Medical Assistant Schools in Utah

Utah has much to offer if you are looking to enter the medical profession. There are several high quality programs to choose from, whether you are looking for an administrative medical assisting role or specialized profession in the operating room or radiology suite. Take some time to look over the Utah Medical Assisting programs listed on our site and request information from those you’d like to learn more about.

Be sure to select those med assisting schools in Utah that are accredited if you plan to take a national certification examination after you have graduated. There are also many financial aid programs such as the Utah Centennial and New Century Scholarship that can help medical assistant students in the state.

Medical Assistant Education in Utah

There are two kinds of medical assistant programs readily available in Utah; certificate programs and associate degree programs. In order to be admitted to either of these programs, you will need an official GED certificate or high school transcript verifying your graduation. You will also need a background or criminal check. Transfer students can submit a completed application for admission and all previous transcripts of college work directly from your previous school.

Medical Assisting Diploma or Certificate

Medical assisting certificate programs can usually be completed in one year or less. These programs are very focused on the specific knowledge and skills that you will need to work as a medical assistant. The programs are often intense and fast paced. You can expect to spend many dedicated hours completing externships and studying, as well as demonstrating your skills to your instructors.

Core courses found in a diploma or certificate program include computer applications, career development and strategies for student success. You can also expect the following medical assisting core courses to be included in your program.

  1. Muscular, Skeletal, Pharmacology and Body Systems
  2. Lymphatic and Immune Systems, Minor Surgical Assisting and Microbiology
  3. Blood, Respiratory, Pulmonary and Cardiovascular systems
  4. Record Keeping, Law & Ethics and Basic Patient Care
  5. Medical Office Management
  6. Externship that lasts four weeks

Associate’s Degree in Medical Assisting

An associate’s degree in medical assisting is a bit more in-depth than a certificate program. While you will still learn the basic skills that you need to become a medical assistant, your studies will also include a general education curriculum that can improve your marketability and knowledge for prospective employers.

There are a number of benefits if you choose an associate degree. Employers may view you as a more educated and well-rounded candidate for employment. Aside from that, your college credits are more likely to be accepted for a bachelor’s degree program or other degree if you decide to continue with your education. You may also receive a slightly higher starting salary and can be eligible for advanced employment.

Some of the general education courses found in an associate’s program may include American History, Written Communication, Algebra I, Introduction to Humanities, Sociology and General Psychology. Core college courses include Principles of Management, Computer Applications, Career Development, Organizational Behavior, Strategies for Student Success and Immediate Office Applications.

Medical assisting courses also include those found in a certificate degree with the addition of advanced clinical procedures, advanced medical office management and essentials of advanced electrocardiography and nutrition. They also include a four-week externship that gives you the opportunity to apply laboratory, clinical and administrative skills in a non-remunerated, supervised environment.

Both the associate’s and certificate programs in medical assisting have similar objectives. Upon their completion, you should exhibit competence in both administrative and clinical duties as a medical assistant. You will be expected to be able to implement safety procedures and sound medical practices in the work place as well as show effective communication with patients and other providers.

Students are also expected to apply critical thinking skills in a medical environment and perform medical assisting competencies within ethical and legal boundaries. You must also demonstrate competence in psychomotor, effective and cognitive skills related to medical assisting. To learn more about your options for getting you Utah medical assistant degree, contact the schools on this page today.

Medical Assisting Careers in Utah

The city of St. George, Utah, is notable as one of the five US metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of medical assistants employed. Those who receive certification from the American Association of Medical Assistants can expect better job opportunities and higher pay. The mean annual salary of medical assistants in Utah is $29,230, according to 2014 data collected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Listed below are all of the schools offering Medical Assistant programs in Utah. As a rule, you should contact at least 3-5 schools during the course of your research, and ideally more. There are important differences between the programs in terms of cost, admissions requirements, and other characteristics, and, as with many things in life, the way to find the best Medical Assistant program for your needs is to spend some time shopping around.

Here Are The Medical Assistant Schools…

Salary numbers provided are from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.