Benefits of an Accredited Medical Assistant Program
Posted On March 16,2021
Careers in the healthcare field offer a multitude of exciting options, but very few training programs allow students the opportunity to get trained and into a new career as quickly as a medical assistant program. Medical assisting students graduate with a unique skill set that make them valuable members of any medical team.
When choosing a medical assistant program, it’s important to ensure that the school you attend can prepare you for certification as a certified medical assistant (CMA). This can be accomplished by selecting a medical assisting program that is accredited by ABHES (Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools) or CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs). It’s crucial that the school you select is accredited, as you won’t be allowed to take the CMA exam without it.
Why Become Certified?
While certification isn’t required in some states to obtain employment, the vast majority of employers prefer to hire certified medical assistants. If you are serious about becoming a medical assistant, it just makes sense to take the extra step to become certified after completing your training program. Certification leads to higher pay, better choice in shifts, more opportunities for advancement, higher marketability, and so much more.
Certification not only demonstrates your commitment to the career, but it also reassures a potential employer that you’re more prepared for the job if you graduated from an accredited program, as schools must go through a rigorous accreditation process. Accredited schools have a better reputation for producing graduates that are ready to step into a hospital or clinic, so employers can feel confident that the CMAs they hire received a top-notch education and training.
Career Focused Training
When you attend an accredited medical assisting program, you’ll benefit from accelerated, student-centered training that focuses on the practical skills needed for success. Unlike a bachelor’s degree program, you won’t have to complete extensive, time-consuming prerequisites.
Medical assisting programs allow students to complete their training quickly so they can start working. This is perfect for the student with other life commitments or older adults looking to make a fast career change.
Learn More about our CMA ProgramFinancial Aid
Another benefit of attending an accredited medical assistant program is the ability to apply for financial aid if needed. You cannot receive federal financial aid if you attend an unaccredited school or program.
Greater Marketability
If you’re serious about becoming a medical assistant, then it’s extremely important to attend an accredited program and take the next step to become certified after graduation. Certification opens a lot more doors in terms of career opportunities. Plus, many of the larger healthcare facilities, such as hospitals for example, will only hire certified medical assistants.
In addition, it’s a possibility that certification could eventually become a requirement in the future. It would be much easier to complete the certification process now while the training material is still fresh on your mind, versus having to go back to school to become certified down the road.
Education Matters
The decision to return to school is a big one, so it’s important that you choose the right school in order to ensure you’re achieving optimal success. Certification is an excellent way to demonstrate your dedication to the profession, gain professional respect and pursue advanced medical assistant opportunities.
If you’re ready to take the next step towards becoming a medical assistant, contact Athena Career Academy today and speak with our admissions team. We have flexible class schedules, full or part time options, and no wait list.
