In the healthcare system, medical assistants are essential members of the healthcare workforce. They mediate between doctors and patients, contributing to the effectiveness and efficiency of clinical practice settings. Medical assistants work in many employment settings such as community hospitals, private physician’s offices, or outpatient clinics and are responsible for administrative tasks like scheduling appointments and managing health care records, as well as clinical tasks like assessing vital signs and a whole host of other responsibilities in collaboration with licensed prescribing clinicians to provide patient care. As the healthcare system continues to expand, the need for highly skilled medical assistants has increased.
Certificate or diploma programs
Certificate or diploma programs in medical assisting are among the fastest routes into the profession. These programs take about twelve months or less to complete, providing good options for individuals who want to get worked as quickly as possible! Many vocational schools, technical institutes, and some community colleges offer certificate programs focused on the appropriate mindful skills and knowledge needed for the job. Typically, graduates experience hands-on training in clinical procedures like taking blood pressure and administering injections, clinical observation and assisting activities like being able to assist during minor surgeries, and other appropriate administrative tasks like handling health insurance claims and payments, maintaining organized patient records and managing appointment calendars and schedules. Most of these programs have an externship or clinical rotation component, which allows students hands-on experience in a live medical environment.
Associate degree programs
Students who want a broader education, and the chance to explore a wider range of career options, associate degree programs are a great alternative. These programs take approximately eighteen months to two years, depending on the pace of the full-time or part-time student. Associate degree programs present a well-rounded educational plan that offers more than foundational training as a medical assistant. As an example, beyond the clinical and administrative training, students would also take liberal studies courses like English composition, psychology, communication, math, and other areas of coursework that enhance critical thinking and communication skills, while preparing students to pursue further education (such as nursing, or healthcare administration). In addition, associate degree programs require clinical practicum or externship placements, where students are provided practical experience to prepare them to gain valuable experience and a smooth transition to practice.
On-the-job training programs
While some people become medical assistants via the on-the-job training given by their employers, this is no longer as prevalent due to the increase in certification requirements. On-the-job training may vary in length depending on the complexity of the tasks and the scope of the training program. During this type of training, individuals are hired by clinics or healthcare facilities and trained on the job by learning from experienced medical professionals. Trainees may not participate in a formal training program, but slowly learn and accomplish all the duties of the position, including front-desk work and clinical duties. The downside to this type of training is that it usually does not give trainees the full knowledge or a nationally recognized credential, and may inhibit mobility and career advancement. Increasingly, employers prefer and expect applicants to have formal training, as well as a certification from an accredited organization.
Online medical assistant programs
The rise of online medical assistant programs has made it possible for students, particularly working adults and professionals, to pursue studies in this area while also meeting their other commitments. Typically, a certificate program generally takes 9-12 months and an associate’s degree program takes up to 2 years. As a student pursuing an online medical assistant program, you complete the theoretical components of the course online, which includes lectures, readings, and interacting on assignments. The skills developed from practical coursework, which is essential for a medical assistant, are considered an in-person externship that is typically arranged locally outside of your online program with a clinic or healthcare organization. The greatest advantage to remote learning is the ability to study and complete coursework at your convenience and the opportunity to balance your learning with your other life commitments. Remote programs require a student to be disciplined and to take a proactive approach to learning, as time management for your studies is essential. In selecting an online program, accreditation and consideration of the quality of the curriculum are two important factors, which will ensure that the training preparation is aligned with industry standards and expectations if they prepare you for certification exams at the end of the program.
Certification requirements
Most graduates of a medical assisting program elect to become certified once they have graduated, but this is not a requirement for all states. Certification may offer graduates more job opportunities, provide evidence of a professional level of certification, and often will earn the employee a higher wage. Preparing for certification tests typically takes a few weeks to a few months depending on the individual’s research style and how well they know the material. Typically, training programs will include certification exam preparation, which would allow students to review core concepts, and prep for test taking. Once a medical assistant earns a certification, it is possible the state could require a certain number of continuing education credits to maintain certification. Continuing education is also an important way to stay up to date on changes in healthcare practice, healthcare technology, and other relevant areas of influence.