If you’re looking for a quick entry into the medical office administration field, earning a certificate is a smart way to gain the skills you need to be a competitive hire from day one. Medical secretaries and administrative assistants earn a median salary of $40,640, but holding a certificate can position you for higher wages. The top 10% of earners in this field make over $58,340 annually.To help you reach your career goals, we’ve compiled this list of the best medical office administration certificate programs for 2025. These programs provide a solid foundation in essential areas like billing, scheduling, and office management, equipping you to excel in different healthcare settings.
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How we rank schools
Our list features the best online Medical Office Administration degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Best 12 Online Certificate in Medical Office Administration Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
Wayne Community College
Intelligent Score: 98.51In-state: $16,015
Out-of-state: $16,750
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: 18-22
Resident: $76
Non-Resident: $268
Online, Hybrid
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
17-18
Vance - Granville Community College
Intelligent Score: 97In-state: $20,936
Out-of-state: $25,544
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
Resident: $76
Non-Resident: $268
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
17
Lenoir Community College
Intelligent Score: 96.44In-state: $19,150
Out-of-state: $25,294
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: 18 or higher
Resident: $76
Non-Resident: $268
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
18
Pitt Community College
Intelligent Score: 94.88In-state: $14,522
Out-of-state: $19,130
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: 480 or higher
ACT: 18-22
Resident: $76
Non-Resident: $268
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
17
Surry Community College
Intelligent Score: 94.52In-state: $18,613
Out-of-state: $24,757
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: 480 or higher
ACT: 18-22
Resident: $84
Non-Resident: $276
Online, On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
12
Kennesaw State University
Intelligent Score: 93.92In-state: $4,450
Out-of-state: $15,704
In-state: $5,328
Out-of-state: $5,328
SAT: 1030-1200
ACT: 19-25
$6,999 (Total program fee)
Hybrid
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Non-credit
Wake Technical Community College
Intelligent Score: 91.17In-state: $22,360
Out-of-state: $28,504
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: 480 or higher
ACT: 18 or higher
Resident: $76
Non-Resident: $268
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
18
Johnston Community College
Intelligent Score: 90.39In-state: $17,625
Out-of-state: $22,713
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: NA
ACT: NA
Resident: $76
Non-Resident: $268
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
17-18
Guilford Technical Community College
Intelligent Score: 89.91In-state: $22,400
Out-of-state: $27,776
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: 500 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher
Resident: $76
Non-Resident: $268
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
18
Green River College
Intelligent Score: 89.48In-state: $25,383
Out-of-state: $25,865
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$107
Online
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
54
Quinsigamond Community College
Intelligent Score: 89.1In-state: $20,328
Out-of-state: $25,272
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
$205
Online, On-Campus
New England Commission of Higher Education
27
Randolph Community College
Intelligent Score: 88.69In-state: $21,166
Out-of-state: $26,926
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: 480 or higher
ACT: 22 or higher
Resident: $76
Non-Resident: $268
Online, Hybrid
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
18
What You Should Know About an Online Certificate in Medical Office Administration
Individuals interested in working in medical offices might also consider medical billing or transcription certificates. Another option is an associate degree in healthcare administration. More specific certificate programs, such as one for medical billing, position you to do specific jobs.
It’s important to ensure your time and money are well spent when you’re learning about medical office administration. You can increase your odds of having a positive experience by seeking out schools approved by a DOE-recognized accrediting organization, such as SACSCOC or NWCCU.
Students may need to pass final exams or complete a final project to receive their certification. Typically, there are no licensing requirements for those who want to work in medical office administration.
Finding the Right Online Program
Here are some questions to ask when researching an online certificate in medical office administration program:
- Am I eligible for this program? Most of these programs only require a high school diploma or GED. You may also need to be able to provide documentation of basic math and language competencies or take a test demonstrating them.
- How long does it take to earn this online certificate? How long it takes depends on the total number of credits required and how many classes you can take each semester. Most of the programs on our list require 17 or so credits. If all the required classes can be taken in a single semester, you could complete the certificate in around three months. More commonly, you may need to take courses across two semesters, or about ten months.
When reviewing programs, look for information about deadlines and application requirements. It is typically encouraged to submit paperwork well before the deadline.
You can also contact each school’s financial aid office to learn more about scholarships, grants, and other financing options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Certificate in Medical Office Administration Programs
What career opportunities are available with an online certificate in medical office administration?
Many certificate holders pursue roles as medical office administrators, managing the daily operations of doctor’s offices, clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. They handle patient scheduling, billing, insurance claims, and medical records, ensuring a smooth workflow for their office.
This credential is ideal for those seeking entry-level positions in this field, as healthcare providers increasingly rely on skilled administrators to support patient care. The certificate also provides a foundation for further career growth, with potential opportunities to progress into healthcare management or specialized administrative roles.
Are online certificate in medical office administration programs as credible as on-campus programs?
Online certificate programs in medical office administration are just as credible as on-campus options, often sharing the same curriculum and faculty. The key difference lies in the format, with online learning offering flexibility for those balancing education with other responsibilities, such as a full-time job or raising a family. Beyond convenience, the programs are virtually identical in content and credibility.
Accreditation is an essential indicator of program quality, and all of our recommended programs maintain proper accreditation, ensuring they meet the same standards as traditional, on-campus offerings. This makes online certificates a viable and reputable option for anyone seeking a career in medical office administration.
How long does it take to complete an online certificate in medical office administration program?
Completing this certificate takes about a year, with most programs requiring 12 to 18 credits for graduation. However, some programs may require up to 27 credits, potentially extending the timeline.
It’s crucial to check the credit requirements of each program, as these can vary and directly impact how long it takes to finish. Many programs offer flexible pacing for online learners, allowing students to complete coursework at a speed that suits their schedule. Whether you’re balancing work, family, or other commitments, understanding the program structure is key to planning your timeline and achieving your career goals efficiently.
Are there specialization options within the online certificate in medical office programs?
Specialization options within these programs are rare, as most feature fixed curriculums designed to be completed in a year or less. These programs focus on foundational skills like medical billing, scheduling, and office management to quickly prepare students for entry-level roles.
It may be worth considering an associate or bachelor’s degree if you’re seeking a more specialized education — such as training in medical coding, healthcare compliance, or management. These longer programs often allow students to specialize and provide a deeper understanding of specific areas within healthcare administration, potentially opening up opportunities for more advanced roles. However, certificates are an excellent starting point for a quick entry into the field.
What is the cost of an online certificate in medical office administration program?
The cost of these programs varies, but it’s often more affordable than a two-year program, which averages $3,885 in tuition and fees. Many certificate programs can be completed in a year or less, reducing overall expenses.
Costs are often assessed per credit or per term, so the total price depends on the program’s structure and the required number of credits. For example, programs with 12 to 18 credits are generally less expensive than those requiring up to 27 credits. Reviewing tuition policies carefully is important, as payment models and additional fees can affect affordability.