Seattle Central Offers Medical Assistant Training

Seattle Central Community College’s medical assistant training program has been preparing students for careers in healthcare for over 40 years. The program offers both classroom and laboratory instruction in a variety of topics, including Medical Terminology anatomy and physiology, phonetic spelling, transcription, and medical office procedures. The program also includes a clinical externship, which gives students the opportunity to learn firsthand from experienced medical professionals.

What is a medical assistant?

Medical assistants are multi-skilled health professionals specifically trained to work in ambulatory settings such as medical offices and clinics. They perform both clinical and administrative tasks such as checking patients in for appointments, taking and recording vital signs, drawing blood, administering medications and scheduling laboratory tests. Medical Assistants are usually supervised by a physician or licensed medical professional such as a nurse or phlebotomist.

The duties of a medical assistant

Medical assistants are in demand! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this rewarding career is expected to grow much faster than average in the coming years.* Our Medical Assistant program can be completed in as little as four quarters, and will give you the skills and confidence you need to begin working in a medical office or clinic.

In this exciting role, you will work directly with patients and their families, providing both administrative and clinical support. Duties may include taking medical histories, preparing patients for examination, drawing blood, administering injections, ordering and documenting lab tests, handling correspondence, scheduling appointments and assisting with billing. You will also participate in quality assurance activities and infection control procedures.

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Medical Assistants, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm (visited March 08, 2016).

The benefits of medical assistant training

Medical assistants perform many important tasks in doctors’ offices, clinics and other healthcare settings. They are a vital part of the healthcare team, and their duties vary depending on the size and type of facility they work in. Most medical assistants have at least a high school diploma, although some have completed postsecondary medical assistant training programs.

While not required, medical assistant certification can be beneficial. The Certification Board of Registered Medical Assistants offers the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential. To earn this credential, candidates must pass a national exam. Becoming certified demonstrates that a medical assistant has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform his or her job effectively.

Medical assistants who are interested in furthering their education may pursue an associate degree or bachelor’s degree in medical assisting or a related field such as health sciences or healthcare administration. These programs typically take two to four years to complete and include coursework in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, insurance billing and coding, office procedures and more.

The curriculum of Seattle Central’s medical assistant training

The curriculum of Seattle Central’s medical assistant training is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to perform the duties of a medical assistant. The program provides both didactic and clinical instruction in medical office procedures, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and pharmacology. In addition, students gain experience in taking and recording patient histories, performing physical examinations, and assisting physicians with diagnostic procedures.

The cost of medical assistant training

The cost of medical assistant training can vary depending on the type of program you choose. Certificate programs are typically less expensive than degree programs, but they may not offer the same level of job opportunities after graduation. Associate’s degree programs in medical assisting typically take two years to complete and may cost more than certificate programs, but they can lead to better job prospects.

The admissions requirements for medical assistant training

In order to be accepted into Seattle Central’s medical assistant training program, applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, as well as basic math and reading skills. Additionally, applicants must complete an entrance exam with a score of 80% or higher.

The job outlook for medical assistants

The job outlook for medical assistants is excellent, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 29% growth in employment of medical assistants between 2016 and 2026. This is much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations, which is 7%. The aging baby-boomer population and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will lead to an increased demand for preventive medical services, which are often provided by medical assistants.

The career options for medical assistants

With the aging population and the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the need for medical assistants is expected to grow 23 percent from 2016 to 2026, which is much faster than average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). What this means for you is that with proper training, you can have your pick of career opportunities in a wide variety of settings.

After completing a medical assistant program, you will be able to work in:
-Hospitals
-Doctors’ offices
-Clinics
-Urgent care centers
-Community health centers
-Schools
-Nursing homes

How to become a medical assistant

Interested in becoming a medical assistant but not sure where to start? Look no further than Seattle Central College. Our comprehensive eight-month program will give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this rewarding field.

Becoming a medical assistant is a great way to start a career in healthcare without spending years in school. Medical assistants perform a variety of important tasks, from scheduling appointments and taking patient histories to administering injections and assisting with minor surgical procedures. They are an essential part of any medical team.

At Seattle Central, you’ll receive hands-on training in all aspects of medical assisting, from basic office procedures to clinical skills. You’ll also have the opportunity to take coursework in related fields such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and pharmacology. Upon completion of the program, you’ll be eligible to sit for the certified medical assistant (CMA) exam.

If you’re looking for an exciting career in healthcare with plenty of opportunities for growth, contact us today to learn more about our medical assistant training program!

Seattle Central Offers Medical Assistant Training