Medical assistants play a crucial role in the healthcare system, helping doctors, nurses, and patients with various tasks in clinical and administrative settings. With the growing demand for healthcare professionals, becoming a medical assistant can be a rewarding and accessible career choice. However, choosing the right medical assistant training program is critical to your success. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top five things to consider before selecting your training, ensuring you’re making an informed decision.
1. Prepares You for Certification
One of the most critical aspects of choosing a medical assistant program is whether it prepares you for certification. Certification is not just a piece of paper—it’s the key to getting hired. According to a study conducted by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), one of the top things employers look for when hiring medical assistants is certification. Without certification, you may find it difficult to land a job in a reputable healthcare facility.
Medical assistant certifications like the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) from the NHA are nationally recognized. Therefore, it’s essential to select a training program that aligns with these certification requirements. Make sure the program you choose includes preparation for national certifications like the CCMA. This will ensure that you are fully equipped to pass the certification exam and can stand out in the competitive job market.
If you’re serious about becoming a medical assistant, seek out programs that offer a structured path to certification. Some programs even offer free resources or masterclasses that guide you on how to get certified in less time, avoiding student loans, and making it easier to get started.
2. Choose a Program That Enhances Your Resume
Medical assisting is one of the most efficient ways to break into the healthcare field, often without needing a degree. Many programs provide certification opportunities that allow you to start your career quickly. However, while speed is important, you also want to ensure that the program you choose enhances your resume.
When potential employers look at your resume, they typically focus on two things:
- Are you certified?
- Where did you receive your training?
Choosing a program from a recognized, accredited university can have a substantial impact on your career prospects. Think about it from an employer’s perspective: would you rather hire someone who trained at a reputable university, or someone who graduated from an unknown career school? A well-known university name on your resume can significantly improve your chances of landing interviews and, eventually, a job.
You may worry that an accredited university will be more expensive than a local community college or career school, but many universities now offer affordable, flexible options for students. Online medical assistant programs, in particular, can help you achieve the training you need without racking up excessive debt.
3. Make Sure the Program Is Beginner-Friendly and Online
For those new to the medical field, the thought of jumping into medical assistant training might feel overwhelming. That’s why it’s essential to choose a program that is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require prior healthcare experience. Fortunately, many medical assistant programs are designed to cater to beginners, offering comprehensive instruction in both clinical and administrative skills.
Additionally, one of the most important factors for busy adults or people with tight schedules is flexibility. Online, self-paced programs are ideal for students who need the freedom to learn on their own time. These programs allow you to progress at a pace that suits your lifestyle, whether you have a full-time job, family commitments, or other obligations.
Opting for an online medical assistant course also removes the hassle of commuting to campus, dealing with parking fees, or worrying about falling behind in a structured class setting. If you’re struggling with a lesson, you can simply replay it and go over the material until you fully understand it. This kind of flexibility is invaluable, especially if you have a busy life outside of your studies.
Benefits of Online Programs:
- Self-paced learning: Allows you to study at your own speed.
- Cost-effective: Reduces expenses like gas, parking, and on-campus fees.
- Flexible schedule: Perfect for those with jobs or family responsibilities.
4. Avoid Red Flags
Choosing the right program isn’t just about finding one that fits your schedule or budget. It’s equally important to avoid programs that could harm your career. A common red flag in medical assistant training is lack of accreditation. Accreditation ensures that the training you receive meets national standards, and it’s something employers look for when reviewing your credentials.
Programs that are not accredited or are run by organizations without proper credentials can severely limit your job opportunities. If you receive your training from an unaccredited source, you could find yourself in an awkward position during job interviews when hiring managers question the legitimacy of your education.
To avoid these issues, always select programs that are accredited by recognized educational or medical institutions. A university-backed program ensures that the education you receive is up to industry standards, providing both you and your potential employers with confidence in your abilities. Employers need to trust that you’re properly trained, especially since you’ll be dealing with patients’ well-being.
5. Ensure the Program Offers Hands-On Experience Through Externships
Training is essential, but practical experience is just as important. When choosing a medical assistant program, look for one that offers externship opportunities. Externships provide valuable hands-on experience in real healthcare environments, allowing you to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to real-world situations.
Some of the best medical assistant training programs partner with local healthcare facilities to provide externships as part of the curriculum. This not only gives you a chance to build your practical skills, but it also enhances your resume. When you go into job interviews, you’ll have something more to offer than just your certification—you’ll have direct experience working with patients and healthcare professionals.
Having an externship on your resume can make all the difference when it comes to landing your first job. It demonstrates to potential employers that you’re not only trained but also experienced, which can set you apart from other applicants who lack hands-on practice.
Key Benefits of Externships:
- Real-world experience: Apply your classroom knowledge in a clinical setting.
- Resume booster: Demonstrates hands-on skills and practical knowledge.
- Networking: Build professional connections with healthcare employers.
Conclusion
Becoming a medical assistant is a fantastic way to enter the healthcare field quickly and without a degree. However, your success depends largely on the training program you choose. Ensure that the program prepares you for certification, enhances your resume, is beginner-friendly, avoids red flags, and offers externship opportunities for hands-on experience. By carefully considering these five factors, you can set yourself up for a rewarding career in healthcare.
Take your time researching programs, and don’t rush into a decision. Your future career depends on the quality of the education you receive, so make sure it’s from a reputable and accredited source. With the right training, you’ll be well on your way to a fulfilling job as a medical assistant.
Preppy’s Medical Assistant Training Program
Overview
Preppy’s Medical Assistant Training Program is entirely online and self-paced, making it ideal for students who need flexibility. Preppy’s program is offered in partnership with Auburn University, providing a reputable university certificate upon completion.
Program Highlights
- Mode of Delivery: 100% online and self-paced.
- Program Duration: 4 to 6 months, with access for up to a year.
- Tuition Cost: $1,599, which includes training materials.
- Certification: Prepares students for the CCMA certification exam.
- Practical Experience: Includes an externship opportunity at a local healthcare facility.
- Additional Benefits: Offers job placement services for eligible graduates and a free laptop if you pay the tuition in full.
Also read: How To Become a Medical Assistant in 2024
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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