Is a Medical Assistant Degree Right for Me?

What To Expect From a Medical Assistant Degree

In a medical assistant degree, certificate, or diploma program, you'll learn how to perform assisting duties through health sciences coursework like the following:

• pharmacology
• medical administrative procedures
• medical psychology
• medical law and ethics
• medical terminology
• digital health records
• medical clinical procedures
• human body in health and disease
• muscular, skeletal, and digestive systems
• medical billing and insurance

Most programs also require students to participate in hands-on clinical experiences. These experiences might be referred to as a clinical phase, clinical office practicum, or externship and could be completed in a specific number of hours or weeks. Programs aim to prepare students to become certified, which is required alongside completing an accredited program to practice in some states. Students might also be required to pass a certification exam.

Common Medical Assistant Programs

Medical assistant programs are commonly delivered through accredited community colleges, technical schools, universities, and vocational schools. Here are CMA programs you might encounter:

• Associate degree programs: Could include one or two years of class and practical training
• Diploma programs: Might require about one year of coursework and field training
• Certificate programs: Could require a year or less of classroom and hands-on training
• Online courses: Teach students the medical assistant curriculum, typically without including practical training

Coursework and practical training requirements for medical assistant programs vary from school to school. The time needed to complete these programs also differs.

How To Decide if a Medical Assistant Degree Is Right for You

If you're considering a medical assistant career, earning a medical assistant degree, certificate, or diploma is necessary. But how can you be sure that this route is right for you? Here are some tips to consider.

Determine Your Career and Life Goals

Your first step is to ensure that your career choice involves becoming a medical assistant or entering a related field. Coursework and practical experiences in medical assistant programs are designed to prepare you for this role; however, you might also find that your degree qualifies you for roles such as:

• medical office assistant
• health clerk
• medical insurance specialist

Consider Your Financial Situation

Depending on the program you enter, you might pay thousands to complete your studies before starting a medical assistant career. Be sure to check tuition costs. If you don't have the funds, look into financial aid options. You might be eligible for grants, federal work-study, loans, military benefits, or scholarships to help reduce costs.

Speak To a Medical Assistant

A great way to decide whether entering a medical assistant degree program is the best choice is to speak with a medical assistant. Ask about their experiences in their degree program and seek advice for success as a student. Also, read on to learn what it's like to work as a medical assistant, including the daily responsibilities, work schedule, and work environment.

What Do Medical Assistants Do?

Medical assistants help manage administrative and clinical tasks in medical practices, such as:

• a physician's office
• hospitals
• outpatient care centers

Medical assistant duties include:

• scheduling appointments
• taking vital signs like weight and blood pressure
• drawing blood and preparing samples (phlebotomy)
• checking patients' medical histories
• updating medical records
• giving injections or medications
• assisting doctors with exams and surgeries
• administering EKGs
• performing basic lab tests

Medical assistants also handle bookkeeping and assist patients with understanding their insurance coverage. They might type medical correspondence, answer phones, and restock medical and office supplies.

Skills Required of Medical Assistants

Working as a medical assistant requires a special skill set. Here are some of the top skills needed for this role:

• communication skills to share important details like medical information with patients
• interpersonal skills to enjoy positive interactions with patients and providers in healthcare facilities
• compassion to empathize with patients who are injured and sick as well as their families
• analytical skills to comprehend what is read in medical charts and documents.
• organizational skills to manage medical records, billing, and other administrative duties

FAQs About Medical Assistant Degrees

Want to know more about medical assistant degrees? Explore the following frequently asked questions.

How Long Does It Take To Complete a Medical Assistant Degree?

The time needed to complete a medical assistant degree varies by program. Associate degree programs might take up to two years while certificate or diploma programs might be completed in less than a year.

What Are the Job Prospects Like for Medical Assistants?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 14% — much faster than average for all occupations. More than 114,000 openings are expected annually from 2022 to 2032.

What Are the Benefits of Pursuing a Degree as a Medical Assistant?

Medical assisting is a rewarding career path. You're helping doctors' offices function effectively through your clinical and administrative expertise. You can also help build your medical facility's positive reputation by offering high-quality, compassionate care with each patient interaction.

Is It Stressful To Work as a Medical Assistant?

Yes, medical assisting can be a stressful healthcare career. Medical assistants juggle numerous tasks in a fast-paced environment. They spend a lot of time standing and walking while working with patients. In healthcare facilities that operate around the clock, medical assistants often work full-time schedules that include weekends, evenings, or holidays.