So Many Medical Assistant Programs, But Which One is Right for You?

If you are seriously thinking of pursuing a medical assistant career, then your next step is look into the many medical assistant programs, see what they have to offer, and decide which one to attend.

Medical assistant programs fall into a few different categories. You can go the traditional route attending a college or university to get your Associate’s degree. You can go to a vocational/career school and get your medical assistant diploma or you can enroll in one of the many online medical assistant programs.

Each path has its own upsides and downsides. We will discuss them all so you can see which medical assistant program fits your needs.

Pros and Cons of the Different Medical Assistant Programs

Medical Assistant Programs Though a Vocational or Career College

Pros: The pros of getting your medical assistant certificate through a vocational or career college takes less time, usually about 9 months to a year. Although there are medical assistant programs takes as little as six to eight weeks. Also, instead of having to take many other general education classes, you only have to learn what is needed to perform the duties of a medical assistant.

Cons: The downside is that since you are obtaining you certificate through a career/vocational school, your credits are not transferable towards a Bachelor’s degree if you decide to pursue one.

Summary: If you don’t have the luxury of time to get an Associate’s degree or if you are not sure about whether or not you want to get your Bachelor’s degree, then check out a vocational or career college so you can get your training and become a medical assistant sooner.

Medical Assistant Programs Though a Traditional College or University

Pros: Getting your medical assistant training at a college or university takes about two years being a full-time student. In addition to classes that you need for your medical assistant training, you will also have to take general education classes to obtain your associates degree.

Cons: However, if you decide that you want to get your Bachelor’s degree later on, your credits will be transferable. Also, some employers may look more favorably upon a candidate with an Associate’s degree.

Summary: If you know with certainty that you want to get your Bachelor’s degree down the road and you can afford to put in the time it takes to earn your Associate’s degree, then look into your local college and/or university.

Medical Assistant Programs Though an Online Program or School

Pros: A third option is to enroll in one of the many online medical assistant programs. With the easy access to technology, many schools and programs are offering online classes. The upside to an online medical assistant program is that you can study at your own time, especially if you have work and family obligations that make physically attending classes difficult.

Cons: The downside to online medical assistant programs is that you need to be careful when choosing one as there are many medical assistant programs that are nothing more than scams. Don’t let that discourage you though, as there are many legitimate online schools out there. Just do your due diligence and make sure that the school and program is accredited through either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

Summary: Attending an online medical assistant program is a great way to earn your medical assistant diploma if you are currently working or have family responsibilities that do not allow you much time to attend a traditional college or vocational school. Just remember to do your research and check out the school’s credentials.

Another Alternative to Online Medical Assistant Programs

If you are really interested in studying online but do not want to fully commit to attending an online school, many colleges and schools do offer some of their classes online. You will probably not be able to take all your classes online, but being able to take some classes online can give you a bit more flexibility with your schedule.

Medical Assistant Programs – Make Your Decision

After reading about the different medical assistant programs, it’s time to decide which one best fit your current situation and future career plans.

Also, if you want to get your certification for medical assistant, make sure whichever medical assistant program you choose meets the qualification of the AAMA so that you will be eligible to take the certification exam.

There are many medical assistant programs out there that can help you on your way to becoming a medical assistant. You just have to choose which program out of all the medical assistant programs is right for you!