Accreditation Advantage: What it Means for Your Career

Becoming a medical assistant is an excellent way to enter the growing field of healthcare in a career that is in demand. If you’re interested in a career in healthcare, there is no quicker way than beginning as a medical assistant, as most programs can be completed in a few short months. When you are looking for a medical assistant training program, you may notice that certain programs highlight the fact that they are accredited. When you get your training from an accredited school, you will know that you are not only getting the highest quality and most comprehensive training to start your new career, but that you will be able to pursue a certification as a medical assistant.

Becoming a Certified Medical Assistant

Do you absolutely need to get certified? No, it’s possible to begin your career without going through the certification process. However, without becoming certified, you will be at a definite disadvantage. You can work as a medical assistant in most states without certification, but many employers will give preference to medical assistants who have gone through the certification process. In order to be eligible for certification, you need to enroll in an accredited training program. Once you complete your medical assistant training, you will be eligible to take the certification exam. While thinking of the exam before you even begin the process can be overwhelming, it’s important not to limit yourself and to start off on the right foot to give yourself every opportunity available to you including getting certified. 

Working as a Medical Assistant

Accredited medical assistant training programs go through a rigorous accreditation process to ensure students are learning the fundamentals of the profession. Accredited programs prepare you for the certification exam. In order for a school to maintain their accreditation, certain standards have to be met consistently. Accredited medical assistant training programs have career focused training that employers like to see. These programs know the skills you will need to be successful in your job as a medical assistant and will ensure that you leave the program ready to meet your career challenges and goals. Accredited schools typically have a better reputation among the hospitals, clinics, and medical offices that are looking to hire medical assistants. They know that you will have all the education necessary to be successful.

Getting Hired as a Certified Medical Assistant 

If certification isn’t required in your state and you feel confident in your skills, why bother going through the certification process? The reality is that while certification may not be an official requirement, any potential employer will be more likely to choose a potential candidate who has gone through the certification process. Not only does going through an accredited program and taking the certification exam prove that your skills are up to par, but it demonstrates to potential employers that you are taking your career seriously and are willing to invest in quality training. Getting your training at an accredited school and taking the certification exam will give you better job options. With a highly respected training program, you will benefit from their reputation and will likely have your choice of positions when you are ready to begin working.

Better Pay and More Opportunities for Medical Assistants

In addition to having more job options, going through an accredited program will make you eligible for better pay, better choices in shifts, and more opportunities for advancement. Many larger medical facilities that offer the highest initial salaries, such as hospitals, will only hire certified medical assistants who have completed accredited training programs. Additionally, while medical assisting is a great and fulfilling career on its own, many medical assistants use their initial role as a jumping off point to further their career in healthcare, whether they pursue opportunities in nursing, as specialty technicians, advanced medical administration roles, and more. To maintain your certification, you will need continuing education credits (CEUs), and this continued training will prove to employers that you are dedicated to maintaining your high-quality education and status. Although certification isn’t necessarily a requirement now, there is always a chance that it will be in the future, and having the right education from the start can save a lot of hassle later on.

Stepping into a new career, particularly in the healthcare field, can be exciting and overwhelming all at once. The decision to return to school and take a new path is a major one, so you want to make sure that you choose the right program that will give you the best training and ample opportunities. When you choose an accredited program for your medical assistant training, you will be on the right path to take the certification exam and make yourself highly marketable to future employers. You’ll not only be on the path to be successful as a medical assistant right away, but you will open many doors for future opportunities and higher pay. Choosing the right school matters, and knowing you have chosen an accredited program will give you the confidence to step into your new career. 

When considering your career options and goals for your future, choosing a career path that is in demand with opportunities for advancement is important. The medical field is full of rewarding career choices, and with Athena Career Academy, you can start on a path to success right away. Our accredited medical assistant training program with flexible class times and no wait list will prepare you for a successful career. Contact our admissions team to learn more about how to enroll.