How to Choose the Best Medical Assistant Training Program
Posted On August 12,2022
To begin a career in medical assisting, you first need the proper training. Choosing a quality school to receive your clinical medical assisting (CMA) training is the most important step in becoming a medical assistant. CMAs bear a lot of responsibilities and provide care to patients, so receiving an excellent education can make or break how prepared and successful you are in your medical assisting career.
Accreditation
If you’re serious about becoming a medical assistant, you need to enroll in a program that’s accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Only students graduating from an accredited program are eligible to sit for the CMA exam issued by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
While accreditation isn’t required in some states to obtain employment, most employers prefer to hire certified candidates. Certification can increase your marketability, lead to higher pay and benefits, greater job stability, better shift choices, and more job opportunities. Therefore, finding out whether a program is accredited should be a top priority.
Program Length
Most healthcare careers require extensive training and several years of higher education, but one of the biggest benefits of becoming a CMA is being able to jumpstart your new career quickly. Medical assisting programs can be completed in one year or less, so you can get in and get out. That said, no two programs are the same, so make sure to choose a program that fits into your desired timeline and career goals.
Financial Aid
Continuing your education is an investment in your future but it’s also a financial commitment. Before enrolling in a medical assisting program, find out if they offer access to federal financial aid or tuition assistance to help offset the cost. The good news is, attending a vocational school is significantly less expensive than a traditional four-year college, so you are saving time and money by attending a medical assistant training program.
Flexible Class Options
Many students have family and work obligations to schedule around, so it’s important to inquire about the program logistics so you can plan accordingly. You will struggle to succeed if you’re unable to make it to class, so find a program who understands the needs of working parents or busy adults and accommodates them by offering flexible classes, such as day and evening options to ensure optimal success.
Compatibility
Before enrolling, consider whether the program is right for you. Is it accredited? Does it fit into your lifestyle? Do they offer financial aid and flexible day and evening class options?
It’s also wise to check the reputation of a medical assistant training program before officially committing. Find a reputable, established program that has a verifiable history of successfully preparing students to become medical assistants.
You will also want to ask a potential school about eligibility factors as most medical assistant training programs list certain requirements that must be met prior to the first day of class.
Start your CMAWant to Learn More?
The best method of choosing a medical assistant training program is to do your due diligence by finding an established, reputable school with a good standing in the community and a history of transforming prospective students into successful CMAs in the healthcare industry. If you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant and want to learn more about the program, contact Athena Career Academy today.