Medical Assisting Certificates

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, medical assisting is one of the fastest growing careers right now. Three are a couple of reasons for this. Technological advances in medical treatments, combined with the aging of the baby boom generation, have led to an explosion of new medical centers, clinics, and other health care facilities. These new medical facilities need new medical assistants—and fast. This is why many people are enrolling in medical assistant certificate programs.

Benefits of Medical Assistant Certificate Programs

You don’t have to think hard to discover the benefits of obtaining a certificate in medical assisting. The major benefit of such programs is their speed of completion.

You can complete a medical assistant certificate program in nine months to one year. Their training is so fast because they offer focused, practical training in medical assisting. Unlike associate’s degrees in medical assisting (or bachelor’s degrees in other professions) there are no liberal arts requirements to fulfill. Medical assistant certificate programs are designed to prepare you for the exact qualifications of the job as quickly as possible.

But there is another benefit to obtaining a medical assistant certificate—employability.

Although some employers prefer to train their own medical assistants, this practice is becoming very rare. Most employers today are looking for well-trained personnel—the kind that medical assistant certificate programs produce. The U.S. Department of Labor Statistics predicts that those medical assistants—particularly certified medical assistants—will have the best job prospects in the future. To become certified, you must have earned a diploma, a certificate, or an associate’s degree from an accredited medical assistant school.

Another benefit to medical assistant certificate programs is their cost. Because you can complete these programs in a year or less, the cost is roughly half of that of an associate’s degree program.

Now For the Negative…

Although there are a lot of benefits to medical assistant certificate programs, there is a negative aspect that you should consider.

Certain employers may require that their medical assistants have associate’s degrees. You may complete your certificate in medical assisting program only to find yourself passed over for someone who has an associate’s degree. You need to decide whether or not you want to take that chance or whether it would be better for you to get an associate’s degree instead. But don’t think that having a diploma in medical assisting is not important. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics, the most employable medical assistants are those who have some kind of formal training in medical assisting. Having a diploma degree from an accredited school tells employers that you are well trained and ready to tackle the challenges inherent in the medical profession.

What Do You Need to Apply?

A good knowledge of biology, math, and anatomy—via high school coursework—is advisable. This will form a good foundation for the in-depth training that you will receive in a certificate program.

Since medical assistants also perform administrative functions, any high school coursework in office procedures, bookkeeping, and computers will be helpful.

Post Graduation

An essential step after graduating from a medical assistant certificate program is to becoming certified. Although not a requirement for this occupation, an increasing number of employers are requiring that there medical assistants be certified.

To become a certified medical assistant, you must have graduated from an accredited medical assisting school. Before enrolling in a medical assisting program, make sure that the school is accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accreditation Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)

Besides the ability to be certified, attending an accredited school assures you that your medical assistant training meets a certain standard of academic excellence.

Once you graduate from an accredited medical assistant school, you may apply to take the CMS (AAMA) Certification/RecertificationEexamination. If you pass this exam, you become a certified medical assistant and your job security and employment options are much improved.

Top Medical Assistant Certification Schools

  • Keiser University eCampus Online

    For over 30 years, Keiser University has provided student-centered, quality career education. Keiser University eCampus Online offers degree programs online to prepare students for high-demand professions. Degrees are offered with a curriculum that is in pace with technology and workforce demand trends in business, criminal justice, healthcare and computer technology. Our “one-class-at-a-time” approach allows busy students to focus on their education and balance the demands of work and family.

  • Kaplan University Online

    Kaplan University is an accredited university, offering more than 200 degrees and programs. Choose from graduate, undergraduate, certificate, and diploma programs in fields ranging from business and technology to health sciences, fire sciences, legal studies, nursing, education and more.

    Our professors, many of whom have real-world experience, can help you develop your talent and achieve your goals. We give you multiple options for starting your education. Learn online, on campus, or at one of our learning centers. Becoming a Kaplan University student can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to complete your education on your terms.

  • National American University Online

    National American University is about personal development and community.

    When you choose to attend NAU, you don’t just join a group of diverse students and faculty; you join a group of people from all walks of life sharing a unique experience.

    Our staff is devoted to helping you balance your education with your personal and professional obligations – it’s our commitment. Through flexible class scheduling, dedicated career advisors and quality programs, NAU strives to provide a caring and supportive learning environment to ensure your success as a student.

  • Penn Foster

    Having the right skills is vitally important in today’s super-competitive job market. With online training from Penn Foster Career School, students are assured of learning up-to-date career skills that will prepare them for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Students at Penn Foster Career School can get the training they need quickly, conveniently, and affordably.

    Penn Foster is one of the world’s largest and most respected online education providers. Their programs are job focused, and they offer training for employment in the fastest-growing fields in business, technology, health care, and the trades.

  • Allied Schools

    When you enroll at Allied Schools, you receive a partner in your education. We guide you from start to finish and give you the tools you need to build a successful future. Receive a professional advantage with a school that shares your goals. We maintain the highest standards when it comes to delivering quality education. As such, we maintain up-to-date accreditations, approvals and memberships. This ensures that we continually meet or exceed specific requirements and provide you with the best education possible.