How Much Does a Medical Assistant Degree Cost?
Contents
- The cost of a medical assistant degree
- The benefits of a medical assistant degree
- The job outlook for medical assistants
- The skills needed to be a medical assistant
- The duties of a medical assistant
- The working hours of a medical assistant
- The salary of a medical assistant
- The career progression of a medical assistant
- The education requirements for a medical assistant
- The training required to be a medical assistant
Medical assistants are in high demand, and a degree can help you stand out from the competition. But how much does a medical assistant degree cost? We break down the costs and explore financial aid options to help you make the best decision for your future.
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The cost of a medical assistant degree
Medical assistant programs typically last from three to four months and the cost can range from $1,000 to $5,000. Many schools offer financing options and some employers will reimburse employees for the cost of their degree.
The benefits of a medical assistant degree
Medical assistants perform many duties in clinics and hospitals, including administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments, handling correspondence, and billing; and clinical tasks, such as taking vital signs, preparing patients for examination, drawing blood, and administering medications. A medical assistant degree program can prepare you for a career in this growing field.
The median annual wage for medical assistants was $34,800 in May 2018.1 The majority of medical assistants worked in physicians’ offices. Because the demand for healthcare services is expected to grow as the population ages, employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 29 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.1
A medical assistant degree program can typically be completed in about two years or less and may lead to an Associate’s degree or certificate. Some programs offer the opportunity to earn a Bachelor’s degree in medical assisting; however, most employers prefer to hire candidates with at least an Associate’s degree or certificate from an accredited program.
The job outlook for medical assistants
Medical assistants are in high demand across the country. In fact, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects that employment for medical assistants will grow by 29% between 2016 and 2026 – much faster than the average for all occupations.
With such high demand, it’s no wonder that many people are interested in pursuing a career in medical assisting. But one of the first questions people often ask is, “How much does a medical assistant degree cost?”
The answer to that question depends on a number of factors, including the type of program you choose and whether you attend school on a full-time or part-time basis. But according to the most recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of a medical assistant program is about $4,700.
Of course, that’s just the average – some programs may cost more or less than that. For example, programs offered at community colleges tend to be less expensive than those at four-year universities. And if you choose to attend school part-time, it will take longer to complete your degree, which means you’ll likely end up paying more in tuition and other associated costs.
But regardless of how much it costs to earn your degree, becoming a medical assistant can be a great investment. Medical assistants are well-compensated, with most earning an annual salary of $31,540 (or $15.12 per hour), according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. And as the demand for medical assistants continues to grow, salaries are expected to increase as well.
So if you’re thinking about pursuing a career in medical assisting, don’t let the cost of a degree deter you – it’s an investment that will pay off in the long run!
The skills needed to be a medical assistant
In order to be a medical assistant, you will need to have certain skills. These skills will be acquired through education and training, and will be essential in performing your duties in the medical field.
Some of the skills you will need to be a medical assistant include:
-An ability to handle confidential information discreetly and appropriately
-Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
-The ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively
-Great organizational skills
-Basic computer skills
-An understanding of medical terminology
-An ability to take accurate vital signs
-An ability to perform basic laboratory procedures
The duties of a medical assistant
Medical assistants are vital members of the healthcare team. They are responsible for a variety of tasks, including taking patient medical histories and providing basic care. They also perform administrative duties, such as scheduling appointments and handling insurance paperwork.
Medical assistants can be found in both clinic and hospital settings. In smaller clinics, they may be responsible for a variety of tasks. In larger hospitals, they may specialize in a particular area, such as pediatrics or surgery.
Most medical assistants have at least a certificate from an accredited program. Some have completed associate’s degrees. A small number have bachelor’s degrees.
The working hours of a medical assistant
The working hours of a medical assistant can be broadly classified into two distinct types: full-time and part-time. Full-time medical assistants generally work around 9 hours a day, whereas part-time medical assistants usually work for 4 to 5 hours.
The salary of a medical assistant
In order to become a medical assistant, you will need to have a high school diploma or GED. After that, you will need to attend an accredited medical assistant program. The length of these programs can vary, but they typically last between one and two years. The cost of these programs can also vary, but they typically range from $1,000 to $5,000.
Once you have completed your medical assistant program, you will be eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam. The cost of this exam is $125, and you will need to renew your certification every 5 years.
The average salary for a medical assistant is $16 per hour, or $33,280 per year. However, salaries can vary depending on experience, location, and employer.
The career progression of a medical assistant
Medical assistants are one of the most important parts of the healthcare team. They perform a variety of tasks, from keeping medical records and scheduling appointments to taking patient vital signs and assist in minor surgical procedures. Medical assistants typically have an associate degree from an accredited institution, although some have a postsecondary certificate.
The cost of a medical assistant degree can vary depending on the type of institution you attend and whether you’re enrolled in an online or traditional program. However, the average cost of a medical assistant degree is around $5,000-$15,000.
While the cost of a medical assistant degree may seem like a lot at first, it’s important to remember that medical assistants can earn a good salary once they complete their training and find employment. In fact, the median salary for medical assistants is $33,610 per year.
The education requirements for a medical assistant
To become a medical assistant, you will need to complete an accredited medical assistant program. These programs typically last between one and two years and result in a certificate or diploma. Some schools also offer associate’s degree programs in medical assisting, which take two years to complete.
The cost of a medical assistant program varies depending on the length of the program and the type of school you attend. Certificate and diploma programs offered by technical colleges or community colleges are typically the most affordable option, while associate’s degree programs at four-year colleges and universities tend to be more expensive.
Financial aid is typically available for students enrolled in accredited medical assistant programs, so be sure to explore your options before enrolling in a particular program. You can also check with your state’s licensing board to see if there are any scholarship or grant opportunities available for aspiring medical assistants in your state.
The training required to be a medical assistant
In order to become a medical assistant, you will need to complete a training program that is either one or two years in length. The cost of these programs can vary widely, depending on the school you attend and the type of program you choose.
For example, a one-year certificate program at a community college may cost as little as $2,000, while a two-year associate’s degree program at a private college may cost $20,000 or more. In addition to tuition, you will also need to factor in the cost of books, supplies and other fees.
Once you have completed your training, you will need to pass a certification exam in order to become certified and registered with your state. The cost of the exam varies depending on the state in which you live, but is typically around $200.