Medical Assistant Associate Degree Programs
(found 28 schools)

Listed below are all of the Featured schools offering Associate Degree programs in Medical Assisting.

There are close to 200 schools in the US that offer Associate Degree programs in Medical Assisting, so we selected some of the best known ones to give you a head start.

If you would like to see a complete listing of all the schools in each state, please click on one of the state links at the left hand side of the page.

The field of medical assisting is growing fast. And the opportunities for qualified medical assistants are keeping pace with that growth.

Once a purely administrative or secretarial role, the medical assistant position is beginning to include greater and greater responsibility and more interesting opportunities. Medical institutions, from big city hospital complexes to small single practitioner doctor's offices, have to become more and more efficient. This translates to more demand and higher salaries for medical assistants who can help streamline a healthcare business in a number of ways. Aspiring medical assistants will need to meet this demand head-on and part of doing so means earning the appropriate credentials. In addition to on-the-job experience, an associate degree in medical assisting can pay off in terms of better job opportunities and more pay.

Should you earn an associate degree in medical assisting?

While it is possible to find a job with a diploma or certificate in medical assisting, getting an associate degree makes you much more marketable, opening up better job opportunities and better pay. Your degree signals to employers that you are serious about your career. With a degree, you have a broader and deeper knowledge that makes you a stronger member of the team. An associate degree represents a greater investment of time and money than a certificate, but it is considerably less expensive than a bachelor's degree. It's also a great way to keep your options open. Most community college credits transfer to state universities, if, in the future, you do go on to earn your bachelor's degree.

What classes will you take for your associate degree in medical assisting?

A typical associate degree program takes two years to complete and includes classes in anatomy and physiology. You will learn about medical procedures and terminology. You will also learn basic lab techniques, some pharmacology, and will be certified in first aid. On the administrative side of things, you'll learn how to accurately transcribe notes and instructions and to keep medical records. You will be up-to-date on how insurance works and how to maximize reimbursement. Basic accounting skills and office management skills are an important part of the curriculum at most schools. Many community colleges have arrangements for practical internships with area institutions. You not only get hands-on experience, but you also get valuable experience for your resume. Some students even find their first jobs through these programs.

How will you pay for your associate degree?

Community college associate degree programs are more affordable than most options, but they still aren't cheap. Your institution will work with you regarding financial aid in the form of loans and scholarships. You can also look into potential programs and work-to-learn options offered through various professional organizations.

If you are serious about a career in this area, start networking now. You'll find that joining some professional organizations can help you finance your schooling, open up interesting job opportunities, and keep you up-to-speed on innovations in the field. The National Healthcareer Association (http://www.nhanow.com) has a website with a wealth of resources for students. The American Association of Medical Assistants (http://www.aama-ntl.org) also has student resources and considerable information on every aspect of what it is like to work in the field. Its many state and local chapters give you the opportunity to meet people who can help you in your career.

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