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Medical assistant programs can come in the form of diploma, certificate or associate degree programs which are dependent on what the school can offer. Students in diploma and certificate programs can usually finish the course in less than a year. Its course outline only covers the basic skills and knowledge set that are necessary for entry level medical assistants. Associate degree programs take longer to finish and students usually finish them in two or three years. Associate programs have a more detailed and expanded course outline that even covers some less-related topics.
Before taking up the program, applicants must be sure that the school’s program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or by Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Accredited schools are inspected to have high standards when it comes to their programs, as well as competent instructors and complete facilities for training. In addition, having the accreditation makes graduates of the program eligible to take up the certification exam where they become Certified Medical Assistants if they pass.
The work of medical assistants requires them to be flexible and versatile in assisting many allied healthcare professionals. The courses they study in the program comprise of topics that are generally relevant for all medical-related careers. Commonly, the courses included in the medical assistant program are anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, first aid, office management and clinical procedures among others. Some schools included computer classes, leadership topics and classes on career development which are generally helpful for their growth as professionals. Throughout the program the students will be trained to perform medical assistant duties in the office, bedside, and laboratory settings.
The program also requires the students to complete a certain amount of internship hours. This places the medical assistant students in an actual working environment where they can freely apply the skills they have learned and demonstrate the professional etiquette that they should present. By working along other licensed professionals, they will earn valuable experience that will slowly improve their competencies and maturity.
Aside from the traditional way of education inside the campus, some schools also offer online programs for students who prefer to study at home. The program still needs to undergo accreditation before it can be implemented therefore students can be guaranteed to receive the same amount of quality education. Online programs have their own unique way of being executed. Students have the freedom to go to online classes at their convenient times and be able to study at their own pace. Online instructors are always ready to handle online classes, even at nighttime.