STEPS TO TAKE IN MEDICAL ASSISTANT PROGRAMS IN THE UNITED STATES
Every year, thousands of students enroll in medical assistant programs in the United States to learn about the healthcare industry. Indeed, for those with the necessary qualities and skills, a career as a medical assistant is an excellent choice. When deciding on the best medical assistant programs to enroll in, you must take many factors into account. Consider all of your options before making any final decisions if you want to be successful. Learn about the best medical assistant programs in the United States and find one that fits your learning style and educational goals.
How Long Do Medical Assistant Programs Take to Complete?
Medical assistant programs typically last 12 to 18 months and require students to complete 900 to 1,500 hours of training. Medical billing and coding, anatomy and physiology, first aid/CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), clerical procedures, and office management will all be covered. The American Association of Medical Assistants recommends two certification programs: Certified Medical Assistants (CMA) and Certified Clinical Medical Assistants (CCMAs). These certifications are for those who want to advance their careers or be recognized as experts in their fields. As a result, depending on the state, a high school diploma or GED, or bachelor’s degree is required.
A Summary of the Best Medical Assistant Programs
Medical assistants are essential members of any professional medical team. Because they perform numerous tasks that assist doctors and other healthcare practitioners in providing high-quality care to patients. These duties can range from administrative tasks like answering phones and scheduling appointments to providing basic health care services under the supervision of a doctor. According to your state’s laws, you may also be required to take vital signs (such as blood pressure) and keep records of patient visits. Before you are certified by your state or licensed by your employer, you must understand the skills required for success and the necessary training. According to US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projections, the job market for medical assistants will grow by 36% from 2016 to 2026.
Three Kinds of Medical Assistants
Knowing what to expect before enrolling in a medical assistant program is the best way to make an informed decision about your professional future. Medical assistants are classified into three types: clinical, administrative, and research. It’s important to understand that there are multiple paths to becoming a medical assistant. Each job type has its own set of opportunities and responsibilities, and not all are appropriate for every personality type or learning style.
Top Schools
California State University, East Bay
The medical assistant programs at California State University, East Bay prepares students for employment after they graduate. Undergraduate students can complete a full program in nine months, including specialized courses, practical training, and clinical work experience. To apply to the programs, you do not need to meet any prerequisites. Furthermore, during their final quarter of training, students are assigned to a healthcare facility for paid clinical experience. CSU-East Bay graduates receive an Associate of Science degree from one of California’s most prestigious public universities, with a specialization. In addition, they may be able to teach in their schools or work as teachers at other institutions that offer continuing education programs if they have a secondary teaching credential.
Touro University Worldwide, Nevada
Touro University Worldwide is a private university with highly regarded medical assistant programs. If you complete your studies at Touro University California, you will receive an Associate of Science in medical assisting. Your credits will also transfer to Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine for admission to its master’s and doctorate programs. Tuition is $5,160 per semester, or $10,320 total, for California residents who are not eligible for financial aid. Students complete clinical experiences at local hospitals and clinics in addition to general studies courses such as anatomy and physiology lab. Touro University graduates should have no trouble finding work anywhere in the world.
Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana, Anderson
Anyone interested in becoming a medical assistant should look into Ivy Tech’s applied science programs. The on-campus and online curriculum at Ivy covers everything from anatomy to physiology to clinical procedures. Students are also taught computer applications that will help them become more efficient at work. This includes billing and documentation software, which enables them to enter data into a database. Although students are expected to gain practical experience by assisting doctors or other healthcare professionals, job placement services are available for those who require assistance in finding employment after graduation.
Ivy Tech degrees can also lead to professional certifications such as Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT), Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT), and Clinical Lab Scientist Certification.
Clark Atlanta University, Georgia
Clark Atlanta University is one of only four schools listed here that is accredited by the AACRAO (Association of American College and Universities). This school is also fully accredited by CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs). It provides a four-year degree that leads to certification as a medical assistant as well as a phlebotomist. Graduates have the option of studying full-time or part-time. And there will be plenty of job opportunities for them. On campus, there are 23 career-focused programs, as well as a satellite location at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. For adult learners interested in online learning, the school also offers online programs, over 20 undergraduate degrees, and graduate degrees.
New York Institute of Technology, Westchester Campus
The American Association of Medical Assistants has approved NYIT’s medical assistant programs (AAMA). The program emphasizes hands-on learning, so you will have plenty of opportunities to practice with real patients. You will also have the opportunity to meet and network with local professionals and professors who are leaders in their fields. You can earn industry credentials such as Certified EKG Technician (CET) or Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) by specializing in your studies (CPT). Both options will help to improve your resume. Graduates of NYIT’s programs also receive continuing education credits, which allow them to keep their skills current after graduation.
Montgomery College, Rockville Campus
Montgomery College, a four-year community college on a 48-acre campus, first welcomed students in 1966. It provides a wide range of educational opportunities, including medical assistant programs. The Campus is proud to be accredited by some of the nation’s most prestigious accreditation bodies, including the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), the Council on Occupational Education (COE), and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) (National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission).
Students are primarily taught by faculty rather than teaching assistants, which allows them to receive hands-on training at their own pace with fewer interruptions from peers who have already mastered certain skills. Montgomery College offers certificates and associate degrees in three specializations: surgical assisting, diagnostic medical assistant, and phlebotomy. Students with no prior work experience or training are eligible for the programs. However, each specialization has specific prerequisites that must be met before enrolling. Surgical assistants must have a high school diploma or GED, whereas phlebotomists must have a high school diploma or GED. Also required is certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) as a Phlebotomy Technician Level I (PBT I) or II (PBT II). Furthermore, diagnostic Medical Assistants must have a high school diploma or GED, as well as ASCP PBT I certification.
American Sentinel University, Colorado Springs Campus
Medical assistant schools can also be completed through an online course. Fortunately, American Sentinel University offers a wide range of online programs, including associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and even a doctorate program.
The college was founded by industry professionals who understand what it takes to be a successful medical assistant. And who has witnessed firsthand how stressful and complicated it is to be a medical professional. This expertise translates into excellent programs that produce tangible results for students.
Fortis College Online Division, Texas
Fortis College offers a variety of courses for prospective students. Many candidates will find the school’s online associate degree program in medical assisting to be a convenient option. Those who require a flexible schedule to accommodate work and family obligations, in particular. It takes approximately two years to complete. As a result, prospective students will have plenty of time to gather all of their materials before graduating. Over 1,200 hours of instruction are included in the curriculum, which covers topics such as medical terminology, insurance reimbursement codes, and laboratory procedures. The cost per credit hour is $324, plus a $50 registration fee per semester, which is comparable to other accredited programs. These are available both on campus and online.
Basic Steps to Become a Medical Assistant
Inquire with your high school counselor about CNA and medical assistant programs in your area.
Choose the programs that are best for you.
- Begin volunteering at a hospital or physician’s office near you to learn about patient care before graduating from high school or college.
- Choose a two-year associate degree programs that will prepare you for post-graduation licensure as a CNA or MA.
- Finally, finish your certification and apply for positions in hospitals, labs, medical centers, and doctor’s offices wherever you want to work.
- This appears to be a lot of steps toward a career. However, after completing your training, you could be licensed and work as a medical assistant within two years.
Common Coding Systems Used By Medical Assistants
The vast majority of medical assistants have received CPT and ICD-9 coding training. A nurse’s ability to communicate with doctors and other staff members about a patient’s medical condition, on the other hand, is critical. Top medical assistant programs will teach you these coding systems. You can save a lot of time in your first year of work if you learn these codes. Following that, you will quickly type patient information.
Maintaining Accurate Patient Records
Good medical records are critical for assisting doctors and medical assistants in remembering important details about patients’ previous health. They also help to ensure that everything is correct and legible, avoiding costly mistakes. One of the most common errors in maintaining patient records is failing to pay close attention to spelling and grammar. You must spell every word correctly and write every sentence correctly to ensure that your notes are clear and grammatically correct. This makes it easier for others to understand what you’re saying. The second most common error in keeping patient records is retaining too much information. A person who is unfamiliar with a patient or his or her history will most likely only require a few key pieces of information. After all, having too much information can make things more difficult to find.
Ethics & HIPAA Compliance for Healthcare Professionals
Medical assistants may have access to sensitive patient information, such as medical histories and social security numbers. As a result, the HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) mandates that medical assistants receive extensive training to protect patient information.
All HIPAA-compliant medical facilities require medical assistants to complete formal training programs before they can work. It usually includes both online and on-site components. Furthermore, some employers require certification.
As a result, HIPAA-Certified medical assistants should have no trouble finding work or launching their businesses.
Relationships & Communication with Physicians
Communication is essential in a medical assistant’s relationship with a physician. As a result, your medical assistant training programs should be your first point of contact with a physician. You can learn how to communicate effectively and work as part of a team there.
As a result, you will have an advantage over someone who has never worked in a healthcare setting and is unaware of the advantages of working with a team of healthcare professionals.
Career Options for Medical Assistants
Medical assistants (also known as clinical medical assistants) assist physicians and other healthcare practitioners in the administration of their practices. They schedule appointments, keep medical records, organize files, and file reports, among other things. These are some of your options if you decide to become a medical assistant: On-the-Job Training: Internships at existing practices are one way to gain work experience that can help when applying for jobs. In addition, if they have worked in a clinic setting for several years, new graduates with some college education may be eligible for entry-level positions and management roles. Although it is not required for most jobs, students should obtain a degree in medical assisting or a related field before beginning an internship or job search. Online Courses: If you are unable to enroll in courses at an accredited institution but still want instruction from experienced professionals and access to instructional materials such as books and audio/video recordings, distance learning may be ideal for you.
Nevada US State
Five Top Medical Assisting Programs to Consider In Nevada
In Nevada, there are certificate programs, associate degree programs, diploma programs, and bachelor’s degree programs.
It can be difficult to know where to begin unless you know what kind of career you want. As a result, becoming a certified medical assistant could provide you with a plethora of new opportunities in Nevada. The following are the top five medical assisting programs in Nevada:
- University of Nevada-Reno, Reno
- Western Nevada College, Carson City
- Truckee Meadows Community College, Reno
- The University of Phoenix-Nevada Campus, Las Vegas
- Western Institute of Health and Technology at Sierra Nevada College.
Community Colleges & Others
In Nevada, there are numerous community colleges and private institutions that offer medical assistant programs. A list of schools offering programs is provided below:
- Mesa College – Mesquite,
- Southern Nevada Junior College – Henderson,
- Eagle Ridge Hospital – Las Vegas,
- Desert Research Institute – Las Vegas,
- Mountain View Hospital/Medical Center – near Las Vegas, also
- Urgent Care Clinic – near Las Vegas.
What Are Accredited Medical Assistant Programs In Nevada?
Nevada community colleges and technical schools offer over 20 accredited medical assistant programs. You can obtain certification if you complete a program and pass an exam.
For example, students who complete a Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) training programs and pass their exam can become certified with only one year of hands-on experience or two years of formal education.
How Do I Become A Certified Medical Assistant In Nevada?
Becoming a certified medical assistant (CMA) is a great way to get started in Nevada’s burgeoning healthcare industry. You must complete an accredited program and pass one of two certification exams to become a CMA. The following step is to apply for your license.
So, you can apply for a medical assistant license by submitting the necessary documentation and fees to your state’s board of healthcare examiners. The Nevada Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) will review all documents submitted and determine your eligibility for licensure. If this is the case, they will issue your official license as well as any business permits or certificates of authority required by federal law or regulation.
What Are The Medical Assistant Salaries In Nevada?
Clinical medical assistants earned the following annual salary in Nevada, according to national salary survey data compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
- In Las Vegas, prices range from $34,150 to $44,040; in Carson City, prices range from $36,980 to $41,990; and in Reno, prices range from $36,330 to $47,050.
- EKG technicians earn $70,380, radiology technologists earn $63,710, and surgical and medical assisting administrators to earn $16.72 per hour.
These figures are averages that can vary depending on location, experience level, and other factors.
How Much Does Medical Assistant Training In Nevada Cost On Average?
The cost of a program is determined by a variety of factors, including where you live, the type of programs you want to pursue, and whether you qualify for financial aid.
However, associate degree programs in Nevada start at $4,000 per year for full-time students. Tuition and books can be included in the price or just tuition.
Associate degrees typically last about 1-2 years, but many people find them valuable enough to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
What Is Better, CMA or CCMA?
These are two distinct credentials that necessitate different levels of education and training. The CMA is a national credential, which means you can transfer your certification between states. In Nevada, for example, these credentials require approximately 1,800 hours of training at an accredited school over 21 months.
Because the CCMA is a Nevada-specific credential, you must re-certify every year. As a result, it necessitates 40 hours of continuing education but excludes skills such as medical law and ethics or diagnostic testing. Both credentials are entry-level positions that prepare students for work in labs, physician offices, and hospitals.
Which Is Better, CMA or RMA?
Both certifications are very similar, but they differ slightly. As a result, a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) concentrates on general medical practice.
A Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) focuses on administrative and clinical tasks. So, which is superior? It depends.
If you want to work as an office manager or front desk attendant with little patient contact, a CMA certification may be right for you. If you want to work directly with patients as an assistant, RMA certification may be a better fit.
Regardless of whether you choose CMA or RMA, make sure your chosen program meets Nevada state requirements.
Conclusion
A medical assistant career is an excellent choice for a student who is interested in health care and wants to work with professionals and assist nurses and doctors.
Learning about medical assistant programs can help you get your Certified Professional title or work towards becoming a Registered Nurse. As a result, it can assist you in preparing for those possibilities.
The job outlook is bright, with plenty of opportunities due to growth and a lack of adequate supply. This blog should have given you some ideas on how to get started as a medical assistant.
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