Are you considering a career as a medical assistant? With the healthcare industry booming, it’s an excellent time to join the field. However, before you can start your new career, you need to choose the right program to obtain your medical assistant certification. With so many medical assistant programs out there, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is the best fit for you.
In this guide, we’ll break down the six key factors to consider when researching medical assistant programs. Whether you’re a prospective student, a current healthcare student looking to specialize, or a career changer aiming for a fresh start, this article will provide you with the insights you need to make an informed decision.
1. Cost: Compare Medical Assistant Program Cost & Payment Options
One of the first things you’ll need to consider is the cost of the medical assistant programs you’re interested in. Tuition fees can vary widely depending on the institution and the type of program.
Comparing Tuition Fees
Medical assistant programs can range from a few thousand dollars to upwards of $20,000. Certificate programs like CALRegional generally cost less than associate degree programs and can be completed in much less time. Which route is best for you depends on your personal preferences.
CALRegional’s Medical Assistant Program offers competitive tuition at just $2,995 or less.
Exploring Payment Options
Fortunately, many schools offer flexible payment options to help manage costs. These may include monthly payment plans, deferred payment options, or tuition assistance programs. Be sure to ask about these options when researching medical assistant programs.
At CALRegional, we offer interest-free payment plans that can be spread over a 3-6 month period, depending on the length of your program. Everyone qualifies for our payment plans and students graduate debt-free.
Financial Aid Opportunities
Some medical assistant programs offer financial aid opportunities such as federal financial aid, scholarships, and grants. While CALRegional does not currently offer financial aid, many of our partner schools where our programs are held offer scholarships throughout the school year.
To learn more about scholarship opportunities, please check directly with the adult school or institution where CALRegional programs are held. You can view the full list of our partner schools here to find your nearest location.
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2. Length: How Long Are Medical Assistant Programs?
You’re probably asking yourself: How long will it take to become a medical assistant? The length of medical assistant programs is certainly another factor to consider. The duration can affect how quickly you can enter the workforce and start earning a salary.
Generally, different program types will contribute to the length of the program. For example, compare certificate programs to degree programs. Certificate programs can take weeks while degree programs can take years to complete.
Keep reading to see how these programs differ in length.
Certificate Programs
A medical assistant certificate program like CALRegional’s is typically the shortest option. Our programs range from just 8-10 weeks, though it’s not uncommon for certificate programs to range from 9 to 12 months.
Certificate programs focus on the essential knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of a medical assistant and are ideal for those looking to start their careers quickly.
Associate Degree Programs
Associate degree programs usually take about two years to complete.
There is a common misconception that a degree in medical assisting is better than a certificate, but this is not necessarily the case. A medical assistant degree and a medical assistant certification program result in the same certification.
Time Commitment and Career Goals
When reviewing the length of the medical assistant programs, consider your career goals and how quickly you want to enter the workforce.
If you plan to continue in the medical field and would like to earn a more advanced degree such as becoming an RN, an associate degree program might be a better fit. If your goal is to enter the workforce quickly and start earning a salary, a certificate is probably best for you.
3. Flexibility: Find the Schedule That Fits Your Lifestyle
When researching medical assistant programs, it’s vital to consider schedule flexibility. Assessing how the programs align with your lifestyle is essential for balancing studies with personal and professional responsibilities.
Many CALRegional students hold full-time or part-time jobs when completing their training. Some have children to take care of while others have more of an open schedule. They’re able to do this because of our flexible schedule options.
Class Days & Times
Many medical assistant programs offer part-time, evening, or weekend classes to accommodate students who may be working or have other commitments.
Depending on the schedule you choose, CALRegional’s Medical Assistant Program length ranges from 8-10 weeks.
Online and Hybrid Options For Medical Assistant Programs
Look for medical assistant programs that offer online courses or hybrid models that combine in-person and virtual learning, giving you the freedom to manage your time more effectively.
CALRegional’s program is a hybrid course, split evenly between online and in-person classes.
Balancing Studies and Life
Understanding whether the program can fit into your lifestyle is essential for balancing your studies with your personal and professional life. As adults, it can be challenging to find the time for higher education, but when you choose the right program, you can fit your career goals seamlessly into your schedule.
4. Curriculum: Research the Class Structure of Medical Assistant Programs
The curriculum of medical assistant programs is a crucial aspect to examine. A well-rounded program should cover the various administrative, laboratory, and clinical duties that you’ll need in your future career.
Core Courses
Most medical assistant programs include core courses such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical office procedures, and clinical techniques. Ensure that the program you choose offers a balanced mix of these essential subjects.
Students will be tested on certain competencies on their national exam, depending on the exam provider. At CALRegional, students take the national exam through the AMCA which includes 6 key competencies, all covered during the program.
Hands-On Training
The best medical assistant programs will offer hands-on training, like CALRegional. Learning clinical duties such as taking vitals, phlebotomy, administering medications, and performing an EKG will make you more employable and broaden your career prospects.
CALRegional students often say the hands-on training was the most enjoyable portion of their program.
Engaging Medical Assistant Programs
To get the most out of your training, opt for medical assistant programs that include an engaging environment with fellow students. Active participation in a classroom setting will help you absorb information better.
CALRegional’s Medical Assistant Program consists of 50% online and instructor-led lectures and 50% labs ensuring students receive the best quality of instruction.
5. Externships: Ensure Real-World Experience is Included
Hands-on experience is invaluable in the healthcare field. Many medical assistant programs include externships as part of their curriculum to prepare students with real-world experience in a clinical setting.
You can think of an externship as an internship: a short-term learning experience in a workplace such as a doctor’s office, hospital, or other medical facilities. They are generally full-time and unpaid.
Importance of Externships
Externships allow you to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to actual patient care scenarios. You’ll gain first-hand exposure to how medical assistants work. This experience not only reinforces your skills but also helps build your confidence in performing medical assistant duties.
Though clinical externships are not formally required to obtain certification, CALRegional requires students to complete an externship in the Medical Assistant Program. Because of this, students get their foot in the door faster as they are job-ready.
Externship Placement After Medical Assistant Programs
When researching medical assistant schooling, inquire about whether the externship is guaranteed. Many medical assistant programs put the responsibility on the student to find their externship site. Not CALRegional.
We will place you at an externship site after you complete the classroom portion of the program, meet financial obligations, and complete the required prerequisites.
You can learn more about the ins and outs of externships in this blog.
Following the Externship
Completing a medical assisting externship can often lead to employment opportunities. Many sites host externs, in part, to find qualified candidates to hire.
During your externship, make sure to put your best foot forward and portray yourself with the utmost professionalism. This can lead to you obtaining employment before your externship is even over.
In any event, you can secure a solid reference from your externship site supervisor to include in your resume during your job search.
6. Reviews: Check Reviews & Testimonials of Medical Assistant Students
Understanding what current and past students think about various medical assistant programs can help you make a well-informed decision. They have walked in your soon-to-be shoes and may be able to provide you with the information you need to solidify your choice.
Finding Credible Reviews on Medical Assistant Programs
Look for reviews on reputable websites, such as educational review platforms or even Google. These reviews often provide unbiased opinions from students who have completed various medical assistant programs.
You can view reviews from CALRegional students on our Facebook or Instagram page.
Evaluating Student Satisfaction
Pay attention to common themes in the reviews. Are students generally satisfied with the quality of education and support services? Do they feel prepared for their roles as medical assistants after completing the program? Have they found jobs in their field?
Making an Informed Decision
Use these reviews to create a shortlist of medical assistant programs that meet your criteria. You may also be able to decide if working as a medical assistant seems like something you would enjoy.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to admissions offices for more information or to speak with current students and alumni.
I just completed the Medical Assistant Program this June and have already received a job offer from John Muir Medical Clinics. I now have the career of my dreams!
Erika H., Medical Assistant Student
Conclusion
Choosing the right program from a long list of available medical assistant courses is a significant step toward a rewarding healthcare career. By considering factors such as cost, length, flexibility, curriculum, externship opportunities, and reviews, you can find a program that aligns with your goals and needs.
Remember, becoming a medical assistant is not just about acquiring skills; it’s about joining a community of healthcare professionals dedicated to making a difference. And with the job outlook growing by 15% through 2033, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, your outlook is bright.
So if you’re ready to take the first step, start researching medical assistant programs today and prepare to launch your career in the medical field. For personalized guidance on CALRegional’s Medical Assistant Program, click the button below to book an appointment with an Admission Specialist.
