The journey to becoming a medical assistant is exciting, but the overwhelming number of training programs can make it feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Don't let the abundance of choices dampen your enthusiasm. We're here to guide you through the maze of options and help you discover the perfect program tailored to your unique needs and aspirations.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the decision-making process, from confirming the medical assistant role aligns with your interests and ambitions to understanding the hallmarks of a top-notch training program.
In This Article:
Medical Assistant School Overview
Medical assistants play a vital role in the healthcare ecosystem, interacting directly with patients and performing a diverse range of clinical and administrative tasks. From welcoming patients and gathering their medical history to managing office schedules and recording vital signs, a career as a medical assistant can be a dynamic and rewarding experience.
Understanding the necessary education and training is crucial to excelling in this field. To help you get started on your path, let’s examine a few general tips for your decision-making process. Then, we’ll discuss the top features you should look for in a medical assistant certificate program before deciding.
Need to learn more about medical assisting careers first? Explore our medical assistant career guide for the role’s responsibilities, education requirements, salary, and outlook.
Tips for Your Medical Assistant Program Selection Process
Choosing the right MA program is a big decision, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. The following tips can help you build a foundation to get started.
- Get to know the role. Before jumping headfirst into your program search, ensure the medical assistant role aligns with your interests and career goals. Do you enjoy interacting with people? Are you interested in the medical field? If so, then this might be the perfect path for you. If you’re unsure or need more information, check out our clinical medical assistant and administrative medical assistant career guides for more details about the responsibilities of medical assistants.
- Know your personal learning style. Are you a hands-on learner who thrives in a clinical setting? Do you need a balance of online theory instruction vs in-person training? Knowing how you learn will help you find a program that complements your strengths and preferences.
- Assess your time availability. Medical assistant programs come in various lengths, so be realistic about how much time you can commit to your studies. Do you need a program with flexible scheduling or one that gets you job-ready quickly?
- Consider the practical aspects. Location is key, so think about whether relocating for your training is an option. If not, focus on schools near you. It’s also important to consider your work and family life. If you're juggling multiple responsibilities, you'll want a program that fits seamlessly into your busy schedule.
Top Factors to Consider When Choosing a Medical Assistant Program
Now that you've taken some time to reflect on your personal preferences and needs, let's explore the details that set medical assisting programs apart. To make an informed decision, assessing your prospective school's reputation, accreditations, and other key factors is crucial. This holistic approach will ensure you choose a program that not only aligns with your career goals but also provides a solid foundation for a successful future in healthcare.
Reputation Research – Unpacking the Program’s Accreditation, Reviews, & Post-Grad Licensing Options
What’s the school's culture like? Does it feel like a supportive and encouraging environment where you'll thrive? Equally important is the program's recognition within the healthcare community. Is the school or program endorsed or accredited by recognized institutions? Will you be able to pursue the certification, licensing, and credentialing you’re aiming for upon graduation? These essential questions help determine if the program supports your goals and intentions.
Certified Medical Assistant Training & Credentialing
Choosing an accredited medical assisting program is critical if you want to pursue an academic credential. Not all medical assistants have an academic credential, but it does improve employment options and pay scale. Accreditation also ensures that the program meets rigorous standards of quality.
Medical Assistant Certification & State Licensing
Additionally, to qualify for the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam, one of the most widely recognized medical assistant certifications, the program you graduate from must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). At the College of Health Care Professions (CHCP), we’re proud to be accredited by the ABHES, demonstrating our commitment to excellence in healthcare education.
Other medical assisting certification exams have minimum program lengths or work experience requirements, so make sure that your chosen medical assistant school or program meets your certification aspirations. While some certification exams don't require graduating from an accredited program, many employers generally prefer a medical assistant to have an MA credential.
Additionally, each state has its own medical assistant licensing requirements, so ensure your chosen program prepares you for licensure in your desired location. CHCP's programs are designed to help prepare students for state licensure in Texas, so they can be confident they’re on the right track to pursue their careers.
Alumni Reviews & School Reputation
Take the time to research the school's reputation within the healthcare community. Read online reviews from alumni to get a sense of their experiences and satisfaction with the program. CHCP boasts a strong reputation and has been educating allied healthcare professionals for over 35 years, with more than 38,500 graduates and over 6,000 employer partners.
Medical Assistant Education - Determining the Program’s Curriculum & Length
What will you learn? How long does it take to complete the medical assistant training program? While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, the best medical assisting programs will provide a comprehensive education that equips you with the skills and knowledge to thrive in this dynamic field. Let's take a closer look at the essential elements of a well-rounded medical assistant curriculum.
What’s Covered in the Medical Assisting Program
The ideal MA program will cover both administrative and clinical skills, including those such as:
Administrative Skills
- Medical Terminology: A strong foundation in medical terminology is essential for understanding medical records, communicating with healthcare professionals, and accurately documenting patient information.
- Medical Office Procedures: Students should learn to schedule appointments, maintain patient records, manage insurance claims, and handle billing and coding tasks.
- Medical Law and Ethics: Understanding legal and ethical guidelines is crucial for maintaining patient confidentiality, complying with regulations, and ensuring a safe and professional healthcare environment.
- Communication Skills: Effective communication is vital for building rapport with patients, relaying information to healthcare providers, and resolving conflicts professionally.
Clinical Skills
- Anatomy and Physiology: A thorough understanding of the human body is essential for performing clinical tasks safely and accurately.
- Infection Control and Safety: Medical assistants must be well-versed in infection control procedures to prevent the spread of disease and maintain a sterile environment.
- Patient Care Procedures: Students should learn to take vital signs, perform basic wound care, administer medications, assist with examinations, and collect and process lab specimens.
- Pharmacology: Understanding the basics of pharmacology is essential for administering medications safely and educating patients about their prescriptions.
- Emergency Procedures: Medical assistants should be prepared to respond to emergencies, including performing CPR and first aid.
Medical Assistant Program Length
How long does it take to become a medical assistant? The answer varies depending on the program type and institution. Let's explore the different options and their typical durations:
MA & CMA Certificate Programs
- Duration: Typically ranges from nine months to one year.
- Focus: These programs provide a focused education, covering essential administrative and clinical skills for entry-level positions.
- Benefits: Certificate programs have a shorter duration and lower cost than degree programs and may be ideal for those who want to enter the workforce quickly.
Associate Degree Programs
- Duration: Typically takes two years to complete.
- Focus: These programs typically cover a wider range of topics in addition to the core medical assisting skills. Students may take courses in general education, healthcare management, or other related areas.
- Benefits: Provides a broader knowledge base and may open more career advancement opportunities.
Choosing the Right Program Length
Your ideal program length will depend on your goals, learning style, and time constraints. Factors like transfer credits, AP classes, and vocational experience can also influence the duration. A diploma or certificate program may be the best option if you want a quick and affordable way to enter the workforce. Remember to factor in the time it will take to obtain the necessary certifications and licensure specific to your location and desired role.
Hands-On Clinical Training, Learning Modalities, & Externship Opportunities
Learning Modalities: On-Campus, Hybrid, & Online Medical Assistant Programs
Medical assisting is a hands-on profession, making in-person clinical training crucial for mastering essential skills. As a result, fully online medical assisting programs may not provide the hands-on training needed to develop essential skills effectively. Hybrid programs like the Online Medical Assisting Certificate Program at CHCP offer an alternative to fully online or on-campus options, providing a convenient blend of flexibility and clinical practice.
Medical Assistant Program Location
Since you’ll need to be able to commute to your chosen program for hands-on clinical practice, it’s important to make sure you choose the right location. CHCP offers multiple campuses throughout several major Texas metropolitan areas with both online and on-campus learning options. No matter which location you choose for your medical assisting program, visit your prospective campus and classrooms to get a sense of what resources will be available for your clinical training.
Externship Support
Most medical assisting programs involve an externship, which may or may not be included in the program's listed duration. Externships offer invaluable real-world experience, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Some employers even hire externs upon program completion, highlighting the importance of choosing a program with strong employer partnerships and established externship networks.
Cost of a Medical Assistant Program
Affordability is a key consideration when choosing a program. When researching the accumulative cost of each program, make sure to include estimates for additional expenses such as textbooks, supplies, and lab fees. For example, a medical assistant program will likely require you to purchase your own scrubs and a stethoscope, but some programs provide those for you.
At CHCP, we simplify understanding your costs with our net price calculator, which offers a way to estimate your overall program costs. We keep our tuition rates transparent and offer financial aid options for qualifying students. It might be possible to work during some of your training, especially if you choose a blended or hybrid program that offers online classes and in-person labs. You will need time off while doing your clinical portion of the training. However, if your employer supports your effort to go back to school, they may be willing to give you that time.
Student Resources: Financial Aid & Career Services
A good medical assisting school will likely offer a variety of student resources, such as academic advising, tutoring, career services, and financial aid counseling. Our CHCP team is dedicated to your success and provides comprehensive support services to help you achieve your goals.
For many, financial aid will allow them to afford to take a program. If financial aid is necessary for you, look for a program that can guide you. Look beyond student loans, too. Financial aid can mean scholarships or grants. Some schools offer discounts for military service. You’ll want to look for a program with a financial aid coordinator or department.
Career Services & Job Placement Assistance
Career services and job placement assistance are valuable assets when choosing a program. While no school guarantees placement, those offering career services can provide a significant advantage. They often have established relationships with employers seeking qualified candidates, giving their graduates a competitive edge in the job market.
Admission Requirements
The admission requirements for medical assisting programs vary from school to school. Most MA programs will require a high school diploma or equivalent. They may also require a background check, an entrance assessment, and some prerequisite studies. Some schools have an interview process because they have limited availability, while others can take on any student who meets their basic age and entrance requirements. To be considered for the medical assisting programs at CHCP, students must have a high school diploma or GED, a Scholastic Level Exam score of at least 10 (score of 13 for the online program), and the ability to read and write in English.
Earn Your Medical Assistant Certificate at CHCP
The Medical Assistant Certificate Program at The College of Health Care Professions, spanning 36 to 48 weeks, is an excellent choice for students searching for a program in Texas. Founded by physicians and institutionally accredited by ABHES, CHCP has over 35 years of experience training healthcare professionals.
With a statewide network of employer partners, financial aid options for qualifying students, and job placement assistance, CHCP provides a comprehensive and supportive environment for your medical assisting journey. Students can choose from convenient on-campus and hybrid learning modalities at campuses across the state, including Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth, Houston, McAllen, and San Antonio.
Our program emphasizes hands-on clinical skills and externship opportunities, preparing you to confidently launch your healthcare career.
Ready to get started? Apply today to start your medical assisting journey.
