If you have decided to pursue a medical career, one thing you should know is that the medical profession requires a lot of training. But if you do not want to spend a lot of time in school, the best program to go for is a medical assistantship. There is a good number of available medical assistant program that is just for 6 months and in the end, you will gain worthy certificates.
So becoming a medical assistant is good. Because you will be working directly with doctors, surgeons, and physician assistants. So getting the quality of education you need must not necessarily have to take a lot of time to complete it. Now you can become a medical assistant in just 6 months with intensive training programs.
Hence, when choosing the program to take, it is important to consider the learning option to take. You will need to consider how well you learn on your own or if you prefer to learn in a classroom. Thanks to advancements in technology, you can now take this 6-month program for medical assistants online.
Table of contents
- What Do Medical Assistants Do?
- Why You Choose Medical Assistant as a Career?
- How To Become a Medical Assistant
- 6-Month Program For Medical Assistant and Cost
- 6 Month Program for Medical Assistant with Certificates in 2024
- Medical Assisting Program (Emily Griffith Technical College)
- Medical Assistant Associate Degree Online Program (Penn Foster College)
- Medical Assistant Training Program (American Institute of Medical Sciences & Education)
- Online Medical Assistant Training Program (US Career Institute)
- Online Clinical Medical Assistant Certification Program (San Francisco State University)
- Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) Certification Course (San Francisco State University)
- Medical Assistant Training Program (UEI College)
- Associates Degree or Diploma in Medical Assisting (Platt College)
- Medical Assistant Program (Pima Medical Institute)
- Medical Assistant Technical Diploma Program (Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College)
- Will an Online Medical Assistant Course Work for Me?
- FAQs On Medical Assistant Program
- In Conclusion
- References
- We Also Recommend
What Do Medical Assistants Do?
It is no secret that the medical field is growing and needs more skilled workers. This is a great advantage for people interested in a job that helps others have bright career prospects. Medical assistants are needed in a variety of healthcare settings, such as hospitals, doctor’s offices, nursing homes, clinics, chiropractic offices, laboratories, etc.
With 29% more medical assistant jobs forecast by the Bureau of Labor Statistics through 2026, many are looking to get on the Allied Health train and settle in the field. Now let’s explore what medical assistants do on a daily basis and see what types of people do best in this area.
Did you know that medical assistants wear many hats? Medical assistants serve two roles in a medical work environment. Both as a health profession and as an administrator.
The two different sides of this medical medal mean that the one that is best suited for the job is one that is friendly, warm, and trustworthy. But can also shift to a more clinical, focused, and detail-oriented mindset in a moment.
Here are the two roles where a medical assistants serves:
Clinical Role
Now to observe and treat real patients. Physician assistants work alongside physicians, physician assistants, and various technicians to help care for the health of others. Changing dressings, removing sutures, taking blood, injecting, and explaining medical procedures to patients. And preparing them for exams, keeping medical equipment sterile, performing EKGs, diagnostic tests, and laboratory work. You can make it all part of daily clinical life.
Life as a medical assistant can be very rewarding for the right person with many opportunities to learn and grow in the health field.
Administrative Role
Get ready to help the office run! Medical assistants cover a variety of tasks, such as welcoming patients, answering machines, and making. As well as canceling and rescheduling appointments, and networking with insurance companies, imaging centers, and laboratories.
Equally ordering medical supplies and inventory tracking, updating patient records, medical document filing, billing, and accounting tracking, and more. This aspect of work can only help ensure a boredom-free work environment with many tasks to complete.
Why You Choose Medical Assistant as a Career?
The medical care is huge! The increasing number of patients and hospital admissions is driving the growth of health services. Much support is needed to provide quality care to so many people.
Employment in the growing field of medical assistants offers you a wide range of opportunities for excitement, satisfaction and advancement. All doctors’ offices, hospitals, ambulatory care centers, medical laboratories, and nursing facilities need men and women who know what it takes to help patients. As well as manage records, and help doctors and nurses with the utmost care and services.
So whether you want to pursue a career as a medical assistant in a hospital, doctor’s office, government facility, or laboratory, this online medical assistant school program will help you get started on the road to your dream job. Medical assistance in the dynamic and sought-after healthcare industry.
As a medical assistant, you will be a respected professional who will play a crucial role in the world of healthcare. You will meet fascinating people and find great satisfaction working side by side with doctors, nurses, and medical assistants. Plus, you can earn up to $33,610 per year as an experienced medical assistant!
How To Become a Medical Assistant
Are you interested in a career in the medical field and look forward to working with doctors, nurses, and patients to provide high-quality patient care? Medical assistants are at the forefront of many medical offices, hospitals, and emergency care centers that perform a wide range of clinical and administrative tasks.
The demand for new medical assistants in 2024 is incredibly high across the country, and this career path offers stable wages, reliable hours, strong benefits, and job security. Not everyone has the skills to work in the medical field. But if you find yourself dedicated and service-oriented, becoming a certified medical assistant might be the perfect job for you.
Step 1: Earn Your HS Diploma or Equivalent
Although it is possible to work as a medical assistant with only a high school diploma or a GED certificate, most employers prefer applicants who have completed a training program and obtained certification.
The American Association of Medical Assistants requires applicants to complete a training program approved by the Commission on Allied Health Education Programs. Or the Accreditation Board of Schools of Health Education to obtain CMA certification with AAMA.
Physician assistant training programs include both classroom instruction and laboratory practice time to provide comprehensive training to aspiring physician assistants. Training programs include teaching a series of clinical and administrative practices, including human anatomy, medical terminology. As well as first aid techniques, medical coding, and insurance processing, record keeping, and computer skills.
There are a few options for types of medical assistant training. Includes informal on-the-job training, traditional on-campus training programs, online training programs, and hybrid training programs that include online education in addition to in-person practice.
Step 3: Get Formal Training through an Accredited Medical Assistant Program
Although formal training is not required, it can be helpful to seek employment in this field. But it can be difficult to find a doctor who is willing to hire an unskilled candidate. Medical assistance programs are available at the certificate and associate degree levels, with options online and on campus.
Courses generally cover topics such as medical terminology, medical records, medical equipment and supplies, body systems and anatomy, and vital signs. As well as how to perform basic medical tasks and procedures, including medical exams, tests, cultures, and samples. Therapies and medications for patients, as well as communication and patient safety, are also essential course materials.
Step 2: Research and Verify all State and Local Requirements
A career in this field may require that you meet certain licensing, training, and other requirements that may vary by vocation and state. You should check with your state, local government, and/or licensing board to find out what requirements may apply in your state.
Step 4: Obtain Medical Assistant Certification
Although medical assistant certification is not required in this area, it is highly recommended. Employers are more likely to hire certified medical assistants. It shows them that you have the knowledge and skills to perform well in a medical assistant role.
Once you have entered the field, this may also be the next step in obtaining a better-paying job in the field if you have not obtained it before employment. There are several certification options available, including the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam or the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exam. Both through the National Association for Medical Assistance (NHA), research and choose the best option for you.
Step 5: Start Working
While there may be many healthcare jobs available across the country, finding and finding the right job can be a bit tricky if you are inexperienced. The key is to think outside the box. Rather than simply applying to general practice doctors’ offices and clinics, expand your job search to include specialists like podiatrists, chiropractors, obstetricians, etc.
Early in your career, you are more likely to get a position in a smaller establishment. Then you can work for your dream job while gaining experience in the field.
It’s also a great idea to make the most of your school’s placement services and become a member of your local AAMA chapter. Joining AAMA will help you make valuable contacts and connect you with potential employers.
Finally, job websites like Monster and Indeed are also great resources for locating and connecting with healthcare employers.
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6-Month Program For Medical Assistant and Cost
Medical Assistant Certification programs often range from $1,000 to $5,000, but this largely depends on the particular course. Courses in this range may include instructor assistance and professional graduate support, but a fully accredited online program can cost $1,500 or more.
An associate degree in medical assistant can cost between $10,000 and $15,000 or more, depending on the institution you attend. You’re also likely to go to campus at least part of the time to take classes and get more hands-on experience. You will also likely have to pay the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) certification exam fees, which are approximately $250.
6 Month Program for Medical Assistant with Certificates in 2024
Do you enjoy caring for people? Have you always imagined yourself working alongside doctors in a fast-paced and constantly changing environment? Does the medical industry intrigue you?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, enrolling in any of these 6-month Medical Assistant programs may be a great next step in your career.
Here is a list of the best Medical Assistant program for 6 month with certificates in 2024:
Medical Assisting Program (Emily Griffith Technical College)
Tuition: $6,221
Duration: 6 Months
Emily Griffith Technical College offers a six-month certification program but does not include a clinical component to give you the hands-on experience you need to be successful in the field of healthcare.
The program has a total of 39.5 credit hours and his tuition cost in bookless states is estimated at $6,221. According to the Council for Occupational Education, 86% of graduates of its program have found work as medical assistants.
Basically, their medical assistant program prepares students for routine administrative and clinical procedures in an outpatient setting.
Also, students learn clinical procedures, including how to administer vaccines, assist in minor surgeries, obtain vital signs, and perform phlebotomies and electrocardiograms (ECGs). As well as administrative tasks such as patient planning, medical coding, and financial procedures.
Above all, students who complete the program are ready to take the Licensed Medical Assistant exam. Many medical assistants fill other health care roles. Such as becoming Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), Registered Nurses (RN), and Physician Assistants (PA).
Do you want to be a Licensed Practical Nurse? Check Out these 6 Month LPN Programs With Certificates In 2024
Medical Assistant Associate Degree Online Program (Penn Foster College)
Tuition: $79 per credit
Duration: 6-12 Months
This program is an associate diploma (four semesters) that you complete online and in which you do an internship. Day school is where you get clinical practice to hone the skills you learn online.
Most importantly, the program offers flexible payment methods and you will benefit from professional support, a successful coach, manuals and access to instructors and teaching assistants.
However, this program does not have a set class schedule, which means you can learn and study when available. You can talk to your teachers via text message, phone, email, and even chat online with your classmates.
Above all, you will have the support you need to complete the title at your own pace. At the end of the course, you will be ready to take the Registered Medical Assistant Exam for US Medical Technologists USA, National Association of Health Care Certified Clinical Medical Assistant exam. As well as the National Certified National Medical Assistant exam, Competency Testing Center and Clinical Medical Assistant Examination of the American Association for Medical Certification.
Graduates of this program will receive NHA certification preparation materials and a coupon to cover the costs of the CCMA exam. These valuable certification preparation documents are available to graduates at no additional cost and will help you prepare to take the medical assistant certification exam.
Medical Assistant Training Program (American Institute of Medical Sciences & Education)
Tuition: $8,250
Duration: 10 – 12 Months
The Medical Assistant Certificate Program is designed to train students in basic health care skills. Medical assistants are multi-faceted members of the medical office team who work closely with physicians, registered nurses, and other office staff who provide patient care.
Basically, the medical assistant program covers a number of areas, including medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, phlebotomy, electrocardiogram, and medical billing.
Students also learn laboratory techniques, diagnostic and clinical procedures, pharmacology, medication administration, and first aid. Office practices, patient relations, medical law, and ethics are also covered by the program.
Online Medical Assistant Training Program (US Career Institute)
Tuition: $1,239
Duration: 6-12 Months
Medical assistants are at the heart of any health care business, including hospitals and doctor’s offices. As a graduate of this online health care school, you will take vital signs, help doctors and nurses, and work with patient records.
The medical field is growing rapidly, as are the job opportunities for medical assistants. Your medical assistant training will make you an important part of the healthcare team.
Online Clinical Medical Assistant Certification Program (San Francisco State University)
Tuition: $2,599
Duration: Online 6 month Course with 160-Hour Clinical Externship
Study to become a certified clinical medical assistant at your own pace and on your schedule. The online clinical medical assistant course includes interactive learning modules, 24/7 tutoring, learning exercises, labs, and a student portal with professional resources.
This online course will provide the training and skills necessary to take the National Association of Medical Assistance (NHA) Certified Clinical Physician Assistant (CCMA) exam.
Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) Certification Course (San Francisco State University)
Tuition: $2,599
Duration: 140 classroom hours (lecture and labs)
This course prepares healthcare students to acquire the clinical skills of patients in the medical office. Students perform clinical procedures, including administering medications, assisting with minor surgery, and performing an electrocardiogram. As well as obtaining laboratory specimens for testing, patient education, and maintenance clinical team in an ambulatory care setting.
Medical Assistant Training Program (UEI College)
Tuition: $9,900
Duration: 10 Months
Basically, UEI College (United Education Institute) offers a medical assistant program that guarantees students how to focus on the details. It is a suitable program for those who already have many interpersonal skills.
Also, this university understands how fast the medical field is growing and that medical assistants are now essential to a variety of different tasks, being the heart of many clinics and doctor’s offices. Its role is to prepare patients for procedures and exams, answer questions and educate them, as well as assist nurses and doctors and, in general, manage the offices.
At UEI, in just 10 months, you can acquire the skills you need to participate in this growth and be ready for entry-level positions in clinics, hospitals, laboratories, insurance companies, and internships as a doctor.
Associates Degree or Diploma in Medical Assisting (Platt College)
Tuition: $8,000
Duration: 11-15 months
If you are thinking of a career in the healthcare industry and love helping people, consider the Platt College Medical Assistant Program. The healthcare industry is constantly evolving and the medical assistant is an important part of the healthcare team.
Your health care program can prepare you for entry-level employment as a medical assistant in doctor’s offices, hospitals, emergency centers, and nursing homes. Some of the types of courses you can expect to take in our medical assistance program include:
- Medical terminology
- Medical and ethical law
- General anatomy and physiology.
- Medical office procedures
- Electronic medical records
Here you can do a clinical internship as part of your training to help you gain hands-on experience. Above all, graduates are eligible to obtain their national certification in health care from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).
Medical Assistant Program (Pima Medical Institute)
Tuition: $14,335
Duration: 9 months
Basically, the Pima Medical Institute offers a 9-month diploma in medical care. This program combines specific courses in health, clinical practice, administration, and general education. Above all, the Pima Medical Institute is accredited and students can take the AAMA certification exam after graduation.
Most importantly, the objective of the program is to develop in students the personal traits and professional skills necessary to practice as competent beginning medical assistants.
Above all, the program provides students with anatomy and physiology knowledge, routine laboratory procedures, and patient care procedures commonly performed in medical offices.
Above all, students are helped to find employment after graduation and evening classes are offered in some locations for added flexibility. The Pima Medical Institute is located in New Mexico, California, Colorado, Arizona, Texas, and Washington.
Choose any and enjoy your program.
Medical Assistant Technical Diploma Program (Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College)
Tuition:
Duration: 1 Year
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College is one of Wisconsin’s leading technical institutes providing medical assistance in New Richmond, Rice Lake and Superior, Wisconsin. The medical assistant program consists of 33 credits in a combination of clinical and general education courses. Students will also complete clinical and administrative internships as part of program completion.
Specifically, the WITC requires prospective students to have a valid certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and a clear criminal background. So it’s advisable to check before applying for the program. Students with a dedicated class load can complete this fully accredited medical assistance program in one year.
However, the minimum objective of the medical assistant program, as identified by the AAMA, is to prepare beginning medical assistants competent in the areas of cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and emotional (behavior) learning.
Will an Online Medical Assistant Course Work for Me?
When students take a class in a traditional classroom, they usually sit at a desk, surrounded by their peers. The teacher and class meet every day (or week) at a certain time and spend time together. Students can work together on class projects and can decide to continue their interaction outside the classroom.
Benefits of Online Courses
With distance education, students can generally “introduce themselves” when it suits them. Because the course is online, they can generally access it anytime, anywhere. The digital learning experience may include watching live or prerecorded videos or reading and using interactive text online.
Communication with the teacher, and perhaps with classmates, is done electronically. Instead of raising their hands to ask the teacher a question, students shoot the instructor by email or online message. Often, students can progress at their own pace, taking the time to digest a complex concept or a new list of medical terms.
Online courses allow students like you to set their schedules and pursue a new career without having to quit their current job or reorganize their life to make it work. In addition to being independent, studying to become an online medical assistant allows you to be independent and take charge of your own education. You can build your confidence in your skills and knowledge on your terms.
Flexibility of Online Courses
Because online education is so flexible, it requires a lot of personal responsibility and self-motivation. Online education works best for adults who are ready to do whatever it takes to continue their education, even if “what it takes” connects to the computer after putting kids to bed after a workday.
Being a medical assistant requires organization and time management skills. So learning them at school is not only good for your grades but can also prepare you to be confident in your role. If you have already taken online courses or this is the first time, it is important to have a study schedule.
Plan ahead each week by setting aside time to study and take tests on your calendar or calendar application. Be sure to meet these study goals as often as possible. Finally, you will be a professional in managing your busy schedule while enjoying quality study time.
FAQs On Medical Assistant Program
Although the exact amount of time can vary, it typically takes nine months to two years for most aspiring medical assistants.
The most common path is to earn a postsecondary certificate or diploma in medical administrative services or health care administration. You can also gain marketable skills by completing programs or courses in related areas like nursing and business administration.
MOAs perform administrative tasks and basic medical duties, from bookkeeping and filing to measuring patients’ vital signs and giving injections alongside other medical professionals.
In Conclusion
Looking for a degree in healthcare that offers flexible career options? As a graduate of the program, you will receive training to perform clinical procedures and laboratory tests and will develop the office skills you will need to work in a medical office or clinic. The program includes a six-week clinical internship.
References
- pennfoster.edu – What Do Medical Assistants Do?
- pennfoster.edu – Will an Online Medical Assistant Course Work for Me?
- eduref.net – Become a Medical Assistant in 6 Weeks or Less
- edsmart.org – Become a Medical Assistant in 6 Weeks