Become a Certified Medical Assistant in Less than One Year

If you are considering a career as a certified medical assistant (MA), you are probably like most people and have a lot of questions as you begin to explore your possibilities in this exciting field. Here we will take a look at some of the most common questions prospective students have and the requirements needed for certification as a medical assistant. 

What do I need to start my training to become a medical assistant?

Getting the proper training is an imperative step in becoming successful in the medical field, but classroom training isn't the only thing that's needed. As a medical assistant, you will be spending each day working with a wide variety of patients and personalities, so you are going to need a lot of patience, people skills and the ability to clearly communicate with patients in order to effectively convey information and individual instructions with each patient.  Additionally, you will need to demonstrate a high level of organizational skills in order to competently take a patients' medical history, record vital signs and other preliminary information, as well as assist the physician during exams. 

How do I apply for the certified medical assistant program?

Each person applying to the MA program must meet certain requirements. Here at Athena Career Academy, there are several steps to take before admission, including:

• Completion of an online application
• Participation in an informal meeting with an admissions representative as well as meet one on one with a financial aid administrator.
• Submission of your Wonderlic Entrance Exam fee

Once you have completed these initial steps, and discovered what financial aid packages may be available to you to help cover the costs of your continuing education, it is time to decide if this is the career for you. 

How long will it take for me to earn my certification?

This program is taken over the course of about 12 month, and consists of an estimated 680 hours in the classroom and lab. During your time in the classroom, you will be learning the essentials of what it takes to be an MA, some of these include:

• Psychological anatomy/physiology
• Medical terminology
• Emergency care
• CPR
• Patient care and more

Following this, you will complete a 120 hour externship where you are able practice what you have learned in the classroom while you are immersed in a real-life modern medical facility working environment. Once you have completed this course, you will be granted a certificate of completion for the program and are now qualified to take the National Certification Exam.

When can I start earning my MA certification?

Professionals in the medical field are in high demand, and according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, you can expect to begin your new career with a median pay of just under $30,000 a year. Additionally, the demand for MAs is expected to increase by 23% in the next 10 years, ensuring your job security and financial stability in the future. 

New classes usually start every 3 months, and students can enroll as late as 30 days before the class starts provided all documentation and fees are taken care of beforehand. So what are you waiting for? Call Athena Career Academy today to speak with an admissions representative to discover your new career path and financial aid options available for you. 

Athena Career Academy is located at:
5203 Airport Highway
Toledo, Ohio 43615
Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30AM to 4:30PM
Phone: (419) 329-4075