Medical assisting is a highly rewarding and in-demand career in the healthcare industry. With over 114,000 job openings projected annually, the profession offers ample opportunities for those seeking a stable and fulfilling career. The best part? You don’t necessarily need a degree to become a medical assistant, nor do you have to spend years in school.
Thanks to online medical assistant programs, you can gain the required skills and certifications in as little as four to six months. However, before jumping into any program, there are essential factors to consider to ensure you’re making the right decision. Read all the critical tips to help you choose the right online medical assistant program and succeed in this fast-growing field!
The Importance of Certification and Experience
One of the most important things to understand is that becoming a medical assistant isn’t just about completing a training program. To be competitive in the job market, you need certification and some real-world experience.
Certification is Key
According to a survey, over 89% of employers prefer to hire certified medical assistants. The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential, awarded by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), is considered the gold standard in the industry. With this certification, employers trust that you have the knowledge and skills to perform the duties of a medical assistant competently. Therefore, choosing an online program that prepares you for this exam is crucial.
Real-Life Experience Matters
Even as an entry-level medical assistant, having some hands-on experience can significantly boost your chances of landing a job. Many online medical assistant programs may lack opportunities for clinical experience. However, some programs offer externships as part of their curriculum, giving you a chance to work in a real medical environment before you start your full-time career. This hands-on training is invaluable and should be a critical factor in choosing the right program.
Choosing the Right Online Medical Assistant Program
Not all online medical assistant programs are created equal, and selecting the wrong program could mean wasting both time and money. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed choice.
Accreditation is Crucial
One of the biggest mistakes students make is enrolling in a program from an unaccredited source. Accreditation ensures that the program meets the required standards for education and training. Employers, especially in healthcare, value where you get your training. A program from an unaccredited or little-known institution may hurt your chances of getting hired. Always check if the program is accredited by a recognized organization.
University Certificates Can Tip the Scales
In the healthcare industry, where you received your education plays a significant role in determining your credibility. Doctors and nurses often attend well-known universities, and as a medical assistant, having a university certificate can give you a competitive edge. Some online medical assistant training programs partner with accredited universities to offer certification upon program completion, which can be a valuable addition to your resume.
Ensure the Program Prepares You for Certification
The program you choose should not only teach you the necessary skills but also prepare you for the CCMA certification exam. Without this preparation, you may find it challenging to pass the exam on your own. A good online medical assistant course will include specific training and resources designed to help you succeed in becoming certified.
Self-Paced Learning for Busy Adults
Online education offers unmatched flexibility, which is especially beneficial for busy adults with jobs, families, or other responsibilities. However, some online programs still require you to attend scheduled classes, which can be difficult to manage. A self-paced program allows you to learn at your own convenience, fitting your studies into your existing schedule without disruption.
Speed of Completion
While some on-campus medical assistant programs can take up to two years to complete, a focused online program should enable you to finish in six months or less. By avoiding unnecessary classes or irrelevant subjects, you can focus solely on medical assisting, allowing you to complete the program and start your career more quickly.
The Cost Factor
One of the major advantages of online medical assistant programs is that they tend to be more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. Traditional degree programs can cost between $12,000 and $30,000, while certification programs can still range from $7,000 to $15,000. However, a well-structured online medical assistant course should cost less than $5,000, making it a more cost-effective option. Some programs even offer payment plans, allowing you to manage your expenses without the burden of student loans.
Hands-On Clinical Experience
Although online programs offer convenience, they can sometimes lack the critical component of hands-on clinical experience. This is where externships come into play. The right online program will include or help arrange an externship, allowing you to gain real-world experience in a healthcare setting.
Externships Make You Job-Ready
An externship is essentially a short-term training opportunity where you work in a clinical environment under the supervision of healthcare professionals. This allows you to apply what you’ve learned in your online program to real-life situations. Some programs even arrange externships with local hospitals or healthcare facilities, ensuring you get this essential experience without the hassle of finding one yourself.
The Number One Thing Employers Look for
The demand for medical assistants is high, but so is the competition. The number one thing employers look for in candidates is certification. By having the CCMA credential, you’re showing employers that you have been tested by a nationally recognized institution and meet industry standards. This makes you stand out among other applicants, especially those who are uncertified or have limited experience.
University Certification vs. On-the-Job Training
Some aspiring medical assistants believe they can skip certification and rely on on-the-job training. However, this approach is risky. Many healthcare facilities are reluctant to hire uncertified assistants, especially when patient care is involved. A university certification not only enhances your credibility but also ensures that you’ve received proper training in a structured environment.
The Ideal Online Medical Assistant Program
Based on the essential elements discussed, the perfect online medical assistant program should include the following:
- Affordability: Costing less than $5,000, with payment plan options.
- Accreditation: Recognized by a legitimate accrediting body.
- University Certification: Offers a university certificate upon completion.
- Preparation for Certification: Prepares you to sit for the CCMA certification exam.
- Self-Paced: Allows you to complete the program according to your own schedule.
- Externship Opportunities: Includes or arranges hands-on clinical experience.
Conclusion: Your Path to a Medical Assistant Career
Online medical assistant programs offer a fantastic opportunity to kickstart your career in healthcare without the need for a lengthy or expensive education. By selecting the right program, one that is accredited, offers university certification, prepares you for the CCMA exam, and includes an externship, you can be job-ready in as little as four to six months.
Make sure to do your research, compare programs, and choose one that aligns with your career goals and lifestyle. With the right program, you can join the ranks of certified medical assistants and enjoy a rewarding and in-demand career in healthcare.
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.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Preppy’s program offers unparalleled flexibility with online, self-paced learning. The tuition is affordable, and students receive a university certificate from Auburn University. The program prepares students for the CCMA certification and includes an externship for hands-on experience. The job placement services and free laptop are additional perks that make this program stand out.
- Cons: As with any online program, students must be self-motivated to succeed. However, the benefits far outweigh this potential drawback.
Also read:
– Top 5 Medical Assistant Programs for 2024
– How to Become a Dental 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.
Time is money. Instead of programs that could take 2 years, Preppy provides you education in a few months through immersive online training.
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