Online Degrees in Medical Assisting and Dental Assisting

The BLS reports that there are no formal education requirements for dental and medical assistants. Although some assistants learn on the job, vocational training programs are becoming increasingly popular.

For dental assistants, these programs generally take less than one year to complete, and graduates leave with diplomas. Students learn about industry terminology, the use of dental instruments and office procedures. Some schools offer two-year associate degree programs that teach advanced skills. Depending on state regulations, these degrees may be required for dental assistants wishing to perform tasks such as taking x-rays.

Traditional and online degrees in medical assisting may be one or two years in length. Shorter programs result in a diploma or certificate while students in two-year programs earn an associate degree. Coursework may include laboratory services, medical terminology and recordkeeping. Medical assistants who want to perform advanced tasks such as administering injections or taking x-rays may have specific educational requirements mandated by their states.

Online degrees in dental assisting and medical assisting are available, but because these careers require students to master a number of hands-on skills, students should verify opportunities for practical experience are available when selecting a program.

Since clinical experience can be important to finding a job, students are advised to carefully evaluate online training programs. Some schools offer hybrid programs that combine online learning with an on-campus clinical program. Hybrid online degrees in medical assisting allow students to study core subjects such as mathematics and communications in a virtual classroom. Then, the school arranges for clinical training and externships to be completed before graduation.

Other online training programs may not directly offer hands-on training, but provide support services for students who want to gain work experience. For example, many schools offer career services departments that can help students contact local medical offices and arrange for interviews.

Before enrolling in an online degree program in medical assisting or dental assisting, it is important for students to understand how the program is structured. Prospective students should ask whether they will graduate with a diploma, certificate or degree. In addition, students should look for programs that offer clinical experience or support services to their students. Finally, students should seek out programs accredited by an industry organization such as the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

After graduating, students can choose to become certified, which may increase employment opportunities. The Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) credentials Certified Dental Assistants who pass an examination and complete a CODA accredited program or who have two to four years of work experience. For medical assistants, several organizations such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and Association of Medical Technologists (AMT) offer credentialing programs.

Both medical assistants and dental assistants serve as an integral part of health care offices. As can be expected, 93 percent of dental assistants work in dental offices according to BLS figures. Other assistants may be employed by government agencies. Medical assistants are spread among hospitals, outpatient facilities and specialty offices. However, the majority--62 percent--work in physicians' offices.

Medical and dental assisting careers are ideal for individuals seeking to quickly enter a new career. Assistants must have manual dexterity since they often help dentists and physicians with clinical duties. In addition, these individuals often interact directly with patients so a pleasant bedside manner is a plus.

• A 2010 salary survey by American Association of Medical Assistants found the average gross salary for full-time medical assistants to be $30,709.
• 62 percent of respondents to the AAMA salary survey held certificates or diplomas in medical assisting.
• Dental assistants had a mean average salary of $34,140 in 2010 according to the BLS.
• Utah is the state with the highest concentration of dental assistants.