If you’re looking to kickstart towards your career as a medical assistant, the good news is you don’t need to enroll in a traditional, expensive college program. In fact, you can earn your CCMA certification (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Certification) entirely online and in as little as 16 weeks. With new learning methods tailored for the modern-day student, this streamlined approach makes it easier and more affordable than ever to join the medical field.
In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about becoming a certified medical assistant through a revolutionary new training approach.
Why Certification is Crucial for Medical Assistants
Medical assistants play a vital role in healthcare. From supporting physicians to performing routine clinical tasks, their work ensures that medical facilities run smoothly. As hospitals and clinics increasingly rely on well-trained medical assistants, having a professional certification can make or break your chances of getting hired.
According to the Industrial Outlook Survey 2024, over 78% of employers require certification for medical assistants. The CCMA certification, offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), not only validates your skills but also demonstrates your commitment to patient safety and professional development. Simply put, employers prefer certified professionals because it gives them confidence that you’re competent and prepared for the responsibilities of the role.
The Cost and Time of Traditional Medical Assistant Training Programs
Many aspiring medical assistants assume that the only way to earn their CCMA certification is by enrolling in a traditional college program. However, this route can be expensive and time-consuming. The average cost of an on-campus medical assistant program can exceed $40,000, not to mention the two years or more you’ll need to complete the coursework.
For many adults with jobs, families, and other responsibilities, attending classes in person is not a realistic option. Time spent driving to and from campus, attending scheduled lectures, and completing assignments is time taken away from earning an income. In addition to the financial burden of student loans, traditional programs require a significant time investment that may not align with your personal or professional commitments.
A New Way to Earn Your CCMA Certification Online
Fortunately, there’s now a faster, more affordable way to get certified. In fact, Preppy offers an innovative solution that helps busy adults earn their certification and begin their medical assistant careers in under six months. With this fully online medical assistant program, you can train at your own pace, from the comfort of your home, without ever stepping foot on a college campus.
What is the Preppy Approach?
Preppy’s medical assistant certification program is 100% online, flexible, and designed to help you become job-ready. By partnering with Auburn, a prestigious, accredited university, Preppy offers a streamlined path to earning your certification and gaining hands-on clinical experience.
Unlike traditional programs, Preppy’s self-paced structure allows you to complete your coursework on your own terms. Whether you’re juggling a full-time job, managing a family, or simply prefer the convenience of online learning, you can access your materials anytime, anywhere.
How It Works
Once you enroll in Preppy’s online medical assistant course, you’ll receive immediate access to interactive course materials, including presentations, quizzes, and videos, all designed to prepare you for the CCMA certification exam. The program is updated annually to ensure that you’re learning the latest industry standards.
After completing your online training, you’ll be eligible to sit for the NHA CCMA exam. Passing this nationally recognized certification exam will demonstrate your competency in clinical tasks, patient care, and medical office procedures, making you a strong candidate for medical assistant positions.
Hands-On Clinical Experience with Preppy’s Externship
In addition to online coursework, gaining real-life clinical experience is crucial for any medical assistant. Hospitals and clinics prefer candidates who are not only knowledgeable but also experienced in working with patients.
Preppy’s program includes an externship opportunity, allowing you to get hands-on experience before entering the workforce. This is a significant advantage over other online programs, which often leave students to arrange their own externships or clinical practice opportunities. Preppy ensures that your externship opportunity is coordinated for you, no matter where you live in the U.S.
The externship opportunity allows you to work in a real clinical setting, giving you valuable experience interacting with patients, taking vital signs, and assisting physicians. By the time you complete the medical assistant training, you’ll be fully equipped to handle the day-to-day responsibilities of a medical assistant.
The Benefits of Preppy’s Online Medical Assistant Program
1. Self-Paced, Flexible Learning
Preppy’s program is designed for busy adults. Whether you prefer studying in the early morning, during lunch breaks, or late at night, the program adapts to your schedule. There are no semester start dates or rigid timelines. You can begin the program immediately upon enrollment and complete it at your own pace within a year.
2. Accredited University Partnership
Preppy is partnered with a highly regarded nonprofit university, ensuring that your certification carries weight in the eyes of potential employers. Upon completion of the program, you’ll receive a certificate from this accredited institution. This will enhance your resume and give you an edge in the job market.
3. Job Placement Assistance
One of the biggest concerns for recent graduates is finding a job. Preppy alleviates this concern by offering job placement assistance. Once you’ve completed the program and met specific eligibility criteria, Preppy will connect you with employers actively seeking certified medical assistants. This helps streamline your transition from training to employment, ensuring that you can start your career as quickly as possible.
4. Affordable Pricing
Unlike traditional programs that can leave you drowning in student debt, Preppy’s medical assistant certification program is incredibly affordable. For just $1,599, you’ll receive everything you need to become a certified medical assistant, including online training, the externship, and job placement assistance. Payment plans are available to make the cost even more manageable.
Additionally, for a limited time, Preppy is offering a free laptop to all students who enroll. You get to keep the laptop even after the program ends, making it an unbeatable deal for anyone looking to start their medical assistant career.
Why Choose Preppy for Your CCMA Certification?
Preppy’s medical assistant certification program stands out for several reasons. It’s faster, cheaper, and more flexible than traditional college programs. With Preppy, you could complete your training in as little as four months, and you’ll still have access to the program for a full year if needed.
Preppy also takes care of every aspect of your certification journey, from training to clinical experience and even job placement assistance. Also, you won’t have to worry about arranging externship opportunities or navigating the job search alone. Everything is handled for you, ensuring a smooth, stress-free transition into your new career.
Take the First Step Toward Your Dream Career
According to recent data from the BLS http://bls.gov, the demand for certified medical assistants continues to grow. With Preppy’s affordable, flexible program, you could become job-ready in as little as four months. Don’t let traditional education barriers hold you back from pursuing your dream career. Enroll in Preppy’s medical assistant certification program today and take the first step toward a fulfilling future in healthcare.
Also read: 12-Week Online Dental Assistant Program
About:
Preppy was founded by higher education expert, Grant Aldrich, whose 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.
Time is money. Instead of programs that could take 2 years, Preppy provides you with education in a few months through immersive online training.
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