Different Training Avenues

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	Different Training Avenues

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Different Avenues To Get Your Medical Assistant Training

The path to success begins with your education and training. Formal training in medical assisting while generally preferred is NOT always required. There still are many employers, usually physicians with their own private practice, who prefer to train their medical assistants according to their specific needs. To reach proficiency in the profession approved training, clinical supervision, expert instruction and continued professional development is essential.

Medical assistant training can take place in one the of the following different types of settings:

In a secondary, postsecondary, or adult education program offered at Communiy Colleges and postsecondary Vocational Training Institutions across the country. If the school is properly accredited and approved graduates may sit for the national certification exams.

Under a licensed medical doctor, or in some instances under a registered nurse, licensed vocational nurse, or physician assistant (PA). The supervising licensed healthcare professional is directly responsible for determining the content of the training and the proficiency of the medical assistant in training. However, lacking formal documented training, these medical assistants trained in the medical office may not be able to sit for certification exams.

Training on the Job

Although a significant number of physicians still train their medical assistants right in their own office the majority of employers, especially hospitals, prefer to hire staff with formal training and a diploma. Often they prefer those who are certified in their field.

Prior Work Experience:

Prior work experience such as in a nursing home, home healthcare setting, volunteer work in a healthcare clinic, nursing home, home healthcare setting, hospital, or customer services and reception can prove to be extremely helpful when it comes to a career in medical assisting. Those who received their training and work experience abroad should read Coursework or Degrees Completed Outside USA.

Training at a School

Choosing the right school is very important! Often medical assistant students must juggle work, family, and other obligations which makes returning to school full time quite challenging. Fortunately, many training institutions offer their programs in the morning and evening to meet the needs of working adults. The school's reputation and accreditation is an important aspect to consider before joining. Because advancement opportunities are very limited for individuals who do not have a degree the program should lead to a recognized diploma and qualify them for national certification.

When looking for a school here are some questions you should ask:

Questions You Should Ask!

When was the program or school founded?

Who is the school accredited through?

How long has it been accredited?

Who is teaching—what are the faculty's background and qualifications?

What is the average class size. Is there room for individual attention?

Do other local colleges and universities accept transfer credits from this school?

What are the specific schools that accept transfer credits from here and for exactly which classes?

What is the tuition and what will be my total tuition bill when I finish?

What are the specific terms of the loan and what is the interest rate?

What kind of job will I qualify for?

How much income can I expect during the first years in my specialty area?

What is the job outlook and the possibilities for promotion

Are there cross-training and advancement opportunities in this career?

Types of Medical Assistant Programs:

A vocational program offers training that varies in length. Most medical assistant programs are 9-12 months long and designed to prepare the student to join the professional workforce upon successful completion. Traditionally, there are two types of medical assistant programs,either a two-year career training program which results in an Associate’s Degree from a junior or community college, or a one-year or less (accelerated) medical assistant programs from a vocational training institution that results in a diploma. Upon successful completion graduates may sit for medical assistant certification exams.The school should be authorized, or approved by the Commission of Accreditation on Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), or by the U.S. Department of Education, or be an ABHES-accredited school.

A.A.S. in Medical Assisting:

Unfortunately, most applied scince degrees don't allow you to transfer credits toward a different degree, such as R.N., as it "applies" only to the specific educational course you have completed.