are absolutely great on helping and there are great resources to help you along the way. I love using the online library for my classes. I love the experience!
Review Date: 8/20/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I have enjoyed my time so far at UMA. Before deciding to go back to college, I knew I needed a program that would fit into my daily schedule. From the courses to the engaging faculty, being a student at UMA has kept me motivated and I’m fully confident about the success of my future career.
Review Date: 9/3/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
UMA has made a huge impact in my life. I feel like I can soar in my career with the education I've received so far! UMA provides so many resources for your success, from mentors, academic support, to great instructors who are all there to help in every way possible. I can't wait to see what the future holds, I know it is only UP from here. Thank you, UMA!
Review Date: 1/21/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Ultimate Medical Academy is an excellent school and the courses are set up to help you succeed. The student advisors are amazing and super helpful. If the idea of going back to school seems intimidating to you then I would suggest UMA, where your success is their goal.
Review Date: 1/22/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The BU Medical Assisting program truly has all of the right tools to help students succeed from dedicated instructors and staff to offered support and resources. Being a student here has made me feel seen as a mom and as someone with a dream and the potential to make it a reality. I have been to other online programs but none like this one. It has meant so much to me in my time here.
Review Date: 3/29/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
UMA makes every student especially me feel like I was at home with them. They made me feel great about going to college to successfully graduate. My favorite part of UMA is that you could call them within the hours and after hours most of the time. It didn't matter when the problem was discovered, the staff at UMA was phenomenon. I love all the classes were fair and well graded. The support you get from UMA will always be my favorite. The love you feel is when you know your life is going bad but... Read More
Review Date: 5/7/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes