Are directly tied to caring for others’ health. Medical Assistant Training Programs - What Should I Look For Before Choosing One? Here are a few things to consider when looking for the perfect medical assisting program. There are two types of medical assisting training programs: Associate degree and diploma. The associate degree program is generally 2 to 2 ½ years in length. You’ll earn an associate of applied science degree when completed. This medical assisting degree type offers a broader learning experience than a diploma program.





Most importantly is the quality of your medical assisting education. You’ll take liberal arts courses as well as general education and core medical classes. Medical assistants take on a lot of responsibility. Having a great education can make or break how prepared you are for those responsibilities. It is a tightly focused program that teaches you only core medical assisting courses. An associate degree program is a good choice if you plan to further your education in the future.





Get information on Medical Assistant programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information. If you plan to make medical assisting your career and don’t need additional college credits for higher education later, a diploma program may be a good choice. No matter which degree type you choose, make sure the school you pick is fully accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).





Why is accreditation important? If you’re considering medical assisting as a career, you have a lot to consider. You’ll complete the medical assisting program much quicker-meaning you’ll be in the workforce sooner. Additionally, you may not be able to take the certifying exam for medical assistants after graduation. The CMA, or certified medical assistant, designation may only be earned through the American Association of Medical Assistants; the AAMA only allows graduates of accredited healthcare programs to sit for this exam.





A diploma of medical assisting is shorter-about nine months to one year. Medical assisting education is a blend of basic coursework to help you build a good educational foundation, advanced classes and practical, hands-on learning. If you’re a recent high school graduate, you may be able to apply successful high school coursework to these requirements. General education requirements. If you choose a school that is not accredited, you risk not being eligible for federal educational loans or grants.





Core courses may vary slightly from program to program. Additionally, because medical assistants perform both clinical and administrative duties, you’ll learn back-office skills as well. In addition to coursework, medical assistant programs offer students the ability to perform externships. An externship allows you to work hand-on in a medical facility, putting your newly learned skills to use. These certifying bodies demand that a school adhere to strict educational standards.





Core classes make up the bulk of any medical assisting program. Depending on the program’s rules and the type of degree you’re earning, you may be able to start externships after a few months in the program. Many students choose to rotate externship experiences, meaning they work in several areas of medicine and not just one. These core classes educate you about the human body. These programs often allow you to complete most of your coursework online.





Require that you find your own externship sponsors. The foundations of medical practice. Students seeking an associate degree may have a longer time to rotate through externship sites than those in a diploma program. Because hands-on training is required, you’ll be responsible for finding a medical facility that is willing to allow you to complete your externship requirement with them. Alternately, some online programs have established relationships with certain medical facilities that allow students to extern.





What about Online Schools - Are they overlooked by potential employers? In this digital age, it’s not uncommon to see advertisements for online schools that offer medical assisting degrees via the internet. In turn, your ability to become certified as a medical assistant is jeopardized. Medical assistant training can be expensive, so it pays to do your research and shop around. It’s in your best interest to work with a school that is accredited. Associate degree programs can range from $15,000 to $30,000.





When researching online medical assisting programs, find out how externships are sourced and where you may be able to complete yours. Online programs may not adhere to the strict requirements needed for accreditation. Be wary of online schools that lack credibility or just don’t "feel" right. Tuition may be higher in certain areas of the United States. Costs for a diploma in medical assisting can range from a few thousand dollars to upward of $6,000 to $9,000 or more. You’ll be required to take general education as well as liberal arts classes, in addition to core medical assisting classes when working towards an associate degree.





When looking for a school, don’t dismiss small-town schools as they may offer a comparable medical assisting program for a fraction of the cost.


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