If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a medical assistant, you might be wondering how long it takes. Becoming a medical assistant involves a number of steps, including graduating from high school, completing medical assistant training and obtaining certifications.
A medical assistant is a healthcare professional who performs a mix of clinical and administrative tasks. Medical assistants help a medical facility, such as a physician’s office, run smoothly and efficiently. The job outlook for these health professionals is strong. The BLS predicts medical assistant job growth will increase 15% through 2033, compared to the average growth rate for all occupations at 4%.
The total time it takes to become a medical assistant depends on the path you choose. This article walks you through the different educational options and how long each takes.
How Long is a Medical Assistant Program?
Depending on the educational path you choose, becoming a medical assistant typically takes one to two years. Many aspiring medical assistants enroll in a certificate or diploma program offered by community colleges, vocational or trade schools. These programs usually take 9 to 12 months to complete, and cover essential topics such as anatomy, medical terminology, clinical procedures and administrative tasks. At DTC, you can complete the Medical Assisting Program in just 9 months.
If you want to earn an associate degree in medical assisting, you would likely enroll in a 2-year community college. These programs often include general education courses in addition to medical assistant skills training.
Medical Assistant Certifications
Medical assistant certification helps validate your knowledge, skills and experience to potential employers. While certification is not required by most states, many employers prefer or even require it as a condition of employment. According to the National Healthcare Association, 89% of organizations encourage or require their medical assistants to be certified.
Several nationally recognized organizations offer medical assistant certification exams, including the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from American Medical Technologists (AMT) and the National Medical Assistant (NCMA) Certification Exam through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).
Some exams can be taken during training or immediately after graduation, while others require a certain amount of in-the-field work experience before qualifying.
At DTC, we’ll help you take the steps toward certification as part of your training. The Medical Assisting Program at DTC prepares you to sit for the National Medical Assistant (NCMA) Certification Exam through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) at the end of Externship. The cost of the exam is included in your tuition, so you can focus on gaining the skills and confidence you need to succeed in your career after graduation.
What are the Different Types of Medical Assistant Programs?
The length of medical assisting programs varies depending on the type of school you choose and the credentials you earn (diploma versus certificate versus Associate’s Degree).
Vocational and trade schools offer shorter, more skills-focused programs that prepare you to enter the workforce quickly. While community colleges and universities often include general education coursework in addition to medical assistant training classes. If you’re considering a career in medical assisting, choosing the right educational path for you is an important first step.
Vocational and Trade Schools
Vocational schools, community colleges, and universities offer medical assisting programs. These formal training programs characteristically consist of classroom instruction and hands-on practice. Students receive instruction in clinical procedures, office administration, first aid, and instrument care. These programs last between nine months and two years, depending on the path you take.
Medical assistant training programs at vocational and trade schools are typically designed for speed and career readiness. At DTC, you can complete the medical assistant program in just nine months.
The curriculum covers core medical assistant skills such as phlebotomy, patient preparation, assisting with physical exams, medical billing and coding, office management, and more. You’ll also complete an Externship as part of your training, where you’ll gain experience working in a real medical office.
You’ll sit for a certification exam at the end of the Externship. Upon successful completion of the program, you’ll receive a medical assisting diploma and be prepared to pursue certification and entry-level employment.
Community Colleges and Universities
Medical assisting programs at community colleges and universities offer similar clinical and administrative training as trade schools, but also require students to take general education courses, like English or Math.
These programs usually take one to two years to complete, depending on your pace and course load. Upon graduation, you may earn a diploma, certificate, associate’s degree, or even a bachelor’s degree, depending on the program and school. This pathway may be right for you if you want a more traditional college experience and do not need to enter the workforce quickly.
Start Your Path Towards Becoming a Medical Assistant
We’re here to help you start the path toward a rewarding career as a medical assistant!
To get started, request more information and a member of DTC’s team will reach out to you with more information.
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