Medical Assistant Schools

The health care industry is booming and the demand for qualified medical assistants is expected grow faster than average over the next 10 years. In the past it was easy to begin a career as a medical assistant with only a high school diploma. However, with the current expansion of the industry, more and more health care institutions prefer to hire medical assistants with a solid educational background and a good amount of work experience. Enrolling in an accredited medical assisting program is the best way to ensure competitiveness in the job market, greater earning potential, and better career mobility over all.

How to Choose A Program

Once you have decided to pursue formal training in medical assisting, you have two options. You may choose to earn an associates degree in medical assisting or a certificate in medical assisting. To determine which credential is best for you, you must first decide what amount of time and money you wish to dedicate to your education. Whereas associates degrees almost always take 2-years to earn, certificate programs can be completed in as a little as 6 weeks. You must also decide in what capacity you would like to attend classes. Many schools now offer programs entirely online, which makes it easy for busy students to schedule their education around existing time commitments.
Potential applicants should always investigate whether or not their program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Accrediation is essential, should you choose to become nationally certified after graduation. Since national certification, along with education, boosts your profile with employers, accreditation is a very important thing to consider when choosing a school.

Associates Degrees

An associates degree is a good choice for an individual who wishes to undergo training in medical assisting, while also receiving a general education in math, science, and other basic subjects. Associates degrees usually take 2-years to complete and cover all aspects of medical assisting. Medical assisting students enrolled in associates degree programs can expect to study a number of relevant subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and medical terminology. They will also take courses in administrative skills such as bookkeeping, accounting, insurance processing, transcription, and typing. Certain programs may also focus on more clinical duties, such as laboratory techniques, first aid, and medical administration. The curriculum for an accredited associates degree program will be based on the requirements of the American Association of Medical Assisting, which grants national certification to qualified assistants.
Associates degrees are offered by junior colleges and vocational schools. Find an online directory of colleges to find a school that offer programs in medical assisting.

Certificates

Individuals who wish to augment their work experience or gain basic knowledge of medical assisting without taking on a 2-year program should investigate earning a certificate in medical assisting. Certificates can take as little as 6-weeks to complete, as programs focus exclusively on related subjects. Unlike with an associates degree, certificate programs do not offer courses in basic subjects, which makes them the best choice for individuals who want to learn about medical assisting alone, or have already completed some college credits in the liberal arts.

The time needed to complete a certificate course varies based on the school. Some schools offer courses online, allowing the student to complete the program at the leisure. Other schools design programs to fit the needs of full-time workers. These programs may take longer to complete, as the coursework is spread out over a longer amount of time. The curriculum will cover the basics of medical assisting, but may not go as in-depth as an associates degree course. Medical assisting students in certificate courses will cover anatomy, biology, physiology, medical ethics, terminology, along with courses in administrative assisting. Studying the more clinical aspects of medical assisting might require enrollment in another program.
Many vocational colleges and technical schools offer certificates in medical assisting. Find an online directory to locate the schools nearest to you. Don’t forget to consider accreditation when making a decision! It’s possible to become a certified medical assistant after earning a certificate – but only if the school is accredited by the CAAHEP or ABHES.

Earning Potential

Perhaps the most appealing benefit of completing a medical assisting program is the boost in earning power. Medical assistants with associates degrees or certificate are considered for the higher paying positions within their field, while assistants with only high school diplomas may struggle to earn a greater salary. The skills acquired through a certificate or degree program will serve you well should you decide to transition into other areas of the health care industry. Getting an education does require a certain time commitment, but the financial benefits far outweigh the inconvenience in the long run.

Top Medical Assistant Schools

  • Penn Foster

    Having the right skills is vitally important in today’s super-competitive job market. With online training from Penn Foster Career School, students are assured of learning up-to-date career skills that will prepare them for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Students at Penn Foster Career School can get the training they need quickly, conveniently, and affordably.

    Penn Foster is one of the world’s largest and most respected online education providers. Their programs are job focused, and they offer training for employment in the fastest-growing fields in business, technology, health care, and the trades.

  • Vista College El Paso

    Vista College offers numerous programs in Business, Healthcare and Technology that will give you a much needed edge when looking for a new career or seeking to move up in your existing career. The focused instruction and hands-on training offered at Vista College prepares you for the day-to-day challenges you’ll face in an exciting career.

  • Vista College Longview

    Vista College offers numerous programs in Business, Healthcare and Technology that will give you a much needed edge when looking for a new career or seeking to move up in your existing career. The focused instruction and hands-on training offered at Vista College prepares you for the day-to-day challenges you’ll face in an exciting career.

  • Anthem College

    Anthem College delivers accredited, career-focused diplomas and degrees in a wide variety of fields to help you meet the challenges of these fast growing and ever changing industries.

    At Anthem College, you will find professionals ready to support your quest for a successful career. Anthem College offers programs to students who are entering the workforce for the first time as well as those who are looking to expand their existing career skills.

  • Career Training Academy

    Career Training Academy is an institution of specialized learning that leads to fulfilling high skilled jobs. As a direct result of the education and training at our school, you can expect to enter a new career that provides a better salary and greater benefits! Our mission for the Academy is to provide the educational environment that enhances not only the educational aspect but also a personal enrichment of all students via our involvement in community service. Providing instructors who care, hands-on training and a career oriented educational environment is our philosophy at Career Training Academy.

  • Blue Cliff College

    Blue Cliff College is committed to using its human and physical resources to provide services facilitating personal growth, professional development and a sense of responsibility to our students.

    The primary purpose of Blue Cliff College is to help students develop a high level of competency, which is accomplished through the pursuit, assimilation, and dissemination of knowledge in academic programs.

  • Heritage College

    Every Heritage school (Heritage Institute & Heritage College) helps real people build real careers. Our schools offer programs and degrees for a career as an X-Ray Medical Technician®, Medical Assistant, Massage Therapist, Esthetician, Surgical Technologist, Personal Trainer, Pharmacy Technician, or Cosmetologist. Please note that all programs may not be offered at all schools.

  • Akron Institute of Herzing University

    With a wide variety of career programs including Technology, Business, Healthcare, Design, and Public Safety, Herzing University has helped students pursue rewarding careers for more than 40 years. Akron Institute students benefit from hands-on preparation that helps them stand out to potential employers. Akron Institute is conveniently located at 1600 South Arlington in the heart of Akron.

  • Ultimate Medical Academy

    Train for your new career today! Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) provides you the hands-on education and credentials you need to start a career in the fast-growing health care industry. We have two convenient campuses in Clearwater and Tampa, Florida and our sole focus is helping you succeed as an Allied Health Care professional.

  • American Career College

    American Career College (ACC) offers training to students interested in pursuing a career in the fast-growing healthcare industry.* ACC’s three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County all offer hands-on training with the same tools and technology found in professional healthcare facilities.

    ACC’s faculty and staff are committed to helping students achieve their educational goals. Our faculty members draw upon their own experiences in the healthcare industry to provide our students with in-depth training and education. All programs are a blend of classroom and hands-on training, with many programs ending with an externship in a local healthcare facility.