Medical assistants are important members of the healthcare team who work alongside doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals to provide patient care. They perform a variety of tasks such as taking vital signs, administering medications, scheduling appointments, and maintaining medical records. If you are interested in pursuing a career as a medical assistant, you may be considering enrolling in a medical assistant school in the United States.
Medical assistant schools in the United States offer a variety of programs and degrees, ranging from certificate programs and associate’s degrees to bachelor’s degrees. These programs typically include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience, and may prepare students for certification or licensure exams.
There are many medical assistant schools in the United States to choose from, so it is important to do your research and find a program that meets your needs and goals. Consider factors such as the program’s accreditation, curriculum, faculty, and clinical experience opportunities when choosing a medical assistant school.
Overall, a medical assistant school in the United States can provide you with the education and training you need to pursue a fulfilling and rewarding career as a medical assistant.
So you have finally decided to join a medical assistant school. Well good for you, with a career as a medical assistant you can enjoy the job security the medical field has to offer and since the training program does not last long, there is no doubt that you have taken the right decision for your career.
Now when it comes to joining a medical assistant school, a numerous options are available. Throughout United States, there are several accredited online as well as onsite institutions that offer formal training program to the students. So selecting the one that meets your budget and your expectations might take some time. With enough time and research, you will find the school that works out for you the best.
To make your search easier, I have listed out the top ten medical assistant schools below here. These are based on the ratings and feedbacks from the students and the professors so do give these schools a thought if you are in search for a reputed medical assistant school. It might turn out to be the one you are looking for
Is medical assistant school hard?
It is difficult to accurately gauge the difficulty of medical assistant school without more context. Medical assistant programs can vary in terms of their length, curriculum, and required prerequisites. Some programs may be more intensive and challenging than others.
However, it is generally expected that medical assistant programs will require a significant amount of dedication and hard work. In order to succeed in medical assistant school, you will likely need to be able to manage your time effectively, stay organized, and be able to study and learn complex medical information. You may also need to be able to handle a fast-paced and potentially stressful environment, as medical assistants often work in busy healthcare settings.
It may be helpful to speak with current or former medical assistant students, or to reach out to the school or program you are considering to get a better sense of what to expect.
How long is medical assistant school?
The length of medical assistant school can vary depending on the specific program you are enrolled in. Some medical assistant programs may be completed in as little as a few months, while others may take up to two years to complete.
Certificate programs in medical assisting, which typically provide a more focused and specialized education, may take less time to complete than associate’s degree programs, which typically provide a more comprehensive education. Associate’s degree programs in medical assisting usually take around two years to complete and may include general education requirements in addition to medical assisting coursework.
It is important to carefully research and compare different medical assistant programs to find one that meets your individual needs and goals. You should consider factors such as the length of the program, the curriculum and coursework, the type of degree or certification offered, and any prerequisites or requirements that must be met before enrolling.
How much is medical assistant school Cost?
The cost of medical assistant school can vary widely depending on a number of factors, such as the type of program you are enrolled in, the length of the program, and the institution you are attending.
Certificate programs in medical assisting, which typically provide a more focused and specialized education, may be less expensive than associate’s degree programs, which typically provide a more comprehensive education and may include general education requirements in addition to medical assisting coursework. Associate’s degree programs in medical assisting usually take around two years to complete.
Other factors that can affect the cost of medical assistant school include tuition and fees, books and materials, and any additional expenses such as transportation or housing. Some schools may offer financial aid or payment plans to help students cover the cost of their education.
It is important to carefully research and compare the costs of different medical assistant programs to find one that fits your budget. You should also consider any potential financial assistance or resources that may be available to help you pay for your education.
Are there any medical assistant school online?
Medical assistant school online programs are available through a variety of institutions, including community colleges, vocational schools, and universities. Online medical assistant programs typically offer the same type of education and training as traditional on-campus programs, but with the convenience and flexibility of being able to complete coursework and assignments from anywhere with an internet connection.
Medical assistant school online programs can vary in terms of their length, curriculum, and requirements, so it is important to carefully research and compare different programs to find one that meets your individual needs and goals. You should consider factors such as the length of the program, the curriculum and coursework, the type of degree or certification offered, and any prerequisites or requirements that must be met before enrolling.
It is also important to ensure that the online medical assistant program you are considering is accredited and meets the standards of the profession. Accreditation ensures that the program meets certain standards of quality and is recognized by employers and other educational institutions.
You may also want to consider whether the program provides any opportunities for hands-on training or clinical experience, as these are important components of a medical assistant education. Some online Classes may require students to complete clinical experiences at an affiliated healthcare facility, while others may offer virtual simulations or other types of hands-on training.
Best 10 Medical Assistant School in United States
1. Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold
Anne Arundel Community College is on of the best Medical Assistant School, at this school students can choose from a range of training options that leads to a career in the medical field. These options include Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) degree, certificate program and the letter of recognition or the entry level courses; each of these options prepare students for the medical assisting career in the medical field.
During the training program students learn all the skills and techniques require for the profession through classroom interaction and clinical experience. The coursework includes topics on medial office clinical procedures, medical insurance and coding, medical terminology, pharmacology, fundamentals of medical assisting, principles of management, communication techniques and computing and information technology.
Each of these topics is classified into theoretical and practical components; the theoretical component is presented in a classroom setting while the practical component is presented in a clinical setting. Students need to complete both the component with grade C or better performance. Upon completion of the training program students are encouraged to take the Certified Medical Assistant Exam conducted by the American Association of Medical Assistants.
Contact Address
Anne Arundel Community College
101 College Parkway
Arnold, MD 21012-1895
Tel: 410-777-AACC (2222)
2. Delaware Technical Community College in Georgetown
This is another best Medical Assistant School which offers associate degree program in medical assistant. The training program prepares individuals to work in the ambulatory settings such as clinics and medical offices by providing comprehensive background in medical procedures and medical setting management.
Students learn all the core components of the course through classroom interactions and clinical experience. An experienced and qualified medical professional will demonstrate all the techniques and skills require to face the challenges in the clinical setting. The theoretical portion of the course on the other hand is presented in a classroom setting.
Students are encouraged and aided to take the Certified Medical Assistant Exam conducted by the American Association of Medical Assistants after completion of the training program.
Contact Address
Delaware Technical Community College
Georgetown, Delaware 19947
Tel: (302) 856-5400
3. West Georgia Technical College in Waco
The college offers diploma programs in medical assisting to those who are looking for a career in medical assisting. Students are introduced to the medial assisting field and are given trainings and skills to develop their occupational knowledge required for job advancement in the medical field.
There are two options to choose from in a medical assisting training program at West Georgia Technical College; health care assistant certificate option and healthcare science option. Both training option focuses on different aspects of the profession; the first option involves the administrative aspects of the industry while the latter options focuses on the lab and physical side of the career.
In both the options, students learn the required techniques and skills from classroom presentation and clinical setting demonstration by an experienced and qualified instructor. Since a certification from the state can always be beneficial in the career, students are encouraged to take the Certified Medical Assistant Exam conducted by the American Association of Medical Assistants after completion of the training program.
Contact Address
West Georgia Technical College
176 Murphy Campus Boulevard, Waco, GA 30182
Tel: (770) 836-6615
4. Chippewa Valley Technical College
One year diploma or certificate program in medical assisting is offered at Chippewa Valley Technical College that starts in either January or August. The program prepares individuals for the competitive medical assisting career by expanding their knowledge of medical assisting in an ambulatory setting such as the medical offices and clinical labs.
Students are presented the didactic component of the course in a classroom setting while the laboratory component is presented in a clinical setting. The coursework includes topics on medical terminology and ethics, human anatomy and physiology, clinical management and operation, communication techniques and more. Like in other training programs, students are encouraged to take the Certified Medical Assistant Exam conducted by the American Association of Medical Assistants after completion of the training program.
Contact Address
Chippewa Valley Technical College
620 W Clairemont Ave Eau Claire, WI 54701
Tel: 715-833-6200
5. Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
Individuals who are looking forward to medical assisting career can join this college where medical assistant certificate program are offered that range from disaster preparedness to pharmacology.
Students are prepared to perform the administrative tasks and managing the medical setting along with the skills to aid the doctors and nurses. They learn these skills through classroom interactions and in a supervised clinical setting.
Most of the coursework are presented in the supervised clinical setting where the instructor, a medical professional will demonstrate all the skills and techniques. Students can interact directly with the patients and medical professionals and can apply what they have learned in a real life scenario. Upon completion, students are encouraged and aide to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant Exam conducted by the American Association of Medical Assistants.
Contact Address
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
3520 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45223
Tel: (513) 569-1500
6. Mount Wachusett Community College
Here students will have additional options to further their education through transfer into University of Phoenix or Charter Oak State College. The college has made transfer agreements with these institutions so students will get the opportunity to enhance their skills and techniques into any of these institutions.
The college itself offers medical assisting degree option to those interested in the career which focuses on the administrative as well as health science aspects of the field. The health science aspects include drawing blood, applying wound care, assessing vital signs and assisting doctors with examination.
The administrative aspect includes managing the clinical setting, taking phone calls, scheduling appointments and making referrals. Each of these skills is presented in the classroom as well as in the clinical setting. Students are encouraged and helped to take and pass the Certified Medical Assistant Exam conducted by the American Association of Medical Assistants after completion of the training program.
Contact Address
Mount Wachusett Community College
444 Green St., Gardner, MA 01440
Tel: 978-632-600
7. Piedmont Technical College
A diploma program in medical assisting is offered at Piedmont Technical College and the unique feature of this college is that the graduates can pursue an associate degree in Occupational Technology with a major in General Technology.
During the training program students learn both the administrative skills as well as the health science techniques require for the profession. Through classroom discussions and interactions, the theoretical component of the course is presented while the laboratory component is presented in a clinical setting.
The coursework includes topics on medical assisting, medical terminology and ethics, clinical setting management, computing and technology, assisting doctors and nurses in patient care, infection control and safety measures.
Graduates need to earn the CMA certificate to work as a medical assistant in the health industry which can only be achieved by taking and passing the Certified Medical Assistant Exam conducted by the American Association of Medical Assistants. The college will aid students on this matter as well.
Contact Address
Piedmont Technical College
Greenwood, SC 29648
Tel: 1-800-868-5528
8. Pima Community College
The unique feature about this college is that the students can choose from two different concentrations in the medical assistant certificate program; the administrative medical assistant and the clinical medical assistant. Both of these options prepare students for the different roles in the medical field.
The administrative medical assistant concentration focuses on the administrative tasks as a medical assistant such as managing the medical setting, taking phone calls, scheduling meeting, numbering patients, computing and recording patient records.
The clinical medical assistant concentration on the other hand involves the health science task such as assisting doctors and nurses on patient care, drawing blood, taking vital signs, informing doctors about the condition of the patients and following the safety measures for infection control. Both of these concentrations include classroom interactions, discussions and laboratory practices.
Since a CMA certificate is essential to work as a professional medical assistant in the field, after completion of the training program students are guided to sit the Certified Medical Assistant Exam conducted by the American Association of Medical Assistants.
Contact Address
Pima Community College
4905 E. Broadway Blvd.
Tucson, AZ
Tel: (520) 206-4500
9. Southern Crescent Technical College
Want flexible options? Southern Crescent Technical College offers day and evening classes in medical assistant diploma programs.
Through classroom instruction and practical experience students are prepared to face any challenges up ahead in their career as a medical assistant. The theoretical portion of the courses such as the medical terminology, medical principles and ethics, and administrative principles are presented through classroom instruction while the laboratory component such as drawing blood, taking vital signs, assisting doctors and senior medical staffs, computing and administrative tasks are presented in a clinical setting.
The program prepares students for the Certified Medical Assistant Exam conducted by the American Association of Medical Assistants to get the CMA certification in order to work as a professional medical assistant in the health industry.
Contact Address
Southern Crescent Technical College
501 Varsity Road, Griffin, Georgia 30223
Tel: (770) 228-7348
10. Waukesha County Technical College
Students can join the diploma program in Waukesha County Technical College which prepares individuals to perform the routine clinical and administrate tasks to keep the ambulatory setting such as clinics and the medial facilities running smoothly.
The coursework includes topics and theories on medical ethics and principles, taking health histories, computing, performing electrocardiograms, administering laboratory tests, drawing blood, applying medications on wounds, infection control and clinical managing. Like in any other training programs, these topics are discussed and presented via classroom instructions and laboratory experience.
The program also aid students to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant Exam conducted by the American Association of Medical Assistants in order to receive the CMA certification without which oen cannot work as a medical assistant within the health industry.
Contact Address
Waukesha County Technical College
Pewaukee, WI
Tel: (262) 691-5566
Bottom Line
Mentioned above are the recommended schools for your medical assistant training program. Upon my research, I came to find these 10 schools as the top medical assistant in United States. Each of these schools has some unique features and has been providing quality education and trainings since ages.
However it does not necessarily mean that you need to decide on either of these schools. If any of the mentioned one meets your budget and more importantly your expectations and you think it will help you meet your career goals then feel free to apply.
In case none of the mentioned schools fits your needs then there are still numerous options available, all you need to do is find the one that works out for you the best. Remember spending enough time for the search ensures that you end up with the perfect school. So do give enough time for the search. Accreditation, Reputation and the feedbacks of the students are some key terms to know how good the institution is.
With enough time and research, you will surely find the one that suits you the best. Good Luck!!