Pin It

Medical Assistant Certification Programs

lender3212000 | Jan 27, 2011 |

0 Comments | Rating: 0

Unlike many other health care professions, there are currently no legal requirements that mandate medical assistant certification. With that being said, certification is still an important part of the career development path for medical assistants. Hospitals, clinics, and long term care facilities are becoming more and more selective when it comes to hiring new staff. Because employers are judged on their ability to provide competent and compassionate care to each and every patient who walks through the door, they must go the extra mile to require that all members of their staff are trained at a high level. For medical assistants, this means graduating from an approved training program accredited by either the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs. Both organizations are well recognized in the medical community and provide certification that will make medical assistants more attractive candidates for open positions.

A career as a medical assistant involves a broad spectrum of tasks associated with patient care and medical administration. Whereas most health care careers focus solely on patient care or administration, this dual role position requires that an individual develop skills ranging from scheduling appointments and completing insurance paperwork to assisting with clinical and diagnostic procedures.

Most medical assistant training programs can be completed in less than one year. If you choose to enroll in a longer 2 year program, you can earn an associate's degree which will allow you apply existing school credit towards a more advanced degree when you are ready. Both options can provide the credentials necessary to secure a job but a two year program will offer a path to a higher salary.

While these programs are significantly less expensive than a four year university, they can require a significant financial investment. Fortunately, most programs offer financial aid for students who qualify. This can include Federal Stafford Loans, Plus Loans (for parents) and even Pell Grants which do not need to be repaid. Many of the financial assistance packages are not based on credit history so it can pay to speak with an administrator at your school of choice to inquire as to what kind of aid they offer.

Upon completion of a certification program, graduates can expect to encounter a steady supply of jobs and demand that is predicted to increase over the next few years. Starting salaries for medical assistants who have completed a one year diploma program can expect to earn between $28,000 and $31,000 annually while those with an associate's degree can earn as much as $46,000 per year. The additional $15,000 in potential annual earnings is something you will definitely want to take into consideration when deciding between a one year training program and a two year option.

Earning your certification as a medical assistant can open the door to some excellent career advancement opportunities. Many MAs go on to become nurses, lab technicians, hospital administrators, and physician assistants. This fast growing profession could be answer you are looking for to launch an exciting and rewarding career in the health care industry.