The Best Medical Assistant Degree Plans
Contents
- Why a medical assistant degree is a great choice
- The best online and offline medical assistant programs
- How to choose the right Medical Assistant program for you
- The benefits of a Medical Assistant degree
- The top skills you’ll need as a Medical Assistant
- The best way to advance your career as a Medical Assistant
- The most common Medical Assistant job duties
- The average salary for a Medical Assistant
- The top Medical Assistant employers
- FAQs about Medical Assistant degrees
Considering a career in medical assisting? Here are the best degree plans to help you get started in this growing field.
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Why a medical assistant degree is a great choice
Medical assisting is one of the fastest-growing careers in the United States with an expected job growth of 29% from 2016 to 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1 And with a median annual salary of $32,480 in 2017,2 medical assisting is a great choice for those looking to begin a meaningful healthcare career without spending years in school.
A medical assistant degree can be completed in as little as 18 months3 and can open up opportunities for advancement and specialization within the field. Here we take a closer look at why a medical assistant degree may be the right choice for you.
Job Opportunities for Medical assistants are Abundant
Employment of Medical Assistants is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2016 to 2026, according to the BLS.1 This growth is due in large part to an aging Baby Boomer population and advances in medicine that require more outpatient care and surgeries which can be performed outside of hospitals.
As our population continues to live longer and stay healthier later in life, there will be an increasing demand for preventive medical services. This means that medical assistants will be needed to perform basic laboratory tests, administrative duties, and assist healthcare practitioners such as physicians and nurse practitioners.
The best online and offline medical assistant programs
Medical assistants are in high demand and the need for their services is growing rapidly. With a medical assistant degree, you can enter into this rewarding field and help others while enjoying a good income and job security.
There are many different educational paths you can take to become a medical assistant, but the best way to ensure you get the quality education you need is to choose an accredited program. Accreditation assures that your degree will be respected by employers and that you will be able to take the national certification exam to become a certified medical assistant.
There are both online and offline programs that offer medical assistant degrees, but not all programs are created equal. To help you choose the best program for your needs, we’ve compiled a list of the top online and offline medical assistant programs.
Top Online Programs:
1. Penn Foster
2. National American University
3. Kaplan University
4. Colorado Technical University-Global Campus
5. Ashworth College
Top Offline Programs:
1. Sanford-Brown Institute
2. Fortis Institute
3. Everest Institute
4. MedVance Institute
5. Pima Medical Institute
How to choose the right Medical Assistant program for you
There are many things to consider when choosing the right Medical Assistant program for you. Below are some factors to keep in mind as you make your decision.
-Location: Are you looking for a program that is offered online or in-person? Do you want to study near your home or are you willing to relocate for the right program?
-Duration: How long do you want to spend studying to become a Medical Assistant? Some programs can be completed in as little as one year while others may take two years or more.
-Cost: What is your budget for tuition and other associated expenses? There are many affordable options available, so be sure to compare costs before making your final decision.
-Curriculum: Does the program offer the courses that you are interested in? Make sure the program covers all of the topics that you want to learn about.
-Accreditation: Is the program accredited by a reputable accrediting body? This is essential if you want to ensure that your degree will be recognized by potential employers.
The benefits of a Medical Assistant degree
Medical Assistants are in high demand. They are the professionals who work alongside doctors and nurses in medical offices and clinics, providing support with patient care, administrative tasks, and clinical procedures. A career as a Medical Assistant can be very rewarding, both professionally and financially.
Medical Assistants typically have an Associate’s degree or certificate from an accredited program. Some programs can be completed in as little as one year, making this a great option for those who want to enter the workforce quickly.
The best Medical Assistant degree plans will prepare students for the job market by providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in their career. Students should look for programs that offer hands-on training, so they can gain practical experience working with patients. In addition, students should make sure the program they choose is accredited by a reputable organization, such as the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
The top skills you’ll need as a Medical Assistant
One of the most important skills that you will need as a medical assistant is the ability to keep accurate records. You will be responsible for maintaining patient files, as well as keeping track of scheduling and appointments. In addition, you must be able to communicate effectively with patients and their families. As a medical assistant, you will also need to have strong organizational skills in order to keep the office running smoothly.
The best way to advance your career as a Medical Assistant
No matter what your goal is as a medical assistant, whether it’s to become a certified medical assistant or to move up into a management position, getting the right education is critical. The best way to advance your career as a medical assistant is to get a degree from an accredited school.
There are many different types of medical assistant degrees available, and the best type of degree for you will depend on your goals and objectives. If you’re looking to move into a management position, for example, you may want to get a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration. On the other hand, if you just want to become a certified medical assistant, an associate’s degree may be all you need.
The bottom line is that no matter what your goal is, getting the right education is essential to advancing your career as a medical assistant. By getting a degree from an accredited school, you’ll have the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this field.
The most common Medical Assistant job duties
The duties of a medical assistant are wide-ranging and vary from office to office. Most typically, their duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
Answering phones
Greeting patients
Updating and filing patient medical records
Scheduling appointments
Taking and recording patients’ vital signs
Drawing blood
Preparing patients for examination
Assisting the physician during examinations
Giving injections
Collecting and processing lab specimens
The average salary for a Medical Assistant
Medical assistants are in demand. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of medical assistant jobs will grow by 29 percent from 2016 to 2026, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
With such high demand comes a competitive job market. To help you get started on your medical assistant career path, we’ve put together a list of the best medical assistant degree plans.
The first step to becoming a medical assistant is to earn your degree from an accredited institution. There are many different types of medical assistant degrees, but not all of them are created equal. Below, we’ve listed the five best medical assistant degree plans to kick start your career.
1. The Associate of Science in Medical Assisting (ASMA) degree is a two-year program that will prepare you for your career as a medical assistant. This type of degree is offered at many community colleges and technical schools.
2. The Certificate in Medical Assisting (CMA) degree is a shorter program that can be completed in as little as one year. This type of program is typically offered at technical schools and some community colleges.
3. The Bachelor of Science in Health Administration with a concentration in Medical Assisting (BSHA-MA) is a four-year program that will prepare you for a career in health administration, with a focus on medical assisting. This type of degree is offered at many colleges and universities across the country.
4.. The Master of Science in Health Administration with a concentration in Medical Assisting (MSHA-MA) is a two-year program that will prepare you for a career in health administration, with a focus on medical assisting. This type of degree is offered at many colleges and universities across the country.. 5.. The Doctor of Science in Health Administration with a concentration in Medical Assisting (DSHA-MA) is an online four-year program that will prepare you for a career in health administration, with a focus on medical assisting . This type .of degree
Is offered by some colleges and universities across the country
The top Medical Assistant employers
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment of medical assistants will grow much faster than the average for all occupations between 2016 and 2026, at a rate of 29 percent.1 With this high demand for medical assistants comes increased competition for jobs. To improve your chances of being hired after completing your degree, it’s important to understand which employers are most likely to hire medical assistants.
Some of the bestpaying employers of medical assistants include:
-Specialty hospitals: $33,610
-Outpatient care centers: $32,590
-General hospitals: $31,860
-Offices of physicians: $30,780
-Employment services: $29,980
Additionally, the states with the highest levels of employment for medical assistants include:
-California: $33,070
-Texas: $32,940
-Florida: $30,540
-New York: $29,710
-Pennsylvania: $28,750
FAQs about Medical Assistant degrees
What is a Medical Assistant degree?
A Medical Assistant degree is a two-year Associate’s degree that trains students to work as medical assistants in a variety of clinical settings.
What will I learn in a Medical Assistant degree program?
In a Medical Assistant degree program, you will learn about the medical field, administrative duties, and communication skills. You will also learn how to take vital signs, give injections, and perform other clinical tasks.
What are the requirements for a Medical Assistant degree?
To be eligible for a Medical Assistant degree, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent. You may also need to take some prerequisite courses, such as anatomy and physiology.
How long does it take to get a Medical Assistant degree?
A Medical Assistant degree takes two years to complete.
What can I do with a Medical Assistant degree?
With a Medical Assistant degree, you can work in clinics, hospitals, and doctor’s offices. You will be responsible for assisting physicians with patient care and performing administrative duties.