Learn about the Content and Format of Medical Assistant Programs and the Options Available
Levels of qualification offered by medical assistant programs
Medical assistant programs come in the form of certificates, diplomas and associate’s degrees. These range in duration from around eight months to two years. Apart from the duration and cost difference of the medical assisting programs, there are obviously differences in what you are qualified to do once graduating from these courses. With a medical assistant certificate you will likely focus more on the administrative side of a medical assisting job and minor clinical procedures such as taking and recording patients’ vitals and collecting specimens. Those graduating with a medical assistant associate degree are authorized to take much more responsibility including removing stitches, drawing blood, administering injections, taking x-rays and giving medication under supervision. (It should be noted that states have different laws regarding what medical assistants may and may not do.)
A recent trend with the growth in this job market is a rising demand in the standard being required of medical assistants by employers. With more programs being offered and a greater number of medical assistant graduates it is vitally important to be able to succeed in this competitive profession. Therefore it is advisable to obtain a higher level of qualification, which is one of the prerequisites a prospective employer will look for.
The content within these programs
Medical assistant programs typically cover the study of the human body including anatomy (the body as visible to the naked eye), physiology (organ systems and their interactions), endocrinology (endocrine system and hormones), and microbiology (the body’s cells). You will also learn medical terminology so you become au fait with the proper names of conditions and treatments and will learn laboratory procedures such as gathering and testing samples. Medical assisting courses train students in clinical procedures which are medical tasks such as first aid, routine testing and monitoring vital signs and some schools will also consider phlebotomy (drawing blood), radiology (studying x-rays for diagnosis), and pharmacology (pharmaceutical drugs and their effects). An important aspect of all programs is patient care including relations and ethics and medical law associated with the responsibilities covered by a medical assisting job. Medical administrative skills are also covered on medical assistant training programs for example general office skills, medical records, financial bookkeeping and insurance processing.
The format of these programs
While subject material for medical assistant programs is similar, course content does vary slightly in different schools. Classes consist of classroom-based teaching and also practical sessions where students have the opportunity to learn how to use medical equipment, practice patient care and perform medical tasks. Finally, there is a period of externship (around 160 hours) where under-graduates work as medical assistants in hospitals or medical practices under the direct supervision of a mentor such as a doctor or nurse, who will report to their class facilitator. This practical aspect also counts towards the final grade. Having the opportunity to work in a facility during externship is highly advantageous in that there can be career openings there. Upon graduating from a program it is strongly recommended to sit the examination set by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) in order to become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). Many schools also offer career placement services to assist you into full-time employment.
Selecting successful programs
Before choosing a program ensure you have an idea of what your focus would like to be as a medical assistant and what level of qualification you hope to attain. Make sure you find schools which offer CAAHEP or ABHES accredited medical assistant programs. These accrediting organizations ensure that students receive quality medical assistant training and are therefore desired by employers, primarily because they are a prerequisite to becoming a Certified Medical Assistant. This cannot be over-emphasized because you do not wish to graduate from a program that is practically worthless in enabling you to succeed as a medical assistant. Always talk to admission representatives and students to find out if the details of the program offered is suited to your needs and how successful candidates who graduate from the school are.
Medical assistant schools
There are many colleges and institutes offering diplomas and certificates in medical assisting, and almost two hundred offering associate degree programs. One such body, Everest Colleges, Institutes and Universities, is highly acclaimed for educational excellence. They have over one hundred campuses in twenty four states and also offer online medical assistant programs. Everest claims the advantages of strong support systems, small classes, flexible time-tabling, career services and financial aid.
Beyond medical assistant training programs
The presence of a large number of graduates who have studied similar courses and obtained certificates and degrees in medical assisting, means you need to make your resume stand out to potential employers. Since you have chosen a medical assisting career you will most certainly possess the traits required of medical assistants. Make sure you emphasize that you are dedicated, courteous, friendly, empathetic and patient; a good team-worker and able to take instructions from others; well-organized and competent. Cite examples of how you have demonstrated this and any previous experience in administrative tasks or working with others that is relevant. You can also take additional courses to increase relevant knowledge and skills, especially if they have not been covered in the medical assistant program, for example, using x-rays, phlebotomy or medical coding. To let future employers know you are enthusiastic and committed to your chosen profession, it is often best to broaden your interests and expertise beyond the course content of medical assistant programs so that you have more to offer.
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