Medical Assisting Programs Accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES

There are many different medical assisting programs out there, but not all of them are accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

So, if you’re looking for a medical assisting program that is accredited by either of these two organizations, then you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll list all of the medical assisting programs that are

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1.What is medical assisting?

Medical Assisting is a healthcare profession that encompasses both clinical and administrative duties in a medical office setting. Clinical tasks may include taking and recording vital signs, administering medications, performing diagnostic tests, and collecting and preparing laboratory specimens. Administrative tasks may include scheduling appointments, verifying insurance coverage, coding and billing procedures, maintaining medical records and handling correspondence.

Medical Assistants may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, physician’s offices, HMOs/PPOs, ambulatory surgery centers, and college health centers. They may also be employed in research laboratories or pharmaceutical companies. Most Medical assistants work full time; however, some may work part time or evenings to accommodate the schedules of their patients.

The demand for Medical Assistants is expected to grow much faster than average for all occupations through 2024.* Employment of Medical Assistants is projected to grow 23 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. The growth of the aging baby-boom generation will continue to increase the demand for preventive medical services, which are often provided by Physicians. As their practices expand, Physicians will hire more Medical Assistants to perform routine administrative and clinical duties so that the Physicians can see more patients. In addition, as more group practices and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) adopt Electronic Health Records (EHRs), there will be an increased need for workers—including Medical Assistants—to maintain these records.*

* Employment conditions in your area may vary

2.The duties of a medical assistant

Medical assistants are professionally trained to perform both clinical and administrative duties in support of physicians and other health care providers. Depending on their size and location, medical facilities may delegate different tasks to their medical assistants. The following duties are among the most common for medical assistants:

Clinical Duties
-Taking patients’ vital signs (weight, blood pressure, temperature, etc.)
-Documenting patients’ medical histories
-Preparing patients for examination
-Assisting the physician during examinations
-Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens
-Performing basic laboratory tests
-Instructing patients on medications and special diets
-Authorizing prescription refills as directed by the physician
-Drawing and administering injections as directed by the physician
-Scheduling appointments
-Answering patient questions

Administrative Duties
In addition to their clinical responsibilities, medical assistants may also be responsible for various administrative tasks, such as:
-Maintaining patient records -Filing insurance forms -Coding and submitting insurance claims – Bookkeeping – Stocking supplies -Ordering office supplies -Answering telephones -Greeting patients

3.The importance of choosing an accredited program

Medical Assisting Programs Accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES

There are many reasons why it is important to choose a medical assisting program that is accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

The first reason is that employers generally prefer to hire graduates of accredited programs. This is because they know that graduates of accredited programs have completed a rigorous course of study and have met high standards.

The second reason is that graduates of accredited programs are eligible to take the certified medical assistant (CMA) exam administered by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To be eligible to take this exam, candidates must have graduated from a medical assisting program that has been accredited by either CAAHEP or ABHES.

The third reason is that graduates of accredited programs may be eligible for financial aid from the federal government. To be eligible for federal financial aid, students must be enrolled in an accredited program.

So, if you are thinking about becoming a medical assistant be sure to choose a program that is accredited by either CAAHEP or ABHES.

4.The difference between CAAHEP and ABHES accreditation

There are two primary accrediting bodies for medical assisting programs: the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Both organizations are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, but there are some key differences between them.

CAAHEP is a programmatic accreditor, meaning that it accredits specific programs within an institution rather than the institution as a whole. In order to be accredited by CAAHEP, a medical assisting program must meet a set of standards related to curriculum, faculty, facilities, and student services.

ABHES is a institutional accreditor, meaning that it looks at an institution as a whole rather than individual programs. In order to be accredited by ABHES, an institution must meet standards related to governance, financial stability, admissions policies, and student achievement.

So what does this mean for students? Programs accredited by either CAAHEP or ABHES are considered to be high-quality and will prepare students for employment in the medical field. However, CAAHEP-accredited programs may have slightly more rigorous curriculum requirements, while ABHES-accredited institutions may provide more comprehensive student services. Ultimately, it is up to the individual student to decide which type of program is right for them.

5.Why accreditation matters for medical assistants

There are two main reasons why accreditation matters for medical assistants. First, employers often prefer or require applicants to have attended an accredited program. This is especially true for positions in competitive healthcare facilities. Secondly, most states require medical assistants to complete an accredited program before taking the certification exam to become a certified medical assistant (CMA).

6.The benefits of attending an accredited program

There are several benefits to attending a medical assisting program that has been accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Students who attend an accredited program can be sure that they are receiving a high-quality education that will prepare them for a career in medical assisting.

Accredited programs must meet strict standards set by CAAHEP or ABHES, and they are continually monitored to ensure that they continue to meet these standards. As a result, students in accredited programs can be confident that they are receiving an education that meets or exceeds the expectations of employers.

In addition, many employers prefer to hire graduates of accredited programs, and some may even require it. And, if you decide to pursue further education down the road, attending an accredited program will make it easier to transfer your credits to another school.

So, if you’re considering a career in medical assisting, be sure to look for a program that has been accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES.

7.What to look for in a medical assistant program

When looking for a program, make sure that it is accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). These are the two organizations that are recognized by the Department of Education as being reliable sources of accreditation.

There are many programs out there that claim to be accredited but are not. If you attend one of these programs, you may not be eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam, and you will have a hard time finding a job.

Most employers require that medical assistants have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, although some may prefer candidates who have completed an accredited program. Some programs may require that you have some previous experience working in a medical office or have completed certain prerequisite courses, such as anatomy and physiology.

8.The top accredited medical assistant programs

There are several different ways to become a medical assistant, but the most common route is to attend an accredited medical assistant program. These programs are typically offered at community colleges, technical colleges, and some universities.

There are two main accrediting organizations for medical assistant programs: the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Both organizations have rigorous standards for accreditation, so you can be sure that any program accredited by either organization will provide you with a quality education.

There are many great medical assistant programs accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES, but the eight programs listed below are some of the best in the country. These programs have all been awarded either the maximum five-year accreditation from CAAHEP or seven-year accreditation from ABHES, so you can be confident that they will provide you with a top-quality education.

1. Allegany College of Maryland – CAAHEP
2. Anoka Technical College – CAAHEP
3. Cisco College – CAAHEP
4. Herzing University – ABHES
5. Miami Dade College – CAAHEP
6. Penn Foster Career School – ABHES
7. Rasmussen College – CAAHEP
8. Sanford-Brown Institute – CAAHEP

9.The bottom line on choosing an accredited program

The bottom line on choosing an accredited program is that it will give you the best chance of success in your career as a medical assistant.

There are two main organizations that accredit medical assisting programs, the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

Both organizations have different standards and requirements, but they are both nationally recognized and respected.

Choosing an accredited program from either organization will give you the education and training you need to be a successful medical assistant.

10.Frequently asked questions about accredited medical assistant programs

Q: Do I need to graduate from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited program to take the Certifying Exam?
A: No. CAAHEP and ABHES accredited programs are not required for eligibility to take the Certifying Exam. However, if you do graduate from an accredited program, you will have met one of the eligibility requirements for the Certifying Exam.

Q: How long does it take to complete an accredited medical assistant program?
A: Typically, accredited medical assistant programs can be completed in one year or less. However, some programs may take longer depending on the specific curriculum and requirements of the program.

Q: What is the cost of an accredited medical assistant program?
A: The cost of an accredited medical assistant program will vary depending on the specific school and program you choose. However, most programs range in cost from a few thousand dollars to around $10,000.