Online Medical Assistant Programs in Arkansas

Online medical assistant Programs in Arkansas can help you get the education you need to pursue a career in the medical field.

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Introduction

Medical assistants are in high demand in Arkansas. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistant jobs are expected to grow 23% from 2016 to 2026 in Arkansas — much faster than the average for all occupations.1

If you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant you may be wondering how to get started. One option is to enroll in an online medical assistant program.

Online medical assistant programs provide students with the flexibility to complete their studies around their busy schedules. And, since most of the coursework can be completed online, students can attend school from anywhere in Arkansas.

In this guide, we’ll provide an overview of what you can expect from an online medical assistant program. We’ll also cover topics like admissions requirements, coursework and certificates/licenses that may be required to work as a medical assistant in Arkansas.

What is a Medical Assistant?

A medical assistant is an unlicensed member of the healthcare team who works under the supervision of a licensed physician or registered nurse. Medical Assistants perform both clinical and administrative duties in doctors’ offices, clinics, and other healthcare settings. Clinical duties may include taking patient medical histories and vital signs, preparing patients for examination, assisting the physician during the exam, and performing basic laboratory tests. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, billing patients, handling correspondence, and maintaining medical records

Most medical assistants have postsecondary education such as a certificate from a community college or vocational school. Some states have certification programs for medical assistants. Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2024. As the Baby Boomer population ages and people continue to seek out more preventive care services, demand for qualified medical assistants will continue to increase.

Duties of a Medical Assistant

Medical assistants are responsible for a variety of tasks in the medical office, ranging from patient care to administrative duties. They may work in both clinical and administrative settings, or they may specialize in one area or the other. However, all medical assistants share a common goal: to provide quality patient care and support the physician in providing that care.

Clinical duties of a medical assistant include taking and recording vital signs, such as blood pressure and weight; preparing patients for examinations; collecting and processing laboratory specimens; performing basic laboratory tests; sterilizing medical instruments; assisting with office surgeries; and applying dressings to wounds. Medical assistants also may give injections and immunizations under the direction of a licensed physician.

Administrative duties of a medical assistant include scheduling appointments, maintaining Medical records billing patients for services, and coding insurance forms. They also may be responsible for ordering supplies, handling correspondence, and providing customer service to patients.

Medical Assistant Programs in Arkansas

Medical Assistant Programs in Arkansas offer students the opportunity to earn a certificate or diploma in a medical assisting program. Students who complete these programs will be able to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam and, upon passing, will be eligible for entry-level positions in medical offices, clinics and hospitals.

There are several schools that offer medical assistant programs in Arkansas, including colleges, community colleges and technical schools. Most of these programs can be completed in less than two years and many offer evening and weekend classes to accommodate students’ busy schedules.

Some of the medical assistant programs available in Arkansas are listed below, along with a brief description of each program. For more information about any of these programs, please contact the school directly.

-Arkansas State University – Beebe: The medical assistant program at ASU-Beebe is a 60-credit hour program that can be completed in as little as 18 months. The program includes classroom instruction, laboratory work and an externship, and prepares students to take the CMA exam.

-Crowley’s Ridge College: Crowley’s Ridge College offers a 61-credit hour medical assisting diploma program that can be completed in 18 months. The program includes classroom instruction as well as an externship, and prepares students to sit for the CMA exam.

-Northwest Arkansas Community College: NWACC offers a 63-credit hour medical assisting certificate program that can be completed in 19 months. The curriculum includes classroom instruction, laboratory work and an externship, and prepares students to take the CMA exam upon graduation.

Online Medical Assistant Programs

There are many online medical assistant programs in Arkansas. The type of program you choose will depend on your educational goals and your career aspirations. If you want to become a certified medical assistant, you’ll need to complete an accredited program that offers both classroom and clinical instruction. These programs typically take about two years to complete.

If you’re interested in working in a medical office but don’t want to become a certified medical assistant, you can opt for an online program that focuses on administrative tasks. These programs generally take about six months to complete.

No matter what type of online medical assistant program you choose, you’ll be able to prepare for a rewarding career in the medical field.

Advantages of Online Medical Assistant Programs

There are many advantages to completing an online medical assistant program in Arkansas. One of the most important advantages is the flexibility that online programs offer. Students who are working full-time or taking care of a family can often find it difficult to attend classes on a campus. Online programs allow students to complete their coursework on their own time, at their own pace.

Another advantage of online medical assistant programs is the cost. Online programs are often more affordable than traditional campus-based programs. In addition, many online programs offer scholarships and financial aid opportunities to help students with the cost of tuition.

Finally, online medical assistant programs offer students the opportunity to gain real-world experience through externships and clinical rotations. These experiences can be very beneficial when it comes time to start looking for a job after graduation.

Disadvantages of Online Medical Assistant Programs

Although there are many advantages to signing up for an online medical assistant program, there are also a few disadvantages that you should be aware of before making your final decision. Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind:

-One of the biggest disadvantages of online medical assistant programs is that you will not have the opportunity to work with patients in person. This can be a major downside if you are interested in a career in patient care.
-Another disadvantage of online medical assistant programs is that you will not receive any on-the-job training. This means that you will need to be extra careful when completing your coursework and taking your exams, as there will be no one there to help guide you through the process.
-Lastly, online medical assistant programs can be quite expensive, especially if you choose to enroll in a program that is not accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many accredited online medical assistant programs in Arkansas. With so many schools to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. We hope that this guide has been helpful in making your decision.

References

There are a few online medical assistant programs in Arkansas that have been accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). These programs will prepare you to take the certified medical assistant exam and to work in a variety of medical settings.

Some of the schools that offer online medical assistant programs in Arkansas include:

-National American University-Little Rock
-Pulaski Technical College-North Little Rock
-Arkansas State University-Newport
-Remington College-Little Rock Campus