If you are seeking the skills and knowledge needed to work in healthcare, getting a medical assistant certificate might be the perfect career move. The condensed program allows students to get all the training they will need to enter the workforce in much less time than a standard degree.
A medical assistant college certificate is ideal for those who want the benefits a university provides, such as accreditation and reputation, without the time commitment. To prepare yourself to handle administrative and routine clinical issues in a medical setting, read this guide about the best medical assistant certificate program options.
What Is a Medical Assistant Certificate College Program?
A medical assistant certificate college program is a specialized educational program made to strengthen or develop medical assisting skills. Although this certificate program does not often require prior education, it can be used to build on existing knowledge or make a career switch.
What’s the Difference Between a College Medical Assistant Certificate and Professional Certification in Medical Assistance?
College medical assistant certificates are different from professional Certifications in Medical Assistance as the former is evidence of education in the field, while the latter is proof of passing an examination. Professional certifications in this field are awarded by national bodies and are often standardized, unlike certificates.
A certification program may include a few years of relevant work experience or certain clinical skills in its admission requirements. You will also have to pass a certification exam and may need to pay exam fees. Certificate program requirements are less intensive, as you won’t need relevant job experience or education to enroll. Either program can qualify you for future careers in healthcare.
Medical Assistant College Certificate vs Medical Assistant Certification: Key Differences
| Medical Assistant Certificate | Medical Assistant Certification |
|---|---|
| Students do not need prior knowledge or a healthcare background to start a certificate program. | As it is an assessment, students will have had to train and study medical assistance before taking the certification. |
| It takes 8 to 12 months to complete a certificate program. | Students must sit the length of an exam to get a certification. |
| It requires the completion of course credits. | It requires passing an examination. |
How Long Does It Take To Get a Medical Assistant Certificate at College?
It takes around 8 to 12 months to get a medical assistant certificate at college. The programs require 30 to 33 credits in most cases and can be taken online. Depending on the school, program, and formats offered, the program can be shortened or lengthened.
Best Medical Assistant Certificate Undergraduate Programs
| School | Program Name | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Baker College | Medical Assistant Certificate | $435/credit |
| California State University, San Bernardino | Medical Administrative Assistant with EHR | $3,199 for the program |
| Dakota College at Bottineau | Certificate in Medical Assisting | $239.20/credit |
| Davenport University | Certificate in Medical Assisting | $885/credit |
| Liberty University | Medical Office Assistant Certificate | $390/credit (full-time); $455/credit (part-time) |
| Muskegon Community College | Medical Assistant Certificate | $121.50/credit (in county); $227/credit (in state); $318/credit (out of state) |
| Northern Essex Community College | Medical Assistant Certificate – Day Program | $324/credit (in state); $565/credit (out of state) |
| Purdue University Global | Medical Assistant Certificate | $371/credit |
| Rockhurst University | Certificate in Medical Assisting | $325/credit |
| University Of California Los Angeles | Medical Assistant Program (MAP) | $23,000 for the full program |
Best Undergraduate Medical Assistant Certificate Programs: Explained
The best medical assistant certificates are awarded by universities and colleges and will provide you with a comprehensive body of knowledge for various health careers. Keep reading to discover the best college certificate programs and the courses they offer. The information in the following section was sourced from the respective university websites.
Medical Assistant College Certificate Program vs Medical Assistant Associate Degree
A medical assistant college certificate offers you the credentials you need to work as a medical assistant. It often includes lectures and fieldwork with direct supervision. A medical assistant training program usually prepares you to write a certification examination. On the other hand, the medical assistant associate degree is an undergraduate degree that prepares students for the workforce.
An associate degree is longer since it includes different electives and general courses on top of the core medical assistant courses. Associate degrees sometimes come with fieldwork or internships that can prepare graduates for certification. Here are some differences between the certificate and associate degree:
- Program length. Most medical assisting certificates can be completed in less than a year, at most a year and a half. A medical assistant associate degree requires two full-time years of study to get the award.
- Education. Due to the length of the program, associate degree holders get to learn more general education aside from their major. Certificate programs are shorter, so students get streamlined training that focuses mostly on medical assisting functions.
- Experience. Both associate degrees and certificate programs offer students an opportunity to gain experience during the program. Students get to work in clinics under the supervision of medical professionals. However, those in associate degree programs may have more time and opportunities because of the longer duration.
- Job opportunities. Certificate holders can easily find potential employers in clinical and administrative settings. However, it may become difficult to secure work in specialist offices as they require more education. Associate degree holders may have a better chance of specialization and preparation for advanced certification.
- Public perception. The type of program you choose can be affected by public perception. For instance, some employers may prefer a candidate with an associate degree to one with a Certificate in Medical Assistance because of the perceived experience level. This does not apply to all employers.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Best Associate Degrees
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Is an Undergraduate Medical Assistant Certificate Worth It?
Yes, an undergraduate medical assistant certificate is worth it because it prepares you for a career within a short period. The cost of this certificate is significantly lower and it gives you the skills needed to take the certification examination. Most of these programs are flexible and include hands-on training to increase your chances of securing a job.
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Best Medical Assistant Certificate Graduate Programs
| School | Program Name | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| City Colleges of Chicago | Medical Assisting, Advanced Certificate | $146/credit (in district); $384/credit (in state); $481/credit (out of state) |
| Delta College | Clinical Medical Assistant Advanced Certificate | $2,328/semester (in district); $3,656/semester (out of district) |
| Lake Michigan College | Medical Assisting Advanced Certificate | $168.25/credit (in district); $238.25/credit (out of district) |
| University of Cincinnati | Medical Assisting Technical Certificate | $2,582/term (in state); $5,850/term (out of state) |
Best Graduate Medical Assistant Certificate Programs Explained
The best medical assistant certificates are also available as graduate certificate programs. These advanced programs are for students with a bachelor’s degree or an associate degree who wish to expand on their knowledge and skills. We dive into the best Graduate Certificates in Medical Assistance below.
Medical Assistant Graduate Certificate Program vs Medical Assistant Master’s Degree
The main difference between medical assistant graduate certificate programs and medical assistant master’s degrees is completion time. Certificates are faster, most only lasting one year Although a master’s degree can last only one year, most take up to two. The earning potential is another factor that differentiates certificates and master’s degrees. Here are more differences between both:
- Completion time. Certificate students have a faster pathway to the workforce because some programs only last six months to one year. Master’s degrees can take two years for full-time students to complete.
- Curriculum. Master’s degrees in Medical Assistance encompass other important courses that shape your general knowledge. In certificate courses, the main focus is on medical assistant skills.
- Institution. To get a Graduate Certificate in Medical Assistance, you can enroll in a university, college, or institute that offers such certificate programs. However, master’s degree programs are only available in universities.
- Salary and employment outlook. Generally, graduates with master’s degrees earn more than their counterparts with lower degrees. Graduates can expect to make a healthy salary in outpatient care centers, physician offices, and hospitals. Certificate holders do not earn as much.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Best Master’s Degrees
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Is a Graduate Medical Assistant Certificate Worth It?
Yes, a graduate medical assistant certificate is worth it because it gives you a chance to enter a budding field with a great outlook. A quick certificate can position you in the high-demand medical assistance field. According to PayScale, the average annual salary of a medical assistant graduate certificate holder is $43,000.
Medical Assistant Certificate Program Coursework
Medical assistant certificate programs offer common courses including anatomy and physiology, medical administration, introduction to billing and medical coding, and clinical and diagnostic procedures. Below, we detail what students learn in these core courses.
Anatomy and Physiology
This introductory course familiarizes students with medical terms by using suffixes, prefixes, abbreviations, root words, and pronunciation of words. The physiology aspect focuses on the organization of the cardiovascular, hematoxylin, integumentary, lymphatic, hematic, and immune systems in the body.
Medical Office Basics
This course introduces students to the daily activities of the medical office to prepare them as medical administrative assistants. Some topics in this course include law and ethics, professional behavior, telephone techniques, daily operations, and law and medicine. The course also covers correspondence, appointment scheduling, and HIPPA regulations.
Clinical and Diagnostic Procedures
This course covers the fundamentals of medical assisting. It focuses on vital signs, infection control, clinical laboratory, medication administration, pharmacology, nutrition, and immunology. Students learn about general physical examinations, surgical procedure assisting, phlebotomy, hematology, and emergency preparedness.
Medication Administration
This course introduces students to safe dosage calculations and medical administration based on factors such as the weight and age of the patient. They learn to administer injections and oral medications. Students will also learn about documentation, method of delivery, and rights of medication administration to prevent errors and follow the law.
Intro to Billing and Medical Coding
This course teaches students how to bill in the case of insurance companies. Students learn the guidelines, knowledge, and principles needed to work in this field. The course starts with an overview of medical billing, medical coding, coding terminology, and medical record documentation. Before the course ends, students will review different coding work environments.
Best Online College Courses for Credit
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What Can You Do With a Medical Assistant Certificate from College?
With a medical assistant certificate from college, you can work in the health field and assist medical professionals. A graduate medical assistant certificate may increase your earning potential because it allows you to take a more advanced certification examination. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that the job outlook for medical assistants is set to grow by 18 percent.
Best Medical Assistant Jobs and Careers With a Certificate
| Job Role | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| EKG Technician | $75,380 |
| Registered Phlebotomy Technician | $57,800 |
| Certified Surgical Technician | $48,530 |
| Medical Office Assistant | $37,190 |
| Nursing Unit Clerk | $37,030 |
Best Medical Assistant Certificate Jobs and Careers: Explained
The best medical assistant certificate jobs are well paid. Even though you cannot become a registered nurse by taking a medical assistant certificate program, there are other interesting and fulfilling roles you can fill. Read below to discover the best jobs for medical assistant certificate holders.
Should I Also Get a Medical Assistant Certification?
Yes, you should get a medical assistant certification because it can increase your chances of securing a job. This certification increases your credibility, helps you stand out, and shows that you have the administrative skills employers seek. Medical assistant certifications also help you to advance in your career.
Best Medical Assistant Certifications
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). The CMA certification is one of the most common ones and it is offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants. This certification allows medical assistants to handle administrative and clinical tasks.
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA). This certification shows that professionals have the interpersonal skills to work as medical assistants. American Medical Technologists offer it.
- National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA). This certification is like the CCMA but focuses on assisting physicians as opposed to office administration. It is offered by the National Center for Competency Testing.
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). This certification shows that medical assistants are skilled in clinical procedures. Their main focus is not office administration. The NHA offers it and is for professionals who want to specialize in clinical support.
- Podiatric Medical Assistant Certified (PMAC). This certification is for professionals who want to work as podiatrist assistants. It is recognized by the American Podiatric Medical Association.
Best Professional Certifications
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Is a College Certificate for Medical Assistant Worth It?
Yes, a College Certificate for Medical Assistants is worth it because it can carve a clear path into the medical support career. Some certificates can be applied to associate degrees or other advanced degrees, which reduces the time and cost needed to further your education. College certificates for medical assistants prepare you to take professional certifications to increase your chances of securing a job.
Medical Assistant Certificates FAQ
The best medical assistant certification is the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification. It is one of the most popular ones today and is widely recognized nationwide. The American Association of Medical Assistants offers the certification to professionals who want to work as medical assistants.
The fastest way to get your medical assistant certification is to enroll in a medical assistant certificate program. This program often takes six months to a year to be completed. The training will give you the skills needed to work with healthcare teams and sit for the medical assistant certification examination.
Yes, a medical assistant can work without getting certified. However, the field is very competitive and busy. There will be other candidates vying for the same position. It is ideal to write the certification examination and stand out among others if you want to work on a health care team.
The states that require certification for medical assistants include Washington, Idaho, Connecticut, and New Jersey. Although the other states do not require certification for medical assistants, it is recommended to get the certification anyway.
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