How Much Does It Cost to Become a Medical Assistant?

In this blog post, we will discuss the average cost of medical assistant school and what you can expect to pay for tuition, fees, and other associated costs.

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Introduction

The medical assistant profession has become increasingly popular in recent years, as more and more people are looking for ways to get into the healthcare field. Medical assistants perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of doctors, podiatrists, and other health practitioners running smoothly. If you are considering becoming a medical assistant you may be wondering how much it will cost to get started in this career.

The cost of becoming a medical assistant can vary depending on a number of factors, such as whether you choose to attend a traditional or online school, how long your program is, and whether you need to take any certification exams. In general, medical assistant programs range from about $1,000 to $5,000. Certification exams usually cost around $200.

Becoming a medical assistant is a great way to get started in the healthcare field without spending a lot of money on education. With most programs taking less than two years to complete, you can be working in your new career in no time!

The medical assistant profession

Medical Assistants are in high demand and the profession is expected to grow by 29% from 2016 to 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. But what does it cost to become a medical assistant, and is the investment worth it?

The median annual salary for medical assistants was $33,610 in 2017, meaning half of all medical assistants earned less than this amount and half earned more. Salaries vary depending on experience, location, and other factors. The top 10% of medical assistants earned more than $47,080, while the bottom 10% earned less than $24,350.

The duties of a medical assistant

Medical assistants are allied health professionals who support the work of physicians and other health professionals, usually in outpatient clinics. The scope of their work varies widely, from taking medical histories and recording vital signs, to performing basic laboratory tests, to scheduling patients for surgery. Some medical assistants specialize in areas such as podiatry or ophthalmology. Most medical assistants have postsecondary education, although some states allow them to work with on-the-job training.

The duties of a medical assistant vary depending on state law and the policies of the physicians or other health care providers they work for. In general, medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks that support the work of health care professionals. These tasks may include:

Taking and recording patients’ medical histories
Recording patients’ vital signs
Preparing patients for examination
Assisting with diagnostic procedures, such as collecting tissue samples for lab analysis
Administering medications as directed by a physician
Drawing blood
Scheduling appointments
Instructing patients about medication and diet

The necessary educational requirements

In order to become a medical assistant, you will need to complete an accredited medical assistant program. These programs typically take between one and two years to complete and can be found at community colleges, technical schools, and online schools. The cost of these programs can range from a few thousand dollars to upwards of $10,000, depending on the length and location of the program. In addition to the tuition for the program, you will also need to budget for books, supplies, and other fees associated with the program.

The cost of medical assistant education

The cost of medical assistant education varies depending on the type of program you choose and the length of the program. Certificate programs typically last about three months and cost between $1,000 and $2,500. Diploma programs usually last six months to a year and cost between $2,000 and $4,000. Associate’s degree programs typically take two years to complete and cost between $4,000 and $10,000.

The cost of medical assistant certification

While the median salary for medical assistants was $32,860 per year in 2016,1 the cost of medical assistant certification varies depending on the route you take. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect to pay for medical assistant certification.

The cost of medical assistant certification through an accredited program is typically between $1,200 and $5,000.2 Some schools also charge application and registration fees, which can add another $100 or more to your total costs. Most accredited programs take between nine and 12 months to complete, although some accelerated programs can be completed in as little as six months.3

You may be able to offset some of the costs of medical assistant certification by applying for financial aid or scholarships. Many schools offer both need-based and merit-based scholarships to help students cover the costs of tuition and other expenses. You may also be able to find scholarships specifically for medical assistants through professional organizations such as the American Association of Medical Assistants foundation.4

The cost of medical assistant liability insurance

The cost of medical assistant liability insurance varies by state, but is typically between $300 and $500 per year. In some states, like Texas, the cost is as high as $1,000 per year. The cost of malpractice insurance for medical assistants is also typically between $300 and $500 per year.

The cost of medical assistant uniforms

One of the most important things you’ll need as a medical assistant is a well-fitting, professional uniform. Medical assistant uniforms can range in price from around $30 to $200, depending on the brand and style you choose.

Some companies that make medical assistant uniforms include:
-Dickies
-Landau
-Grey’s Anatomy
-Cherokee

The cost of medical assistant continuing education

Medical assistant continuing education is important to maintain your certification, but it can also be costly. The cost of medical assistant continuing education varies depending on the type of coursework you choose and the length of the program. Many medical assistant continuing education programs are offered online, which can help reduce the cost of tuition. However, you may also be responsible for other costs such as books, supplies, and fees.

The cost of medical assistant membership fees

The cost of medical assistant membership fees varies depending on the organization. The largest organization, the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), charges $50 for an annual individual membership. For those who wish to join as a student, the cost is $20. There are also state and local chapters of the AAMA that have their own membership dues. Some chapters offer discounts to members who join multiple organizations.