Do you want to start your career as a Medical Administrative Assistant faster in a few months? The best way to do that is by choosing the right formal training program.
While some people think they can learn on the job, the truth is that most employers prefer candidates with proper training and certification.
In this article, we’ll discuss why formal training is the smartest approach, the different types of Medical Administrative Assistant training programs, and their pros and cons.
We’ll also explore why online training has become a game-changer, offering a faster, more flexible, and affordable way to get started.
Plus, we’ll introduce you to a self-paced training program that could help you become job-ready faster without driving to a medical school or without any student loan debt.
So, let’s get started.
Why Getting Formal Training is the Best Approach for Medical Administrative Assistants?
If you want to start your career as a Medical Administrative Assistant faster and with better job prospects, formal training is the way to go.
A structured program ensures you gain all the essential skills, from scheduling appointments to medical billing, without having to figure it out through trial and error.
More importantly, employers value education and certification.
According to a report published in the NHA, 59% of employers prefer candidates with formal training, and about 75% specifically look for certification.
So, completing a recognized program not only meets the eligibility requirements for certification, like the CMAA, but also makes you a stronger job candidate.
Types of Medical Administrative Assistant Training
There are different types of medical administrative assistant training programs available, but not all of them are ideal for everyone.
Some paths take years to complete and cost a fortune, while others offer a faster, more affordable way to start your career.
Let’s discuss them all:
Associate Degree
An associate degree is one of the most traditional ways to train for a Medical Administrative Assistant role. It is an undergraduate program offered by universities, community colleges, and technical schools.
It usually takes about two years to complete for full-time students, while part-time students may take longer. The cost can range from $10,000 to $40,000, depending on the institution.
The best thing about this program is that you get a university certificate if you complete the program.
That makes your resume appealing and assures potential employers that you’ve been trained to meet industry standards.
Problems with an Associate Degree
While an associate degree can prepare you for a career as a medical administrative assistant, it’s not always the best option.
Here’s why:
#1 Expensive Tuition and Hidden Costs
Earning an associate degree can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $40,000, depending on whether you attend a public or private college. But tuition alone isn’t the only expense.
Many students also have to pay for:
- Textbooks and course materials
- Lab fees for medical office training
- Administrative fees and technology costs
- Transportation and parking
- Rent, food, and so on
These additional expenses add up quickly to the already bigger cost, making the degree even more expensive than it initially seems.
#2 Student Loan Debt
Because of the expensive tuition, many students take out loans to afford their education. Unfortunately, student loan debt can take years or even decades to pay off.
Even after graduating, many people find themselves working just to cover their loan payments rather than enjoying the financial freedom of a stable career.
#3 Longer Duration
An associate degree requires a two-year commitment, which isn’t ideal for those who want to start working as soon as possible.
Moreover, if you’re someone with financial responsibilities, waiting two years before earning a paycheck can be a major disadvantage.
#4 Not Suitable for Adults with Busy Schedules
Traditional college programs follow a fixed semester schedule, requiring students to attend classes at set times. This doesn’t work well for adults who already have jobs, families, or other commitments. Missing a class due to work or family obligations can set students back, making it harder to complete the program on time.
Now, looking at the problems of an associate degree, certificate programs appear as a solution. Aren’t they?
Let’s find out!
Certificate Programs
Traditional, on-campus certificate programs are designed to provide specialized training for those looking to become Medical Administrative Assistants. These programs are typically offered by vocational schools, community colleges, and technical institutes.
Many programs also incorporate externships, giving students valuable real-world experience before entering the workforce.
Unlike degree programs, certificate programs take less time to complete—usually around 9 months to a year. Plus, they are comparatively affordable, with tuition generally falling between $1,000 and $5,000.
Problems with a Certificate Program
Unlike degree programs, traditional certificate programs are far more affordable, flexible, and take less time to complete. But they come with their own challenges.
Let’s discuss them:
#1 Less Flexible Schedule
Compared to degree programs, certificate programs are more flexible. They offer night classes and classes at different time frames. But still, the demand to travel and attend those classes is there. Thus making them less suitable for adult learners who might have other responsibilities, such as work or family.
#2 Live Classes
You must have been thinking – ‘but there are certificate programs that are online.’ Yes, there are. But the online classes they offer are live classes.
Live classes are similar to attending classes at a school, but virtually. If you miss the live class, you are left with a recorded video and while watching, if you have any doubts, you have no one to clarify them.
These issues might sound negligible to you now, but in a real-world scenario, they are the deal-breakers.
So, are Online Programs the Real Solution?
Online Programs
Online Medical Administrative Assistant programs are offered by universities, community colleges, and private institutions.
However, there are different modes of online learning – hybrid programs, live virtual classes, and self-paced courses.
Hybrid programs combine online coursework with some in-person requirements, such as lab work or externships. Live virtual classes follow a structured schedule, where students attend real-time lectures through video conferencing.
Self-paced programs provide the most flexibility, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedule. There are no fixed class times, making it ideal for working professionals, parents, and those with other commitments.
Positives of an Online Program
Here are the biggest advantages of online programs:
#1 Affordable Tuition
Compared to traditional programs that can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $40,000, online training programs are significantly more budget-friendly.
Many high-quality online Medical Administrative Assistant programs cost under $2,000, making them a great option for those who want to start their career without taking on student loan debt.
Moreover, many online schools offer flexible payment options, and the cost often includes learning materials like digital textbooks.
#2 Faster Completion
While associate degrees take two years or more and traditional certificate programs may take a year or longer, online programs are designed for efficiency. Many students complete their training in as little as 6 months, allowing them to enter the workforce much sooner.
#3 Flexibility and Convenience of Self-Paced Learning
One of the biggest advantages of online programs is the ability to study whenever and wherever it’s convenient. Unlike in-person classes that require strict schedules, online training allows students to learn at their own pace, making it ideal for working adults, parents, or those with other responsibilities.
#4 Externship – Real-World Experience
Some online programs offer an externship opportunity, allowing students to gain hands-on experience at a healthcare facility near them. This practical training helps build confidence and prepares students for real workplace scenarios, giving them an advantage when applying for jobs.
#5 You Could Become Certification Ready
Many online programs align with industry standards, meaning students could become prepared for the CMAA (Certified Medical Administrative Assistant) certification by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Earning this certification can boost job prospects and increase credibility in the field.
So, by choosing an online program that meets all these criteria, you can train faster, gain practical experience, and could become certification-ready—all without the high costs or rigid schedules of traditional education.
Now the real question is, does any such program exist?
Introducing Preppy’s Self-Paced Medical Administrative Assistant Training Program
Preppy’s self-paced training is perfect for adults who have jobs, families, or other responsibilities but want to start their dream careers faster, without spending years in school or without any student loan debt.
Here’s what you get with Preppy’s self-paced Medical Administrative Assistant training program:
100% Online and Self-Paced
With Preppy, you don’t have to sit in a classroom or follow a strict schedule. You can study whenever it works for you, whether that’s during lunch breaks, late at night, or on weekends. You decide how fast or slow you want to go.
Affordable Tuition
College can be expensive. Degree programs can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $40,000, and even certificate programs range from $4,000 to $15,000.
Preppy makes it easier with a high-quality program for just $1,599—so you can train for a new career without taking on student loan debt.
Faster Completion
Traditional programs take years, but with Preppy, you could finish in as little as 4 months. That means you could start looking for a job much sooner instead of spending years in school.
University Certificate
After completing the program, you’ll earn a certificate from Auburn University—an accredited, well-respected, non-profit institution. This helps your resume stand out and gives you credibility when applying for jobs.
Externship Opportunity
Preppy isn’t just about online learning. The program includes an externship opportunity near you, so you can gain hands-on experience in a real healthcare setting. This practical training makes you more confident and job-ready.
You Could Become Certification Ready
The program follows industry standards, so you could be fully prepared to take the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exam by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Getting certified can make you a stronger candidate when applying for jobs.
24/7 Support
You won’t be left on your own. Preppy offers round-the-clock support, so if you ever have questions—whether about coursework, tech issues, or career guidance—help is always available.
Big Bonus
If you pay your tuition in full, you’ll get a free laptop to help with your studies. And it’s not a loaner—you get to keep it even after you finish the program!
So, if you’re looking for a simple, flexible, and affordable way to become a Medical Administrative Assistant, Preppy’s self-paced program could be the right choice for you!
In Conclusion
Choosing the right training program is key to starting your career as a Medical Administrative Assistant.
While traditional options like associate degrees and in-person certificate programs can take years and cost thousands of dollars, online programs offer a faster, more affordable, and flexible alternative.
The best online programs provide self-paced learning, an externship opportunity, and industry-aligned coursework to help you prepare for certification.
So, if you’re ready to take the fastest route to a rewarding career in healthcare, the right training program can set you up for success!
Also read: Medical Administrative Assistant Certification
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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