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Medical Assistant Certificate Programs

Medical assistant certificate programs are a quick, relatively simple education option for someone seeking to become a medical assistant.

Medical assistant certificates are offered by most medical assistant schools including junior colleges, career schools and universities. They are usually designed to supplement an existing degree. Certificate programs are often the first choice for professionals in other fields who wish to become medical assistants.

Medical Assisting Certificate Curriculum

Unlike associate’s degree programs which contain some general education course material, the course curriculum for medical assistant certificates focuses mostly on core courses in medical assisting. These include lecture-based classes in medical knowledge as well as hands-on courses with a patient-care focus.

A typical certificate program in medical assisting might contain courses like:

For example, the certificate program at Kaplan University contains beginning and advanced levels of anatomy and physiology, as well as beginning and advanced levels of clinical competency classes.

Benefits of the Medical Assistant Certificate

The primary benefit of obtaining a certificate in medical assisting, besides entry-level employment as a medical assistant, is speed of completion.

Most medical assistant certificate programs can be completed in nine months to a year. Training is quick because certificate programs offer focused, practical training with a career-oriented focus.

Unlike more advanced degree programs, certificate programs contain little or no general education courses, since they work under the assumption that students have satisfied general education requirements with previous education. These programs are designed to prepare students to fill the basic medical assistant job description quickly and efficiently.

Another benefit to medical assistant certificate programs is cost. Because of the shorter time frame, the cost of a certificate program is, in general, roughly half of that of an associate’s degree.

Applying to a Certificate Program

The strongest candidates for medical assistant certificate programs typically possess some knowledge of biology, math, and anatomy via high school coursework. Since medical assistants also perform administrative functions, high school coursework in office procedures, bookkeeping, and computers is also valuable.

Applying to a medical assisting certificate program is usually a simple process. Most medical assistant schools offer an online application form where potential students fill out personal details such as name, address, prior education, program sought, and other information. In addition, many schools require a personal essay demonstrating the student’s motivation for enrolling in the program.

Other documents may also be requested, such as:

Prior to applying, most students request the school’s information packet, which explains course materials, program details and other important information for applicants. It is standard to compare two to three schools before applying to one.

Medical Assistant Certificate Programs Enrolling Now

Platt College

Find out where the future can take you with an outstanding college education. At Platt College, you’ll find the career-specific programs and training for the careers you really want. Come explore a variety of career paths that fit your lifestyle in a positive learning environment that combines real-world experience with small, private college instruction. Classes are conveniently scheduled during morning or evening hours to work around outside employment commitments. For working adults, Platt’s curriculum offers a way to continue earning a living while studying for a new career.

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Pima Medical Institute

Find success with us at Pima Medical Institute!

For over 45 years, Pima Medical Institute has helped students change their lives, providing the training and education they need for careers in health care.

At Pima Medical Institute, we want you to succeed in the classroom and in your career. We are dedicated to providing you with quality education and hands-on experiences that help you become the type of medical professional who meets the expectations of today’s employers.

We offer certificate programs, associate degree programs and bachelor’s degree programs that fit your needs and your schedule. You can get the training you need to start your career in less than a year, earn your associate degree in less than two years, or take your career further by completing your bachelor’s degree

You’ll take classes taught by instructors who worked in the fields they teach. You’ll get real-world experience before you graduate through externships at some of the local community’s most notable medical facilities.

When you graduate, you may find that your education, experience and professionalism will be preferred to those of your peers.

At Pima Medical Institute, your success is our success. We support you every step of the way, with financial aid available to those who qualify and career planning services to help you get the job you want.

Programs vary by location.

For consumer information, please visit:https://pmi.edu/consumerinfo.aspx.

Pima Medical Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools. For more information on accreditation, licensing, and approval information please visit: https://pmi.edu/PMI-Today/About-Accreditation.

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