Learn how completing an associate or certificate program can benefit your career, and which path is right for you. For example, if you have an associate or bachelors degree in healthcare administration youre already well-positioned for entry-level positions in that field. Also, look at the percentage of students who have successfully graduated from the program in which you are planning to enroll. The following is a list of schools that offer CAAHEP-accredited medical assisting associate degree programs: The following is a list of schools that offer CAAHEP-accredited diploma programs in medical assisting: Ultimately, a medical assisting associate degree can be an excellent choice for prospective students with an urge to develop a comprehensive knowledge of the field and who have additional time to budget for education. Aspirants must complete the following educational requirements to become a medical assistant: The certificate program includes classroom lectures as well as clinical sessions to provide hands-on practice to the aspirants. Earning one of these certifications can result in higher pay and increase your job prospects. Find the right nursing program for you. They include work in dentistry, nursing, medical assisting, and other areas. Several colleges and universities such as Liberty University, Herzing University, and Keiser University offer online medical assistant courses. That includes learning how to greet patients and get them checked in, schedule appointments, assist with patient insurance claims, perform medical coding and more. Instead of expanding your job prospects it builds out your skill set in an area of concentration specific to your interests and existing qualifications. Finally, a masters degree provides opportunities for further specialization or advanced study in your field of choice. These data are based on school-reported information about students program of completion. Both options prepare you for similar administrative and clinical positions in a variety of healthcare facilities. Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information. There are exceptions to every rule here, but generally speaking, shorter programs are also cheaper programs, at least in the short-term. Sponsored Content Featured Programs: Sponsored School (s) Liberty University Featured Program: Associate of Applied Science - Medical Office Assistant Request Info Penn Foster Featured Program: Medical Assistant Associates Degree, Medical Administrative Assistant Career Diploma Request Info Ultimate Medical Academy If you have made your mind to pursue your career in the field of medicine, a medical assistant diploma will be a stepping stone for a successful career in this stream. If you have an associate degree, you can expect to find the best-paying positions in outpatient care centers, hospitals, and physicians' offices. Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, American Association of Medical Assistants, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Certified clinical medical assistant (CCMA): This credential provided by the National Healthcareer Association is geared toward individuals who are more interested in the clinical side of medical assisting. 2. However, since they provide opportunities for more technical, in-depth study, diplomas are still more expensive than comparable certificates in the same area. What Is a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)? - Coursera The range for public, four-year schools is $20,050-$25,657. While the CMA and RMA are the most well-known, you may want to choose a certification such as the CMAM if it focuses more on your career interests. For more detailed information on both programs, please click here to learn about the Medical Assistant Career Diploma and here to learn about the Medical Assistant Associate Degree. Regardless of their level (associate, bachelors, etc.) They also package and label medications, interface with patients, and organize inventory. Earning this credential demonstrates that you know how to prepare operating rooms, sterilize and arrange equipment, and ready patients for surgery and other invasive procedures. However, the broader training provided by an associate degree may lead to greater employment opportunities. The potential for growth is built-in to the degree itself. Medical Assistant Diploma vs. Degree | Penn Foster Career flexibility will naturally narrow if you decide to expand your expertise with additional healthcare degrees at higher levels of attainment. A diploma in medical assistant is a testimony to your skills in clinical and administrative procedures, which establishes that you can efficiently render your duties as a medical assistant in any healthcare facility. Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree? Both pathways include required courses in areas such as human anatomy, pharmacology, medical terminology, and office administration. Diploma programs, on the other hand, are a bit longer than certificate programs. have 5 or 5+ years of experience in delivering eye care to patients. [ii] Most importantly, choose a program that has a good reputation of helping to prepare students for professional challenges and helping graduates to pursue the next step following program completion. Not all healthcare credentials are the same. For diploma, find a program that fits with your personal life and job commitments. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are interested in breaking into an in-demand field, then becoming a certified medical assistant could be a rewarding career path.. Our websites do not provide, nor are they intended to provide, a comprehensive list of all schools (a) in the United States (b) located in a specific geographic area or (c) that offer a particular program of study. If you enter the field after earning your certificate, you will also find many administrative and clinical positions, but will likely earn less than associate medical assistant degree-holders. What Kind of Degree Should a Medical Assistant Have? Some states require students to take the CMA (Certified Medical Assistants) examination conducted by the American Association of Medical Assistants. Students who are pursuing a diploma or certificate in medical assisting will likely be required to take the following classes, among others: Along with courses in medical assisting, students in some diploma programs will be required to complete clinical studies as well, although this is not always a requirement. But if you plan to climb the healthcare career ladder, obtaining a certificate alone will create more work for you in the future. The diploma programs are generally offered by traditional colleges, community colleges, and vocational schools. If you want to be an administrative medical assistant, CMAA is the right option for you. Medical assistants may also choose to continue their education to become registered nurses or move into managerial, business, or teaching positions.. Professionals with this certificate are qualified to work as medical transcriptionists and clinical documentation specialists. Another difference can be in the cost of the program. Whether youre looking to get your pre-licensure degree or taking the next step in your career, the education you need could be more affordable than you think. This will help increase the number of options available to you in the future. Some programs may extend the opportunity to specialize in a specific nursing sub-field. Your salary level will vary by your location, years of experience, and specialized credentials. A growing number of aspiring healthcare workers are pursuing a career in medical assisting. From administrative tasks to clinical duties, theres plenty that can makework as a certified medical assistant varied and engaging. Many employers look for candidates with credentials because it provides tangible proof of skills and knowledge. Some dental assistants may also discuss oral care and treatment plans with patients alongside presiding dentists. While the BLS reports that the median wage for medical assistants in May 2021 was $37,190, those with only a diploma or certificate may earn closer to the lower end of the spectrum (10th percentile of the occupation: $29,070). So what does this mean for you? A medical assistant career might be the right choice for you. They offer a specialized course of study similar to certificates, but where certificates generally focus on a particular skill, diplomas supplement that skill set with additional technical insight. Our contributing writers leverage diverse educational and professional backgrounds to create content for NurseJournal. Certificate programs are of short duration and more focused. Associate degrees are the shortest and can usually be completed in 2 years. Best Online Medical Assistant Certification Programs It must be accredited by an authorized entity such as the ABHES or CAAHEP. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), How to Become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) - Education & Experience, National Medical Assistants Recognition Week: An Expert's Advocacy Guide, Schools with Outstanding Medical Assistant Program Faculty, Online Medical Assisting Associate Degrees. We help answer this question below by detailing typical timeframes for healthcare certificate, diplomas, and degrees. Key Differences Not all healthcare credentials are the same. Compare various practical aspects such as cost, distance, and test-taking procedures of different certification programs to find the one that best fits your goals. Common duties include: Taking patient medical histories and personal information, Measuring vital signs, such as temperature, weight, and blood pressure, Assisting doctors with patient examinations, Getting certified may pay off by boosting your annual salary. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), for example, puts the median wage for non-certified medical assistants at $17.88 per hour and $37,190 a year, while the American Association of Medical Assistants notes that the average salary for certified candidates is $20.76 an hour and $39,085 a year [1, 2]., Wages also vary depending on your geographic region, work setting, practice specialty, and your experience level. Certificates, diplomas, and degrees each have their own specific value, but the way that value is measured can differ. Diploma programs, on the other hand, are a bit longer than certificate programs. Inside Look at the Best Online Counseling Certificates. They stand between secondary education and a bachelors degree, both in terms of length and qualification. This degree builds knowledge in healthcare services and information technology, ultimately preparing you for work at the intersection of both worlds. As you decide what type of pathway will help you achieve your career goals, consider: NurseJournal.org is an advertising-supported site. Most nursing assistants works as part of a larger healthcare team led by a registered nurse or other nursing professionals with greater qualifications in the field. Search hundreds of schools for the degree you want Blake Huggins is a writer, researcher, and educator based in New England. Associate degrees are usually awarded by community colleges and other two-year institutions, while graduate and undergraduate programs remain within public colleges and private universities. Certificate programs are available at vocational and technical schools and community colleges. This certification is offered by the American Society of Podiatric Medical Assistants (ASPMA). Some programs may also develop medical coding knowledge as well. Many medical assistant certification organizations require candidates to have graduated from accredited medical assistant programs, so make sure your school fits the bill. The shifts they do support are limited and often confined to the same sub-field. Diploma, Find the Scope of Practice for Medical Assistants (by State), Medical Assistant vs. Since both credentials share some overlap, this transition will likely be much smoother than if you only had a certificate. By providing information or agreeing to be contacted by a Sponsored School, you are in no way obligated to apply to or enroll with the school. If you decide later down the line that you want to take on more responsibility and raise your earnings profile you can easily earn a masters degree in the same area because your current credentials already meet all the prerequisites. To earn the certification, an applicant must first prove their eligibility to take the exam, then pass the exam which comprises 200 questions covering clinical, administrative and general medical assisting questions. However, if you want to climb your career ladder, you can go for an associates degree after earning the certification. Note: Even certificate programs within a specialty can vary. Physiology and pathology, first aid, office practices, medication administration, etc. As the demand for preventive services expands, hospitals, outpatient facilities, clinics, and many other healthcare settings depend on medical assistants for important clinical, administrative, and technological duties. Affordability is often in the eye of the beholder, so it really depends on your circumstances, interests, and future goals. Most certificates require approximately 40 credits. 2022 Most Affordable Medical Assistant Diploma and Certificate Programs Most diplomas will take longer than certificates in the same area, but not as long as a traditional degree. It breaks down each credential option, reviews the main pros and cons of each, and discusses the major factors to consider when finally choosing an option. 1. Medical Assistant Certificate vs. Diploma Programs: How They Differ The in-demand fields of medical billing and coding will need growing numbers of medical assistants regardless of their educational background. There are many different types of medical assistant certificates, including CMA, CCMA, and RMA. Both credentials involve a much more comprehensive and in-depth course of study than the alternatives. Renew your certification after every 5 years. Certified medical assistant (CMA) The most basic certification medical assistants may earn is the initial certified medical assistant credential (CMA). Our online Medical Assistant Diploma teaches the basics of clinical procedures, including anatomy, physiology, and psychology. Certified medical assistants living in urban areas may make higher-than-average salaries to compensate for higher living expenses. Medical assistants who want to gain expertise in highly specialized areas such as medical care of feet, eyes, etc. They require that you first earn a relevant bachelors degree and usually entail a 1-2-year commitment depending on the field of study. A typical course of study involves self-paced online courses and a comprehensive exam. Depending on the certificate and area of study, some schools may also include fees for final tests or certification exams in the total program cost. To be an effective medical assistant, youll need a variety of medical, administrative, and interpersonal skills. Are you thinking about working in healthcare, but not sure you want to spend the time and money to earn a nursing or medical degree? Disclosure: EducationDynamicsreceives compensation for the featured schools on our websites (see Sponsored Schools or Sponsored Listings or Sponsored Results). It could also be a stepping stone to other medical roles. Diploma Programs, Medical Assistant or Nurse (LPN or RN)? RNs work alongside other health professionals and may oversee a team of nursing assistants and home health aides. On the other hand, the diploma program must meet the established educational standards. You will want to bear this in mind if career growth and the chance for professional advancement are important to you further down the line. Salaries, Job List, and More, American Association of Medical Assistants, Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, 2022 CMA (AAMA) Compensation and Benefits Report, Crafting an Impressive Project Manager Cover Letter, Examples of Successful UX Designer Resumes, How to Show Management Skills on Your Resume, Learn How Long Your Cover Letter Should Be, Learn How to Include Certifications on a Resume, Write a Standout Data Analyst Cover Letter, Crafting the Perfect Follow-up Email After an Interview, Strengths and Weaknesses Interview Questions. Unlike certificates, diplomas can be earned at public or private schools with a majority of healthcare diplomas coming from public schools with cheaper tuition rates. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the tuition annual range for two-year institutions where you might earn a diploma or associate degree is $3,156-$7,971. This career path is an excellent option for those who wish to serve the medical industry without the significant time and financial expense associated with a full medical degree. Nobody wants to jump through extra hoops or earn additional credentials if they dont have to. An associate degree costs more because it requires two years and includes general education courses. Similarly, students who successfully complete a program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES may be eligible to sit for the examination to become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through the AAMA.
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