Medical Assistant Certification Programs
Certified medical assistants are high in demand, with a job growth of 29% expected in the years from 2016 to 2026. Even though most states do not require medical assistants to be certified, most employers across the country prefer those with certifications and advanced credentials. There are several agencies offering certificate programs for medical assistants. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, The National Commission for Certifying Agencies, which is part of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence, accredits the following certifications for medical assistants:
- “Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from American Medical Technologists
- National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) from the National Center for Competency Testing
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) from the National Healthcareer Association
- Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) from the National Healthcareer Association”
Can I Get a Medical Assistant Certification Online?
If you are looking for the answer to how to become a medical assistant fast, the online medical assistant certification might be the answer for you. Since you can vary the pace of online programs, you might be able to complete it quicker than traditional programs. However, bear in mind that medical assistant requirements need to be fulfilled in any case.
For online students, externships are typically mandatory so that they can learn the required concepts in a real medical facility. Many colleges and community colleges offer online certification programs that will qualify the students to sit for the certification exams listed above.
What Classes are Required for Medical Assistant Programs?
To complete a medical assistant program, you will need to be well-versed in certain subjects. These include classes such as Introduction to Medical Terminology, Emergencies in the Medical Office, Vital Signs, Medical Insurance, Blood Testing, Electronic Records, Preparing and Administering Medications, Pharmacology, Patient Exam, Legal and Ethical Issues in Medicine, Coding Systems for Basic Diagnosis, Billing and Communications with Patients. The exact course structure for medical assistants would vary according to the program you go for, and the college that is offering your chosen program.
How Much Does it Cost to Become a Medical Assistant?
The cost to become a medical assistant will vary according to the college you enroll yourself into. The lowest cost bracket could be $1,500 to $5,000 while the higher cost colleges may be $10,000 or above. You are advised to check with the individual financial departments of your chosen colleges to get an accurate idea of the cost to become a medical assistant.
Top Colleges for Medical Assistant Certification Online
Several colleges and institutes in the US are offering online programs for medical assistants. Some of them are listed below:
- US Career Institute
- Grantham University
- Southwestern Community College
- Century College
- State Fair Community College
- San Joaquin Valley College
- Rasmussen College
- The College of Health Care Professional
- Ultimate Medical Academy
All of these colleges have online or hybrid programs, in relatively affordable costs. For details, you can check their official websites.
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