Many careers in the healthcare field are rapidly expanding. This trend should continue for the foreseeable future. That makes this a critical time to become a medical assistant. Medical assisting is an excellent career with many jobs available in different medical settings, a relatively low educational threshold, and good pay. Fortunately, there are many medical assistant online colleges where you can get a quality degree without attending classes on campus.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) sees a future with an aging population in the country. Combined with expanding access to healthcare, the BLS predicts that jobs for trained medical assistants will be steadily available. What’s more, these jobs have good income potential.

Options for careers in the medical assisting and healthcare administration industries are diverse. You might work in physician offices or dental offices, a long-term care facility or hospital, or an insurance company or government agency. With an accredited medical assistant degree or certificate in hand, the job opportunities are virtually endless!

See Also: Strategies for Excelling in Your Online Medical Assistant Program

What Does a Medical Assistant Do?

There are many different jobs for trained medical assistants – jobs for which you can prepare at any number of online colleges for medical assistant programs. Your tasks might include managing patients’ records in doctors’ offices, working with healthcare professionals during examinations and simple procedures, or checking vital signs.

Moreover, medical assistants often administer medications and injections (under a physician’s direction) and collect and process lab samples. Other graduates with medical assistant degrees find jobs in healthcare facilities with little to no patient contact. For example, you might work in the insurance industry, a medical billing office, or a government agency related to healthcare.

Other common tasks for medical assistants include:

• Assisting doctors with patient exams
• Scheduling patient appointments
• Answering telephone calls
• Entering data, like patient records, into a computer

The exact job duties heavily depend on where you work and the specialty of the physicians with whom you work. For example, suppose you’re a medical assistant in a family medical practice. In that case, your duties will be much different than if you’re a medical assistant for an orthopedic surgeon at a major hospital.

Likewise, your area of expertise governs what you do on a daily basis at work. If you specialize in optometry, you’ll likely spend time with patients showing them how to insert contact lenses properly. However, if you specialize in administrative medical assisting, you’d spend most of your time greeting patients, answering the phone, and scheduling appointments. 

See Also: 10 Accredited Online Colleges for Diagnostic Medical Sonography

What is the Job Outlook for Medical Assistants?

As noted earlier, the job outlook for graduates with a healthcare administration and support degree is excellent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates that medical assistants will benefit from 16 percent growth across the various jobs in the industry through 2031. This is much faster than average growth.

Salaries in the industry are good. Entry-level positions for workers with a medical assistant AAS or similar credential pay about $37,190 per year. If you continue your education and get a bachelor’s degree in medical or health services management, you might earn more than $100,000 per year.

Again, much like your education and training affects the job duties you must perform, they also affect the income you might earn. The more education and experience you have, the higher the pay. Concentrating on a specialization will also help you increase your pay.

See Also: Best Online Schools for Medical Billing and Coding Programs

What are the Best Accredited Medical Assistant Programs Online?

It can take a lot of work to choose a school with so many great online colleges that offer medical assistant programs available. As you search, it’s essential to consider factors like cost per credit hour and the anticipated total cost of the program. The school’s reputation, the faculty, and the available degree programs should also factor into your decision.

But you can take it a step further than just searching “online colleges medical assistant” or “online medical assistant programs accredited.” Let us help!

Accredited Online College uses the most recent data from the Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics. Each program in our rankings is scored individually. Those rankings are compared to all other universities offering that degree. Doing so helps us determine the final score you see by each ranking.

Accredited Online College considers several factors for ranking these programs. These factors include the affordability of the program, the student-to-faculty ratio, and the number of programs offered on-campus and online. Visit our methodology page to learn more about how we derive these rankings. 

Let’s explore our list of the best colleges for medical assistant programs!

See Also: 26 Accredited Online Colleges For Respiratory Therapy Degree Programs

1. Liberty University

Ranking first on our list of medical assisting online colleges is Liberty University. Liberty is a respected Christian institution of higher learning and has been since 1971. The school is a leader in remote education, having started in 1985 with classes on videotapes for students to review at home. Now, degrees are accessible from anywhere with a computer and internet connection so that you can learn from the convenience of home.

The accredited online Associate Degree in Medical Office Assisting program at Liberty University has frequent start dates to help you adjust your school schedule around work and life. The program features eight-week courses that are fully online. You get access to digital resources like 750,000 electronic publications, books, peer-reviewed academic articles, and the Online Writing Center.

Your tuition includes free e-books, so you don’t have to worry about that expense. Instead, you can concentrate on your studies, including an optional externship, to get real-world experience.

This is a 64-credit program. It takes two years of full-time study to complete.

See Also: How to Land Your First Job in Medical Billing and Coding: A Step by Step Guide

2. Minnesota State Community and Technical College

The vision of Minnesota State Community and Technical College is to cultivate “[a] success story for every student.” Faculty and administrators work to make your success their top priority. This is true whether you study at one of the campuses in Detroit Lakes, Moorhead, Wadena, or Fergus Falls. It’s also true if you choose to learn online.

The Medical Office Assistant diploma from M State combines leading faculty and outstanding medical assistant courses into a program with the flexibility of online learning. In this accredited, online medical assistant program, you will gain valuable workplace skills in patient registration procedures, electronic health care record preparation and management, and health insurance and medical billing procedures.

This is a 44-credit diploma program. You’ll need about 1.5 years to complete the requirements for graduation.

A $2,500 workforce development scholarship is available for eligible students. You can learn more about potential financial aid by contacting M State’s financial aid office.

3. University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati has a reputation for educational excellence and is a leading research and higher education institution. UC Online combines a thorough and challenging education from nationally-known faculty with an online schedule that is flexible for your busy life.

All levels of education are available from UC Online. You can pursue basic professional certificates and associate’s degrees that take less than two years to complete. If you already have this level of education, you can opt for a bachelor’s degree to get more advanced training. Furthermore, UC has master’s programs that give you the tools to advance further in a medical assistant and administration career.

Some of the degree options UC Online offers include:

• Certificate in Physician Practice Management
• Associate of Applied Business in Healthcare Management Technology
• Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Systems
• Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management
• Master of Health Administration

4. Minnesota West Community & Technical College

Minnesota West Community & Technical College takes pride in offering a higher education in which you develop habits and behaviors to “Learn with Purpose.” By pursuing degree programs from Minnesota West, you can get the tools and knowledge needed to thrive beyond graduation. You’ll receive a foundation upon which you can build a long-lasting career.

An accredited online medical assistant education at Minnesota West includes an Associate of Applied Science degree as a Healthcare Administrative Assistant. The AAS degree challenges you to learn and practice valuable skills in medical terminology, reimbursement and insurance in healthcare, and disease conditions. The program also features a job-seeking course to help you with career preparation.

This is a 60-credit program that requires about two years to complete.

5. Guilford Technical Community College

Guilford Technical Community College has served the community in Jamestown, NC, since 1958. Growing consistently over the years, GTCC is now among the largest educational institutions in the state’s community college system. GTCC serves more than 25,000 students every year at six campuses and online.

The GTCC medical assistant program includes a Medical Office Administration – General Option. This program prepares you for a career in the rapidly-growing healthcare industry. Job opportunities after completing the GTCC medical assisting program include work in clerical support for patient care units, patient registration, and many service positions in the healthcare field.

This is a 66-credit program that requires about two years to complete. GTCC offers shorter programs, including an 18-credit Medical Office Administration – Electronic Medical Records Certificate and a 36-credit Medical Office Administration – Patient Relations Diploma.

6. National University

National University is a large, nonprofit private school in beautiful San Diego, California. National is proud to have a role in the education of hundreds of thousands of students worldwide. With four-week classes available in a fully online format, higher education through NU comes to you, and gives you the ultimate flexibility for completing your degree. 

NU helps you prepare for a career in the medical field with relevant, hands-on courses within its Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration. Entry-level jobs within your reach include medical office management, administration, and supervisory roles in medical clinics or insurance agencies.

This 180-credit degree program includes courses in biomedical statistics, epidemiology, and healthcare management, to name a few. Moreover, you must complete a capstone project, an internship, or a global health experience before graduation.

7. Minnesota State College Southeast

With an average student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, Minnesota State College Southeast takes pride in its student-centered and accessible approach to higher education. Serving the entire community of learners, from working adults increasing their career skills to first-time college students just out of high school, MSC Southeast provides dozens of programs in eight major fields.

MSC Southeast offers Medical Administrative Assistant degrees online for students who need to develop valuable workplace skills but can’t attend regular classes on campus. The Medical Administrative Assistant AAS degree allows you to gain a full two-year college education consisting of 15 general education credits and 45 technical education credits. These technical credits include coursework in:

• Medical Office Procedures
• Medical Terminology
• Word Processing
• Pharmacology
• Medical Insurance

The estimated cost for this program is around $14,300, making it an affordable option for your education.

8. Barton Community College

One of the benefits of studying at Barton Community College is that the faculty provide direct attention to you. They’re accessible for support throughout your degree program, even as an online student.

With a variety of flexible formats available, including hybrid, online, arranged-schedule, and classroom options, Barton College works with you to provide the education you need on a convenient schedule.

Barton Online offers the Medical Administrative Technologist program aimed at the rapidly expanding medical services field. Coursework in the program covers various topics, including:

• Records management
• Accounting
• Medical billing
• Insurance terminology and codes

These and other classes ensure that you can hit the ground running in your career as a medical administration worker.

This is a 64-credit program that culminates with an Associate of Applied Science degree. It takes about two years to complete this program.

9. Purdue University Global

With ten-week terms and multiple start dates throughout the year, Purdue University Global offers you an education that fits into your life. Combining medical assistant classes with direct experience in a clinical externship and clinicals at a site near you, Purdue allows you to put principles into practice.

The Medical Assistant Certificate at Purdue Global requires at least 15 hours of coursework per week. In the MA Certificate program, you will get hands-on training in medical assistant skills and clinical procedures, like:

• Administering injections
• Fielding phlebotomy procedures to draw blood and take laboratory samples
• Assisting in minor surgical procedures

You will also acquire essential office knowledge in areas such as accounting, medical billing, and coding tasks in this accredited program.

Just 58 credits are required to complete this certificate. You’ll need about 1.5 years to do so.

10. Dakota College at Bottineau

Dakota College at Bottineau has a proud history of education that stretches back almost as far as the beginning of North Dakota itself. The original state constitution in 1889 envisioned a forestry school to promote tree growth on the prairies. This led to the creation of the North Dakota School of Forestry in 1906. The school evolved over the years to become today’s community college. Now Dakota College at Bottineau reaches the world with online learning in many different fields.

At Dakota College at Bottineau, you can become a Medical Assistant in about a year. You’ll take the usual coursework in medical assisting, capped off with a 180-hour Cooperative Education opportunity at a medical facility.

You can choose to pursue either an Associate of Applied Science degree or a certificate, depending on your career goals and aspirations. The AAS track is 61 credits, while the certificate track is 38 credits.

11. Georgia Northwestern Technical College

Georgia Northwestern Technical College prepares students for career and life success at campuses in six locations throughout a nine-county area of northwest Georgia. Guided by a mission to deliver excellent technical education and career development opportunities in a student-centered learning environment, GNTC offers almost 200 study areas to prepare you for success in the modern workforce.
GNTC offers two technical certificates in the healthcare field that are available entirely online: one in Medical Coding and another in Medical Front Office Assistant.

The 24-credit Medical Coding certificate provides you with advanced coding skills that you can use to gain full-time employment in a medical setting. You’ll learn basic medical terminology, procedural skills, and become familiar with anatomy and physiology as well.

The 22-credit Medical Front Office Assistant certificate helps you build the base of education and experience that’s needed for a career as a receptionist or support staff in a medical clinic. In this program, you will learn medical terminology and healthcare administrative procedures. You’ll also gain computer literacy and English skills for improved proficiency in writing reports and correspondences.

12. Olney Central College

At Olney Central College, the staff and faculty are motivated by a mission to “deliver exceptional education and services to improve the lives of students and to strengthen our communities.” Olney extends these learning opportunities to students like you who are away from the area or are unable to fit typical class schedules into their lives.

The Medical Office Assistant (SMED) prepares you for jobs as a medical transcriptionist or medical office assistant. With this degree, the career potential is good for a job as support staff in insurance offices, government healthcare agencies, and medical facilities.

The first two semesters in the program include courses in general office skills like keyboarding, writing, and business computing systems. The last two semesters cover the principles and practices of medical offices. Additionally, the final semester includes a professional portfolio requirement. The portfolio gives your career preparation the attention it needs to get you ready for the field and to land a job.

13. Bellevue University

Bellevue University offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Science that you can finish in person or online. The degree integrates health and disease prevention studies with the sciences of psychology, human development, and leadership. This interdisciplinary approach prepares you for various career paths in the growing healthcare field.

A Health Science BS from Bellevue leads to clinical or non-clinical jobs in medical offices. Additionally, many graduates pursue a BS in Health Science as a start to a medical school program. Bellevue University also supports the med school application process with a Pre-Medical Certificate. You can get the certificate on your way to completing your BS in Health Science.

With transfer credits, you can complete this degree sooner. Depending on the number of credits you’ve already earned and transferred, you might only need a few semesters to finish your degree.

14. State Fair Community College

State Fair Community College has programs that prepare you for health professional work. You’ll learn versatile skills for either clinical or administrative jobs in medical offices or laboratories. With program options that include a Medical Assisting Professional Certificate or an Associate of Applied Science degree in Medical Assisting, you can get on the right path to employment. The skills you learn at State Fair Community College will help you be competitive in a field that anticipates rapid job growth and stability in the next decade.

Medical assistants can work in clinics, doctor’s or dentist’s offices, hospitals, or insurance billing agencies. In the programs at State Fair Community college, you will learn how to interact with clients, handle patient billing and bookkeeping tasks, and work with electronic medical records.

The Medical Assisting Certificate is a 34-credit program that you can complete in about one year. The AAS in Medical Assisting is a 61-credit program requiring about two years of full-time studies.

15. Keiser University

Keiser University began delivering quality adult education in 1977. Now with campuses in 21 of Florida’s major and mid-size communities, Keiser University has grown to serve tens of thousands of students. Thousands of alumni have used the education they earned at Keiser University to build solid careers.

Keiser University offers an AS in Medical Assisting Science at four Florida campuses. The program is also online to help you fit your education into your busy schedule.

This degree prepares you for the following:

• Clinical work in assessing and recording patient vital signs
• Assisting physicians with exams and simple procedures
• Following directions to administer injections and perform electrocardiograms
• Other practical skills in outpatient and inpatient settings

This is a 60-credit program requiring about two years to finish. Once you complete the degree, you will be eligible to take the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam.

16. Weber State University

Weber State University serves the Ogden, Utah, community with higher education opportunities and has done so for over a hundred years. The university offers a Medical Laboratory Assistant certificate in both on-campus and online-learning formats. As a student in this program, you’ll learn to conduct medical lab tests to help doctors find, diagnose, and analyze illnesses.

The online MLA program requires that you have access to a clinical lab to complete the program’s competency checklist. Online students like you also work directly with a local laboratory professional who is a mentor and facilitates the hands-on experience required for certificate completion.

This is a short 15-week program that includes online coursework and 64 clinical hours in a lab setting.

17. Ferris State University

Based in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University offers dozens of degree programs. With a small student-to-faculty ratio, the school enables you to interact with classmates and faculty on a more personal level. This helps enhance your learning experience.

Beyond the Big Rapids area, Ferris State offers degrees and courses online for students with life schedules that don’t mesh with campus class times. There are many online programs, including those in the medical assisting field.

In fact, Ferris State University has a number of study options available in health administration and health information. You can pursue a certificate, an associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree that leads to an accredited online medical assistant degree. There’s even master’s programs available!

The Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management is an excellent option if you’ve already completed an associate’s degree from an accredited Health Information Technology program. You must also have a current RHIT certificate to apply to this degree-completion program. 

You’ll learn how to help medical professionals enhance patient care in an online learning environment built specifically for this and other healthcare programs. Wherever you choose to study, you can do so with the ability to take part in lectures, collaborate with classmates, and get real-world experience.

18. Northland Community and Technical College

At Northland Community and Technical College, you have the potential to gain the skills and knowledge needed to step into a job in a medical setting with one of the school’s two-year degree programs. Best of all, you have the option of earning the Associate of Applied Sciences – Medical Administrative Assistant degree entirely online.

In this program, you can look forward to taking courses in:

• medical office procedures
• pharmacology
• medical billing and insurance

These courses are part of the 60 credit hours required for the AAS degree.

Upon graduation, you’ll have the qualifications to seek employment in various areas, including, but not limited to:

• Health clinics
• Hospitals
• Home health
• Dental offices
• Long-term care facilities

Additionally, you might find employment with an insurance company, a government agency, or in public health.

19. Kirtland Community College

Kirtland Community College offers many degrees and certificates for all types of students, from high school graduates just starting in higher education to adults returning to college for career improvement or life enrichment. With three Michigan campuses and a robust online learning platform, Kirtland Community College has a broad reach.

Kirtland’s Medical Billing and Coding Certificate prepares you for a Medical Records and Health Information Technician career. You’ll learn about critical aspects of this job, including:

• How to use electronic health technology
• How to analyze and evaluate regulatory standards in the healthcare industry
• How to interpret policies that protect patient privacy

You’ll learn these and other skills in a self-paced format that’s affordable, whether you’re a Michigan resident or an out-of-state student.

20. Ultimate Medical Academy

With an associate’s degree from Ultimate Medical Academy, you’ll be prepared for the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant exam, which is a strong resume-building step toward the best jobs in the field. With 24/7 tech support and a fully online classroom environment, UMA lets you pursue your AAS – Medical Administrative Assistant on your schedule. This allows you to maintain current life and job responsibilities without losing out on an excellent education. 

The CMAA medical assistant exam is not a part of the curriculum at UMA, but experts at the school will help you focus your learning on the materials that are most relevant to the exam. You’ll also benefit from some extra guidance and assistance in the areas that you find most challenging.

The AAS program is 62 credits. You can complete these requirements in two years of full-time study. Alternatively, you can pursue a 38-credit Medical Administrative Assistant Diploma. The diploma can be completed in as little as 11 months.

21. Rochester Community and Technical College

Rochester Community and Technical College has a long history of providing the community with higher education and lifetime learning opportunities. As the oldest public two-year college in Minnesota, RCTC has grown to establish new learning centers and offers online learning, too.

RCTC’s 60-credit degree program for Healthcare Office Professionals focuses on medical terminology and the advanced skills needed for medical office procedures. Courses cover the fundamentals of diseases, how they affect the human body, and the treatments and medications to combat illness and disease. Other topics of study include:

• Business Communications
• Microsoft Word and Excel
• Keyboarding
• Anatomy and Physiology

Several programs are available in the Healthcare Office Professional Program. Likewise, many are offered entirely online for enhanced flexibility.

22. Illinois State University

The Department of Health Sciences at Illinois State University is respected for its history of offering a thorough and challenging education provided by knowledgeable and experienced faculty. The Health Information Management program at Illinois State is part of that tradition. This program trains you to collect, maintain, and analyze medical data.

While degrees in the four-year, on-campus program are highly respected paths to career potential in the growing field of health information management, many people can’t clear their schedules for regular weekly attendance. Fortunately, if you’re a professional in the field and already hold an RHIT certification, you can participate in an online program to further your skills. 

As a graduate of this program, you’ll have the necessary training to work in many aspects of the healthcare industry. You can assume a managerial position in finance or administration. You might even pursue a clinical position in data management. It’s all possible with the education you get at Illinois State University.

23. Community College of Vermont

Community College of Vermont delivers educational opportunities at CCV Academic Centers in a dozen cities throughout the state. With the CCV Center for Online Learning, higher education can come to you wherever you have a computer and internet access. 

Just because you are learning remotely doesn’t mean you will be all alone in your studies. You can connect with classmates through the CCV Center for Online Learning to work on small group projects.

CCV offers numerous online degree options in the healthcare field. For example, you can pursue a Medical Billing and Coding Certificate to enhance your skills and your resume. This 30-credit program includes courses like:

• Medical Coding I and II
• Human Biology
• Computer Applications
• Introduction Health Information Systems
• Health Insurance Reimbursement and Billing

You’ll be prepared to take the Certified Professional Coders exam upon graduation. The CPC credential requires real-world coding experience. If you don’t have that before the examination, you’ll have a CPC-Apprentice designation until you meet the coding requirement.

24. Park University

Park University offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration option in Healthcare Management that forms a strong foundation for graduate work in healthcare administration. This bachelor’s degree program is available both on-site at one of Park University’s facilities and online for maximum flexibility.

Whether you pursue the online or on-campus program, the 60 credit hours of major courses cover the fundamentals of office work. You’ll take classes like:

• Principles of Financial Accounting
• Applied Computer Technology for Business
• Financial Management
• Principles of Microeconomics
• Business Policy

The medical assistant training in the program also provides an education specific to the healthcare field. You’ll learn about:

• Third Party Reimbursement & Risk Management
• Health Care and the Political Process
• Basic Issues in Community Based Health Care Delivery

25. Dakota State University

With a BS in Health Informatics and Information Management from Dakota State University, you can pursue a career in health records administration in hospitals, insurance companies, and government agencies. Dakota State University takes pride in educating the highest quality professionals with skills that can be used in these and other healthcare settings.

This is a 120-credit program, with 77 credits in the health informatics and information management realm. You’ll take classes that focus on specific health-related topics, like:

• Legal Aspects of Health Information
• Digital Health Data Analytics
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Database Management Systems
• ICD Healthcare Coding Systems

Additionally, you’re required to complete multiple on-site supervisory experiences. These experiences are divided into three separate professional practice placements. The first two are 40 hours, and the third is 80 hours.

Dakota State also makes it easy to prepare for your master’s degree in this field. This program is part of a 4+1 FastTrack that allows you to take up to three courses in the graduate core to get a head start on your graduate education.

26. Umpqua Community College

Umpqua Community College features an AAS in Medical Office Administration program that is available completely online. During the admission process, Umpqua Community College will conduct placement testing to determine if you need additional courses in math, writing, computers, or reading before starting your coursework.

The steadily-growing medical industry requires support personnel trained to process patient information, maintain medical records, and uphold the highest legal and ethical standards to assist medical professionals. Umpqua Community College offers training in these skills so you can enter the medical field with a high degree of competence.

By graduation, you will be trained in transcribing medical documents, handling payroll, and medical coding. Moreover, you’ll learn how to understand insurance regulations and write reports and professional correspondences for medical offices.

With start dates throughout the year, Umpqua Community College makes it easy to start your education and get a quality education online.

27. Clarion University of Pennsylvania

Clarion University of Pennsylvania is in the rolling hills in the western part of the state. Clarion has been a leader in lifelong learning and higher education opportunities in the area since 1867. More recently, Clarion has extended the reach of its courses and degree programs by offering accredited online degrees for career advancement.

Clarion offers online Associate of Science in Allied Health for aspiring professionals like you. The 30-credit Allied Health concentration leads to an associate’s degree. This program is specifically for professionals with a formal healthcare education from an accredited school. For example, if you’re a medical assistant, medical lab technologist, or paramedic, this degree is for you!

Once you complete the requirements for this degree, you’ll be better prepared to continue your education. You can do so in Clarion’s Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Leadership. This program is designed for students that wish to become healthcare managers in a clinic, hospital, or another healthcare setting.

No matter which of these degrees you choose, you can complete your studies online and work around your busy work and life schedules.

28. Herzing University

Herzing University is an accredited private nonprofit institution of higher education that delivers challenging academic content. Helping students to create a path toward advanced academic pursuits, Herzing sees each learner as more than just a statistic in its records. If you’re a student in search of personal and career advancement, Herzing’s online programs might be for you.

Herzing Online offers healthcare programs made to meet the demands of a rapidly expanding career field. With an emphasis on direct patient care and healthcare administration, Herzing Online offers dynamic degree paths to prepare you for the next step.

For example, you can concentrate your studies in areas like:

• Medical Billing
• Health Information Management
• Healthcare Management

Additional pathways include Health Sciences, Sterile Processing, and Medical Office Administration.

29. Community Care College

You can earn a Medical Assistant Certification from Community Care College in as little as nine months. Offered in a hybrid format that features online and on-campus learning, this program is designed for busy adults who need flexibility in their school schedule. Here, you will learn critical administrative and clinical skills to enter the healthcare field in stride.

Medical assistant professionals perform a wide range of jobs in medical offices. For this reason, the certificate program at Community Care College prepares you to:

• Maintain patient medical history in Electronic Medical Records
• Assist medical professionals during examinations
• Perform EEGs
• Handle patient intake
• Administer medications as ordered by a doctor

Furthermore, you’ll learn the skills needed to undertake phlebotomy, autoclave usage, and assist with minor surgical procedures.

30. Davenport University

The final entry in our list of accredited medical assistant programs online is Davenport University. Davenport is a leading online provider of associate degree programs in health informatics and information technology. Offered at the campus in Grand Rapids and online, the Health Information Technology Associate of Applied Science program requires you to complete two years of full-time study.

In addition to coursework, you must complete 80 or more hours of professional practice experience. This hands-on, real-world supervised work is crucial in helping you develop the skills you need to be a competent health information technology associate.

Graduates of this accredited online program are eligible to sit for the Registered Health Information Technician exam. The American Health Information Management Association offers this exam. The RHIT exam is not a part of this degree’s curriculum. However, it will be vital for your resume in the competitive and growing job market of health information technologies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Do I Need Before I Can Earn a Medical Assistant Degree?

In most cases, before earning a medical assistant degree, you need a high school diploma or GED. Also, whether you pursue an online certificate or an associate’s degree, you’ll need to complete the admission process at your chosen college.

The school you choose to apply to will probably require that you take a few tests before beginning the program. You will need basic learning skills like writing, reading, and mathematics. 

If you need help in any of these areas, most colleges offer classes that help you build skills and competencies for college-level coursework. Colleges and universities also have robust tutoring programs with fellow students and staff members that can assist you in your studies.

How Do I Choose Where to Earn My Medical Assistant Degree?

Selecting the right degree program and institution is an important choice for aspiring professionals. Your career goals, experience in the field, and budget for higher education are all factors that should go into your decision making.

Our list of 30 accredited online colleges for medical assistant degrees is a great place to start. Going over these rankings will help you evaluate some of the options you have. Moreover, it can help you determine the most important priorities for your education and the future you want to create.

Also, when looking at schools, consider their reputations in their communities and around the country. Read reviews from previous students and their evaluations of the faculty and administration. 

Furthermore, ask yourself questions like the following as you sift through online programs available:

• Is the program right for me and my unique needs? 
• Will I be able to pay for the total cost of education with the money I earn in the field afterward? 
• Will I be able to balance life and school duties once I’m registered for classes and have begun the program?

As discussed in more detail below, the program you choose should also have the appropriate accreditations from professional medical organizations.

When Will I Earn a Degree?

The time it takes to earn an online degree as a medical assistant or in a related healthcare field depends on the type of degree you’re seeking, the amount of time you have for your studies, and how long you’re willing to devote to the pursuit of a degree.

Some accredited online colleges have medical assistant degrees or certification programs that you can complete in a year or two of full-time studies. On the other hand, a bachelor’s or master’s degree will usually take at least four years and two years to complete, respectively. 

A college degree of any kind takes a lot of effort. It’s a huge commitment of time and resources as well. The results are worth the cost, though, if you use that education to build a strong future for you and your family.

Why Should I Pursue an Accredited Medical Assistant Degree?

People who enjoy work, have a clear sense of purpose, and serve the community often go into medical assisting. Also, people who want to participate in the critical work of providing healthcare to the community, but don’t want to be in charge of patient care, are likely to benefit from a medical assistant degree. 

As discussed earlier, the BLS predicts strong job growth in this field. With plenty of jobs available and the expectation that job growth will continue to be strong, you can exit your degree or certificate program and immediately find work. This isn’t the case for all jobs!

Additionally, starting salaries are good for medical assistants. There’s the potential for pay increases for each step you take up the academic ladder as well. So, if you pursue a medical assistant certificate or AAS now, you can ensure higher pay in your career by earning a bachelor’s degree, and even a master’s degree, in the future.

Likewise, pursuing a certification, like the Certified Medical Assistant from the American Association of Medical Assistants, Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) from the National Healthcareer Association, or another medical assisting certificate program, can help you advance your career and earn more money.

However, to qualify for the CMA exam, you must graduate from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Before enrolling in a degree, ensure that it’s among the accredited online CMA programs.

If you are interested in higher education and want to know more, check out the Top 12 Accredited Online Colleges With Low Tuition and the Top 15 Accredited Schools Offering Online Bachelor Degrees!

The post 30 Accredited Medical Assisting Programs Online appeared first on Accredited Online Colleges.

In recent years, graduate programs in psychology have become particularly popular. Some are non-licensure degrees, while others incorporate the necessary field experiences to qualify you for licensure, certification, or both.

In either case, graduate school for online psychology students necessitates creating a good work life balance. Doing so enables you to spend time doing the necessary work for your degree without coming at the expense of your work and home life. Not sure how to strike a balance between them all? Read on for some actionable online psychology degree tips!

See Also: Laptop Tips and Tricks for Online College Students

Understanding the Challenges of Graduate School

A graduate program in psychology involves rigorous coursework over several years. This requires a significant investment of time and money and can weigh on you if you don’t have the appropriate approach for studying online.

However, the challenges of graduate school aren’t limited to the difficulty of the coursework. You’ll also find that balancing school and other obligations can be difficult. Finding the right program for your needs can be troublesome as well.

The Demands of an Online Program: How Online Classes Differ From Traditional Settings

From a content perspective, online psychology classes are usually identical to those taught on campus. In fact, the assignments, expectations, and professors tend to be the same, too.

The obvious difference between online and on-campus courses is that you have to hone your time management skills. For example, some online psychology classes are asynchronous, meaning there are no set meeting times. Instead, you spend your time working independently to finish course requirements. This is where your ability to manage time comes into play.

While some classes offer independent learning, you still have to hand in assignments on time, take exams when they’re assigned, and so forth. Keeping up with coursework in this format isn’t an issue for some people. But, if you sometimes struggle to keep up with class assignments, you’ll need to do some work to improve your ability to plan, keep on task, and use your time appropriately. We’ll dive into some tips on those fronts a little later.

Graduate Students and the Busy Schedule: Juggling Coursework, Work, and Personal Life

Another difficult component of the online experience of graduate students is finding time for everything that needs to be done. You’ll have classwork to attend to, work responsibilities, and personal obligations as well.

Balancing work and school online while maintaining healthy relationships with friends and family necessitates hard work. Getting plenty of sleep, eating well, understanding when you feel overwhelmed, and knowing where to get help are all aspects of finding the right school, work, and life balance. Again, we’ll go over some helpful tips a little later.

The Importance of School Rankings: How to Use School Search Effectively

Before you begin completing an online psychology degree, you must first find an appropriate program for your needs. Many people start by simply Googling “online psychology program.” And while this generates plenty of choices, only some of the choices presented to you are good.

Here are a few tips for online psychology students to think about as the search for a quality program gets underway:

• Search for accredited programs. Psychology graduate programs might be accredited by any number of organizations depending on the area of study and level of study. For example, if you want to become a school psychologist, look for a program accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists. Likewise, if you wish to pursue a Ph.D. in psychology, a program accredited by the American Psychological Association is the gold standard.
• Search for programs at accredited institutions. The school you ultimately choose should be nationally or regionally accredited. Accreditation is critical as it holds the school to a certain standard of educational excellence that ensures a quality education.
• Consider the cost. The cost of attendance from one school to the other varies widely. Compare tuition, fees, other expenses, and financial aid opportunities to ensure you get the most bang for your buck.
• Consult program rankings. Lists like our ranking of the top 30 online psychology programs will help you narrow your focus to the most highly regarded options and speed up your school search.
• Explore the online learning environment. Some colleges and universities have much more robust online learning environments than others. Fortunately, most schools allow you to preview an online class or take a tour of their online campus to see if it offers the support network you need to be most successful.

See also: 25 Online Master’s in Behavioral Psychology

Physical and Mental Health: The Foundation of Balance

Your ability to balance work, life, family, friends, and other aspects of your life starts with having good physical and mental health. If you don’t feel well or you’re struggling with stressors from one week to the next, you can’t devote the energy needed to manage your time. That being the case, there are a few areas you can focus on that will help you achieve a greater level of physical health and mental health:

• The Role of Sleep and Exercise: Why They Matter for Academic Performance and Mental Health
  • Staying motivated in online programs requires that you get enough sleep and exercise. After all, studies have shown that physical exercise helps improve sleep among college students, while exercise and quality sleep improve academic performance.
• Maintaining a Healthy Diet: Fueling Your Body and Mind for a Better Finished Product
  • When you’re in college, it’s easy to cut corners and eat a lot of pre-packaged meals because they’re faster and cheaper than preparing a healthier, balanced meal. However, your body and mind need the fuel provided by vitamins and nutrients in quality foods to power through the rigors of college studies. This notion is backed up by studies that suggest students who eat a healthier diet have better academic performance than their peers.
• Feeling Overwhelmed: Recognizing Signs and Seeking Support
  • Stress can easily creep up and begin to overwhelm you, especially if you don’t recognize the signs that it’s becoming a problem. If you’re experiencing headaches, forgetfulness, or stomach problems, stress might be getting the better of you. Other signs of stress include irritability, restlessness, and sleep problems. If you’re feeling stressed, seek help from friends, family, or a professional source, like a psychologist or counselor, to help you reduce stress.

Strategies for Effective Time Management

As noted earlier, time management is a crucial component of being successful in college. Maintaining a schedule that works well for you and allows for an effective work-life balance is even more critical for online students. The steps outlined below will help you plan your week, address the needs for your school life, and allow for time to be with loved ones, attend to your career, and find time to exercise, too.

Planning Ahead: Avoiding the Last-Minute Deadline Rush

Avoidingthe last-minute rush begins with planning ahead and learning strategies for managing time with online classes. Each of your classes will have a syllabus that outlines how the course will unfold, including assignment due dates, exam dates, and so forth. Add these important dates to a physical or digital calendar, being sure to set reminders ahead of time so you’re sure to finish your coursework in due time.

Note that planning ahead requires you to juggle all aspects of your life. For example, if you have an exam in two weeks, but work twelve of the next fourteen days, you’ll need to ensure that the two days you have free are set aside for studying for the exam.

Creating a Dedicated Study Space: Setting Boundaries Between School, Work, and Personal Time

Having a dedicated study area will go a long way in boosting time management and staying on top of your coursework. Ensure your study space is as quiet as possible, has good lighting, and a comfortable place to sit. This might be a home office, bedroom, school library, or a public library.

Ideally, you won’t have to use your school space for job-related or personal matters. But for many of us, these things happen in the same area. You can still set boundaries, though. For example, if you have work from your job that needs to be done, set it aside and out of sight until your schoolwork is complete. Then, put your schoolwork aside and out of sight so you have a distraction-free space to attend to your job duties.

Of course, the most important component of this is adhering to your boundaries to maintain a healthy balance between school, work, and “me time.” If you’ve set aside three hours to study for school, put in your three hours, then call it good. Pushing and pushing past your boundaries will only cause you greater stress and fatigue. The same goes for trying to do too much for your job!

Keeping Track of Responsibilities: Tools and Tips for Managing a Tight Schedule

Online class schedule management is of the utmost importance to help you plan ahead and manage your time. But doing so typically requires using tools like the calendar on your phone to keep track of everything you need to accomplish. Other tools you might consider include the following:

• Focus Booster relies on the Pomodoro technique to keep you focused on one task at a time to maximize your productivity.
• Coach.me uses behavioral design to master the process of goal setting and forming new habits that enhance your ability to manage your time.
• Evernote is an all-in-one note-taking, to-do list making, and scheduling app. It syncs across all your devices and allows you to add due dates and reminders, as well as delegate tasks to others if you’re working on a group project.

Building a Supportive Network for Work Life Balance

Your ability to maintain equilibrium between your work, school, and social lives isn’t just up to you. Having a strong support network will prove invaluable as you navigate the process of getting your online degree. Most people benefit from a support network that includes three components:

• Family and Friends: The Role of Close Relationships in Reducing Stress
  • Stress relief for online students like you can be something as simple as taking a few minutes to enjoy the company of family or friends. If you’re stressed out, call a friend and talk about what’s going on in your life. If you’re frustrated with a school assignment, seek help from a classmate. Handling work and online studies will be much easier if you reach out to people you trust for help when you need it!
• Professional Development and Networking: Leveraging Trusted Partner Programs and Other Resources
  • Your work obligations can easily get the best of you, even when you aren’t trying to split your time between school and work. Thankfully, many jobs come with the opportunity to network and forge working relationships with other professionals – professionals who can lend a hand when your work-life balance is out of whack.
  • Professional development programs are an excellent way to learn enhanced skills that will help you finish your work duties more efficiently and with greater competency. From hands-on skills to resource guides to stress management, these programs address many common work-related problems that can contribute to an ineffective work-life balance.
• Seeking External Support: When to Turn to Counseling or Other Editorially Independent Information
  • In many cases, you might not realize you need help until you’re already overwhelmed. Juggling family, work, and online school can be a delicate dance, and external support can help you keep your head above water. As mentioned earlier, professional help from a counselor, psychologist, or other mental health professional can go a long way in helping you identify your stressors and learn how to cope effectively.
  • Likewise, you can seek some more tips for managing your work, school, and personal lives from editorially independent information published online. This might include peer-reviewed psychology journals or content published by organizations like the American Medical Association.

See also: 16 Best Online Colleges in Forensic Psychology

Balancing Life Outside of School and Work

Your work-life balance is only part of the equation. Achieving an online degree work-life balance allows you to dedicate time to your studies, job, and personal obligations. The question is, how do you do that?

Personal Time and Social Lives: The Importance of Taking Breaks and Spending Time With Loved Ones

For some college students, the demands of work and school mean taking less time to be social with their loved ones. A due date tomorrow here and an exam study session there can easily eat into your “me time.”

But diminishing the time you take for yourself and your loved ones won’t do you any favors. At the time, you might feel more productive, but in the long run, you will wear yourself out faster and be more likely to experience symptoms of stress than if you take a more balanced and measured approach.

So, if you’re stressed out from school or work, resist the temptation to power through. Instead, try recharging with frequent breaks and spending time with people who support you and give you the energy you need to forge ahead. Mental Health America offers additional tips for managing your time as well.

Managing Family Responsibilities: Strategies for Part-Time Students With Family Obligations

Being a college student is hard enough, but having family obligations on top of that can exacerbate feelings of being overwhelmed. As noted earlier, planning ahead and maintaining consistent boundaries between school, work, and life are among the best strategies to juggle all your responsibilities. Likewise, you can use the following strategies:

• Ask your partner, parents, or other family members to make meals, tend to the kids, do the grocery shopping, and so forth.
• Trade time with family and friends – you babysit their kids one night, and they babysit your kids another night to give you a full evening of time to study.
• Work ahead when you can. If you have a light week of family responsibilities, use that extra time to complete assignments while maintaining a good work-school-life balance.

Self-Care and Reducing Stress: Tips for Feeling Less Overwhelmed and More Focused

Use the following tips to alleviate stressors from work, school, and life and achieve better focus:

• Use time management and task management tools like those listed earlier to help you remember what you need to do and when.
• Be communicative with the people in your life about what you’re doing and how you’re feeling. Your friends and family can’t help you if they don’t know what you need help with!
• Keep your study area dedicated to studying with minimal distractions. Put your phone on do not disturb, close the window blinds, and shut the door while you work.
• Deal with stressors by taking frequent breaks, stretching, and getting your body moving for a few minutes every hour. Take a short walk, play with the dog, grab a snack, and then return to your work.
• Try journaling. Spending a few minutes each day with your thoughts and feelings can help you take better care of yourself.

Achieving a Healthier Work Life Balance in Graduate School

As a graduate student, you have an even greater level of school-related stress. Add in your career and family life, and you have a recipe for a pretty stressful existence. However, you can find an improved balance between all these endeavors by adhering to a few quick tips:

• Setting Top Priorities: Determining What Truly Matters in School, Work, and Life
  • One of the top online psychology program challenges is dividing your time between your studies, your career, and your family. There is always something to demand your attention in these areas; it’s a matter of determining what’s important at that moment. So, get in the habit of making a daily to-do list of the most crucial tasks that need to be completed. Don’t worry about tomorrow or next week as much as focusing on what needs to happen right now.
  • Make one large to-do list for all tasks, but segregate those tasks into work, school, and life categories. Having one list makes tracking everything you are doing easier while having three separate categories helps you understand the most important tasks in each area.
  • Understand that you might not get everything done on your list every day, and be okay with it. 
  • Be willing to adjust your list of priorities as needs change. It’s helpful to plan but also helpful to be flexible to meet challenges as they arise.
• Balancing Work and Online School: Tips for Managing Job Demands With Academic Commitments
  • By parceling out your day into “school,” “work,” and “personal” segments, you can achieve a good balance between the three. Likewise, the following tips will help you meet the demands of your work and school life:
    • Schedule your courses around your work schedule or vice versa. Ensure there is no overlap between the two to the degree possible.
    • Rely on technology to help you complete your work and school duties. For example, use AI programs like Grammarly to edit work emails and school assignments much more quickly.
  • Be communicative with your boss about the demands of your online program. You might be able to arrive at a flexible work schedule that helps you focus more on school (e.g., leaving work an hour early a couple of times a week to attend online meetings for class).
    • Likewise, communicate with your professors when work obligations are piling up. In many cases, they will be more than willing to work with you on due dates to accommodate your career.
• Staying on Track: How to Maintain Balance and Reduce Feelings of Stress
  • Finding balance in online education is all about your ability to focus on one thing at a time. Complete this assignment. Attend to that work duty. Take a break to be with your family. Rinse and repeat! Some easy ways to minimize stress and help maintain an appropriate work-school-life were mentioned earlier – eat right, get plenty of rest, and seek help when needed. Listening to relaxing music as you work, avoiding consuming caffeine, and getting fresh air now and again are some more tips for helping manage your stress.

See also: How to Choose an Affordable Online Master’s Program

The post How to Balance Work, Life, and an Online Psychology Degree appeared first on Accredited Online Colleges.

• To become a physical therapist, you need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program and must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) to obtain state licensure.
• An Associate’s in Physical Therapy typically refers to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Physical Therapist Assisting (PTA), which prepares students to become Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) who work under licensed Physical Therapists (PTs) to help patients with rehabilitation exercises, mobility, and pain management.
• While no specific undergraduate major is required, most students pursue a degree in: Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Biology, Health Sciences.
• You can complete some coursework for a physical therapy degree online, though most programs will require on-campus classes as well.
• Baker College and University of South Dakota offer top online physical therapy degrees.

Best Online Physical Therapy Programs

Physical therapy is a fast-growing job. Our top 15 accredited online colleges in physical therapy give you a good start.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that jobs for physical therapists will grow by 14% by 2033. This is faster than the average growth rate for all jobs!

More than 72 million Americans are Baby Boomers. They were born between 1946 and 1964. This is the second-largest generation. It’s aging, too. This is causing growing demand for physical therapy.

If you become a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant, you’ll gain job security. It’s a rewarding career as well. As a physical therapist , you’ll help patients live healthier lives. They’ll also live lives free of pain. A physical therapy degree will set you up for a stable career in the physical therapy field.

Related:

• Accredited Online Colleges in Speech Therapy
• Accredited College Programs: Radiation Therapy Online Schools
• Top Military Friendly Accredited Online Schools

What Do Physical Therapists Do?

What will you do with a degree in physical therapy? Simply put, physical therapists help patients improve their mobility. They help patients manage pain, too.

First, physical therapists diagnose a patient through observation and screening. Then, they develop a plan for recovery. That plan might include exercises or stretching. It might also include the use of specialized equipment. 

A physical therapist assistant helps put a patient’s care plan into action. They do treatments like stretching and massage. A PT assistant also often keeps track of a patient’s progress. They might make suggestions for improved patient care to the physical therapist. 

Physical therapists have a fulfilling career in a much-needed profession. A physical therapy degree prepares you to enjoy your career.

Can I Earn a Physical Therapy Degree Online?

Yes! There are fully online physical therapy degree programs. These tend to be Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. These are designed to help practicing physical therapists meet today’s educational standards for the industry. 

What if you’re just starting out and need a physical therapy bachelor degree online? You’ll likely need to attend an on-campus program for your physical therapy education.

On this list, you’ll find traditional programs offered by universities. They have respected online learning as well. At these schools, you can complete some of your coursework online for your physical therapy education.

See Also: 26 Accredited Online Colleges For Respiratory Therapy Degree Programs

What Are the Best Online Physical Therapy Programs?

So, you’re interested in the career of physical therapists? Accredited Online College can help with our list of the best physical therapy online programs.

We use the most recent data from the Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics. Each online program is scored individually. It’s then compared to other universities that offer the same degree. We then determine the final score you see by each ranking.

Accredited Online College considers many factors when ranking “physical therapy schools online accredited.” Among them are the affordability, student-to-faculty ratio, and the number of programs offered on-campus and online. To learn more about out online programs, visit our methodology page. 

See Also: Top Accredited Online Occupational Therapy Programs

Check out these Online Physical Therapy Degrees!

1. Baker College

Baker College is the largest not-for-profit, private college in Michigan. It is a top choice for physical therapy programs. It is also holds the top spot in our rankings of online schools for physical therapy.

Baker offers courses online and at several campuses across the state. This school caters to non-traditional students who need flexibility. With Baker Online, you can easily access your virtual classroom. You can do so at any time and from anywhere.

Baker College has an Associate of Applied Science program. It’s designed to train future physical therapist assistants. It’s a 78-credit-hour program. You are required to attend classes on campus. This can be done at:

• Baker’s Allen Park
• Auburn Hills
• Flint
• Muskegon

However, you can complete several of the 28 general education credit hours through Baker Online. This includes online classes in psychology, composition, and anatomy.

Fifty credit hours in Baker’s AAS program focus on the physical therapist assistant major. There are three clinical experiences. This gives you a total of 18 hours. The clinical ensure that you train in a real work setting for physical therapists. Graduates will be prepared to sit for the National Physical Therapy Assistants Examination exam. 

Learn more about Online Physical Therapy Programs at Baker College here.

2. University of South Dakota

The University of South Dakota is based in the town of Vermillion. It is the state’s main university. There are more than 10,000 students.

Become a Coyote by enrolling in USD’s Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (t-DPT) program. It is the first online doctoral program in the South Dakota university system.

USD’s online physical therapy degree program is for licensed physical therapists that want to advance their education. You can get a doctoral degree while you continue to practice.

Licensed physical therapists in this program take 25 credit hours over five semesters. This means you can finish the program in about two years.

All coursework aligns with the American Physical Therapy Association’s educational standards. To graduate, you must complete a clinical research project. You do so with help from a faculty mentor. 

This is an fast path to a doctoral degree. This means there is a lot of job experience required. For example, applicants with only a bachelor’s degree should have at least ten years of experience.

Learn more about these Online Physical Therapy Programs at University of South Dakota here.

3. Washburn University

Washburn University is located in Located in Topeka, KS. It offers an Associate of Science program for future physical therapist assistants.

The program has really good success rates. Over the past three years, 95% of Washburn’s PTA graduates have passed the National Physical Therapy Exam. Additionally, 80% of Washburn’s students earn their degrees in just two years.

Washburn’s PTA students have access to a 2,500-square-foot facility on campus. This building allows you to gain hands-on experience with advanced physical therapy equipment.

This is a 70-credit-hour program. It’s housed in Washburn’s Allied Health Department. Twenty-four students are admitted each year. All students take three clinical experiences. Clinicals last 17 weeks. 

Washburn’s PTA is a traditional on-campus program. But, this university offers many courses online. The Allied Health department has classes online. You might be able to complete your general classes through the College of Arts and Sciences’ online coursework. 

Learn more about these Online Physical Therapy Programs at Washburn University here.

4. Cleveland State University

Cleveland State University is in downtown Cleveland. It is close to the Cleveland Clinic. It is one of the biggest hospitals in the country. It is also one of the most respected.

Students in CSU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program benefit from partnerships with the Clinic. The school has partnerships with more than 140 additional clinical sites. As such, physical therapists receive a quality education at Cleveland State.

Cleveland State’s three-year DPT program requires 133 credits. There is a core physical therapy curriculum. CSU’s doctoral students also take six elective credits.

Many students choose to conduct research. This is done with help from a faculty member. This work can lead to publication. It might also lead to presenting at a national conference. CSU’s DPT students also undertake 41 weeks of off-campus clinical training. 

To apply, you should already have a bachelor’s degree. If you don’t meet the requirements, you might be able to earn these online.

CSU also offers limited online classes in the DPT program. For example, you can take a basic pharmacotherapeutics course online. 

Learn more about Accredited Online College Programs for Physical Therapy at Cleveland State University here.

5. Northern Illinois University

At Northern Illinois University, you get the perks of joining a large student body. But you don’t sacrifice attention from your professors. NIU has more than 16,000 students. However, it maintains a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio. 

NIU is based in Dekalb, IL. It’s about 60 miles west of Chicago. Students in NIU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program get a unique advantage. They have access to the university’s Physical Therapy Clinic.

Here, you begin working directly with patients within your first year of study. This initial experience is in addition to four off-campus clinical experiences. This totals at least 30 hours. All that hands-on learning is very helpful for finding a job.

In fact, in the last three years, all of the program’s students have found employment after graduation. 

To apply, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree. You will also need at least 50 hours of documented experience in a physical therapy work setting. There are required courses, too. Many of them can be completed through NIU Online.  

Learn more about Accredited Online College Programs for Physical Therapy at Northern Illinois University here.

6. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Based in Lubbock, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is the state’s leading educator of health care professionals. More than 28,000 graduates earned their degrees from one of TTUHSC’s five schools and online programs. 

TTUHSC offers a Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy. It has a focus in orthopedic practice. This Sc.D. program allows practicing physical therapists to keep working. Candidates often use their work to inform their final dissertation. This can be in either clinical research or clinical teaching. The curriculum also prepares graduates for the Orthopaedic Certified Specialist (OCS) exam.

The Sc.D. program combines weekend in-person courses with additional online learning. On campus, candidates train in cutting-edge technology in TTUHSC’s newly built, multi-million dollar facilities.

All TTUHSC graduates who have applied for academic positions in the past have been hired. Additionally, many of its students go on to teach entry-level physical therapy programs. They also lead their clinic’s post-professional courses. 

Learn more about the Physical Therapy Degree Online at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center here.

7. University of Michigan-Flint

The University of Michigan is a nationwide leader in higher education. It ranks No. 3 on U.S. News & World Report’s Top Public Schools. UM-Flint is part of the mission to extend academic excellence across the state. UM-Flint’s students have access to research and student resources at all of UM’s campuses. 

UM-Flint offers a Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy program. It is highly customizable. The program takes about three years to finish. It does not follow a set curriculum. Instead, new students work with a faculty advisor to develop an learning plan. This program is for practicing physical therapists.

This degree’s coursework is delivered entirely online. All candidates take two core classes. These courses are in evidence-based practice and service-learning.

From there, you can choose from several courses. These classes cover topics like:

• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Geriatrics

Classwork is complemented by hands-on learning. This includes interviewing and developing business plans for practicing physical therapists.

Learn more about Accredited Online College Programs for Physical Therapy at University of Michigan-Flint here.

8. Florida Gulf Coast University

Florida Gulf Coast University was established in 1997 in Fort Myers, Florida. It’s a young university. However, it’s growing fast. Enrollment has grown from 200 to 15,000 students in two decades.

The growth of the school is due to the business drive among FGCU’s faculty and students. In fact, one-fifth of FGCU’s students have started their own businesses.

Is your goal to open your own clinical practice? If so, FGCU’s Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy program might be the right fit.

This physical therapy program is for distance learners. Students are experienced physical therapists seeking to advance their practice. This can be done by studying the field’s latest practices.

You will complete 30 credit hours of required courses. These classes cover topics like:

• diagnostic imaging
• medical Spanish
• professional issues in physical therapy

To graduate, you must complete a case study as your capstone project. 

Learn more about Accredited Online College Programs for Physical Therapy at Florida Gulf Coast University here.

9. Utica College

Utica College is based in Utica, NY. It’s a private university with a strong online presence. There are several fully online degree programs.

Utica is also a top online school. It is ranked by U.S. News & World Report for its online undergraduate and graduate learning opportunities. 

Utica’s Post Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy is an online physical therapy program. There is only one on-campus course. This ppDPT’s curriculum goes into topics like:

• Running your own practice
• Using the latest diagnostic imaging technology
• Addressing global health care issues

Only 18 credits are required for graduation. 

As a Utica doctoral student, you can customize your capstone project. This means you can match it to your specific goals for the program.

For example, if you intend to use your ppDPT to teach, then your project might be on a new teaching-learning discovery. Or, if your goal is to improve the services offered at your current workplace, your project might focus on a research initiative that you then present to your colleagues.

This program is for already working physical therapists.

Learn more about Accredited Online College Programs for Physical Therapy at Utica College here.

10. Andrews University

Andrews University sits a few short miles from Lake Michigan’s beaches in Berrien Springs, MI. This Christian university serves less than 5,000 students. Within its College of Health & Human Services is the School of Rehabilitation Sciences. The school offers two distance learning opportunities for physical therapists.

The first is a Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy. This is the highest degree a student can earn in this field. Andrews partners with the North American Institute of Orthopaedic Manual Therapy to ensure its degree-holders earn recognition as Certified Manual Physical Therapists. Andrews’ candidates are also prepared to teach at a university and undertake scholarly research.

This physical therapy program is 35-64 credit hours. Its requirements depend on your previous school experience. Online learning is done in addition to clinical practice. There are a few on-campus intensives, too. 

Andrews also offers a Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy. This program can be completed mostly online. It can also be completed in as little as 18 months. 

Learn more about Accredited Online College Programs for Physical Therapy at Andrews University here.

11. Kent State University at East Liverpool

Kent State University at East Liverpool is on the Ohio River. It’s near the border of Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

The university has just over 1,000 students. East Liverpool’s graduates benefit from a close-knit campus. You will also benefit from the connection with Kent State University. Kent state has more than 250,000 alumni. 

Kent State’s East Liverpool campus offers an Associate of Science degree in Physical Therapy Assistant Technology. It takes two years to earn. This program combines on-campus classes and lab work. There is also off-campus clinical training. 

What if you’re also interested in becoming a certified athletic trainer? Then Kent State might be the best school for you. This campus is the first in the country to offer a hybrid ATC-to-PTA program. This degree covers the core competencies needed by both athletic trainers and physical therapy assistants. Coursework is completed online. There are also six required visits to Kent State’s Ashtabula Campus. 

Learn more about Accredited Online College Programs for Physical Therapy at Kent State University at East Liverpool here.

12. The College of Saint Scholastica

The College of Saint Scholastica is a Catholic university. It has campuses across Minnesota. A majority of this school’s student body is made up of non-traditional students. And with St. Scholastica’s long list of fully online, accelerated degree programs, it’s not hard to see why.

St. Scholastica has a 16-credit-hour Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy program delivered entirely online. Distance learners undertake six courses. These classes are focused on topics like:

• Diagnostic imaging
• Evidence-based practice
• Pharmacology

Online classes can be accessed anywhere and at anytime. To maintain personalized attention from professors, St. Scholastica caps its online classes at 24 students. You are assigned an academic advisor who will provide support throughout the program.

If you were trained as a physical therapist in another country, then St. Scholastica is a great option. A quarter of its t-DPT students are trained abroad. 

Learn more about Accredited Online College Programs for Physical Therapy at The College of Saint Scholastica here.

13. Arcadia University

Arcadia University is well-known for its global opportunities. Here, studying abroad is the norm! This university’s Philadelphia campus is enhanced by locations in Greece, Spain, South Africa, and seven more countries. 

With such worldly connections, Arcadia’s Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy is an attractive option for international students. No matter where you come from, earning a t-DPT from this school comes with respect. Arcadia ranks at No. 20 on U.S. News & World Report’s list of the top physical therapy schools. 

This t-DPT takes between one and three years to earn. Students educated in the U.S. must earn 18 credits. Students trained abroad need 22 credits to graduate.

The t-DPT is delivered through synchronous and asynchronous online coursework. The coursework will help you align your skillset with the current best practices. As such, physical therapists can use this degree to enhance their knowledge. You can specialize in:

• orthopedic
• neurologic
• cardiopulmonary physical therapy

Learn more about Accredited Online College Programs for Physical Therapy at Arcadia University here.

14. University of New England

The University of New England’s tagline is “innovation for a healthier planet.” This institution’s courses go beyond health studies. However, UNE has a strong tradition in physical therapy.

The school is based in Portland and Biddeford, Maine. UNE is the leading educator of the state’s healthcare professionals. It is also home to the only medical college in Maine.

UNE offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program for aspiring physical therapists. The program requires eight semesters or 106 credit hours. You will undertake classes, lab work, and three full-time clinical experiences. In addition to the core coursework, two electives are provided. These courses are in orthopedics and pediatrics.

To graduate, UNE’s students take a comprehensive exam. You must also complete a research project or case study.

You should have a bachelor’s degree to apply. You will also need to fulfill several prerequisites. The science requirements for UNE’s DPT degree can all be completed through UNE Online. 

Learn more about Accredited Online College Programs for Physical Therapy at University of New England here.

15. A.T. Still University

A.T. Still University is named for Andrew Taylor Still. He was a groundbreaking physician who founded osteopathy in the late 19th century. The university is committed to osteopathic principles. This includes a focus on Still’s emphasis on the patient as a whole unit. Therefore, you will learn to treat the body, mind, and spirit.

ATSU enrolls nearly 4,000 students . You can attend classes at its locations in Arizona and Missouri.

Its Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy is delivered through the Arizona School of Health Sciences. However, you never need to visit campus. This program’s online classes are flexible to fit the schedules of practicing physical therapists.

Courses start every six weeks. They can be done one at a time. Each student sets their own course of study. On average, ATSU’s t-DPT students take 22 months to finish.

As a final project, you will prepare a manuscript. This might lead to publication. Several courses in evidence-based practice and research methods help you write this final paper.  

Learn more about Accredited Online College Programs for Physical Therapy at A.T. Still University of Health Sciences here.

Frequently Asked Questions about Physical Therapy Programs

Why Is Accreditation Important for Online Physical Therapy Programs?

Enrolling in an accredited college or university is important no matter what degree you want. Accreditation guarantees that a school provides a quality education. It also shows that the school adheres to national educational standards. Additionally, employers recognize the value of your academic achievements.

Accreditation is especially vital for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. To gain employment, you’ll need to be licensed in your state. To be licensed, you’ll need to pass an exam. And to even be eligible to take the exam, you’ll need to graduate from an accredited program. State licensing boards only recognize accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). 

Thus, the online PT programs on this list are accredited by CAPTE. However, CAPTE does not offer accreditation for post-professional programs. This means that the Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy and Post Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy programs on this list are not accredited. This is because no accreditation is available. 

Will I Need an Additional Certification in Addition to My Degree?

Yes. Physical therapist assistants need to pass the National Physical Therapy Exam for physical therapist assistants. Doing so is one step to gain licensure in any U.S. state.

Likewise, physical therapists need to pass the National Physical Therapy Exam to earn licensure. Academic programs are designed with these exams in mind. The test scores of past graduates can be key indicators of a degree program’s quality. 

Physical therapists can also choose to become board-certified. This is done in specialty areas of physical therapy. Three examples are:

• neurology
• pediatrics
• women’s health

To earn certification from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialities, you’ll need to pass an exam. You must also document 2,000 clinical hours in your chosen specialty. 

How Much Do Physical Therapists Earn in a Year?

In 2018, the BLS reported an average annual income of $87,930 for physical therapists. Physical therapists working in nursing homes or residential care facilities reported the highest salaries. The top paying states for physical therapists are:

• Nevada
• Alaska
• New Jersey

How Much Do Physical Therapist Assistants Earn in a Year?

The median annual income for physical therapist assistants is $99,710, according to the BLS. Physical therapist assistants are some of the highest-paid holders of two-year associate degrees. The top-paying states for this job are:

• Texas
• New Jersey
• Connecticut

Physical therapy programs can prepare you for this rewarding job field.

Why Should I Earn a Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy?

Today, a Doctor of Physical Therapy is the required degree for entry-level physical therapists. This wasn’t always the case. In the past, physical therapists could begin their practice with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in physical therapy. If this is your academic background, then a Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy can help you advance your education to meet today’s industry standards. 

Education is about more than adding a new title to your resume. A Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy is also a good idea for physical therapists who want to use the best practices with their patients. 

Technology is always changing. New advances can really improve a patient’s diagnosis and treatment. That’s why many t-DPT programs offer courses in diagnostic imaging and medical screening. Additionally, t-DPT programs often have a research or case-analysis final project. These give you the chance to add a scholarly work to your field. You might also create a researched solution to an issue in your workplace. 

Since these programs are geared toward working professionals, they are often delivered in a distance learning format. In most cases, this is online coursework. There might be limited on-campus work, too. This means t-DPT students can receive all the benefits of their program while continuing to earn a paycheck.

What Scholarships Are Available to Physical Therapy Students?

Scholarship and financial aid are available for physical therapy programs. Each university has its own institutional scholarships. Some online physical therapy schools might offer departmental scholarships that are only open to physical therapy students.

Additionally, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) offers several financial awards to aspiring physical therapists. This includes the Minority Scholarship Award for physical therapists. It also includes the Mary McMillan Scholarship Award, which is given to students in their last year of study. 

What is the American Physical Therapy Association APTA?

APTA (American Physical Therapy Association)’s mission is “Building a community that advances the profession of physical therapy to improve the health of society”. By supporting the physical therapy profession, APTA hopes to create change and positive influence for it’s members.

Continue Your School Search With Other Online Programs

If you’re interested in pursuing higher education, then you should check out our Top 20 Easy Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs. Also see the 15 Most Affordable, Accredited Online Associate Degree Programs! 

The post Top 15 Accredited Colleges for Online Physical Therapy Programs appeared first on Accredited Online Colleges.

It’s for these reasons that employers look favorably on past military experience. But to truly set yourself up for the best possible salary expectations and career growth in the future, you should consider pursuing a course of higher education. Of course, you may have already given consideration to further study, but perhaps you’re worrying about the costs of a college education. What you may not know is that there are numerous non-repayable scholarships available to people specifically in your position. 

See Also: Cheap Accredited Online College

Scholarships for Veterans and Active-Duty Military

Scholarships are financial awards that do not need to be repaid, making them the ideal way to fund your education without the worry that you’re accruing more student debt. They can come from a range of sources, including private companies, government organizations, public figures, and many of the colleges and universities across the United States. But unless you complete a FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, many of these schemes won’t consider you for the award. Others require you to submit a separate application or write a personal essay. 

Competition for scholarship funding can, understandably, be quite fierce among students across the country. However, there are many scholarships available that are designed specifically for active-duty military and honorably discharged veterans. Applying for these schemes means you could be up against significantly fewer applicants. Below, we’ll look at a range of these types of scholarships. We’ve also included a range of scholarships designed for the spouses or children of service members, as we appreciate that several generations of the same family often serve their country, and so these scholarships may be relevant to you. 

See Also: The Ex-Military Student’s Guide to College

1. AFCEA Military Personnel Scholarships

Award: $2,500

AFCEA Military Personnel Scholarships

4400 Fair Lakes Ct.

Fairfax, VA 22033

(800) 336-4583

edfoundation@afcea.org

AFCEA stands for “The Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association.” It’s an education foundation that awards yearly merit-based scholarships to serving members of the military, both men and women. You’re also eligible if you have been honorably discharged from the military, providing you’re enrolled in an accredited degree program. The program must be related to technology, computer science, or engineering. Whether you’re active-duty or a veteran, you’ll also need to be a U.S. citizen who has achieved a minimum of sophomore status in a four-year undergraduate program. You’ll also need a minimum GPA of 3.0. 

There’s more than one type of AFCEA scholarship available, but you’re only allowed to apply to one when you submit your application. You should read through the eligibility criteria that apply to each type of scholarship, too; each award has other conditions that must be met. For example, for the AFCEA War Veterans Scholarship, you must have been deployed on one of the following Overseas Contingency Operations while on active duty:

• Operation Enduring Freedom 
• Operation Iraqi Freedom
• Operation New Dawn
• Operation Inherent Resolve
• Operation Freedom’s Sentinel

See Also: The Best Online Schools for Military and Ex-Military Students

2. AMVETS Scholarships

Award: Up to $12,000

AMVETS Scholarships 

4647 Forbes Blvd. 

Lanham, MD 20706 

(301) 683-4031 

thilton@amvets.org

American Veterans, or AMVETS, provides scholarships for both active-duty military and veterans who have been honorably discharged. To be eligible, you’ll need to hold a high school diploma or its equivalent (i.e. a GED) and be a U.S. citizen. You must also provide proof of your status as an active-duty service member or veteran. Additionally, you cannot be in default on any prior loans from the federal government. The application process opens in January and closes at the end of April, with six different scholarship programs available: 

• Veterans, Active Duty, Guard, and Reserves Scholarship – For any military-affiliated students that fall into one of these four categories, there are three scholarships of $4,000 available, with a payment of $1,000 made each year of study on a four-year program.

• Spouse Scholarship – This scholarship awards a single payment of up to $4,000 to the spouse of a military-affiliated person. Again, the payment is split into four $1,000 payments across a four-year course of study.

• Children/Grandchildren – High School Seniors Scholarship – Six scholarships of $4,000 are reserved for children or grandchildren of military-affiliated persons, with a $1,000 payment made each academic year. 

• JROTC High School Senior Scholarship – This scholarship is reserved for a single JROTC Senior Cadet each year. The award of $1,000 must be used within five years of being paid.

• The Dr. Aurelio M. Caccomo Family Foundation Memorial Scholarship – This scholarship program awards two scholarships of $12,000, with $3,000 awarded per year to each student.

• The Donald Montana Distinguished Military Veteran Memorial Scholarship – One scholarship of $4,000 is awarded, with a $1,000 payment made for each year of study.

3. Ankin Law Office Scholarship

Award: $1,000

Ankin Law Office LLC 

10 N. Dearborn St., Suite 500 

Chicago, IL 60602

U.S. law firm Ankin Chicago set up this scholarship in support of veterans looking to transition to a civilian career. It pays $1,000 towards the cost of tuition or study supplies and requires you to write a personal statement as part of your application. The scholarship program is open to applicants who are U.S. military veterans, in addition to their immediate family members, who will be enrolled full-time in the subsequent fall. You qualify if you are looking to study at an accredited community college or university, at the graduate or undergraduate level, or are starting a vocational program. 

4. Army Staff Sgt. Special Agent Richard S. Eaton Jr. Scholarship

Award: $1,000

Army Staff Sgt. Special Agent Richard S. Eaton Jr. Scholarship 

4803 Atlas Cedar Way 

Aberdeen, MD 21001 

scholarship@lintcenter.org

This scholarship fund was created in memory of U.S. Staff Sgt. Special Agent Richard S. Eaton Jr. The $1,000 award is for active-duty military or veterans who wish to study in the fields of counterintelligence, national security, or alliance building. As part of your application, you’ll need to write a 600-word essay and submit it with a personal statement, resume, and photograph. There are two application deadlines of January 31 and July 31. 

5. AWFDN Legacy Scholarship Program (For Women Only)

Award: $1,000 – $2,500

Army Women’s Foundation Legacy Scholarship 

P.O. Box 5030 

Fort Lee, VA 23801 

(804) 734-3078 

info@awfdn.org

Women haven’t always been allowed to serve in the military on active duty, but they’ve achieved some incredible things. The Army Women’s Foundation Legacy Scholarship program awards up to $2,500 funding to support women who want to study at the undergraduate or graduate level. Whether you’re on active duty or an honorably discharged veteran, you can apply, provided you’re studying at an accredited U.S. institution and have achieved a GPA of 3.0 or higher. You’ll have to submit a personal essay, resume, transcripts, and recommendations with your application, as well as evidence of your service. Applications close January 15. 

6. FRA Education Foundation Scholarships

Award: $5,000

125 N. West St. 

Alexandria, VA 22314

(703) 683-1400 

fra@fra.org

The FRA, or Fleet Reserve Association, runs a scholarship program that pays up to $5,000 to successful applicants who want to study at the graduate or undergraduate level. The program is open to veterans who have been honorably discharged, and more than one award is paid each year; in fact, approximately $100,000 in payments are made per academic year. This is a needs-assessed scholarship that also looks at academic success in determining who should be awarded the funding. More than one scholarship is offered by this organization, so to find the one relevant to you, you can look at the FRA’s full list. 

7. Troops to Teachers

Award: Up to $10,000

Troops to Teachers Program 

6490 Saufley Field Rd. 

Pensacola, FL 32509 

(850) 452-1194 

ttt@navy.mil

This is a scholarship program that’s funded directly by the U.S. government, specifically the Department of Defense. The program aims to boost the quality of education offered in the United States by encouraging those with extensive military experience to transition into teaching. Any active-duty military or former members of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible to apply, though you’ll need to submit evidence of your service. You will also ideally need to have a background in teaching and education, plus you should be prepared to submit a personal statement. The application deadline is April 15. 

8. VFW Scholarship

Award: Up to $5,000

VFW National Headquarters

406 W. 34th St.

Kansas City, MO 64111 

(816) 756-3390

This scholarship was set up and provided by the Veterans of Foreign Wars association. The scholarship program, Sport Clips Help a Hero Scholarship, pays up to $5,000 to successful applicants, with payments being made directly to your chosen institution to help cover the cost of tuition fees. Eligibility requires that you be a U.S. citizen who has been honorably discharged from the military – this isn’t a scholarship for active-duty military service members. It’s also a needs-assessed scholarship, meaning those in the greatest financial need have the best chance of being successful in their application. 

9. Chief Petty Officer Scholarship Fund

Award: $2,000

Chief Petty Officer Scholarship Fund 

328 Office Square Ln., Suite 101A 

Virginia Beach, VA 23462

cposfboard@cposf.org

Each year, this scholarship fund awards up to 60 scholarships valued at $2,000 each. The aim of the fund is to improve access to higher education not only for service members but also for their family members. With an application deadline of April 1, eligible applicants should have graduated from an accredited high school or be about to graduate; intend on entering a community college, vocational college, or university to study at the undergraduate level; and be an immediate family member of an active-duty, reserve, retired, or deceased Chief Petty Officer of the U.S. Navy. 

10. Dolphin Scholarship Fund

Award: $3,400

4966 Euclid Rd., Suite 109 

Virginia Beach, VA 23462

info@dolphinscholarship.org

The Dolphin Scholarship Fund awards up to 115 yearly scholarships with a value of $3,400 to stepchildren or children who are dependent on an active-duty member of the U.S. Navy’s Submarine Force. These dependents must be under the age of 24 and unmarried. In addition, the relevant member of the Submarine Force must have served at least eight years in order for their dependent(s) to qualify. Final selection from the pool of applicants is based on academic merit and financial need, as well as participation in extracurricular programs. Applications must be received no later than February 28. 

11. Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund

Award: Up to $25,000

Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund 

22570 Markey Ct., Suite 240 

Dulles, VA 20166 

(703) 444-7940 

info@fascholarship.com

Among the largest scholarships available, the Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund supports students who are the dependent children of an active-duty man or woman killed or disabled while serving their country. To be eligible, you must be a high school senior or graduate and enrolled (or accepted into) any accredited U.S. higher education institution. The fund is driven by public donations and has been able to award more than $14 million since its establishment. Applications must be submitted by June 30. 

12. General George S. Brown Spouse Tuition Assistance Program

Award: Up to $5,000

General George S. Brown Spouse Tuition Assistance Program 

241 18th St., Suite 202 

Arlington, VA 22202 

(703) 972-2650 

afas@afas-hq.or

This scholarship is offered by the Air Force Aid Society and awards up to $5,000 to spouses of active-duty U.S. Air Force members. Specifically, the award provides tuition assistance based on a rate of 50% of unpaid tuition per course; the maximum is $1,500 per academic year. Eligibility requires the serviceman or woman to be serving overseas, and applicants must be married to this person, in addition to being a high school graduate, and enrolled in a full-time undergraduate program. You’ll also need a minimum GPA of 2.0. 

13. Hope for the Warriors Spouse/Caregiver Scholarships

Award: $1,500 – $2,500

Hope for the Warriors Spouse/Caregiver Scholarships

5101 Backlick Rd.

Annandale, VA 22003

(877) 246-7349

scholarships@hopeforthewarriors.org

This annual scholarship is offered to military spouses and caregivers in financial need who wish to study at an accredited higher education institution in the U.S. Alongside your application, you’ll be asked to submit a certification form, evidence of the injury or death inflicted upon your spouse, and a personal essay that highlights your academic achievement and personal aspirations. In total, the fund offers five different scholarships to various types of students: the Honorary Scholarship, New Beginnings Scholarship, Restoring Family Scholarship, Restoring Hope Scholarship, and the Restoring Self Scholarship. For information on each scholarship, you can visit the Hope for the Warriors website. 

14. Huebner Scholarships

Award: $10,000

1st Infantry Division Foundation 

P.O. Box 607 

Ambler, PA 19002

sfidkansas@gmail.com

The Huebner Scholarships are generous financial awards of $10,000, which are paid out in four installments for four-year courses, with $2,500 payments made at the beginning of each academic year. The scholarships were named after Lieutenant General Clarence L. Huebner, who was a 1st Infantry Division commander in World War II. Applications are welcomed from grandchildren or children of soldiers who have served as part of this division in the U.S. Army. Applications are due by February 1 and should be accompanied by a 200-word personal essay, transcripts, your college acceptance proof, and evidence of military service. You’ll also need two letters of recommendation. 

15. Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation

Award: $30,000

Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation

909 North Washington St., Suite 400

Alexandria, VA 22314

(703) 549-0060

mcsfnj@mcsf.org

As one of the highest value scholarships we’ve found, the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation awards are made available to children of active-duty, reserve, or veteran U.S. Marines. Founded in 1962, the foundation is the United States’ oldest and biggest provider of need-based scholarships to military dependents. As an applicant, your minimum cumulative GPA must be at least 2.0. You will also be means-assessed as part of the application process, and your family’s gross income cannot be higher than $93,000 for the year in which you apply. 

16. Military Officers Association of America Scholarship Fund

Award: Varies

Military Officers Association of America Scholarship Fund

201 North Washington St.

Alexandria, VA 22314

(800) 234-6622

edassist@moaa.org

The Military Officers Association of America, or MOAA, was established in 1948 and grants varying scholarships to students who are the dependents of active-duty, former, or retired warrant officers. To obtain full funding for up to five years of college or university study, you must be enrolled at an accredited U.S. institution, be 24 years old or younger, and have a good military track record. 

17. Ladies Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve Association Scholarships

Award: $5,000

Ladies Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve Association Scholarships

2712 Holly Ridge Rd.

Orange Park, FL 32073

(904) 269-2136

scholars@fra.org

Every year, this association – shortened to LA FRA – awards $5,000 scholarships to both male and female students who wish to study at the undergraduate or graduate level. To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants should be the direct children or grandchildren or a military member belonging to the FRA or LA FRA. There are a couple of additional scholarships awarded by the same organization, which can be viewed on the association’s website. 

18. Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarships

Award: Up to $5,000

Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarships

2500 North Van Dorn St., Suite 102

Alexandria, VA 22302

(703) 931-6632

scholarships@militaryfamily.org

This scholarship is funded by the National Military Family Association and offers up to $5,000 in tuition support to any spouse of an active-duty, reserve or guard, or retired service member. The funding can be used for undergraduate or graduate degrees or toward the costs of vocational training. To apply, you’ll need to submit a copy of your marriage certificate and a military verification document. Applications must be made by February 3. 

19. Imagine America’s Military Award Program

Award: $1,000

14200 Park Meadow Dr., Suite 117s

Chantilly, VA 20151

studentservices@imagine-america.org

Made possible by Imagine America’s Military Award Program, this fund offers $1,000 scholarships to active-duty military service members as well as veterans who have been honorably discharged or have retired. To be eligible, you’ll need to be enrolling at a participating U.S. college or university, in addition to having strong academic performance and financial need. You can check out the scholarship fund’s website for more information on participating institutions. 

20. Fisher House Foundation Scholarships

Award: $2,000

12300 Twinbrook Pkwy, Suite 410 

Rockville, MD 20852 

(888) 294-8560 

JWeiskopf@fisherhouse.org

The Fisher House Foundation Scholarships are $2,000 awards given to unmarried children of active-duty, reserve, or retired military commissary customers. To be eligible beyond this requirement, you (or your children) must be enrolled full-time in a four-year undergraduate program. You cannot be older than 23 years of age and must have a GPA of 3.0 or above. 

21. Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Education Grants

Award: Up to $3,000

Military Spouse FINRA Fellowship Program

1940 Duke St., Suite 200

Alexandria, VA 22314

(703) 684-4484

militaryspouse@afcpe.org

These scholarships are made possible by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA, and cover the costs associated with paying certification fees. FINRA also provides a stipend each month to spouses of military personnel who want to take part in a training program to become an Accredited Financial Counselor. Deadlines can vary, and you should contact the organization for more information or help with the application process. 

22. Paralyzed Veterans of America Scholarships

Award: $3,000

Paralyzed Veterans of America Scholarships

801 Eighteenth St. NW

Washington, DC 20006

(800) 424-8200

info@pva.org

This scholarship fund was established to offer some financial support to wounded military servicemen and women and their families. Up to $3,000 can be awarded to paralyzed veterans or their spouses; related unmarried children under the age of 24 years old may also apply. As an applicant, you need to be a U.S. citizen, accepted into or currently enrolled in a full- or part-time program, and have a strong academic track record. Applications should be made no later than December 31. 

23. Pat Tillman Scholarships

Award: Varies

Pat Tillman Scholarships

217 North Jefferson St., Suite 602

Chicago, IL 60661

(773) 360-5277

scholarships@pattillmanfoundation.org

This foundation was created in honor of a man named Pat Tillman who sidelined his incredible NFL career to serve his country after the events of 9/11. The fund was established after Pat lost his life in the service. Each year, the Pat Tillman Scholarships are awarded to active service members belonging to any branch of the U.S. military. The funding can be used toward graduate or undergraduate study, or toward a doctoral degree. You’ll need a minimum GPA of 3.0 to apply, as well as evidence of your service. 

24. Veteran Affairs Yellow Ribbon Program

Award: Varies

Veteran Affairs Yellow Ribbon Program

810 Vermont Ave. NW

Washington, DC 20420

(877) 222-8387

The Yellow Ribbon Program is a program in which many colleges and universities across the United States participate. It’s a part of the Post 9/11 GI Bill and is designed to reduce out-of-state tuition fees for service members and veterans. To be eligible for aid, you need to have served a minimum of 36 months in active duty following the events of 9/11, but as long as you qualify, you’ll have the tuition costs of public schools covered and those of private schools reduced. 

25. Wings Over America Foundation Scholarships

Award: Up to $5,000

Wings Over America Foundation Scholarships

4966 Euclid Rd., Suite 109

Virginia Beach, VA 23462

(757) 671-3200 ext. 117

scholarship@wingsoveramerica.us

Each year, the Wings Over America Foundation awards scholarships of up to $5,000 to spouses and dependents of any U.S. Navy servicemen or women who are on active duty, retired, or deceased. To be eligible, you must be the biological son or daughter, or married spouse, of such a person. You’ll also be assessed for financial need, and your academic performance will be taken into consideration. Participation in community service events could help improve your chances of being selected, too. 

Study Benefits for Military and Ex-Military Students

Scholarships are invaluable, but there are other types of funding available to you as someone who has spent time in the U.S. military. The U.S. government spends billions of dollars each year on supporting students who want to pursue a college education. Student loans, grants, and federal work-study programs are part of this funding, but there are also other lesser-known benefits that you could be eligible for. The most comprehensive program of benefits for you is the GI Bill, which is available to large swathes of military members and veterans. 

The GI Bill was established at the end of the Second World War in 1944, with thousands of graduates having benefited from the program in the many years since. This bill is actually an umbrella term that covers a wide range of benefits with different eligibility requirements and financial awards. Any educational benefit offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs is classed as a GI Bill benefit, so we’ll look at exactly what benefits are available in more detail below. 

Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)

The name is a bit of a mouthful, but this is the most up-to-date term for the educational bill. As the name suggests, one of the requirements of the bill is that you’ve served in the military at some point since September 11, 2001. You’ll be able to get benefits under this bill if you meet at least one of the below requirements: 

• Served at least 90 days on active duty (either all at once or with breaks in service) on or after September 11, 2001

• Received a Purple Heart on or after September 11, 2001, and were honorably discharged after any amount of service

• Served for at least 30 continuous days (all at once, without a break in service) on or after September 11, 2001, and were honorably discharged with a service-connected disability

• Are a dependent child using benefits transferred by a qualifying veteran or service member

As is often the case with funding provided by the federal government, there’s a lot of fine print to understand. One of the most important parts of this is how the benefit is broken down into different types of payments, as well as the amount that you’re likely to get if you’re accepted by the scholarship program. We’ve broken it down for you below. 

Monthly Living Stipend

The monthly living stipend is a monthly allowance for your accommodation costs. The amount that’s actually paid out is based on the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents. What’s important to remember is that you will be paid an amount that’s based on the ZIP code of your chosen institution, not your home’s ZIP code. 

Book and Supply Stipend

The books and supplies stipend is designed to help cover the cost of textbooks, stationery, and more. You could receive up to $1,000 at the start of each college semester, but the amount you’ll actually receive is scaled against the number of credit hours that you’re taking. You’ll receive $41 per credit hour, with up to a maximum of $1,000 regardless of credit hours.  

Relocation Allowance

If you’re an out-of-state student who has applied to an institution far from your home address and state, then you may be eligible to receive a one-time relocation allowance payment. The amount available is up to $500, but to be eligible you will have to meet the following requirements: 

• You are living in a U.S. county that has no more than six citizens per square mile (according to recent U.S. census data), and: 

• You intend on relocating a minimum of 500 miles to live on-campus at your chosen higher education institution, or: 

• You are planning on traveling by air to attend your chosen educational institution where there are no land-based alternative modes of transport available to you 

Benefit Tiering 

In planning your finances for your impending course of study, this is one of the most important parts of the GI Bill to understand. The payments work on a tiering system, with applicants receiving varied amounts depending on their length of service in the U.S. military. Based on your time spent in service, you’ll receive a percentage, from 40-100%, of the total award available. Here’s how this breaks down: 

• A minimum of 36 months spent in service: 100%
• A minimum of 30 days but discharged due to disability caused by service: 100%
• Between 30-36 months: 90%
• Between 24-30 months: 80%
• Between 18-24 months: 70%
• Between 12-18 months: 60%
• Between 6-12 months: 50%
• Between 90 days and six months: 40%

Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty

Over $73,000 in financial awards and other programs are available to military members under the Montgomery GI Bill, which bases payments on “the current maximum monthly payment rate of $2,050 multiplied by the 36-month limit.” Thus, with this bill, you could receive funding for up to eight semesters, or four years of education at a higher education institution. The list of requirements is quite comprehensive, so it’s worth checking them out on the bill’s website, but as a rough guide, to be eligible for this bill, you will need to meet the below criteria: 

• You’ve contributed a minimum of $100 in your first year of service on active duty 

• You are a high school graduate or, alternatively, you have a high-school-equivalent qualification, such as the GED at time of application

• You’ve spent a minimum of two years in active service in the military 

• You were discharged from the U.S. military with an honorable discharge 

Vocational Rehabilitation and Education Program

Vocational Rehabilitation and Education services are available to you as an ex-military veteran and can help you fund a wide variety of vocational or training opportunities. You might receive funding to help undergo job training or resume development, or you might be supported in starting an apprenticeship, voluntary work, or even a post-secondary training course based at a college. In some cases, as a participant of this program, you might be eligible to receive a subsistence allowance during your time in a training or educational program. 

The allowance is paid on a monthly basis like a salary and is based on your rate of attendance in your chosen program, whether that be full-time, part-time, or otherwise.

Federal Student Aid

Earlier, we mentioned the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which all students should complete for every year that they are enrolled in a program of higher education. Not renewing your application in subsequent years of study could result in you losing your existing grants or loans, so it’s essential you do this every year. The application can be accessed online and follows the same process for all students, whether military-affiliated or otherwise. Once your application has been assessed, you might be informed that you’re eligible for loans, grants, or scholarships specifically offered by the federal government. 

Grants, like scholarships, generally do not have to be repaid. Your FAFSA application could deem you eligible for grants from the federal government, the state government for the state in which you reside, or even your chosen college or university. However, some grants you’ll have to hunt down and apply for yourself. Grants offered directly by the government include Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants, and Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grants (TEACH). You can find out more about each type of grant by following the embedded links above. 

Student loans are another source of funding that most students will need to support their college education. Like any loan, your student loans from the federal government will accrue interest, and they will have to be paid back after graduation. However, interest doesn’t begin to accrue until after you’ve finished your studies. Not all loans come directly from the government; some are offered by banks or other financial institutions, so it’s important you know who is lending the money and all of the attached terms like interest rates. 

Another type of funding for students is called Federal Work-Study. If you’re still on active duty, this is unlikely to be suitable for you, as it involves working in a community service or campus role to earn a salary as you study. But if you’re in full-time education as a veteran, you could gain valuable civilian workforce skills and supplement your funding. 

Finally, though we’ve covered many of the most well-known military scholarships already, there’s some additional information on the Federal Student Aid website regarding financial aid for military families. One of the most relevant parts of this page is the information on “limited interest rates, no accrual of interest, and deferment of student loans;” these are special circumstances designed specifically for military-affiliated students, which could do exactly what they say: limit the interest you pay on student loans, halt the interest, or defer the date on which you must start repaying your student loans. 

The post Scholarships for Military and Ex-Military Students appeared first on Accredited Online Colleges.

More and more, students like you are finding graduate programs that are easier, more user-friendly, and more affordable, all without sacrificing the quality of the education received. This is especially true of online master’s degree programs, which have greatly increased in numbers in recent years.

Finding a high-quality, online master’s degree on a budget isn’t just a matter of Googling your desired degree and clicking on one of the top results, though. There are some crucial factors to consider when deciding when, where, and how to get your graduate education. This guide explores ten such factors.

Understanding the Basics: What is an Affordable Online Master’s Program?

Before we get into the major features of affordable online master’s programs, it’s important to build a foundation of understanding about what online master’s degree programs are and are not.

A definition of an online master’s degree might go something like this: “a flexible, advanced program of study that you can complete without the need to attend classes on campus.” Like on-campus programs, online master’s degrees often culminate in a Master of Arts or Master of Science. However, some specialist programs result in a different degree, like:

• Master of Education
• Master of Accountancy
• Master of Fine Arts

Regardless of the program type, it’s important to consider what makes a program “affordable?” The Education Data Initiative notes that the average cost of a master’s degree is $62,650, so you might consider anything below that as being affordable.

Yet, some online graduate programs are more affordable than others. For example, a master’s degree in education averages about $52,000, but an MBA averages $61,800. A master’s degree obtained at a public school averages less than $30,000, while a private university degree averages $62,100. So, when evaluating your options for graduate school, know that “affordability” is in the eye of the beholder. What matters is that you find a program that meets your affordability criteria.

Certainly, one way you can ensure your online master’s degree program is more affordable is by learning online. The importance of online learning in today’s higher education scenario cannot be understated. Not only are more and more people earning a graduate degree online, but online degrees also tend to be a better bang for your buck.

For example, flexible and affordable online master’s programs allow you to avoid the expense of commuting to campus, including:

• fuel for your vehicle
• parking
• wear and tear on your vehicle

In some cases, online tuition and fees are lower than for on-campus programs as well.

See Also: How to Balance Work, Life, and an Online Psychology Degree

The Landscape of Online Master’s Degree Programs

The world of online master’s degree programs is nearly as varied as the selection of bachelor’s degree programs. Programs in different disciplines run the gamut from nursing to education and marketing to psychology. Other programs are available in:

• computer science
• chemistry
• criminal justice

Truly, in almost any area of study you can think of, you can find an affordable master’s degree online.

When comparing online and traditional master’s degree programs, there is far less of a difference today than a generation ago. Many schools initially offered online master’s degree programs with the caveat that your transcripts, degree, or both would include an asterisk with “earned online.” Today, though, this is no longer the case.

In fact, online master’s degrees are typically no different than on-campus degree programs apart from the method of delivery. You’ll likely learn the same material from the same professors and take the same classes as a friend learning on campus. Online master’s degrees have come a long way in this regard – they are much more respected and accepted today than they were 20 years ago.

Overview of Popular Online Master’s Programs: Business Administration, Educational Leadership, Public Health, and Computer Science

As noted earlier, online graduate programs are available in virtually any area of study you might want to pursue. But by and large, graduate students major in a handful of specific areas, as described below:

• Business Administration – An MBA focuses your studies on business-related topics, such as accounting, marketing, and leadership. MBA graduates commonly go on to work in sales, marketing management, or finance, though there are many other career paths available.
• Educational Leadership – One of the most popular online programs for teachers and other educators is an online master’s degree program in leadership. These programs prepare you for administrative roles in public school systems, like working as a principal.
• Public Health – A Master of Public Health or MPH prepares you for administrative roles in the healthcare industry. An MPH is not a nursing or medical degree. Instead, you’ll learn the skills needed to evaluate health data, drive health policy decisions, and educate the public about important health-related issues.

See Also: 25 Affordable Online Master’s in Accounting

How to Choose an Affordable Online Master’s Program: Key Factors to Consider

The affordability of an online master’s degree is certainly an important component of deciding where to go to school. But other factors are at play when choosing the right online master’s degree.

Accreditation: Importance of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission

Getting a degree from an accredited program is of paramount importance. Institutional accreditation ensures the school delivers educational programming that meets educational and professional standards. Programmatic accreditation adds another layer of academic rigor aligned to industry needs.

In some cases, employers require that new hires have a degree from an accredited institution or program. In other cases, you must have a degree from an accredited institution or program to take professional exams. Therefore, accreditation from agencies like the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission and other regional accreditation organizations is critical – affordable accredited online master’s degrees are the key to getting the education you need at the price you want.

Assessing Academic Quality: The Role of Education Statistics

When evaluating the quality of a budget-friendly online master’s degree, it’s necessary to examine statistics about education. Colleges and universities make data about their graduate programs readily available so prospective students like you can compare one program to the next.

Some statistics worth evaluating include the following:

• Admission rate
• Graduation rate
• Job placement rate
• Financial aid awards

Factoring in the Student to Faculty Ratio

Also among the tips for selecting an affordable online master’s program is to examine the ratio of students to faculty. The more students there are in an online course, the more difficult it is for you to get individual attention from your professor. This is true whether you study on campus or online.

As such, look for programs with low ratios, like 9:1 or less. In a more intimate online classroom environment, your professors will be more able to ensure you have the support and guidance you need to succeed in your graduate degree program.

Breaking Down the Costs of Online Master’s Degree Programs

As noted earlier, the affordability of an online master degree program depends a lot on your definition of affordability. However, a few factors influence the cost of a program, which are worthy of investigation as you explore affordable master’s degree programs.

First, understanding the cost per credit hour is essential for making a budget-conscious decision about the program you ultimately enroll in. While a remote learning program might tout that the cost per credit hour is lower than average, this says nothing of the program’s overall cost.

For example, an online degree program that’s $300 per credit hour but requires 45 credits to graduate will cost you more than a $500 per credit degree that requires just 33 credits. When searching for affordable online degree programs, consider the total cost, not just the per-credit cost.

Another layer of this is the difference in tuition for in-state students and out-of-state students. In some instances, out-of-state tuition can be double, triple, or more per credit hour than in-state tuition. Fortunately, many online master’s degree programs charge the same tuition for in-state and out-of-state students, so if you find a program that fits your needs but is out of state, you might not have to pay extra.

Additional Expenses: Books, Tech, and More

The associated expenses of online master’s degrees should be considered when evaluating a program’s affordability. Books, supplies, required computer programs, and other necessities can cost hundreds of dollars per semester.

Of course, you must also consider the technological requirements of getting an online master’s degree. You might find that your current computer doesn’t meet the minimum performance requirements of the program, leaving you to invest in a new computer for your studies. Your current internet service might not be fast or reliable enough, too, thus necessitating an upgrade that adds to the expense of enrolling in an affordable master’s degree program.

See Also: 10 Tips for Maximizing Your Learning Experience in Online College

Finding the Cheapest Online Graduate Programs: The Hidden Gems

The best value online master’s degrees can be found far and wide. Schools throughout the U.S. have developed strong online programs that meet your educational needs while maintaining affordability that makes getting an advanced education possible. Still, sorting through thousands of online master’s degree programs is time-consuming. Consider the following tips to help you narrow your search.

Public vs. Private Schools: Which is More Affordable?

As noted earlier, the Education Data Initiative reports that a public school master’s degree typically costs less than $30,000 while a master’s degree from a private university averages over $62,000. All else being equal, narrowing your search for the master’s degree programs offered by public schools will help you find a more affordable education.

Schools Known for Affordable Online Masters Degree Programs: Fort Hays State University and Others

Another component of finding inexpensive online master’s programs is prioritizing schools with a reputation for being affordable. Whether they have low tuition for in state students, out-of-state students, online students, or all of the above, the universities listed below all offer financial advantages that make them top choices for cheap online masters degrees (2023 information):

• Fort Hays State University -$319.45 per credit
• Eastern New Mexico University -$320.00 per credit
• The University of Arkansas – $437.54 per credit (for in-state students)
• Ohio University -$508.00 per credit (for in-state students)
• Thomas Edison State University – $675.00 per credit

Understanding How Prices Vary Across Different Programs

In addition to pursuing a degree at a school that’s known for affordability, it’s also important to understand that tuition prices can vary from one program to the next. For example, education, criminal justice, and arts programs tend to be among the least expensive. Health-related and business administration programs tend to be more expensive.

At Thomas Edison State University, a Master of Arts or Master of Science degree is $675.00 per credit. A master of Business Administration, though, is $728.00. Therefore, learning how to find cheap online graduate programs might require you to make some tough decisions about what you study for your online master degree. Of course, with transfer credits and financial aid, you can significantly reduce the cost of your degree.

Navigating Financial Aid Options for Online Graduate Students

As discussed above, affordable online master’s degrees are often found at public schools and tend to be in education, arts, and related fields. However, online programs can be made more affordable if you understand how to use financial aid to your advantage.

Federal Student Loans: Pros and Cons

Federal student loans are a mixed bag – there are some definite benefits and detriments to using loans to pay for your schooling. On the one hand, loans offer you the ability to pay for college, which can be prohibitively expensive to pay out of pocket for many students. Likewise, these loans are available to you even if you have no or limited credit history. Federal loans have lower interest rates than other types of loans, too.

On the other hand, student loans can quickly add up to the point that your payments financially hamstring you. Loans are typically paid back over a very long period, too, which increases the interest you pay on the loan. Of course, the biggest drawback is that you have to pay federal loans back, unlike other options for financing your education.

Scholarships and Grants: Free Money for Graduate Students

A better financing option for graduate students like you is to use scholarships and grants as your first line of payment for your studies. Scholarships and grants don’t have to be repaid, which means you can make your affordable online master’s degree even more affordable. Scholarships and grants can be found from many sources, too – local, state, and federal organizations all offer assistance for online learners in graduate school.

Other Forms of Aid: Work-Study, Assistantships, and Employer Reimbursement

You can supplement your scholarships and grants with additional financial assistance that doesn’t have to be repaid. Work-study and assistantship programs allow you to work in exchange for aid. For example, you might get a graduate assistantship in which you teach one class a week in exchange for your tuition being paid in full by the university.

Employer reimbursement is yet another option for making even the cheapest online master’s degree even more affordable. These types of reimbursements typically come as tuition assistance – you enroll in an affordable online master’s degree, pay the tuition and fees, and provide your employer with evidence that you’ve paid the bill and completed the coursework to be reimbursed.

Prospective Students: Making the Most of Online Master’s Programs

Your online master’s degree program will require long hours, hard work, and dedication. More than that, it requires you to be purposeful about when, where, and how you work and what tools you use to help you manage the demands of school and your other obligations. The tips below will help you do just that!

Strategies for Balancing Work, Life, and Online Learning

Our guide for balancing work, life, and academics offers many different tips for striking the perfect balance between your daily life’s demands. For example, you’ll learn effective tips for managing your school tasks, like being an active learner, using the Pomodoro Technique, and chunking large tasks into small ones. The guide also delves into time management strategies, self-care, and creating effective boundaries between work, life, and school.

Maximizing Academic Excellence in Online Programs

Online master’s degrees require more work and effort than a bachelor’s degree, and if you’ve never taken online courses before, it can be a difficult transition from traditional in-person learning. Our guide to mastering the virtual classroom will help you make that transition more easily by identifying ways you can improve your success in your online master degree program.

In addition to using the guides linked above, something else you can do to make online learning programs work better for you is to utilize one of their greatest assets to your advantage: flexibility. Leveraging the flexibility of online courses allows you to study at any time of day or night. You can study on the train to work in the morning, in the car’s passenger seat on your way to vacation, or at the kitchen table after the kids go to bed. You’re only bound by having internet access – otherwise, you’re free to work on your degree when and where you see fit.

Evaluating Online Program Quality: Are Affordable Online Master’s Degrees Respected?

The perception of online degrees in the job market is really no different from the perception of degrees earned on campus. In fact, if you put two master’s degrees side by side – one earned on campus and one earned online – they would look the same! Furthermore, the likelihood is high that your transcripts won’t differentiate between courses taken in person or online, either.

Still, as discussed earlier, the importance of choosing accredited and respected online degree programs cannot be understated. If you get a degree from an online “university” that isn’t accredited and known as a degree mill, that degree will not be respected in the workplace. But, if you enroll in a program from a regionally or nationally accredited school, your online master degree will hold significant weight with potential employers.

The Pros and Cons of Affordable Online Master’s Programs

As with any decision, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of online master’s degree programs. Online students like you can benefit significantly from a number of advantages of online master’s degrees, but it’s worth evaluating both sides before making a decision.

Benefits: Convenience, Flexibility, and Affordability

The biggest benefit of an online master’s degree is its convenience of learning as your schedule allows. Many of the affordable graduate programs online offer at least some asynchronous courses, meaning there are no set times for you to meet online. This provides the most convenience as you can work on your assignments as time allows.

Even synchronous courses – those with set meeting times online each week – offer more flexibility than on-campus options. So long as you have access to the internet, you can join the class from anywhere in the world! Online master’s degrees give you the freedom to complete your work morning, noon, or night, and so long as you complete your assignments by the due date, you will progress through the program. It doesn’t get much more flexible than that!

As discussed earlier, learning online often comes with the benefit of being more affordable. The potential of lower tuition, lesser fees, and the elimination of the need to live on campus or commute to school can add up to significant savings. Better still, with more and more low-cost online master’s degrees available with every passing year, your ability to get an affordable online master’s degree is better than ever.

Challenges: Technical Difficulties, Self-Discipline, and Limited Face-to-Face Interaction

Online master’s degree programs aren’t without their challenges, though. A primary concern is the possibility of technical difficulties that derail your ability to participate in online activities. Whether it’s a dead laptop battery, loss of internet connection, or some sort of technological failure on your school’s end, there are many pain points where technology can work against you, not for you.

Another aspect of online master’s degrees that might present a challenge is the self-discipline required to move through the program. As noted above, many courses at the graduate level are asynchronous. Without consistent class “meetings,” you’re left to your own devices to tackle distance learning. Without the proper approach, it’s easy to get behind and have trouble getting caught up.

Though cost-effective online master’s programs do a much better job connecting you with your professors and peers today, it’s still not the same as being in the same room learning together. Many master’s degree online programs include live video components like Zoom, allowing you to be “together” as a class or cohort. You get some interactivity, but most of your time is still spent learning independently.

Fortunately, technology is extremely reliable, so the likelihood that you’ll experience technical difficulties is pretty low. And with the right attitude and perspective, you can develop the self-discipline needed to finish your coursework promptly. The limitations you face regarding interactions with your peers and professor are much fewer today than even a few years ago, too. In other words, the benefits online students like you derive from online programs far outweigh the potential challenges.

The Future of Online Master’s Programs: Trends and Predictions

The increasing popularity of online graduate degrees is unmistakable. Not only are there more degrees available online from more colleges and universities today than ever before, but the quality of these programs is higher than ever. Graduate students like you can benefit from both of these trends now and in the future, too.

The future of learning for online graduate students will also be shaped by how advances in technology are shaping online education. Today’s online programs, be they Master of Science, Master of Arts, Master of Business Administration, or something in between, are more flexible, more accessible, and more interactive than ever before. Harnessing tools like live video conferencing, online collaboration apps, and programs that promote time management and effective study habits certainly make learning online a better experience.

The potential of distance learning in expanding access to higher education is a key component of the future of online graduate studies. Expanded access to bachelor’s degree programs has already had an enormous effect on the ability of undergraduates to get a quality education from afar. And now, we see the same thing for people pursuing Master of Science degrees and other graduate-level studies.

The post How to Choose an Affordable Online Master’s Program appeared first on Accredited Online Colleges.

But, just because something is difficult doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Likewise, difficult things are often worth it in the end, and getting an advanced degree is certainly one of those things!

Each year, thousands of students complete their online master’s degree. How do they do it? With thorough planning, tons of support, and self-care, among other critical elements, that’s how! If you’re ready to dive into an online graduate program and need help achieving a healthy work life balance, the guide below is a great place to start. We’ll explore some work-life balance tips for online students to help make the most of your day!

See Also: Top Accredited Online Masters Degrees in the US

Prioritize Time Management

As a working student, your first order of business is to prioritize time management tips that help you make the most of your time. As you no doubt discovered when working on your bachelor’s degree, doing so involves multiple components that, when used together, will help you get far more done each day than you thought possible.

See Also: Easiest Masters Degree Online

Achieving Online Master’s Degree Balance: Create a Structured Schedule

A busy schedule can seem utterly chaotic if you don’t take the time to structure it in some way. This isn’t to say that your entire day needs to be accounted for down to the minute – doing so will likely only cause more chaos when you can’t adhere to the strict daily breakdown.

However, to achieve a good work life balance and have time for school obligations, family time, and, hopefully, some leisure time, you need to structure your daily agenda to account for all these things. Working a traditional 9-5 career means structuring your time before and after work to address your other obligations.

So, you might set aside 30-45 minutes each morning to read an article for class or discuss coursework with classmates. Then, after work, have a dedicated time to be with your family, so you have a mental health break – a time to decompress and enjoy time with your loved ones.

Your evenings might include structured time to study, say one or two hours to complete class assignments and projects. You might also identify time to work out to maintain your physical and mental health.

This is a simple case of a structured schedule. However, it illustrates that you can accomplish a lot over the day if you set realistic goals and break your day into chunks addressing the tasks you have.

See Also: Financial Aid Tips for Online College

Set Clear Boundaries

The next step in finding a balance between your full-time job, academic performance, and personal relationships is to set clear boundaries for each. This goes hand in hand with the previous point about having a structured agenda to achieve balance between work and life.

For example, it isn’t enough to establish your early mornings for academic work. Instead, you need to communicate this to your loved ones and colleagues. By setting clear boundaries that 7:00 am to 7:30 am is for schoolwork, your family, friends, and work colleagues are more likely to let you have that time without interruption.

But clear boundaries aren’t just for establishing time for your work or studying online. You also need to have clear boundaries for personal time. These boundaries are likely less for others and more for yourself – you need to establish that your academic work and career don’t leak into your personal time. After all, without enough time away from school and work, burnout is much more likely.

The question is, how do you develop the habit of a work life balance with clear boundaries? Managing work and online studies will be easier if you:

• Have a dedicated study space at home. Discuss with your family that you need to be left alone when you’re in your schoolwork space. Your study habits for remote education will do no good if you don’t have a quiet, defined space to study!
• Avoid bringing work home. Instead, work on being more efficient at work so you don’t bring it home with you that must be completed by the next day. If you work from home, try segregating your school and workspaces. This might be as simple as putting your work away when you’re studying and your study materials away when you’re working.
• Unplug from work after hours. Resist the urge to check your work email or answer work-related calls after hours to the extent possible. Likewise, avoid working on projects or other class requirements when at work. Our lives are hectic enough – a moment or two away from technology can help rejuvenate you and lead to improved mental health.
• Learn how to say no. The ultimate way to establish clear boundaries is to know your boundaries. Don’t take on too much at work or with your degree. Trying to be a superhero that does it all will only cause your boundaries to fall apart, your personal care to diminish, and stress to increase.
• Consistently evaluate your boundaries to seek improvement. The boundaries you set aren’t in stone. Evaluate what’s working and what isn’t and address the latter to be more productive.

See Also: How to Choose an Affordable Online Master’s Program

Utilize Technology and Tools

Getting an online degree necessitates that you have a good relationship with technology. Your required courses undoubtedly require that you utilize technology for the basic essentials of your degree – receiving and submitting assignments, communicating with classmates and faculty, and conducting research, to name a few.

But you can also harness the power of technology to help you manage the tasks of your school programs and career responsibilities. A few highly recommended options for students are outlined below.

See Also: 12 Real-World Strategies for Applying Your Online Interior Design Degree

Focus Keeper

Focus Keeper is a great option for time management for online learners. The app helps organize your daily workflow with a timer to work for 25 minutes. Then you take a five-minute break. You repeat this process three times, then take a longer break, 20-30 minutes. By structuring your time in this manner, you can organize your day more effectively and get more done while still getting the mental breaks you need to stay sharp.

Trello

Trello is a task-management app ideal for students and professionals to organize daily, weekly, and monthly goals. You can develop multiple project boards, add and update details, devise workflows, and much more. The changes you make sync to all your devices, too. If your goal is to improve your online master’s degree productivity, Trello is a must.

Evernote

Evernote is a must-have tool for online students and professionals. Evernote is a digital note-taking app that allows you to make notes with images, audio files, and other digital assets. You can share your notes with others, so it’s great for collaborating on online projects with other students. It’s also beneficial for employers to get everyone on the same page for complex projects.

Freedom

Freedom helps direct your attention by blocking your social media accounts while working. It can also block streaming sites, shopping sites, and anything else that might distract you from completing the task at hand. You can block sites for a specific timeframe (e.g., a couple of hours) or via a customizable schedule as you determine is necessary.

Coursera

Each class you take will have many academic resources. Still, if you need to brush up on skills or want to expand your understanding of a topic, Coursera is an excellent resource for students.

Coursera students choose among thousands of courses that run the gamut from economics to biology to international relations. There are no class times – everything is in a work-at-your-own-pace format (though most classes have set deadlines for completing tasks). If you plan ahead, you can develop a workflow on a weekly basis that accounts for your degree requirements, your extracurricular work on Coursera, and your work and life obligations.

Develop Effective Study Habits

It’s safe to say that most students do not have effective study habits. It’s one thing to plan ahead and set aside study hours. It’s another thing to implement online graduate program success strategies that make that time valuable. The following strategies can help:

• Divide large tasks into smaller ones. “Chunking” not only diminishes the stress of facing an enormous task but also enables you to get hyperfocused on the smaller components of a larger goal. Think of it like creating a to do list of small tasks that will help you achieve a larger goal.
• Learn about your learning style. Effective study habits are different for each person. For example, if you’re a visual learner, rewatching lecture videos might be more helpful than for a student that’s a tactile learner. Understand how you best learn and maximize your study time by using those techniques.
• Try the Pomodoro Technique. The Focus Keeper app discussed earlier utilizes the Pomodoro Technique – a sequence of 25-minute work sessions followed by a five-minute break. This method of zeroing in on how much time you work effectively minimizes distractions, maximizes productivity, and divides bigger tasks into smaller ones.
• Be an active learner. Engaging with the material you’re learning helps you explore the subject more deeply. Ask questions. Be inquisitive. Offer your thoughts. Take a few moments to reflect on what you’ve learned. Take notes and review them. These active learning strategies can help you retain more information and make your study time more valuable.

Create a Support Network

Balancing work, school, and personal obligations isn’t something you have to do on your own. Instead, having a support network is crucial for your success. The best approach is to have a support network that spans the various aspects of your daily functioning and helps you with navigating online degree challenges.

Workplace Support

The first step in building a professional support network is communicating to your colleagues and supervisors that you’re working towards your master’s degree. In doing so, you can work together as a team to accommodate your college experience.

So, a colleague might cover for you at work if you have an early school obligation. Likewise, you might arrange with your supervisor to take a shorter lunch so you can leave work earlier to get home and begin your studies.

But a support network at your job is more than accommodating your schedule or covering for you. Building a network of peers and mentors gives you a wealth of experience and expertise to draw from. The people who support you at work might have tips for balancing your career, school, and personal obligations. They might also provide insights for improving your productivity while you’re at work. Use their expertise to your advantage!

Building Support Network for Online Students

One of the best features of online higher education is that programs have built-in academic support. Not only can you lean on the expertise of your professors at your graduate school, but you can also reach out to other graduate students (or a teaching assistant) for helpful tips to avoid procrastination, improve attention, and generally achieve a better work and study balance.

On top of that, online learning platforms have features like 24/7 tech support, access to an academic advisor, and services like tutoring and other helpful information. Use these and other student services to help you stay on track with your studies.

Personal Support

When you’re stressed, you can turn to your friends and family to be a sounding board. They can help proofread your work or even assist you with finishing projects. Likewise, your personal network can ensure you tend to your physiological health and emotional needs, too.

Make Self-Care a Priority

Maintaining your physical and mental health should be one of our core values. Yet, it’s one of the first things that’s neglected when you have to balance work and getting an education.

Making self-maintenance a priority doesn’t have to be difficult, though. It’s surprising how five or ten minutes here and there throughout the day can help you stay centered and more aware of your feelings. Below are some self-care strategies for online graduate students that address mental needs, physical needs, and help you develop healthy habits.

Learn how to relax

If you feel overwhelmed with stress, start small by taking a few moments to step back, rest, and relax is important. Deep breathing exercises, meditation, and mindfulness training are all excellent avenues for combatting the effects of stress and improving the overall quality of your life. Likewise, these techniques can help you fall asleep more quickly and get improved sleep throughout the night.

Seek Mental Health Care When Needed

We all have our limits of what we can handle on our own. Sometimes, we need help from a professional to process stress, anxiety, and emotions and to provide more insight into why we’re feeling or behaving the way we are.

What’s more, things can seem so bad that you develop imposter syndrome – an anxious situation in which you don’t feel much internal success despite ample external evidence to the contrary. Of course, imposter syndrome isn’t the only mental health concern you might face. Depression and anxiety are common across all demographics. Less serious issues might be increased worry, lack of sleep, and a propensity to forget things.

If self-help isn’t doing the trick for helping you manage day-to-day living, or if you’re beginning to feel like you can’t cope, take the necessary steps to get mental health care and other resources.

Attend to Your Physical Health

Finding time to go to the gym, amongst everything you must do, can be extremely difficult. But you don’t have to spend an hour a day in a hard workout to address your physical health needs.

If you’re crunched for time like most people, take five minutes to do something other than sit at your desk. Do a few simple stretches. A short walk – just 10 minutes or so – can help you decompress (both mentally and physically). You might also walk your dog, play with your kids in the backyard, or do a quick yoga session.

The key here is to be consistent and develop a routine. Regular exercise each week makes your body more capable of withstanding the rigors of sitting in front of your computer doing schoolwork. It also helps you clear your mind and reduce stress levels, helping you to be more productive and successful.

Eat Right

Eating a balanced diet offers many different benefits that will help you improve your ability to work and study. A healthy diet:

• Boosts immunity to illness
• Promotes improved digestive health
• Strengthens bones and supports muscles
• Helps maintain a healthy weight

Eating right also helps lower the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. In other words, the healthier you eat, the healthier you will be, and the more capable you will be of performing well as a student and an employee.

Be Adaptable and Resilient

As noted earlier, having a structured schedule and defined boundaries are helpful to you as you pursue higher education while working full-time. However, you must be adaptable in determining your agenda and boundaries.

A great example of this is being open to adjusting your schedule as needed. Perhaps your initial schedule has you working on graduate school coursework late at night from 9:00-11:00 pm. However, in practice, you might not have the mental energy to devote to your studies at that hour.

So, adapting your schedule to study earlier might be advisable. You may go to bed earlier to get more rest and get up earlier to do your schoolwork before the workday begins. Or, you might study until 10:30 pm each weekday, then complete your studies on the weekend with fewer time constraints.

It’s necessary to be flexible with work, too, in case you haven’t noticed! You’ll have to work early on occasion. There will be some late nights on the job as well. Deadlines might shift. Colleagues might get sick. You have to be adaptable to all of these eventualities in your work community.

The same goes for your home life. No matter how much you try to schedule your day, other responsibilities always come up – kids need rides, your significant other has to work late, or the dog gets sick. Developing resiliency to roll with the punches is essential for managing all the components of your life.

Celebrate Small Victories

Earlier, the suggestion was made to “chunk” your day as part of building a structured schedule. The same principle is effective in breaking down long-term tasks at work and school so you can celebrate periodic small victories.

There’s a lot of value in acknowledging the steps you take to achieve a major goal. On the one hand, it helps you feel a sense of accomplishment that motivates you to keep your nose to the grindstone. On the other hand, it also helps you maintain an optimistic focus on what you want to achieve in the next few years.

You don’t need to throw a party every time you complete a task. But giving yourself props for ticking one more thing off your to-do list is an excellent way of spending your time. So, treat yourself to a coffee on your way to your job after getting a new client. Set up a time to meet with other students to celebrate the halfway point of your graduate program. Get with your family and plan a time during the week to get ice cream to recognize new skills you’ve learned in school. Anything that gets you out of your routine and takes note of your accomplishments is worth your time.

These are simple ways to celebrate your accomplishments with work and study obligations. Still, they do wonders for helping you maintain the positive attitude needed to power through challenges and address the next career or educational goal.

Seek Help When Needed

One of the fastest ways to burn yourself out is to try to shoulder the responsibility of doing everything. That’s why the earlier suggestion to learn how to say no is so important. There’s only so much you can do in class and in your career!

Fortunately, the prior step of building a support network makes it much easier to ask for help when you’re in a jam. If you’re stuck on an assignment for school, ask classmates or your professor for help. If you need help meeting a work deadline, contact colleagues for assistance. If your stress level is sky-high, seek guidance from a school counselor or outside assistance from a mental health provider.

Don’t wait to reach out for help, either. As noted earlier, leaning on others is essential for your success. Having others to lean on will help you address the challenges before you, lessen your worry, and generate a routine that makes you more successful at work and at university.

While it’s your name on your office door and your name on your diploma, achieving your educational and professional goals isn’t solely on your shoulders. Instead, you can rely on the expertise and support of your friends, family, colleagues, classmates, and professors to help you reach the finish line.

The post 9 Tips For Balancing Work, Life, and Academics: Navigating the Challenges of Pursuing an Online Master’s Degree appeared first on Accredited Online Colleges.

The question is, what do you need to do before starting your distance education program to prepare?

There are many factors to consider, from having the right tools for online learning to creating a workspace conducive to learning remotely to understanding what factors to consider when choosing an online program. This guide explores eight tips for mastering the virtual classroom to prepare you for successful online learning.

See Also: 20 Accredited Online Colleges That Offer Laptops

Embracing the Online Learning Environment

In many cases, the coursework in your online master’s program is identical to what on-campus students must do to graduate. But the fact remains that navigating the challenges of online degree programs is something your on-campus classmates don’t have to worry about. Let’s explore some of these challenges.

The Virtual Classroom: What’s the Difference?

When transitioning from traditional to online classroom learning, the obvious difference is that you’re participating in your program from afar. Though many programs include live lectures and activities that allow you to participate in discussions with your professors and classmates, you aren’t in the same room feeding off one another’s energy. It’s just a different experience.

Likewise, taking a course online requires an acute focus on assignments, exams, and other important due dates. Many online courses don’t have set meeting times, and in some cases, they might allow you to work at your own pace. Students must be extremely organized, self-motivated, and excellent time managers.

This isn’t to say you don’t need these and other skills to be a successful student on campus; the need is simply heightened as a virtual student.

See Also: 30 Top Cheapest Online Colleges

Essential Tools for Online Learning: High Speed Internet and Beyond

The essential tools for online learning success include a computer and a high speed internet connection.

Aside from that, you’ll also have books and other required learning materials like computer software, accessories for your computer (e.g., a mouse, keyboard, printer, and so forth), and a comfortable desk and chair where you can work. It might also be worth buying traditional classroom tools, such as a notebook or two, pens, and a planner to track due dates.

Adapting to the Unique Challenges of Learning Online

As an online student, one of the biggest obstacles is finding the motivation to complete your assignments promptly. As noted earlier, in the absence of a set class meeting time or specific due dates, it’s easy to fall into the trap of “I’ll do that later.” It’s the double-edged sword of studying online – you can study at any time and virtually any place, but that means it might be easy to push your work off later.

So, how to succeed in online master’s programs really comes down to your ability to get motivated and stay motivated throughout your studies. There are many different ways to do this, a few of the most important of which are discussed in the next section.

See Also: Top Easiest Master Degree Online Programs

Steps to Becoming a Successful Online Student

If you’ve never taken classes online, it can be overwhelming when you begin your first class. Relying on the knowledge and skills you gained in your undergraduate program will certainly help you find success in the online learning environment. Still, you’ll need to develop key skills for attending school online to make the most of your experience.

See Also: How to Choose an Affordable Online Master’s Program

The Importance of Actively Participating in Online Class Discussions

The importance of actively participating in online discussions cannot be overstated. It is one of the most effective online learning strategies for students.

Not only does active participation in online class discussions help you be more engaged in the learning process, but it also helps you build a deeper understanding of the course material. Asking questions, answering your classmates’ questions, and interacting with your professor help you encode the information you’ve learned. As important, you can learn how to apply what you’ve learned.

How to Balance Many Online Classes: Effective Time Management Strategies

Balancing online classes and time management all but requires you to keep a calendar of all due dates for each class over the semester. Doing so helps you create short-term and long-term goals while also helping you effectively manage your time. An easy-to-read and organized calendar with a to-do list helps you determine essential tasks and which assignments can wait until later.

A great time management strategy for getting an education online (and in-person, too) is to “chunk” larger tasks into smaller ones. Chunking helps you identify the important steps needed to complete a larger task. It also helps keep you organized and directs you to be more efficient.

For many students taking multiple classes online, it’s helpful to have designated times to work on specific courses. Doing so helps get you in a routine and stay in that routine over the course of the term. Simulating a traditional academic experience in which you have classes at specific times can do wonders for helping you keep up on assignments, too.

But it’s important to take breaks from your online studies, too. Powering through for hours on end usually leads to frustration and fatigue. There are better ways to manage your time! Instead, try working for an hour or so, then take a 10-minute break to let your mind and body rest before returning to work. Better still, try the Pomodoro technique to kick your time management capabilities into overdrive.

The Role of Self-Discipline in Ensuring Success in Your Online Program

As noted earlier, online studies require students to have the self-discipline to stay on schedule without much – if any – oversight from professors. As a graduate student, this would be the case anyway, but the onus of responsibility is more squarely on your shoulders as an online graduate student.

Again, having set times to work on your courses can help maintain the discipline needed to finish your school work promptly. Consider having a study buddy or two as well – you can keep tabs on one another, offer encouragement, and help build some accountability to help you all complete assignments in due time.

Navigating Online Courses and Virtual Classrooms

Online teaching and learning really aren’t all that different from in-person learning, apart from the fact that you and your classmates are all at different locations. Many online students enroll in an online degree for this reason – the freedom to study when and where they want.

However, to be an effective online student, you need to bear a few things in mind:

• Understanding the structure of an online course is vital. Is it synchronous (the course has a set schedule with specific meeting times) or asynchronous (you learn independently within a specific timeframe)? Synchronous courses require more planning to ensure you’re logged on at the required times. Asynchronous courses offer students greater freedom to study but also require more self-discipline than synchronous classes..
• Familiarizing yourself with online teaching methods is equally as important. Your courses might have live meetings, pre-recorded lectures, or group projects. You might be asked to participate in weekly discussion board posts, conduct independent research, or complete reading assignments or papers, too. Review your course syllabi at the start of the semester so you understand what you need to do, when you need to do it, and the resources you might need to be successful.
• Also, familiarize yourself with the methods by which your classes are delivered. There are many different coursework platforms (e.g., Blackboard, Canvas), each with its unique layout and user experience. It’s best to get the lay of the land before you start your courses, that way, you can dive right into your coursework rather than trying to figure out the classroom environment.

Engaging with the Course Content: More than Just Reading

Above all else, engaging with the course content is paramount. Getting a graduate degree is not just about reading the required texts and passing exams.

Instead, many graduate programs require you to demonstrate mastery of the content via experiential learning like a practicum, internship, or research project. To do so, you must learn how to engage with your reading and other materials, determine what you don’t know or understand, and explore other resources to help you develop the understanding you lack.

Creating an Effective Learning Environment at Home

Some online learners can sit down in a busy coffee shop and have no issue doing work for school. But most of us require a quiet place to concentrate on the requirements of our university degree program. The steps on creating an effective study space for online classes outlined below will help you build a high-quality learning environment that gives you the peace and quiet you need to be successful.

Crafting Your Ideal Study Space: Beyond the Computer Screen

As noted earlier, having resources like the internet, accessories for your laptop or PC, a comfortable desk and chair, and so forth will go a long way in facilitating your ability to complete your remote education successfully. Some students also benefit from having a white noise machine to drown out ambient noise, adjustable lighting to help minimize eye strain, and special blue-light-reducing glasses to help minimize eye strain as well.

Minimizing Distractions: Close Other Tabs and Focus

When it’s time to study, help yourself focus by closing all unrelated browser tabs and windows, apps, and programs. Put your phone on silent or do not disturb, too. If necessary, use a program like Freedom to give you an edge on blocking distractions. 

Accessing Tutoring Services and Other Resources for Distance Learning

Building an environment at home that helps you concentrate on getting your degree is about more than just what you bring to the table. Your college or university will have many different services available to you as a distance learner, including:

• Technical support
• Subject-area tutoring
• Writing assistance for online students
• Tips for managing school, work, and life
• Career services

Many schools also offer tips for being a successful online student, mental health counseling for students, and assistance finding work studies and internships.

See Also: Financial Aid Tips for Online College

Mastering the Art of Online Group Projects

A popular online teaching tool is group projects. This type of learning comes with some challenges but also offers many benefits.

Collaborating in a Virtual Setting: Microsoft Teams and Other Platforms

Whether you use Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, or some other app or program, collaborating on your group work will be so much easier if you harness the power of modern technology.

Often, the reason why virtual groups aren’t successful is because of an inability to stay connected, to communicate, and to be organized. Platforms like those listed above help overcome those obstacles so you can work effectively with other students, and everyone can stay on schedule to complete their part of the project on time.

Overcoming Challenges in Online Group Work

There are plenty of challenges to working as a group online. But there are many things you can do to overcome these obstacles.

First, the best practices for online group projects start with being an effective communicator. As online students, you and your group mates must be in constant contact to know who is doing what, how things are progressing, and if anyone needs extra help to complete their part of the task.

Second, use a shared calendar so everyone in the group can check in on the overall progress of the task. This will also help each group member stay on schedule and avoid procrastination.

Third, as discussed earlier, chunking is a great way to break down a large project into small, achievable tasks. Work together to create a to do list of small tasks that everyone can work towards.

The Benefits of Group Projects in Online Courses

Though online group projects have challenges, they also benefit online learners. Not only does group work help build rapport with your classmates, but it also allows you to integrate what you’ve learned more thoroughly through small group discussions and research.

Likewise, group work helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses as a student and team member, and can help you work on building new skills that make you a more successful online student.

Virtual group work helps students learn to collaborate, too. Working effectively with others is a critical skill for many careers, and learning to actively participate in group learning also benefits your future studies.

Balancing the Learning Curve: The Transition from Traditional to Virtual Classrooms

To be a successful online student, you need to make the transition from “traditional learning mode” to “virtual learning mode.” Fortunately, combining new skills and past experiences can help you do just that.

From In-Person Learning to Online Classes: What to Expect

As discussed earlier, an online course is a lot like learning in person, with the obvious difference that you aren’t “in class” with everyone else. Apart from that, you’ll find that most classes you take remotely have the same professors, textbooks, coursework, and so on.

Perhaps the biggest shock students have when studying virtually is the need to be hyper-organized and efficient with time. You can do both by using the tools, resources, and tips outlined throughout this article!

Using Your Previous School Experiences to Succeed Online

Whether you’ve studied in a virtual setting before or not, you already have a wealth of skills that will help you successfully complete your remote degree program.

Your undergraduate studies undoubtedly helped you develop into a master of time management, an organized learner, and a good consumer of information. Likewise, you likely have excellent communication and writing skills and work well with other students in a group setting.

Moreover, your undergraduate professors likely passed on tips and strategies that helped you successfully complete your bachelor’s degree. You can utilize those skills to complete your graduate degree with success, too.

How Online Learning Can Enhance Your Learning Process

One of the biggest benefits of learning remotely is the flexibility to learn what you want, when you want, from wherever you want. You can more easily work your school schedule around work and other commitments and learn on the go – during your morning commute, on vacation, and so forth.

The independent nature of online learning can also be a boon to your academic confidence. Though you will be able to easily communicate with your professors and other students, there will be times that you need to figure things out on your own. Enhanced problem-solving abilities, improved analytical skills, and better communication skills can all result from getting your degree remotely.

Ensuring Quality Education in Your Online Master’s Degree

Step one in ensuring quality education in online master’s degrees is finding a high-quality program to begin with. Most online degree programs are well-designed, expertly delivered, and accredited. But some are certainly better than others.

Doing your due diligence to find a solid degree program from a reputable school will go a long way in helping you get a good education for your money. Other ways to improve your educational experience are outlined below.

Meeting Course Objectives: Tips for Prospective Students

Getting a great education depends in large part on your ability to engage with the course materials in an effective and meaningful way. Part of this task is to meet the objectives for each course. But how do you do that?

• Read the syllabus. It contains all the information you need to know about the course.
• Ask questions. If you’re confused about a particular course objective, someone else is too!
• Make a to-do list. Nothing helps you stay organized and on top of assignments like a good ol’ list!
• Give yourself plenty of time to accomplish objectives. Doing things last minute is part of the college process, but it’s not a good part of the process. By planning ahead, students like you can make sure that course objectives don’t go unmet.
• Collaborate with other students. Just because you’re studying virtually doesn’t mean you can’t support one another’s learning!

Getting the Most Out of Your Online Degree: The Essential Part of Active Engagement

Remember that active engagement is perhaps the most important component of getting a virtual degree. Just going through the motions won’t do you any favors. Instead, dive deep into what you’re learning. Be inquisitive, ask questions, and do outside research to get a more comprehensive view of the topics you’re studying.

Being actively engaged is especially helpful in live online learning. For example, if your class meets for a live virtual session online, your active participation sparks others to chime in and participate as well. The more active you and other students are, the better the quality of the instruction and the more opportunities there are for all of you to gain value from your studies.

Completing Assignments on Time: The Key to Being a Successful Online Learner

Many of us fight procrastination. But people who are successful in their virtual learning are often the ones who can overcome the urge to procrastinate to get their work done quickly.

The tips explored earlier regarding self-discipline and managing one’s time apply here, too. Your success in a virtual learning situation depends in large part on your ability to do the necessary work with little or no oversight. Use a list, an app, the buddy system – whatever it takes to keep you on track to complete your assignments before they’re due.

Preparing for Success in the Increasingly Popular World of Remote Learning

There is no doubt that virtual learning is a popular way for students to get a college degree. The first generations of virtual students had far fewer resources than students today. But, learning online is still a challenge. Use the three tips for preparing for successful remote learning experiences below to get a head start on your distance learning.

The Importance of a Reliable Internet Connection

Earlier, the point was made to have fast internet. But the speed of your internet doesn’t matter if the connection isn’t also reliable. If your current internet service provider experiences a lot of downtime, you should consider switching to a provider with a reputation for rock-solid service.

How to Feel Confident and Prepared for Online Instruction

Teaching online requires an excellent understanding of the material, good technological skills, and an ability to connect with students that are hundreds or thousands of miles away. So, your professors need to work hard to make this work, but you do, too. Get yourself prepared for a virtual education by:

• Reading all required materials beforehand.
• Take good notes for later reference.
• Be an active participant in online discussions, class meetings, group projects, and so forth.
• Ask your professor for clarification if you’re confused about a topic, an assignment, or what’s expected of you.
• Offer constructive feedback. If something about the course simply isn’t working for you, find a way to share this with your professor that is constructive and conducive to making a positive change for you and other students.

Choosing the Right University for Your Online Master’s Program

As mentioned earlier, choosing the right school for your graduate studies is the first step in this process. Without a solid foundation of a quality program from a quality school, it’s hard to feel confident in what you’re studying.

So, how do you choose a quality school?

First, explore school rankings, and look specifically at how the school’s online degrees rank. It also helps to attend an accredited online college. Accredited schools have to meet stringent criteria to retain their accreditation, which ensures you have a quality academic experience on par with what students get at other accredited schools.

Next, investigate the faculty’s credentials. What’s required of a good graduate school professor is much different from what high school teachers or even undergraduate professors must have in their toolkit. Furthermore, teaching online requires certain skills and talents, too. Find out as much as you can about the faculty’s experience teaching in this kind of environment.

Compare the tuition and fees from one school to the next. Also examine the financial aid opportunities that each school offers. Ask each school about the support services they provide to online students. The more resources you’re given, the more likely you are to succeed!

The post Mastering the Virtual Classroom: 8 Tips for Success in Your Online Master’s Program appeared first on Accredited Online Colleges.

As a creative pursuit, interior design can be wildly fulfilling. With the proper interior design program, you can learn how to implement beautiful and functional designs that help your clients live more comfortably, work more efficiently, and enjoy their spaces.

Interior design can also be extremely rewarding as a career. On the one hand, interior design programs prepare you to apply your skills in various applications, thereby giving you the skills needed to pursue the professional life you desire.

On the other hand, your knowledge and skills as an interior designer can lead to a well-paying, creatively challenging job. It’s the best of both worlds!

Completing an interior design program is just the start, though. Now that you’ve completed your interior designer online courses, it’s time to figure out how to apply what you’ve learned. This guide will help you do just that!

Taking the First Step: How to Start Your Interior Design Career

The task of making the most of your online interior design degree really comes down to connecting what you’ve learned in your interior design courses with practical applications of that knowledge in real-world settings.

From Online Degree to Interior Design Career

Most interior design programs do a good job of helping you make this connection with experiential learning activities throughout the program…

In most cases, interior design schools also require students to create a collection of their best work to serve as an initial portfolio. But building a strong professional portfolio goes above and beyond the portfolio requirements to graduate from your program.

For example, a professional portfolio should include the following:

Details About You

Who are you, and what is your design aesthetic? Include your contact information, too. Make it easy for potential clients to get in touch by providing several means of communication.

A Curriculum Vitae or Resume

Outline your educational and professional experience.

The Services You Provide

Be detailed regarding what services you offer.

Project Examples

Provide a series of examples of your very best work. It’s better to have a few really good work examples than a portfolio bursting with everything you’ve ever designed.

Client Testimonials

Testimonials from past clients are one of the most impactful items in the portfolio. It gives social proof of what the rest of the portfolio says about your talents and abilities.

Pursuing On-The-Job Experience

Gaining real-world experience with an interior design internship is a crucial part of applying online interior design education to your burgeoning career, too. Again, most interior design schools require an internship to earn the degree. It might be prudent to explore additional internship options after graduation, though.

For example, let’s say you graduate from your interior design program in May.

You might consider finding a short-term internship for the summer to expand on what you’ve already learned before starting the process of finding a job later in the year. It might be best if this experience is in a different niche than any previous internships – this will add to your experience and gives you another set of skills you can use to build your career.

See also: 25 Accredited Online Colleges for Graphic Design

Leveraging Online Learning to Hone Your Interior Design Skills

Learning to be an interior designer requires a lot of time and dedication. Fortunately, you can make the most of your time by harnessing online courses for advanced techniques.

Online Interior Design Courses are Flexible

One of the primary benefits of an online interior design degree is that it’s much more flexible than traditional on-campus learning. A good example of this is the lack of specific class meeting times in many interior design programs. So, rather than rushing to campus every Tuesday and Thursday for class from 9:00-10:30 am, you can complete the same work from the same professors on your own time anywhere you have internet.

Gain Experience While You Complete Interior Design School

What’s more, you can use this scheduling flexibility to gain experience. As noted above, most interior designers get a lot of on-the-job experience during their degree programs, and your experience should be no different. By shifting your time to do coursework to a time that’s more convenient for you, more work-study or internship opportunities are likely to present themselves.

Develop Improved Communication Skills for Interior Designers

Enhancing your communication skills in an online environment is another key benefit of getting your interior design qualification online…

Interior designers must have excellent communication skills to begin with, but by completing your degree online, you’ll learn a greater set of skills that help you communicate effectively with remote clients.

Think about it – many of your clients will likely find you online, and even if they don’t (e.g., they learn about you via word of mouth), they’ll likely contact you online via email or social media. Communicating in an online environment is a different animal than communicating face to face. You have to be much more purposeful in what you say and how you say it since there’s a lack of body language and other cues to add context to your message.

As an online interior architecture student, you’ll gain valuable experience in this area, experience that will help you hit the ground running as you establish your design business after graduation.

Understanding the History and Future of Interior Design

Your interior design program no doubt included a survey of interior design history and the future of this field. These studies are important for many reasons, not the least of which is to explore how interior design has changed over the years.

First, Look at the History of Interior Design

By discovering the rich interior design history, you can explore major interior design theories and schools of thought. You get to see many examples of popular interior design trends over the years, too.

On top of that, you can examine theories and applications that have not worked well. All of this helps you form your specific theoretical orientation that will be the basis of your interior design job.

Then Examine Where Interior Design is Headed

Of course, your studies in interior design aren’t just about what’s already occurred. Instead, staying ahead with sustainable practices and future design trends is essential to your success. That’s why so many interior design schools have adopted courses in sustainability, environmentally-friendly design, computer-aided design, and so forth.

Why Studying the Past, Present, and Future of Interior Design is Crucial

While it might be easy to think of interior design as delivering what the client wants, it isn’t as simple as that.

Instead, interior design is about using your knowledge of this field, mastering the tools available to you, and providing informed advice to your clients about how to best meet their goals. You can’t do that if you don’t deeply understand where interior design has been and where it’s headed!

See also: 30 Accredited Online Colleges for Real Estate

Applying Evidence-Based Design to Real-World Scenarios

Interior design isn’t just about making pretty spaces…

The role of evidence-based design in interior architecture is to create physical environments that improve the well-being, health, and safety of the people using the space (while also being aesthetically pleasing). Doing so necessitates that you use research and science to drive your designs.

The question is, how do you do that?

Practical Uses for Interior Design Degree

Evidence-based designs are primarily used in healthcare settings, such as the design of patient rooms in a hospital. However, evidence-based designs can be used in a many other settings, too:

• Schools benefit from evidence-based designs that encourage student participation in class.
• Businesses and organizations benefit from research-based interior designs that enhance the brand and the customer experience as they shop.
• These types of designs can be implemented in private homes, too, such as designing the living spaces to enhance interaction between family members and improve flow from one living space to the next.

Integrating functional spaces with consumer and design sciences is another way interior designers like you can have a marked impact on how a space feels. In this case, consumer and design sciences are concerned with retail spaces and how customers interact with those spaces.

For example, you might design the layout of a new clothing store with space planning in mind, then supplement it with equipment, furnishings, lighting, and other materials that integrate the clothing brand’s aesthetic with functional design components.

In other words, using your online interior design degree in the real world requires translating online interior design skills into results that adhere to form and function.

Mastering Building Codes and Systems

Another element of interior design that goes beyond how you make something look are the underlying rules spaces must adhere to. The importance of building codes in the interior design profession is tremendous; building codes are the foundation upon which your designs should be built.

Your interior design courses will help you gain the necessary knowledge of general building codes, but it’s incumbent upon you to become intimately familiar with the specific building codes in your area. Likewise, different projects (e.g., commercial versus residential) might have slightly different codes governing development.

Again, studying building systems in interior design programs is a good start, but you’ll need to supplement your studies with continuing education that focuses specifically on the building codes and systems that are pertinent to your work in interior architecture. Some helpful resources you can consult include the following:

• Introduction to Building Codes from the International Code Council
• Understanding Building Codes from the National Institute of Standards and Technology
• Building Codes from the National Association of Home Builders
• Construction courses from EdX

The Importance of Accreditation in Interior Design Education

Though there are many excellent online interior design courses from reputable interior design schools, there are also many courses and programs that are little more than money-making schemes. This is where recognizing the value of accreditation from top interior design schools is so important.

Interior design accreditation is a voluntary process that deeply examines an interior architecture program and its features.

In fact, accreditors examine everything from the quality of the faculty to the curriculum offered to the resources the design school provides its students. It’s a comprehensive and detailed look at the program.

Furthermore, accreditation is part of preparing for the interior design qualification examination or the National Council for Interior Design Qualification. Accredited schools have curriculums aligned to industry standards, so you exit your program with the knowledge and skills to pass the qualifying exam and begin your interior design job with confidence.

The Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) is the gold standard for accrediting interior design schools. CIDA maintains a comprehensive list of accredited programs throughout the U.S.

See also: Top Easiest Master Degree Online Programs

Exploring Career Paths: The Vast Scope of Interior Design Careers

As discussed earlier, online interior design degree applications vary widely from commercial to residential, interior to exterior, minimalism to maximalist, and so on. There are far too many interior design career paths to include a complete list!

However, your training from an interior design institute might qualify you for one or more of the popular careers outlined below:

Working With Architectural Firms

If you Google “interior design jobs after online degree,” you’ll discover that a common path for an interior designer is to work for an architectural firm. There, you’ll be part of a much larger team that might include architects, designers, engineers, and other professionals.

Interior Decoration: More Than Just Aesthetics

As an interior designer, your job is to create something beautiful and functional. You do this by working closely with the client to determine their needs, wants, and budgets. You then work with contractors and vendors to bring the design to life with materials, fixtures, finishes, and other elements.

Project Management: Taking the Lead on All Fronts

Yet another option to consider as an interior designer is to become a project manager.

Where an interior decorator focuses mostly on the aesthetic and functional components of the design, a project manager focuses more on the overall success of the design, including planning and executing the design, overseeing budgeting and personnel issues, and maintaining consistent communication between all stakeholders, including the clients.

It’s a tough job, but with a high median salary of nearly $70,000 per year, this is one of the best career paths with an online interior design degree.

Technical Design Marries Interior Design With AutoCAD

Your online interior design certification might also prepare you for a career as a technical designer.

This specialized career uses AutoCAD to develop extremely detailed and accurate designs for construction projects. These designs adhere to relevant building codes while also satisfying the requirements of the interior design plan.

Transforming Interior Spaces: The Power of Space Planning

The key role of space planning in interior design practice is to ensure a space is functional. The process is straightforward:

• Analyze how the space will be used.
• Develop a plan that identifies specific zones within the space and the activities each zone is designed for.
• Examine circulation patterns for each space, making sure to enable easy flow from one area of the space to the next.
• Add recommendations for furniture and equipment placements according to the space analysis and circulation patterns.

Though this process is easy to follow, it takes a lot of training and practice to get it right. That’s why top interior design schools make a point to emphasize this planning component in their curriculums.

See also: Laptop Tips and Tricks for Online College Students

Optimizing Your Interior Design Services for Consumer Needs

One of the most important factors in transitioning from taking online interior design courses to being a practicing interior designer is developing a comprehensive understanding of interior design materials and how those materials can be used to satisfy customer needs.

For example, assume a young family has hired you to design a new kid-friendly living room. In that case, you would want to use durable, easy-to-clean materials like leather, polyester, or acrylic while avoiding hard-to-clean and less-durable fabrics like linen and velvet.

Offering bespoke services as an interior designer also necessitates providing services that meet the client’s needs and wants, even if their desires don’t adhere to your particular design style.

For example, you might personally love the mid-century modern design aesthetic, but if your client wants a rustic country kitchen, you will need to adjust your point of view and work extra hard to deliver something beautiful and functional, even if it isn’t your personal favorite.

The Art of Balancing Creativity and Functionality in Design Spaces

Merging fine arts with practicality in your interior design career is the secret to your success. Doing so ensures that your designs are aesthetically pleasing while also providing the functionality any design project needs.

But, as noted in the previous point, what you think is beautiful or functional might not be what your client thinks is beautiful or functional.

Creative professionals of all types consistently have to balance the needs of the client with the need to educate the client about design principles that can result in an even more beautiful or functional space. Intertwined with that is the notion of marrying creativity and functionality, too.

Utilizing design tools for efficient and creative solutions can help you overcome these obstacles…

For example, computer modeling allows you to explore the creative aspects of interior design while also seeing how those designs might play out from a functional standpoint.

Moreover, using technologies that enable the client to see your vision for their space allows you to give them a solid foundation of understanding about your design. It’s not just you telling them what you think the space should be or look like; instead, you can show them mockups, provide them with virtual tours, and so forth, to help them understand your perspective and see your designs in action.

Continued Education: Pursuing a Master’s Degree in Interior Design

Getting an undergraduate degree in interior design is a good foundation for building a career. You’ll complete pre college courses in general subjects like math, science, and the humanities that give you a well-rounded education. You’re also likely to complete experiential tasks, like a senior project, that enhance your online learning experience and increase the likelihood of job placement upon graduation.

However, continuing your education in a master’s program can open additional doors for you – and can lead to an improved salary, too. Some of the best reasons to continue your education in interior design are outlined below.

The Benefits of a Graduate Program for Aspiring Interior Designers

One of the most important benefits of graduate programs in interior design is that they prepare students like you with specialist knowledge and skills that can translate into improved results.

For example, graduate interior design degrees might focus on architecture, fine arts, interior design, or any number of other concentrations. So, with an undergraduate degree in interior design and a graduate degree in architecture, you might be able to cater to a higher-end clientele that wants a designer with a critical understanding of architectural principles.

On the other hand, graduate interior design degrees often include research components. This is important because immersing yourself in an intensive curriculum of design, research, and the applied science of interior decorating will help you become a more well-rounded professional.

Yet another benefit of pursuing graduate work in this field is that many graduate interior design schools offer online learning options.

As discussed earlier, the value of being able to complete your degree on your schedule cannot be understated. You can get an advanced education while also working in the interior design field and emerge from the process as a more experienced and educated designer.

How a Master’s Degree Prepares Students for a Changing Industry

Leveraging your online interior design degree can’t be done unless your program has prepared you for growth and change in the future.

As with most things, interior design perspectives and practices change with time. That means you need to evolve with the times and offer prospective clients services that address their needs now and in the future. You’ll find that the best interior design schools at the graduate level prepare you for this task by focusing on a holistic approach to learning design.

For example, a typical graduate interior design program consists of courses like:

• Sustainable practice
• History and systems of interior design
• Color theory
• Construction principles
• Textiles

You’ll note that these topics are evergreen – there are no flash-in-the-pan topics that may or may not be applicable in a year or two.

Likewise, you’ll find that a master’s program in interior design encourages students to develop better communication and critical thinking skills, become familiar with essential computer programs for design, and apply what’s learned in a studio environment to real-world settings.

Moreover, you might find that your graduate school helps with job placement, connects you with previous students to encourage collegiality, and provides networking opportunities so you can more easily get your foot in the door upon graduation.

There are Salary Benefits of Getting a Graduate Degree, Too

Your job satisfaction should be based on something other than salary, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to earn more money! If you want to maximize your earning potential, getting a master’s degree is an excellent step.

On average, master’s-educated interior designers earn about $1,300 more per year than bachelor’s-level workers in the same position. While that might not sound like an overwhelming amount of money, it can add up as the years go by!

Joining the Professional Community: Networking and Professional Organizations

One of the best strategies for interior design graduates to expand career possibilities is to network with others in the industry. As noted earlier, many of the best interior design schools provide opportunities to network with other students and professionals in interior design during undergraduate and graduate studies.

However, leveraging job placement opportunities through your interior design school is just part of the equation. Instead, the importance of professional organizations for interior design graduates cannot be understated.

Joining organizations like those listed below will enhance your ability to network and also expand your ability to learn valuable skills. In some cases, these organizations also provide opportunities for certifications to supplement your online learning:

• American Society of Interior Designers
• International Interior Design Association
• Council for Interior Design Qualification
• Interior Design Society
• Industrial Designers Society of America

Online interior design degree success stories have many characters and chapters, but none are more important than you. If you want to turn your education from one of the best interior design schools into a rewarding and fulfilling career, use the steps outlined in this guide (and other pertinent resources, too) to help you devise the best path forward.

The post 12 Real-World Strategies for Applying Your Online Interior Design Degree appeared first on Accredited Online Colleges.

Can you really get a quality online master’s in accounting for under $30,000, $20,000, or even $15,000? The most affordable online master’s degree programs in accounting are a better investment than you might expect. The degree you earn can help boost your earning potential by thousands of dollars per year. Many of these economical MS in accounting programs are 100% online programs. This makes it easier to earn your accounting degree. Read one to find the most affordable online master degree!

See Also: 9 Tips For Balancing Work, Life, and Academics: Navigating the Challenges of Pursuing an Online Master’s Degree

What will you learn with this master’s in accounting?

Today, the field of accounting encompasses much more than generating financial data. Technology plays a bigger role than ever in accounting and finance. Accounts payable clerks, financial analysts and IT auditors need advanced skills in accounting technology. This technology includes the use of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.

You can learn these cutting-edge, specialized skills in a master’s in accounting program. Accountants with the most in-demand specialized skills are now seeing strong demands. This means that taking a new job with a new employer could net them a salary increase well in the double-digits range.

If you want to work in nonprofit accounting, financial management, governmental accounting, corporate financial management, accounting firms these master’s in accounting programs will prepare students for these careers.

See Also: Financial Aid Tips for Online College

What certifications or licenses can you get that will increase salary?

For many students, the point of earning a master’s in accounting degree is to meet the 150-credit requirement for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential. On average, CPAs make 10 to 15% more than non-CPAs, according to the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA). You might also use your graduate accounting education to prepare for one of the following credentials: 

• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) 
• Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

What are the Best Online Master’s in Accounting Degrees?

Accredited Online College uses the most recent data from the Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics. Each program is scored individually. It’s then compared to all other universities offering that degree to determine the final score you see by each ranking. Accredited Online College considers the affordability, student-to-faculty ratio, and the number of programs offered on-campus and online. To learn more, visit our methodology page. 

See Also: 10 Best Online Bachelor’s in Economics

Accounting Online Programs

#1. American Public University

One of the most affordable online master’s in accounting comes from the American Public University. This accounting degree costs $6,300 for both in-state and out-of-state students. The general cost of attendance is $370 per credit. Students who qualify for a military grant pay $250 for credit.

Generous financial aid packages are available. Among students who received financial aid during the 2017-2018 school year, the net price for the entire degree was $10,366. Aspiring CPAs should check whether this program, which is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), meets their state’s requirements to take the Certified Public Accountant exam. 

Courses start monthly at this online-only school. Students in American Public University’s online Master of Science in Accounting program choose a concentration. Concentration options include: 

• Government Accounting
• Health Information Management
• Internal Auditing

Any of these concentrations from this affordable master’s in accounting will equip you with specialized graduate-level accounting knowledge and prepare you for a variety of accounting careers. 

See Also: How to Choose an Affordable Online Master’s Program

#2. National University

National University charges full-time graduate students an average tuition cost of $15,480. The same price applies to in-state and out-of-state students. The university, located in California, offers 100% online classes so that graduate school is more convenient. Courses for this affordable online degree are offered in both synchronous (real-time) and asynchronous formats. 

Online courses at National University consist of four-week courses instead of traditional semesters. It might sound daunting to complete an entire class in a month. However, this setup allows students to focus on one subject at a time. Students can start pursuing the degree at any time. 

The Master’s of Accounting program has two options. Students with an undergraduate accounting background take six core courses and three electives to complete the degree. Students without a background in accounting have to take nine core courses. Both options end with a mandatory capstone course, Cases in Accounting & Auditing. 

Possible accounting online courses include:

• Forensic Accounting
• Advanced Managerial Accounting
• Legal Issues in Accounting

#3. University of Arizona 

Arizona residents seeking an online affordable accounting master’s degree are in luck. In-state tuition for the online master’s in accounting program at the University of Arizona is $11,716. Out-of-state students of this 100% online program are looking at tuition costs of $33,065.  

The University of Arizona’s program builds upon an established background in accounting. In the in-person version of the degree, students take all six prerequisite accounting courses during the program. Online students, however, must complete Introduction to Financial Accounting before starting. 

This is a 10-course program. Students must take six courses in accounting and four non-accounting electives. The accounting requirements include choosing three core courses from:

• Advanced Accounting
• Business Law
• Advanced Federal Taxation
• Principles of Auditing
• Financial Statement Analysis  (not online)

In addition, students need three accounting electives to complete this affordable online degree. 

#4. Pennsylvania State University-World Campus

At Penn State University’s World Campus, the average net price for the degree among students who were awarded grants or scholarships for the 2017-2018 academic year is $8,811.  

 You can get into this Master of Professional Accounting program with any bachelor’s degree. If your undergraduate degree isn’t in accounting, you must complete courses in the following areas:

• Financial and managerial accounting for decision making
• Federal taxation 
• Cost accounting
• Intermediate financial accounting 
• Auditing

 Penn State’s online master’s in accounting requires ten courses. Required courses include the capstone course Forensic Accounting and Litigation Support. These core courses range from auditing theory and practice to business tax planning. The curriculum is set up to help prepare you for the Certified Public Accountant exam.  

#5. Liberty University

Are you looking for an online accounting master’s, no GMAT required? Then Liberty University might be your answer. To get into Liberty University’s program, you will need a bachelor’s degree and a GPA of at least 3.0. The accounting degree is accredited by the ACBSP. 

 Liberty University’s tuition is affordable, as well. Both in-state and out-of-state students are looking at a tuition cost of $7,904. The average net price for the degree among students who were awarded grant or scholarship aid from 2017-2018 was $27,432. First responders, in particular, have numerous financial benefits, including a 25% tuition discount. 

 The Master’s of Science in Accounting program requires 30 hours (10 courses). You can complete this degree in three semesters. Seven courses are core courses, which include:

• Advanced business law for accountants
• Tax research & jurisprudence
• Advanced auditing
• Accounting ethics

 The other three courses are business electives. 

#6. Purdue University-Main Campus

On its Indiana campus, Purdue University offers highly-respected traditional education programs. Purdue University Global is an option if you are looking for an online master’s in accounting. The public nonprofit school is accredited by regional accreditation agency the Higher Learning Commission.

Out-of-state students are looking at a tuition cost of $28,010 at Purdue University. Indiana residents enjoy a discounted rate of $9,208. On average, full-time students take one and a half years to complete their degree. Full-time students should expect to spend 20 hours on their studies per week. 

Students in this program can choose from three concentration areas. Aspiring CPAs should choose the public accounting option. Those interested in the CMA credential can pursue the private/corporate accounting option. There’s also a tax concentration to consider if you want to focus on tax preparation and planning. Whatever professional accounting interests you, you’ll find a concentration for this master’s degree.

#7. University of South Dakota

Looking for a cheap online master’s in accounting? Consider the University of South Dakota’s Online Master of Professional Accountancy. The low tuition costs of $5,869 for in-state graduate students and $11,283 for out-of-state students make the program affordable for everyone. 

The coursework in this online program helps students prepare for the Certified Public Accountant CPA exam. Specific course requirements for CPA certification vary by state, so check your state’s requirements. The 30 credits that make up this AACSB-accredited degree program are just what’s needed to add to a bachelor’s degree to meet the 150-credit hour requirement for CPA eligibility.

There are three options for this program, all of which require seven core accounting classes. Plan A requires a thesis and three to six hours of restricted electives. Plan B students take nine hours of restricted electives or an accounting analytics specialization. Plan C requires an accounting internship. 

#8. Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) is another cheap master’s in accounting option. Tuition for both in-state and out-of-state graduate students averages $7,500. WGU uses a 6-month term payment plan rather than charging per credit. This structure is part of WGU’s goal to help you graduate with little to no debt.

During a six-month term, most students focus on one course at a time. When they’re ready, students take an assessment to prove course completion and can then move on immediately. You are able to work at your own pace and can take as many classes per term as you want.

No GMAT or GRE scores are required to apply to WGU’s accounting master’s degree program. By not requiring the GMAT or GRE, Western Governors University makes it easier to prepare for the CPA, CMA, and other certification exams. Most WGU students finish their master’s in accounting degree within 23 months. 

#9. University of Maryland Global Campus

Tuition at the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) averages $8,244 for in-state graduate students. Out-of-state students pay an average of $11,862. The University of Maryland offers military tuition rate reductions to active members, spouses, and dependent children.

Applicants to UMGC’s master’s in accounting program should have 15 credits of undergraduate accounting coursework under their belts. Applicants to UMGC’s master’s in accounting program should have 15 credits of prior accounting coursework. What if you don’t have a recent background in finance, accounting, and/or statistics? You can enroll in 0-credit courses that give them the foundation they need to succeed in the program. 

UMGC requires graduate students to take an orientation course. You must also take the following three core courses:

• Organizational Theory and Behavior
• Financial Decision Making for Managers
• Statistics for Managerial Decision Making

In addition, you must complete all five specialization courses, two electives, and the capstone course. 

#10. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Tuition for the online Master of Accounting program at the University of North Carolina (UNC) ranges from $10,243 for in-state students to $27,454 for out-of-state students. This program is open to all students, regardless of their undergraduate major. It normally takes students 12-36 months to complete the program. 

While open to all students, there are requirements for your application. You will need an unofficial undergraduate transcript. Also, an online survey must be completed by two recommenders. You must provide a statement of purpose, a resume or link to your LinkedIn profile, and your GMAT/GRE score. 

Students in the online master’s in accounting will choose from core courses to help learn accounting principles and develop their leadership and communication skills. Additionally, students are able to choose one of the following concentrations:

• Tax
• Audit
• Financial analysis and reporting

Also, students will select electives to help develop their accounting skills.  Whether the want to do financial statement analysis, be involved in accounting information systems, corporate financial management this master’s degree will prepare students for various accounting careers.

#11. Texas A&M University Commerce

Tuition for only $3,630 for a Master of Science in Accounting may sound too good to be true. For in-state graduate students at Texas A&M University-Commerce, though, it’s reality. Out-of-state students will pay more to enroll in this program, with a tuition rate of $11,100.  

The College of Business at Texas A&M University-Commerce is nationally accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The core curriculum for accounting graduate students includes classes in: 

• Advanced Managerial Accounting 
• Advanced Income Tax Accounting
• Forensic & Investigative Accounting
• Government and Not for Profit Accounting

Beyond the core accounting coursework, students can choose electives to customize their degrees. Texas A&M graduate accounting students can pick from 11 minors and five certificates. Possible studies include subjects like:

• Financial planning 
• Business analytics
• Real estate
• Corporate management
• Auditing and forensic accounting

If you are looking to do advanced financial reporting, do accounting analysis, or work in the global business environment this program prepares students for such careers.

#12. Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern University’s average tuition was $6,636 for in-state students and $26,518 for out-of-state students. There is also an institutional fee of $290 for students enrolled in five hours or more. This fee drops to $145 for students that are enrolled in less than five hours. 

If you wish to apply for Georgia Southern University’s Master of Accounting program, you must write a statement of purpose essay. You should also be ready to provide the following:

• Past academic performance 
• Professional experience (optional)
• Competitive scores on other tests
• Letters of recommendation (optional)

The online Master of Accounting Degree (WebMAcc) requires the following core courses:

• Seminar in Financial Accounting
• Taxation of Corporations and Partnerships
• Seminar in Auditing
• Seminar in Accounting Information Systems
• Fraudulent Financial Reporting
• Law and Ethics for Accountants

Students must also complete 12 credit hours of approved electives in any subject area. The courses will prepare you for the CPA exam. 

#13. Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University offers a cheap, high-quality master’s in accounting program. Both in-state and out-of-state graduate students pay an average tuition rate of $8,498. The average net price for the degree among students who were awarded financial aid in 2017-2018 was $20,036. This 30-credit program helps students meet the 150-credit  requirement for CPAs. 

To graduate, students in Saint Leo University’s program must maintain a 3.00 GPA in the following core accounting courses:

• Government and Not for Profit Accounting
• Fraud Examination
• Contemporary Issues in Auditing
• Federal Taxation for Business Entities
• Advanced Cost Accounting
• Forensic Accounting
• Accounting Theory
• Using Financial Accounting Information
• Managerial Economics
• Corporate Finance

Students also complete mandatory but 0-credit Master of Accounting Orientation. This non-credit course is taken during a student’s first term on a pass/fail basis. In addition to information on the Master of Accounting program, it covers the history, values and policies of Saint Leo University.

#14. Franklin University

Franklin University has an online affordable accounting master’s degree. Both in-state and out-of-state graduate students pay an average tuition rate of $16,080. The average net price for the degree among students who were awarded grants or scholarship aid for the 2017-2018 academic year was $18,684.

While you must complete 30 semester hours, you can shape your own academic career. As part of their core curriculum for this master’s degree, students choose either Introduction to Research in Accounting or Introduction to Tax Research. The core courses for this online accounting master’s degree all students take are: 

• Financial Accounting Theory
• Management Control Processes & Systems
• Accounting Research Seminar

The rest of the courses in Franklin University’s master’s in accounting program depend on your area of focus. When choosing an emphasis in taxation, students take coursework in personal income taxation and taxation of different types of business entities. The financial operations concentration includes courses such as forensic accounting. 

#15. University of Alabama at Birmingham

In-state students at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) pay $8,100 tuition rates to pursue their Master of Accounting (MAc) online. For out-of-state graduate students, the average tuition cost is $18,540. UAB has a dedicated staff with a 24/7 technical help desk and award-winning industry experts.

To apply for the MAc program, you must have earned your bachelor’s degree in accounting from an AACSB-accredited school in the last five years. Prospective students without a bachelor’s in accounting can use UAB’s bridge program to fill any gaps and prepare for the MAc program.

The five required courses in UAB’s MAc program are:

• Advanced Financial Accounting
• Financial Accounting Research
• Advanced Auditing and Attestation
• Governance and the Business Environment
• Tax Research

For the remaining required courses for this online master’s in accounting, students can choose from a pool of electives. Options include everything from fraud examination to data science for business.

#16. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

For in-state students seeking a master’s in accounting degree online, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) offers an affordable tuition price of $5,720. The average tuition rate for out-of-state students is $13,190. UTRGV also offers graduate scholarships to help students afford to advance their education. 

One great thing about UTRGV’s Master of Accountancy (MACC) – Accelerated Online program is how fast it is. Students can complete the master’s in accounting in the span of just 12 months. Each course takes just seven weeks. This accelerated format allows students to save even more on tuition. 

The MAAC online program encompasses the following five core courses:

• Advanced Accounting
• Business Law for Accountants
• Accounting Research and Communication
• Information Technology for Accounting and Control
• Professional Ethics

Students also pick four accounting electives, like International Taxation, and a business elective.

#17. New England College

At New England College in New Hampshire, online graduate students pay the same average tuition rate for full-time study regardless of whether they attend as in-state or out-of-state students: $13,560. The average net price for the degree among students who received financial aid for the 2017-2018 school year was $27,800. 

New England College’s online accounting program is one of the longer programs on our list. Out of the 40 credits of graduate-level study, 24 credits make up core accounting coursework, such as: 

• Graduate-level intermediate accounting
• International accounting 
• Cost accounting
• Federal taxation 
• Accounting for mergers and acquisitions
• Government and non-profit accounting 

To earn this Master of Science degree, students must also take additional classes. Some, like Auditing and Attestation and Performance and Ethical Standards of the Audit Professional, are closely related to accounting. Others, like business law and finance for leaders, help accounting students develop their knowledge in a broader context. 

#18. Post University

Post University is proof that for-profit colleges and affordable tuition rates aren’t mutually exclusive. Both in-state and out-of-state graduate students at the Connecticut university pay an average of $7,500 for full-time online study. The average net price for the degree among students who received financial aid during 2017-2018 was $9,395. 

You can count on this affordable online program to provide a high-quality education. Post University as an institution has attained regional accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education. The master’s in accounting degree program, specifically—along with other programs in the Malcolm Baldrige School of Business—is accredited by the ACBSP. 

The Master of Science in Accounting program at Post University is a 30-credit program that consists of technical accounting courses, accounting management courses and a capstone experience. A separate optional CPA track includes six additional one-credit courses. These emphasize preparation for the CPA Exam. Students typically graduate in 22 months from this affordable master’s in accounting. 

#19. Shorter University

Graduate students at Shorter University in Georgia pay an average full-time tuition rate of $12,360, regardless of where they live. The majority of Shorter University students—95 percent—receive financial aid. The average net price for the degree among students awarded financial aid for the 2017-2018 year was $19,395. 

It takes as little as 12 months to complete the 100% online Master of Accountancy program at Shorter University. The 31-credit program is intended to meet the educational requirements for CPA licensure. Therefore, it includes required coursework in subjects such as:

• Managerial accounting 
• Advanced financial accounting
• Financial statement analysis 

In accounting, and particularly in public accounting, ethics and honesty are crucial. Shorter University’s graduate accounting program curriculum includes coursework in the legal and ethical issues involved in accounting as well as studies in auditing and fraud in internal accounting. Students may also gain experience through a graduate-level business internship. 

#20.  Southern Utah University

Utah residents get a bargain on the cost of a Master of Accountancy degree at Southern Utah University. The average in-state tuition for full-time graduate students is just $7,574. Out-of-state students pay an average of $23,784.Tuition waivers are also available for full-time students. 

Online students at Southern Utah University take between one and four courses per semester. They may start in the fall, spring or summer semester. This affordable master’s in accounting is impressive on numerous fronts, including its 25-year history at the institution and a job placement rate of nearly 100%. 

To earn their online Master of Accountancy, students take classes in auditing and advanced cost and managerial accounting. Courses such as corporate tax and estate and gift tax emphasize knowledge of tax procedure and principles. Specific courses of interest may include:

• Taxation of pass-through entities
• Forensic accounting
• Property transaction taxation

#21.  Sacramento State University

Sacramento State University is one of the 23 campuses that make up the sprawling California State University system. California residents pursuing an online Master of Science in Accountancy degree through Sacramento State University get a significant discount, with in-state tuition amounting to $7,176 and out-of-state tuition of $16,680. 

At Sacramento State University, graduate accounting students complete 27 credits of required coursework plus a three-credit culminating experience project. Required courses include a sequence of classes in financial reporting. Also required for this affordable online degree are studies in the following: 

• Auditing
• Cost analysis
• Taxation of individuals and business entities   
• Government and non-profit accounting

Sacramento State University’s MS in Accountancy is great for aspiring CPAs because its curriculum aligns with CPA Exam subject matter, covering coursework that fits in all four CPA Exam sections. On average, students of the program are 30 years old and have six years of accounting work experience.

#22. Regis University 

Both in-state and out-of-state students seeking online Master of Science in Accounting degrees at Colorado’s Regis University pay an average tuition rate of $13,177. At Regis University, where 100% of students receive financial aid, the average net price for the degree among students awarded financial aid for 2017-2018 was $26,273. 

Students pursuing this 12- to 24-month affordable online degree can start their studies during any of the eight-week terms that begin in January, March, May, July, August, and October. Regis University graduate accounting students may focus on one of the following specializations: 

• Financial accounting
• Managerial accounting
• Fraud and forensic accounting
• IT accounting

The required coursework for MS in Accounting students at Regis University builds upon foundational accounting knowledge in subjects like introductory through intermediate principles and procedures of financial and managerial accounting and auditing. Students must take the following classes:  

• Financial communication
• Interpreting accounting information
• Accounting ethics 

#23. California State University, San Bernardino

The San Bernardino campus marks California State University’s second appearance on our list of the 30 most affordable online master’s in accounting programs. Like the Sacramento State University campus, California State University at San Bernardino charges in-state students $7,176 and out-of-state students $16,680 in average graduate tuition costs.

Since both the San Bernardino and Sacramento locations award a Master of Science in Accountancy, you might expect the curricula of these degree programs to be identical, or at least, nearly identical. In fact, although both degree programs include one three-credit culminating experience, the coursework differs between these two campuses. 

Students of the San Bernardino campus have more choices in their curriculum. Their 18 credits of required courses include studies in areas like: 

• Internal auditing 
• Advanced corporate taxation 
• Controllership

Twelve credits of elective coursework, which may include studies in areas like international accounting and government accounting, flesh out the curriculum. 

FAQ

How long does it take to get a master’s in accounting?

Most master’s degrees in accounting are relatively short programs, encompassing 30 to 36 credits of graduate study. Full-time students can typically complete a master’s in accounting program in one to two years. Part-time students may take three years or longer to finish their studies since they complete fewer courses at a time. 

It may take longer to earn your graduate accounting degree if you’re pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a concentration in accounting. Finishing a 40-credit or 55-credit MBA degree requires a lot more coursework. Also, it will usually take two to three years of full-time study, at least.

Is it cheaper to get an online master’s in accounting?

Online master’s degrees have a reputation for being more affordable. However, the cost depends on where you go to graduate school. Some online college programs cost less than traditional in-person programs. Others cost the same or even tack on extra technology fees. Similarly, some online schools charge separate in-state and out-of-state tuition rates. Other online programs cost the same no matter where the student lives. 

If you want to make your education more affordable, consider financial aid packages as well as the “sticker” price of tuition. Keep in mind that even schools with high tuition rates may be more affordable than you expect. If you receive a lot of money in merit-based or need-based scholarships and grants, your costs will go down.

What is the best accounting degree for accountants?

Accounting degrees at the graduate level go by different titles, including: 

• Master of Accountancy
• Master of Accounting 
• Master of Science in Accounting
• Master of Professional Accountancy 
• Master of Professional Accounting 

All of these degree programs are specialized accounting programs, not business administration programs. They also can serve to help students qualify to sit for the CPA Exam or to pursue other types of professional certification in accounting. 

However, there are some differences. Master of Accountancy and Master of Accounting programs provide graduate-level advanced knowledge of accounting in general and often allow for exploration of an area of concentration. Master of Science programs tend to involve more extensive quantitative coursework.  Professional-focused programs tend to emphasize practical skills over theoretical knowledge. Any of these accounting degrees can help you advance your career. 

There are substantive differences between these degrees and MBA in accounting degrees. MBA degrees cover core coursework in a broad business administration curriculum that you won’t find in most other accounting programs. While you will devote some of your studies to advanced accounting coursework you will also study more topics in leadership, management and operations than students in other graduate accounting programs. 

If you want to work in specialized or senior-level accounting roles, any graduate accounting degree that caters to your intended specialization is a good choice. If you’re seeking promotion to managerial roles, opting for an MBA or other online graduate business programs is a better move.

What salary can I expect with a master’s in accounting?

Your level of education and any professional credentials you have can affect your earning potential as an accountant. 

For accounting professionals in general, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a median, or midpoint, salary of $81,680 in 2024. The lowest-earning 10% of accountants and auditors made less than $52,780. The highest-earning 10% of the occupation made upwards of $141,420, the BLS reported. 

However, this data appears to be skewed by higher-earning accountants. Payscale reported the average accountant salary as just $60,497 in 2025. The website did list a near-$70,000 average salary for CPAs. 

If you use your master’s degree to pursue CPA certification, you’re prepared to earn more money. The AICPA puts average salaries for junior-level public accounting roles in the range of $40,500 to $93,500. Salaries for senior-level roles range from $62,000 to $115,500. For corporate accounting positions, the AICPA lists junior-level salary ranges from $39,750 all the way up to the six-figure range. Top earnings can rise above $150,000 or even $180,000. CPAs can expect to earn between 10% and 15% more than colleagues without the credential. 

If you’re interested in pursuing higher education, then you should check out Top 30 Accredited Online Accounting Degree Programs and 30 Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration!

The post 23 Affordable Online Master’s in Accounting appeared first on Accredited Online Colleges.

As a prospective sonographer, you can choose where you get your career training. Both traditional universities and accredited online colleges offer current and aspiring ultrasound technicians the chance to pursue higher education.

The benefit of studying remotely is that you don’t have to stop working to gain your certification or degree. Many online programs offer flexible start dates, asynchronous classes, and internship placements near your home to maximize flexibility.

Online learning also makes specializing in more than one area of sonography easier. With a broad range of skills, you can access a wider and more diverse range of job opportunities. This, in turn, can improve your job security.

See Also:10 Accredited Online Colleges for Diagnostic Medical Sonography

What Level of Education Do I Need to Become an Ultrasound Technician?

You don’t need a bachelor’s degree to become an ultrasound technician. In many cases, enrollment in an associate’s degree (e.g., an associate of applied science or AAS) or postsecondary certificate program after high school (e.g., registered vascular technologist or RVT) paves the way to meet the minimum education requirements for the industry. In some cases, you could complete your sonography studies in as little as a year of full-time studies at one of the colleges for ultrasound technicians discussed below.

Another advantage of getting a certificate or associate’s degree is that they’re less expensive. A typical bachelor’s degree is roughly 120 credits and takes about four years to complete. An associate’s degree is usually around 60 credits, which takes two years to complete. Certificate programs are even shorter. The fewer credits you have to take, the less money you have to pay to finish your studies!

Degree programs and certificates can be found at community colleges and universities nationwide. This vast selection is good because you have plenty of choices for completing the necessary education. Yet, sifting through all the available programs can be laborious. That’s where this ranking comes in!

See Also:  30 Accredited Online Colleges for Respiratory Therapy

What Will I Learn With a Degree Related to Ultrasound Tech?

In most cases, you must meet specific requirements to gain admission to a diagnostic medical sonographer (DMS) degree program. The requirements of a typical DMS program include having an average GPA of around 2.5 across all courses, including:

• Anatomy and physiology
• General physics
• Medical terminology
• College algebra
• Biology

The remainder of your online classes for ultrasound tech are likely to include medical imaging courses. This might consist of classes like Sonographic Instrumentation, Abdomen and Small Parts Sonography, or Obstetric and Gynecologic Sonography.

In most cases, you’re expected to complete a set number of hours of clinical practice experience before graduation. Additionally, you’ll spend time learning about and practicing noninvasive cardiovascular or vascular sonography procedures.

Most ultrasound technician programs include a general education component, too. These courses, which may form up to half of the credits that make up your final degree, include general math and science classes, social science, and art.

See Also: 25 Accredited Online Colleges for Radiation Therapy

What is the Best College for Ultrasound Technician Programs?

Accredited Online College uses the most recent data from the Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics to determine each ranking below. Each program is scored individually. It’s then compared to all other universities offering that degree to determine the final score you see by each ranking.

Accredited Online College considers numerous factors for these rankings. These include affordability, student-to-faculty ratio, and the number of programs offered on campus and online. For more information, see our methodology page. 

Let’s look closely at some of the best ultrasound tech accredited schools!

See Also: Accredited Online Colleges for Registered Dieticians

1. Washburn University

Washburn University is at the top of our list of the best colleges for ultrasound technicians. After completing Washburn University’s diagnostic medical sonography program, you are eligible to sit for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) credential examinations.

In the course of your studies, enrolled students like you choose to pursue one of three concentration tracks:

• General Sonography
• Cardiac Sonography
• Vascular Sonography

While all of your Washburn University sonography coursework is available in a distance-learning format, you also need to meet clinical practice requirements.

You meet these requirements with clinical placements close to your home or place of study. Thanks to Washburn University’s large network of affiliate sites, you can study in hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics, and other locations with healthcare professionals.

Sonography programs at Washburn University are $434.00 per credit hour for in-state and out-of-state students. Fees are just $55.00 per term.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs for Ultrasound Technicians at Washburn University here.

2. Jackson College

Jackson College’s online medical sonography programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Jackson College is one of only a small number of institutions in the country to hold this claim. This is one of the reasons why it ranks so highly among the best colleges for ultrasound technician programs.

Jackson College’s program is an Associate’s degree in General Sonography. Specifically, you’ll earn an Associate of Applied Science degree. During your time in the program, you’ll take courses like Sonographic Techniques, Sonographic Instrumentation, and Comprehensive Sonography.

In addition to completing coursework online, you will practice and apply your knowledge by completing at least 1,350 supervised clinical hours in settings like hospitals and clinics. These experiences help you improve your patient care skills. This might include:

• Learning more about the human body
• Practicing instrumentation skills
• Working with pediatric patients
• Participating in outpatient procedures
• Observing and assisting with echocardiography

By completing this program, you’re eligible to sit for the ARDMS exams in several areas, including Obstetrics/Gynecology, Physics and Instrumentation, and Abdomen.

This program’s tuition is $201 per contact hour for in-district students in Jackson County, Michigan, and neighboring counties. Out-of-county tuition is $234 per contact hour. As an out-of-state or international student, you’ll pay $300 per contact hour. A veteran’s discount of $201 per credit is also available.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs for Ultrasound Technicians at Jackson College here.

3. Keiser University

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at Keiser University culminates with an associate’s degree. You can choose from two tracks: Abdominal – Extended/Obstetrics and Gynecology or Abdominal – Extended, Obstetrics/Gynecology, and Vascular.

The first track requires the completion of 81 credits, while the second track requires 91 credits. To graduate, you must earn C’s or higher in all courses. Your coursework includes a wide range of topics, such as:

• Practical Aspects of Sonography
• Abdominal Sonography
• OB/GYN Sonography
• Cross-Sectional Anatomy
• Acoustic Physics/Instrumentation

Both tracks in this degree program are CAAHEP accredited. Likewise, graduating from this program makes you eligible for licensure in all 50 states, though some states may require additional training.

To apply, you must pass a background check and a drug screening. You must also fulfill a number of prerequisites and have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.

The tuition and fees charged to you depend on several factors. You can estimate your educational expenses by using Keiser’s online tuition 

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs for Ultrasound Technicians at Keiser University here.

4. College of Health Care Professions

You can work towards an Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology at the College of Health Care Professions. This online program lasts 64 weeks and includes eight distinct modules of study. Some of the courses you’ll take include:

• Radiology Pathology
• Advanced Positioning and Anatomy
• Radiographic Imaging and Physics
• Patient Care and Pharmacology
• Advanced Imaging – Fluoroscopy

This program also includes three clinical practicum experiences. These practica include 256 clinical hours each, allowing you to learn hands-on skills that relate directly to your classroom learning.

Additionally, you’ll take a course dedicated to preparing for the ARRT examination. The course offers a thorough review of your coursework and includes practice exams and simulations to prepare you to pass the exam.

The College of Health Care Professions has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

Tuition and fees vary based on multiple factors. Consult the college’s catalog for detailed information.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs for Ultrasound Technicians at the College of Health Care Professions here.

5. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University’s online medical diagnostic imaging program can be completed remotely and leads to a Bachelor of Science in Medical Diagnostic Imaging.

You’ll have the opportunity to cross-train in numerous areas of imaging, such as cardiovascular interventional technology, mammography, and magnetic resonance imaging. This opportunity is critical, as graduates with specializations in more than one area have the potential to be in greater demand in the job market, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

FHSU’s program comprises 124 credits, around half of which provides you with a strong foundation in general education. As part of your program, you will need to complete laboratory assignments; however, sonography students are not required to participate in an internship or another kind of clinical placement, which makes this one of the few fully online degree-completion programs of its kind in the nation.

To gain expertise in the field, you’ll take classes like:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging Physics and Instrumentation
• Principles of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Mammography for Radiologic Technologists
• Advanced Cardiovascular Interventional Technology
• Computed Tomography Physics and Instrumentation

Tuition and fees cost $5,443.80 per year for Kansas residents and residents of neighboring states. If you live in Indiana, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, or Wisconsin, you’ll pay a reduced rate of $7,517.70. Non-residents pay $15,890.40 per year for tuition and fees.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs for Ultrasound Technicians at Fort Hays State University here.

6. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

The College of Health Professions at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences offers two degree programs in imaging sciences. There’s a Bachelor of Science program if you’re a first-time undergraduate student. There’s also a fully online bachelor’s degree-completion program if you already possess an associate’s degree in a relevant area. 

The Bachelor of Science program is a typical 120-credit degree program. The coursework for this program consists of 35 credits of general education coursework and 85 credits of courses from the radiologic imaging sciences curriculum.

The degree-completion program, on the other hand, requires fewer credits since you must already have an associate’s degree. You’ll focus on topics like:

• Imaging of Special Populations
• Mammographic Fundamentals
• Physics of MRI
• Physics of CT
• Multicultural Health

The degree-completion program also involves cardiology, mammography, and CT practicum courses. Practica in MRI and vascular intervention are also required.

The total cost of attendance for Arkansas residents for the 2022-2023 school year is estimated at around $34,739. This figure is inclusive of tuition, fees, and supplies. For non-residents, this rises to around $63,214, owing to the increased cost of tuition. Again, this figure is inclusive of tuition, fees, and supplies.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs for Ultrasound Technicians at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences here.

7. State Fair Community College

State Fair Community College’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography comprises 80.5 credit hours of study that leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. After completing this program, you’ll qualify for professional licensing within the state of Missouri. However, you should check your eligibility for certification or licensure in other states if you plan on working elsewhere. 

Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, the degree offers general and cardiac tracks, each of which lasts for 22 months. You’ll complete courses online, participate in an on-campus sonography lab, and are expected to complete internships at assigned clinical sites.

The general track provides study in subjects including vascular sonography, gynecology, obstetrics, and abdominal areas of health. The cardiac track focuses on training to perform various cardiac and vascular exams.

SFCC offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the region. The base tuition for the medical sonography program ranges from $321-$447 per credit, depending on whether you’re a Missouri resident and reside in-district. Additional online tuition rates and technology fees may apply.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs for Ultrasound Technicians at State Fair Community College here.

8. Advent Health University

Advent Health University offers a Bachelor of Science in Imaging Sciences degree that in 2021 earned the distinction of being ranked third on a list of national radiology programs with the Best Return on Investment.

In this program, you’ll have the option of six specialty tracks, which include:

• Imaging Leadership
• Computed Tomography
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Vascular Interventional
• Sonography
• Interdisciplinary

In addition to being a fully online program, this curriculum’s duration is flexible. For example, you can complete the program in as little as 18 months of study. But, if you want to take longer to balance your coursework with a busy work schedule, you can do so.

Much like your on-campus counterparts, you’ll receive structured support, including library access, online tutorials, and counseling. 

Fees are low at AHU. The application fee is just $20. There is a $300 per trimester matriculation fee and a number of other required fees as well. Undergraduate tuition for online programs is $540 per credit hour. Check out the university’s tuition calculator for a more accurate idea of your costs.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs for Ultrasound Technicians at Adventist University of Health Sciences here.

9. Oregon Institute of Technology

Oregon Institute of Technology is one of the top choices among schools that offer ultrasound technician programs in Oregon. The school offers a fully online Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography that can lead to a role as a qualified diagnostic medical sonographer.

Coursework in basic medical science is paired with ultrasound courses, and you’ll gain a general education foundation, too. You’ll take classes like:

• Applications of Abdominal Sonography
• Pelvic Sonography
• Introduction to Medical Imaging
• Physics of Medical Imaging
• Obstetrical Sonography

You must be a Registered Diagnostic Sonographer under the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography to be eligible for this degree program. Specifically, you must have a specialty in obstetrics (OB/GYN) and abdomen. If you only hold one such credential, you will be required to complete additional coursework.

Oregon Tech’s online tuition rates are just $294.00 per credit for undergraduate students, regardless of residency. You’ll also pay an online course technology fee of $65 per course. This gives you access to the university’s e-learning system, Canvas. There’s also an Online Matriculation fee of $50 due in your first term.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs for Ultrasound Technicians at the Oregon Institute of Technology here.

10. University of Cincinnati

Rounding out this ranking of the top ten good colleges for ultrasound technician programs is the University of Cincinnati.

UC is one of the first universities to start offering online programs, and with that long track record of success, you can take advantage of many benefits and services. All University of Cincinnati Online students benefit from studying with experienced and nationally recognized faculty members. In fact, the same professors who teach online also lead the traditional, campus-based programs. 

UC’s Bachelor of Radiation Science Technology degree is suitable for you if you’re already working in the field. In addition to radiologic science topics, you’ll also take part in leadership training built into the program. Furthermore, you’ll have the opportunity to specialize in fields like Mammography and Computer Tomography.

Some of the courses you’ll take include:

• Computed Tomography Science and Procedures
• Pathophysiology for Health Professions
• Ethical and Legal Issues in Radiation Science Technology
• Applied Administrative Practices in Health Care
• Interpersonal Connections in the Workplace

Zero campus visits are required. As such, this is an ideal choice if you’re a busy, working professional. 

While non-residents pay higher tuition rates at many universities, the difference between residents and non-residents at UC Online is small. Resident tuition and fees for this program are $532.00 per credit. Non-residents pay $547.00. The school’s tuition webpage page has a useful calculator and details all fees that apply, too.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs for Ultrasound Technicians at the University of Cincinnati here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Do Ultrasound Technicians Earn?

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), diagnostic medical sonographers earn a median salary of around $89,340 per year. However, the pay range extends to nearly $124,000 per year for the highest-paid workers. This fact demonstrates that the earning potential for this field is very strong. 

Of course, earning a top-end salary depends on many factors. First, you must have the proper education. While you can enter this field with an associate’s degree or postsecondary certificate, having a bachelor’s degree or higher is more likely to get you the highest pay.

Additionally, more experienced sonographers make more money. Again, while you might make a good wage right out of college, you won’t be at or near the top of the pay scale immediately. Instead, you’ll need to gain some work experience, learn additional skills, and perhaps get additional training to be considered for higher pay. With this also comes a greater variety of employment opportunities from which to choose.

Where you work influences your earnings potential, too. For example, a job at an outpatient medical center typically pays more than a similar job at a hospital. Likewise, imaging centers specializing in sonography and other medical imaging techniques might have better salaries than other areas of employment.

What is the Career Outlook for an Ultrasound Technician?

Like most roles in healthcare, the career outlook for these professionals is excellent. According to the BLS, career opportunities for ultrasound technicians and other medical sonographers are predicted to grow by around 13 percent – a rate that is much faster than the national average.

This projected increase in jobs amounts to around 5,800 new positions per year. If you qualify and gain certification in multiple specialty areas, you’re likely to fare even better.

What Do Ultrasound Technicians Do?

Ultrasound technicians, also known as sonographers, work with doctors and other health professionals to help diagnose patients suffering from illnesses. You’ll work primarily with specialist equipment that can harmlessly and non-invasively penetrate the body’s tissues using high-frequency sound waves. This equipment allows you to capture images of a patient’s vital organs to aid in diagnosing illnesses.

However, there’s more to the job than simply operating the equipment. You’ll also prepare and maintain the examination room and equipment, record findings, and ensure that patient records are current. You might also be responsible for communicating with other professionals about your findings so that patients can receive any necessary follow-up care.

While this role involves working as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team, you may spend periods working alone with little supervision. You need to be highly organized, approachable, and personable. At the same time, you need to maintain professionalism and confidentiality. You also need to be able to solve problems and make critical decisions, sometimes in intense or pressure-filled situations.

Do Ultrasound Technicians Use Math?

Certificate programs for those already working as ultrasound technicians may not require much math coursework. However, some degree of math is typically integrated into your associate’s or bachelor’s degree program as a prerequisite for graduation.

You must use basic math in your day-to-day role when working as a sonographer. College algebra is often part of admission requirements to these programs, but you’re unlikely to use much calculus as a practicing sonographer. Quantitative job duties may include reporting on numbers and comparing results against ranges, so basic math and statistics are the most important types of math you’ll use on the job.

Can You Become an Ultrasound Technician With a Radiography Degree?

Suppose you’re a health professional with a radiography degree and some experience working as a radiographer or technician. In that case, you may gain sonography experience through on-the-job training. That said, some medical imaging degree programs cover both disciplines.

Bear in mind that you will likely need to gain further licensure or credentials depending on the state in which you wish to practice. If you lack the required skills or experience in sonography, the good news is that you could become qualified quickly. Many accredited online colleges and ultrasound technician schools offer certificate programs, which can often be completed within a year.

Can You Become an Ultrasound Tech Online?

Many online ultrasound tech programs allow you to take the bulk of your courses online. However, these programs also require you to participate in experiential activities that must be done in person.

Sometimes, these in-person learning opportunities include on-campus intensives, like weekend meetings a few times a semester. You might be required to attend on-campus ultrasound or sonography labs, too. However, select programs allow you to complete all your coursework online and get hands-on experience during clinical internship placements. These placements are done near where you live, so you don’t have to travel to campus to complete that requirement.

So, to answer the question, “Can I become an ultrasound tech online?” Yes, you can! However, pay attention to course and residency requirements to ensure your chosen program is truly 100 percent online.

What is JRC-DMS?

Many diagnostic medical sonographer programs are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). The JRC is a non-profit organization tasked with establishing quality standards for DMS programs nationwide.

Additionally, JRC-DMS is responsible for maintaining educational standards and promoting high-quality teaching and learning. Doing so ensures that future diagnostic medical sonographers like you have the same training and opportunities to learn at any member program nationwide. Think of it as a quality control measure designed to produce competent DMS graduates.

If you’re interested in pursuing higher education, check out the 30 Accredited Online Colleges in Health Science and the 30 Accredited Online Colleges in Health Informatics!

The post Top 10 Accredited Online Colleges for Ultrasound Technicians appeared first on Accredited Online Colleges.