Community Colleges That Offer Medical Assistant Programs

Looking for a medical assistant program at a community college? Here are some schools that offer great programs to get you started in your career.

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What is a Medical Assistant?

A medical assistant is a person who performs routine administrative and clinical tasks in a doctor’s office. Medical assistants can perform many different tasks, depending on the state in which they work and the type of facility in which they are employed. In some states, medical assistants may be allowed to perform more complex tasks, such as administration of injections or taking X-rays.

The duties of a medical assistant usually include scheduling appointments, taking and recording medical histories and vital signs, preparing patients for examination, helping the physician during the exam, and performing routine laboratory tests. Medical assistants also may instruct patients about medication and special diets, prepare and maintain patients’ medical records bill patients for services, and arrange for hospital admissions and laboratory services.

The Role of a Medical Assistant

Medical assistants are important members of the healthcare team. They work closely with doctors and nurses to provide patient care. They also perform administrative and clerical tasks, such as scheduling appointments and maintaining Medical records

Community colleges are a great option for students who want to become medical assistants. Many community colleges offer accredited medical assistant programs that can be completed in two years or less. Upon completion of a medical assistant program, students will be prepared to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam.

If you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant, check out our list of community colleges that offer accredited medical assistant programs.

The Importance of a Medical Assistant

Medical assistants are important members of the healthcare team. They work closely with doctors and nurses to provide patient care. They also perform administrative and clerical tasks, such as scheduling appointments and maintaining medical records

Community colleges are a great option for students who want to pursue a career in healthcare. Many community colleges offer medical assistant programs that can be completed in two years or less. Students who complete a medical assistant program will be prepared to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam.

There are many benefits to becoming a medical assistant. Medical assistants can find employment in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, physician’s offices, and long-term care facilities. They also enjoy flexible job hours and the opportunity to work with a diverse population of patients.

The Education of a Medical Assistant

Community colleges offer medical assistant programs that can take as little as one year to complete. Some programs may be shorter, but most will take at least a year in order to give students the opportunity to complete an internship in a medical setting. Many community colleges offer both an associate’s degree and a certificate in medical assisting. The associate’s degree usually takes two years to complete and offers more general education courses, while the certificate can be completed in as little as one year and focuses solely on medical assistant coursework.

The Training of a Medical Assistant

Community colleges offer medical assistant programs that typically include classroom, laboratory, and clinical instruction. Some programs may offer an externship, which is an opportunity to work in a healthcare setting to gain experience.

Medical assistants perform both administrative and clinical tasks. They may schedule appointments, maintain medical records, bill insurance companies, and handle other office duties. Clinical duties may include taking medical histories and recording vital signs, preparing patients for examination, assisting the physician during the examination, and collecting and processing laboratory specimens.

Most states do not have specific licensure requirements for medical assistants; however, some states have certification requirements. The American Association of Medical Assistants offers the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential. To earn this credential, candidates must graduate from an accredited medical assistant program and pass a national exam.

The Certification of a Medical Assistant

The certification of a medical assistant is not required by all states, but many employers prefer to hire those who have been certified by a professional organization. There are currently several organizations that offer certification for medical assistants, and the requirements for certification vary slightly from organization to organization.

To become certified as a medical assistant, you will typically need to have completed an accredited medical assistant program and passed an exam. Some organizations also require that you have received a certain amount of on-the-job training before you can take the certification exam. Once you have been certified, you will need to renew your certification periodically, and you may need to complete Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to maintain your certification.

The Job outlook for a Medical Assistant

The job outlook for a medical assistant is very good. In fact, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics has predicted that the job market for medical assistants will grow by 29% between 2010 and 2020. This is much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.

There are many reasons why the job outlook for medical assistants is so good. One of them is that there is an aging population. As people live longer, they need more medical care. This increases the demand for medical assistants.

Another reason why the job outlook for medical assistants is so good is that more and more medical procedures are being done on an outpatient basis. This means that patients do not have to stay in the hospital overnight. They can go home the same day. This trend is reducing the need for registered nurses, but it is increasing the need for medical assistants.

If you are thinking about becoming a medical assistant, you should know that there is a lot of competition for jobs. The best way to get a job as a medical assistant is to have a good educational background. Many community colleges offer programs that lead to a certificate or an associate’s degree in medical assisting.

The Salary of a Medical Assistant

The salary of a medical assistant depends on the geographic location, the type of employer, and the level of experience. Medical assistants in the United States earn a median salary of $33,610 per year, or $16.17 per hour. Hourly wages typically start from $10.51 and go up to $21.99.

Those working in outpatient care centers earn an average of $34,770 annually, while those employed at general hospitals receive a yearly salary of $32,350 on average. Professionals with 1 to 4 years of experience make around $28,600 per year, while those with 5 to 9 years under their belt earn an average annual salary of $36,700.

Medical assistants with 10 to 19 years of experience report an average income of $42,100 per year. Finally, those with 20 or more years in the field earn an average salary of $43,700 annually.

The Benefits of a Medical Assistant

Community colleges across the country offer medical assistant programs that can be completed in as little as two semesters. Medical assistants perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks to support the work of physicians and other healthcare professionals.

Community college medical assistant programs are typically less expensive than those at four-year colleges and universities, making them a good option for students who want to enter the workforce quickly without incurring a lot of debt. Most programs include an internship or externship component, giving students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a real-world setting.

graduates of medical assistant programs are prepared to sit for various certification exams, such as the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam offered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT). Certification is not required in all states, but it may give graduates a competitive edge when applying for jobs.

The Future of a Medical Assistant

Medical assistants are in high demand and the demand is expected to continue to grow. Community colleges are a great option for those looking for a career in the medical field. Many community colleges offer medical assistant programs that can be completed in as little as two years.

Community colleges offer many benefits to students, including affordability, small class sizes, and convenient locations. Students who are interested in a career as a medical assistant should research the programs offered at community colleges in their area.