Individuals who want to start a career in the expanding health care industry but don’t have the time or inclination to complete a 2-year associates degree program should consider pursuing a certificate in medical assisting.

Certificates are available from a number of educational institutions and can take as little as 6 weeks to complete. Certain programs offer their certificate courses entirely online, making it easy for students to complete their schooling around their own schedule. Many individuals choose to enroll in a certificate program in order to gain a level of proficiency in medical assisting without spending an inordinate amount of time or money. It is possible to undertake in further training after completing a certificate, which makes it a good choice for those who wish to test out medical assisting without committing to the field completely.

Why A Certificate?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the demand for qualified medical assistants is expected to grow faster than average over the next 10 years. Due to the aging of the population and the increased focus on health, institutions such as hospitals desperately need qualified medical assistants to work alongside physicians and keep things running smoothly, whether in clinical or administrative capacities.

Although it is possible to start work as a medical assistant straight out of high school, large-scale employers are most interested in candidates with any amount of formal postsecondary education. In the past, on-the-job training was enough to secure a position, however employers are now choosing to take on candidates who have already achieved a satisfactory level of educational experience prior to starting their career. A certificate in medical assisting demonstrates field-specific training and ensures higher earning potential, as well as career mobility. Earning a certificate also makes it easier to become certified by the American Association of Medical Assisting, another credential preferred by employers.

Coursework

The most appealing aspect of a medical assisting certificate is the short amount of time it takes to complete the program. Unlike an associates degree, certificate programs do not require students to complete general education courses in math, science, and other liberal arts subjects, which cuts the required time commitment in half. Students enrolled in a certificate program will focus exclusively on subjects related to medical assisting. However, simply because earning a certificate takes half as long as earning an associates degree, the training received is similarly rigorous.

Medical assistant certificate students will take classes in basic anatomy and physiology. They will also study medical terminology, ethics, law, and professionalism. Depending on the nature of the program, students may be required to take courses in transcription, billing, filing, insurance claims, organization, and bookkeeping. These clerical skills are best suited for individuals who want to work as administrative medical assistants directly after graduation.

Students who plan to become clinical medical assistants should pursue courses in pharmacology, lab testing and techniques, specimen collection, diagnostics, first aid, laboratory safety, emergency care, surgical instrument sterilization, and equipment maintenance.

It is possible to find medical assistant certificates that focus on a specialized area of the health-care industry, such as optometry or podiatry. These programs are ideal for individuals who know exactly in what capacity they wish to work after graduation. A certificate in a particular segment of health care shows proficiency and expertise: traits that employers find very attractive in prospective employees.