Medical assisting offers a rewarding career path in the healthcare industry, providing valuable support to medical teams and patients alike. If you’re interested in pursuing this career without the extensive time and financial investment of traditional programs, an innovative approach can help you become a certified medical assistant in just six months or less. In this guide, we’ll dive into how Preppy’s medical assistant online program makes it possible, covering requirements, benefits, and a step-by-step overview of what you need to get started.
Requirements to Become a Medical Assistant
Before we dive into the details of Preppy’s program, let’s outline the key requirements that employers generally look for in medical assistants.
1. Formal Education
Formal training is essential for anyone interested in becoming a medical assistant. Many employers prioritize candidates with a recognized educational background, ideally one that provides a certificate from an accredited university. Having this kind of credential on your resume can give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs.
2. Certification
Certification is highly recommended and, in many cases, required to work as a medical assistant. National organizations like the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) administer exams, which, when passed, allow you to become a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). This certification demonstrates your skills and knowledge, giving potential employers confidence in your ability to handle patient care and administrative tasks.
3. Hands-On Experience
Clinical experience is critical in the medical field, and medical assisting is no exception. Hands-on experience prepares you for the real-world environment, enabling you to handle clinical tasks under supervision. This aspect of training helps you stand out to employers as a prepared and capable medical assistant.
Traditional vs. Modern Approaches to Medical Assistant Training
The path to becoming a medical assistant has traditionally involved on-campus programs, but these come with a variety of downsides:
- High tuition fees: College programs for medical assisting can cost up to $20,000 or more, putting significant financial strain on students.
- Time commitment: Many programs take one to two years to complete.
- Commuting: Regular in-person attendance means added time and expenses for transportation.
Online courses through private organizations can be a more affordable option, but these often lack the comprehensive curriculum and accreditation that employers look for.
Preppy’s Online Medical Assistant Program: A Solution for Modern Learners
In response to the challenges of traditional medical assistant training, Preppy created a streamlined, affordable, and accredited online medical assistant program. Designed with flexibility in mind, this program allows students to complete their training within six months and provides the necessary tools to meet employer expectations.
Key Benefits of the Preppy Medical Assistant Program
Preppy’s medical assistant program addresses the limitations of traditional and other online programs by offering an accredited, fully online, and self-paced training option. Here’s how it stands out.
1. 100% Online and Self-Paced
Preppy’s program is entirely online, allowing you to complete your medical assistant training from the comfort of your home. This flexibility makes it possible to study at your own pace, fitting your education around your existing commitments—whether you’re a busy parent, a working professional, or someone simply looking to fast-track their entry into the healthcare field.
2. Partnership with an Accredited University
One of the unique features of Preppy’s approach is its partnership with Auburn, a prestigious, non-profit accredited university. Upon completing the program, you receive a certificate of completion from this university, which not only strengthens your resume but also provides you with a credential that’s highly regarded by employers.
3. Fast Completion Time
With Preppy’s self-paced structure, students can complete their medical assistant courses in as little as four months. By focusing only on relevant medical assisting content, Preppy eliminates unnecessary coursework, enabling you to progress quickly. Additionally, you have access to the course materials for a full year, so you can revisit lessons if needed.
4. Certification Preparation
Preppy’s curriculum is designed to prepare you for the CCMA certification exam, a key credential for medical assistants. This program includes all the resources you need to succeed, from interactive lessons to practice exams, ensuring that you’re fully prepared to pass the exam and earn your certification.
5. Hands-On Clinical Experience with Externship
To fulfill the experience requirement, Preppy provides students with externship opportunities at local hospitals and healthcare facilities across the U.S. This practical training is invaluable, giving you real-world exposure to clinical tasks and patient care. Additionally, Preppy’s team helps coordinate externship placements, taking the hassle out of arranging hands-on experience on your own.
6. Job Assistance Services
Preppy supports you even after you complete your training by offering job assistance services. Through partnerships with various healthcare organizations, Preppy helps graduates connect with employers looking to hire entry-level medical assistants. The job assistance services include resume support and interview preparation to help you confidently step into the job market.
How to Get Started with Preppy’s Medical Assistant Program
Here’s a step-by-step guide to launching your career as a medical assistant with Preppy:
Step 1: Enroll in Preppy’s Program
Getting started with Preppy is easy. You can enroll directly online without waiting for specific semester start dates. This open enrollment format means you can start your training as soon as you’re ready.
Step 2: Begin Your Online, Self-Paced Training
Once enrolled, you’ll have immediate access to the 100% online curriculum. This training includes interactive slides, presentations, videos, and quizzes, all designed to make learning engaging and effective. Because it’s self-paced, you have the flexibility to study when it suits you best.
Step 3: Complete the Program and Receive Your University Certificate
With Preppy, you’ll receive a certificate from their accredited university partner once you complete the program. This credential not only demonstrates your knowledge but also enhances your resume and credibility with potential employers.
Step 4: Prepare for and Pass the CCMA Certification Exam
After finishing your training, you can sit for the CCMA certification exam. Preppy’s program is designed to fully prepare you for this test, helping you approach it with confidence. Becoming certified as a clinical medical assistant shows employers that you’ve met industry standards and are ready to work in healthcare settings.
Step 5: Gain Hands-On Experience Through an Externship
Once you’ve completed the online medical assistant course, Preppy will assist you in securing an externship, allowing you to gain essential hands-on clinical experience. Whether you’re working with patients, assisting with clinical procedures, or handling administrative tasks, this experience is invaluable in preparing you for a career in healthcare.
Step 6: Utilize Job Assistance Services
With Preppy’s job assistance services, you’ll have help polishing your resume, practicing for interviews, and connecting with potential employers. This support can give you an edge when it comes to securing a job in the competitive healthcare field.
Program Cost and Added Benefits
One of the most appealing aspects of Preppy’s program is its affordability. Unlike traditional programs that often lead to heavy student loan debt, Preppy offers a single low tuition price with payment plans available. Additionally, they currently offer a free laptop to new enrollees, which you can keep after completing the program—a useful tool for your studies and future work.
Conclusion: Why Choose Preppy to Become a Medical Assistant
Preppy’s medical assistant certification program combines affordability, flexibility, and a streamlined curriculum that allows you to start your career in healthcare in as little as six months. With the program’s accredited university partnership, hands-on externship opportunities, and job assistance services, Preppy checks all the boxes for a comprehensive and respected medical assistant education.
Whether you’re starting fresh, switching careers, or balancing family and work commitments, Preppy’s approach provides a flexible pathway to help you achieve your goals without compromising on quality. To learn more or enroll, visit Preppy’s website and take the first step toward a rewarding career in medical assisting.
Also read: Get NCCT Surgical Tech Certification in 6 Months
About:
Preppy was founded by higher education expert, Grant Aldrich, who’s work on college affordability and accessibility has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, Business Insider, American Express, AOL, MSN, Thrive Global, Reader’s Digest, Inside Higher Ed, Evolllution, EducationDive, and nearly 100 radio shows and podcasts.
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