When choosing an online medical assisting degree, you should ensure that both the program and the institution are accredited. This article details how to determine if your college is accredited and why it's so important to earn a degree from an accredited program.
The Importance of Accreditation
One of the most important factors to consider when selecting an online medical assisting degree program is whether or not both the school and the program are accredited. A medical assisting degree from an accredited school is more likely to help you land a job. Completion of an accredited medical assisting training program is also required to attain certification from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
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<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutMedicalAssistantCareers"> Important Facts About Medical Assistant Careers</h3>
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<table border="1"><tr><td>Median Salary (2018) </td><td>$33,610</td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Outlook (2016-2026) </td><td> 29% (Much faster than average)</td></tr>
<tr><td>Entry-level Education</td><td> Postsecondary non-degree award</td></tr>
<tr><td>Similar Occupations</td><td> Dental assistants, pharmacy technicians, and nursing assistants</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
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<h3 id="section---VerifyingASchoolSAccreditationStatus">Verifying a School's Accreditation Status</h3>
<p>Most institutions have information on their websites disclosing their accrediting agency, but you'll need to independently verify the legitimacy of the agency and confirm that the agency accredits your school.
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<p>To confirm that an accrediting agency is legitimate, you can consult the U.S. Department of Education's website. Many online degree programs are accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), which is listed as a legitimate accrediting agency by the Department of Education. To determine if the accrediting agency has approved the school, go to the accreditation organization's website to confirm that your school is listed there.
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<h3 id="section---VerifyingAProgramSAccreditationStatus">Verifying a Program's Accreditation Status</h3>
<p>Two organizations that accredit medical assisting degree programs are the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). To take the certified medical assistant (CMA) certification exam, you must have graduated from a medical assisting training program that is accredited by one of these agencies.
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<p>You can find lists of accredited medical assisting degree programs at the CAAHEP and ABHES websites. Since some programs are accredited by only one of these organizations, check both websites in order to determine whether or not your program is accredited.</p>
