Elements of a High Quality Medical Assistant Training Program

If you’re considering becoming a medical assistant, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is which training program to attend. Not all medical assistant programs are created equal, so it’s important to thoroughly research all options before making your final decision. 

To ensure that you’re getting the most out of your education and training, here are some key elements to look for in a quality medical assistant program.

Accreditation 

While deciding between various medical assisting programs, the most important criteria is accreditation. If the program you are considering isn’t accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), Council on Occupational Educational (COE), or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), then move on to a different school. These certifying bodies demand that a school adheres to strict educational standards, so you know you’re getting high-quality education with an accredited program. 

Attending an accredited medical assisting program provides you with accelerated, career focused training that will prepare you for a career in healthcare by providing the practical skills needed to successfully perform on the job. Plus, you won’t have to complete lengthy prerequisites like you would with a traditional bachelor’s degree program. 

It’s also important to note that if you choose a school that isn’t accredited, you won’t be able to take the exam to become a certified or registered medical assistant after completing your training program. The CMA exam is only earned through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and the RMA exam is only earned through the American Medical Technologist (AMT) and only those graduates of accredited medical assisting programs are allowed to sit for the exam. 

While certification isn’t required in some states, becoming certified greatly increases your career opportunities. Many employers only hire CMAs or RMAs, and it demonstrates to your employer that you are fully committed to dedicating yourself to the profession and that you attended a high-quality training program and possess the proper skills and knowledge needed to perform the job well. 

Program Length 

Another benefit of becoming a medical assistant is the training is relatively short compared to other healthcare careers. For students who don’t have the time or resources to commit to going back to school for several years, medical assisting is the ideal fit. The program length will vary depending on the school, but many programs are designed to be completed in one year or less. 

In addition to program length, choosing a program that fits into your lifestyle is important to your success. Are classes offered during flexible times? Do they offer day and evening classes? Also, inquire about how frequently classes start up. Some programs only offer entry once a year, but other programs have frequent openings, allowing you to get a jumpstart on your new career quickly without waiting for a new school year to begin. 

Reputation 

A high-quality medical assistant program should have a solid reputation and high satisfaction rate. This is an investment in your future, so it’s okay to be selective when choosing a program. Take some time to ask plenty of questions and write notes to compare details. This will make the selection process easier once you narrow down your choices. 

Ready to Get Started? 

If you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant and are serious about finding a high-quality training program, you’re in luck! Athena Career Academy has an accessible, accredited medical assisting training program that fully prepares students for success by providing all the necessary skills needed to perform the job with confidence. Contact our admissions team today for a campus tour!