Medical Assisting Degrees

Medical Assisting Degrees can lead to fulfilling careers in the field of medicine. Numerous community colleges, vocational schools and technical schools across the US are offering programs in medical assisting. These programs are designed to give students the foundational knowledge required to succeed as a medical assistant.

The healthcare field in the US is a massive job market, with an expected growth in occupations of 14% in the years from 2018 to 2028. This rate is much faster than that for all occupations, adding nearly 1.9 million new jobs. Medical assistants are part of this high growing field.

If you want to become a part of this thriving industry, then a medical assisting degree might be the right stepping stone for you. Find out all you need to know about medical assisting degrees, including what to expect from them, course structure, length, admission requirements and careers they can lead to.

What Is Medical Assisting?

Medical Assisting is a support function occupation in the field of healthcare. Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks in various healthcare settings, such as in the offices of physicians, hospitals and clinics. They carry out tasks like recording patient data, measuring vital signs, helping physicians with patient examinations and treatments, administering injections etc. Medical assistants also schedule patient appointments and prepare blood samples for further analysis.

What Can You Do with a Medical Assisting Degree?

A medical assisting degree can lead to careers in a multitude of healthcare settings. A lot will depend on your degree, specialization and location.

The following list provides details of a medical assistant career, along with a look into specialized medical assisting career paths as per data obtained from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Please note that the specialized career paths will require additional training and education.

Medical Assistants

These individuals perform a series of clinical and administrative tasks under the direct supervision of a physician.

Annual Median Salary, 2019	$34,800
Job Outlook, 2018-2028	23%
Annual Mean Salary, 2019	$35,720
State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019	California	96,850
State with the Highest Salary, 2019	Alaska	$45,630

Dental Assistants

These medical professionals are in-charge of assisting dentists, setting up equipment, preparing patients for treatment and maintaining a record of all patients. In addition to that, they also schedule appointments.

Annual Median Salary, 2019	$40,080
Job Outlook, 2018-2028	11%
Annual Mean Salary, 2019	$41,170
State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019	California	56,840
State with the Highest Salary, 2019	Minnesota	$52,220

Phlebotomists

Phlebotomists perform tasks such as drawing blood for tests, blood donations or transfusions. They also enter patient information into databases and label the blood vials.

Annual Median Salary, 2019	$35,510
Job Outlook, 2018-2028	23%
Annual Mean Salary, 2019	$36,480
State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019	California	12,860
State with the Highest Salary, 2019	California	$45,940

What to Expect from a Medical Assisting Degree?

A medical assisting degree can take one to two years to complete. A one-year long program from a community college or a vocational school will result in a certificate or a diploma, while a 2-year long program in medical assisting would typically lead to an associate’s degree. All medical assisting degrees have classroom and laboratory portions with coursework in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology and equipment. Students can also expect to study subjects such as Medical Law, History of Health Insurance, Signs and Symptoms and Consumer Support etc.

How to Choose a Medical Assisting Degree?

In order to choose a medical assisting degree, students will have to look at several factors. These include cost structure, location of the campus, specialization options, admission requirements etc. Students might also have to consider the mode of instruction – online or on-campus. Another very important factor is accreditation of the program. Organizations such as the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) accredit medical assisting programs.

Medical Assisting Degree Admission Requirements

In order to get admission into a medical assisting degree program, students will have to have a high school diploma at least. Most medical assisting programs will not require any experience or higher education credentials, though courses in biology and anatomy at the high school level may help. Admission requirements for medical assisting programs may vary from school to school.

How Long Does It Take to Complete a Medical Assisting Degree?

There are various institutions in the U.S. that usually offer either a certificate or an associate's degree in Medical Assisting. For instance, the Sullivan University, the Bryant & Stratton College and the Moraine Park Technical College offer a 1-year certificate or a 2-year associate's degree. These degrees are offered either full/part-time on-campus or online.

What Are the Requirements for Completing a Medical Assisting Degree?

The requirements to complete a degree in Medical Assisting vary for each university and degree type. For instance, students of the 1-year Medical Assistant certificate offered at the Sullivan University must complete 69 credit hours to graduate. However, students of the Medical Assistant associate's degree offered by the same university must complete 100 credit hours of coursework, lab work and exams to graduate.

How Much Can I Make after Completing a Medical Assisting Degree?

Although many graduates of the associate's Medical Assistant degree begin working in the field, some opt for a 4-year bachelor’s degree to optimize their career prospects. After completing an associate's degree in Medical Assisting and obtaining a license to practice, graduates often work as Medical Assistants. According to the data reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2018, the annual median salary earned by Medical Assistants was $33,610.

Which courses are taught in Medical Assisting programs?
Are there any diploma in medical assisting degree programs?

Frequently Asked Question(s)

Q:Which courses are taught in Medical Assisting programs?

A:The courses of Medical Assisting programs relate to medical terminology, human anatomy and physiology and office management techniques.

Q:Are there any diploma in medical assisting degree programs?

A:Yes. Many renowned universities listed on our website offer diplomas in Medical Assisting degree programs.

Q:What specializations do medical assistant programs offer?

A:Within medical assistant programs you can choose to take up a clinical degree or an administrative degree. You could also choose from specializations like Emergency Management Program, Pharmacy Technician Program, Lab Assistant Program and Respiratory Healthcare Program.

Q:What is the duration for medical assistant program?

A:The duration it will take to complete a medical assisting program depends on the type of program you are studying. A certification or diploma course normally takes 6 months to a year while an associate's degree can take up to 2 years. A bachelor's degree can take anywhere between 3 to 4 years while a master's degree in medical assisting will take you 1 or 2 years to complete.

Q:What is the duration of medical assisting program at Florida Career College?

A:Florida career college is a accredited college that offers degree programs in a wide number of areas. The medical assistant program offered by this college is designed to teach students the basic skills of medical assistants. They are aught how to perform certain clinical and administrative tasks such as reporting, handling accounts, scheduling etc. the duration of this program is 12months and comprises of around 48 credit hours.

Q:What courses are studied in a bachelor Medical Assisting Degrees?

A:A few major courses found in the Medical Assisting Degrees are: medical business operations, medical terminology, medical office procedures, clinical assisting, pathophyisology, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, phlebotomy, and many more. These courses provide student with theoretical knowledge and practical training that will help them become successful medical assistants in the professional world.

Q:Can stay-at-home parents opt for the Online Medical Assisting Degrees?

A:The Online Medical Assisting degrees are specifically designed for working adults and stay at home parents who cannot travel and attend campus based classes. These degrees allow students to complete their education from any location in the world. Also, with online medical assisting degrees, students can schedule their own classes and complete the degree at their own pace.

Q:Reading about the medical assistant course duration mentioned a course in medical office insurance. What is included in this course?

A:Medical office insurance would be mentioned when searching for medical assistant course duration. This course is worth 2 credit hours and deals with medical insurance policies, health insurance and managed care. Students also learn about managed care companies and operating procedures. With the health care industry experiencing positive growth, there is huge potential for students in this industry. Prospective students interested in this course are advised to search our website for more information.

Q:As I read an article on what is a medical assistant, there was mention of the course on Business Communication. What are the contents of this course?

A:It is common to get to read about the course on Business Communication while going through article on what is a Medical Assistant. This course usually is worth 2 credits in total. It is designed to provide students with ample understanding of the written communication as well as the verbal concepts needed in a business environment, with ample hands on experience.

Q:Are there colleges that offer internships as part of their medical assistant training course?

A:Medical assistant training courses are focused to give the necessary guidance that prepares applicants for entry level jobs. Therefore there are many courses where internship is a vital part of the course that is important to complete in order to get the certificate. Internships give hands on experience in the practical field and are deemed important.

Q:Are online medical assistant programs the same as traditionally- taught courses?

A:The course content for online programs has been designed to reflect as much as possible the same content as classroom-based programs. The programs have been adapted so that as much of the course is, and its materials are, available to you via an internet connection and a computer. Subjects are sometime taught by live-feeds, or by material that has been recorded in advance, in addition to conference calls.

Q:What do medical assistants do in doctors' offices?

A:Medical assistants are not limited to working in doctors' offices, but if they do, they probably undertake the much of the administration tasks, such as the billing, looking after medical records and so on. Sometimes they will be asked to undertake come clinical work, such as testing samples or processing samples for testing. Medical assistants may also be in charge of the equipment supplies.

Q:What will I learn in 6 month medical assistant online degree programs?

A:There are numerous types of medical assistant programs available online. Some of the shortest courses in this field have a duration of 6-12 months. This program is geared towards preparing students for medical assistant careers. Most of the coursework details practical based programs that polish skills and offer hands on experience.

Q:I want to become a physician's assistant but I can't enroll in a traditional degree program by leaving my current day job to as it pays the bills. Are there any accredited online medical assistant programs?

A:Yes, with the advancements in telecommunications technology and increases in internet speeds, it has now become quite convenient to opt for accredited online medical assistant programs at both the bachelor's as well as the master's levels. They usually have 40-45 credit hours that have to be completed in a quarter and are 100% online with no travel required.

Q:What is Medical Assisting Degrees?

A:Medical assisting degrees are designed to teach students about clinical processes, pharmacology, and fundamentals of healthcare. Students who wish to work as a medical assisting can opt for this degree which will equip them with skills and knowledge. Medical assisting degrees are also offered online by many accredited medical schools.

Q:What courses do online medical assistant degrees teach?

A:The specific curriculum of an online medical assistant degree usually varies from school to school and from program to program. Generally, students get to take courses in medical procedures, lab techniques, drug administration and first aid. Before choosing an online programs, it is important to ensure that it is duly accredited.

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