Medical assisting programs can receive accreditation through the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. These institutions assess the quality of the program and services to make sure that it meets certain standards.
Prospective students are able to choose from varying levels of medical assisting programs. Some colleges offer students the opportunity to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting, while other schools offer certificate or diploma programs.
Program lengths vary between schools, but typically students can complete a certificate or diploma program within nine months to one year. An associate’s program requires more academic courses and will take at least two years to complete.
Your medical assisting curriculum may consist of courses including medical terminology, anatomy, pharmacology, computer training and medical ethics, along with other core occupational courses. Instruction will be given through a combination of classroom lectures and hands-on laboratory experiences.
Every accredited program will require students to complete at lease one clinical practicum. Under direct supervision, students will obtain medical experience by working at a local hospital, physician’s office or clinic.
Upon successful completion of their program, students will receive their degree, certificate or diploma. Graduates will be ready for an entry-level career as a medical assistant. If they choose, graduates may also sit for the American Association of Medical Assistants national certification examination to receive the Certified Medical Assistant credential.