In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare industry, the demand for skilled medical assistants is growing exponentially. If you’re considering a career as a medical assistant, choosing the right training program is crucial. To help you navigate the myriad of options, we’ve compiled a list of the top five medical assistant programs for 2024. Each program is evaluated based on critical factors like cost, time commitment, accreditation, certification preparedness, and practical experience.
Ranking Parameters for Medical Assistant Programs
Before diving into the rankings, let’s review the parameters used to evaluate and rank these programs.
1. Investment Considerations
The financial aspect of education is a significant factor when pursuing a career as a medical assistant. Tuition costs can heavily impact your overall investment, and avoiding student loan debt is a priority for most students. Our rankings prioritize programs with affordable tuition rates, offering the best value for your money.
2. Time Commitment
The duration of the program is another crucial element that determines how quickly you can enter the workforce. Some students prefer shorter, accelerated programs, while others may opt for more extensive training over one to two years. Our list includes programs of varying lengths to cater to different preferences and timelines.
3. Accreditation
Accreditation is essential in the healthcare field. An accredited program ensures that the education you receive meets industry standards and is widely respected. All the programs in our list are accredited, giving you confidence that your training will be recognized by potential employers.
4. Certification Preparedness
Preparing for certification is a critical component of a medical assistant program. The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification is widely recognized and highly sought after in the profession. Our list highlights programs that prepare students for the CCMA exam, enhancing their competitiveness in the job market.
5. Practical Experience
Medical assisting is a hands-on field that requires practical skills and real-world experience. Programs that offer clinical rotations, internships, or externships provide invaluable opportunities to apply your knowledge in professional settings. We have prioritized programs that include practical experience, ensuring you are well-prepared to transition into the workforce.
Now, let’s dive into the top five medical assistant programs for 2024.
5. Gurnick Academy
Overview
Gurnick Academy is an accredited healthcare school located in California, offering an on-campus medical assistant program at their Concord and Modesto campuses. The program is designed to prepare students for the CCMA certification exam and includes an externship opportunity for hands-on clinical experience.
Program Highlights
- Mode of Delivery: On-campus with a hybrid option for some lectures.
- Program Duration: Up to 8 months.
- Tuition Cost: Starts at $1,445, which includes the cost of books.
- Certification: Prepares students for the CCMA certification exam.
- Practical Experience: Includes an externship opportunity.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Gurnick Academy offers a solid preparation for the CCMA certification and provides practical experience through an externship.
- Cons: The program requires on-campus attendance, which may not be ideal for those with busy schedules. Additionally, the tuition is on the higher end of the spectrum, and the program duration is longer compared to some other options.
4. College of Health Care Professions
Overview
The College of Health Care Professions (CHCP) was founded in 1988 and is a well-established, accredited healthcare school with multiple campuses across Texas, including Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. CHCP offers both on-campus and hybrid medical assistant programs.
Program Highlights
- Mode of Delivery: On-campus and hybrid options available.
- Program Duration: Varies based on program choice.
- Tuition Cost: $17,400, which includes registration fees, technology fees, and textbooks.
- Certification: Prepares students for the NRCMA certification issued by the NAHP.
- Practical Experience: Includes an externship for real-world clinical experience.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: CHCP offers flexible learning options with both on-campus and hybrid programs. The inclusion of an externship ensures students gain practical experience.
- Cons: The program is relatively expensive, and while it prepares students for the NRCMA certification, it does not prepare them for the more widely recognized CCMA certification.
3. UCLA Extension
Overview
UCLA Extension has a rich history in education dating back to 1917. Their on-campus medical assistant certificate program offers a prestigious certificate from a renowned institution, which can significantly enhance your resume.
Program Highlights
- Mode of Delivery: On-campus.
- Program Duration: 12 months.
- Tuition Cost: $23,000.
- Certification: Prepares students for the NCMA certification exam offered by the NCCT.
- Practical Experience: Offers a clinical internship, subject to availability.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: UCLA Extension offers a respected certificate that can boost your career prospects. The program also includes a clinical internship for hands-on experience.
- Cons: The program is one of the most expensive on our list, and it does not prepare students for the popular CCMA certification. Additionally, all classes are scheduled, limiting flexibility for students with other commitments.
2. Penn Foster
Overview
Penn Foster is a for-profit college that offers two online medical assistant programs: a diploma program and an associate degree program. Both programs are designed to be flexible, allowing students to learn at their own pace.
Program Highlights
- Mode of Delivery: 100% online.
- Program Duration: 11 months for the diploma program; 2 years for the associate degree program.
- Tuition Cost: $1,899 for the diploma program; approximately $5,000 for the associate degree program.
- Certification: Prepares students for the CCMA certification exam.
- Practical Experience: Includes an externship opportunity.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Penn Foster offers affordable tuition and the convenience of online learning. The program prepares students for the CCMA certification and includes an externship for practical experience.
- Cons: As a for-profit institution, Penn Foster has faced scrutiny in the past, and some students may be hesitant to enroll in a for-profit college. However, it remains a viable option for those seeking flexibility and affordability.
1. Preppy’s Medical Assistant Training Program
Overview
Preppy’s Medical Assistant Training Program is our top pick for 2024. This 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.
Top Medical Assistant Programs
Choosing the right medical assistant program is a critical step toward launching a successful career in healthcare. Each of the programs on our list offers unique benefits, whether it’s the prestige of a UCLA Extension certificate or the flexibility of Preppy’s medical assistant online class. Ultimately, the best program for you will depend on your individual needs, including your budget, schedule, and career goals.
For those seeking an affordable, flexible, and comprehensive program that offers both certification preparation and practical experience, Preppy’s Medical Assistant Training Program takes the top spot. With the convenience of online learning, a respected university certificate, and job placement services, Preppy offers everything you need to jumpstart your career as a medical assistant in 2024.
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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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