Do you want to become a medical assistant?
Choosing the right medical assistant training program is essential if you want a successful career in medical assisting. However, there are many programs out there, and it can be challenging to find the right one for you.
You want to find a school that offers quality education and prepares you for success in your career. Below are nine tips to help you choose the right program.
1. Accreditation
An outside body has evaluated accredited medical assistant training programs to ensure they meet specific standards. Your chosen program will likely be of high quality and prepare you well for your career. Additionally, many employers prefer to hire medical assistants who have graduated from an accredited program.
2. Cost of the Program
The cost of medical assistant training programs can vary widely. Some schools may offer scholarships or financial aid for those who qualify, so it’s essential to research your options. Some medical facilities have programs to assist with paying for training for qualified employees.
3. Length of the Program
You should also consider the program’s schedule. Some programs may offer full-time or part-time options, and some may even have evening or weekend classes. Choose a schedule that will fit into your lifestyle.
4. Reputation of the Medical Assistant School
You want to attend a well-known and respected school in the medical community. You should check the school’s website to learn more about the program and its faculty. You can also check online reviews to see what others say about the school and its training program.
Also, ask your family, friends, or even your current employer if they know of any good medical assistant schools. You want to ensure that you get the best training available to launch your medical assistant career confidently.
5. Admission Requirements
Before choosing a medical assistant training program, you should check the admission requirements. Each school has its admission requirements, so research what each school requires.
Some schools may require that you have a high school diploma or GED. Others may ask for specific coursework or medical experience. Most schools’ minimum requirements include:
● You should be at least 18 years of age
● You must satisfy the eligibility requirements of the institution
Remember that some medical assistant schools may allow you to enroll at17 years old. Additionally, you may be required to complete a physical or health check and be up to date with the immunizations needed to ensure that you’re healthy enough to work as a medical assistant. Some institutions may require an interview with the program’s director.
6. School’s Certification Process
Before enrolling, be sure to also ask about the school’s certification process. All medical assistant training programs should prepare you for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), or Nationally Certified Medical Assistant through the NCCT exam.
Finally, check if the school has any externship or clinical requirements. These are usually completed in the last semester of your medical assistant training and will give you valuable experience working in a medical setting.
7. Job Placement Service
Some schools provide job placement services that give their graduate medical assistants an advantage in the job market. These services can help medical assistants connect with potential employers and land jobs in their desired medical field.
When researching medical assistant training programs, ask if the school assists graduates with job placement. If not, you may want to consider one that does.
8. Visit the School
You should always visit the school before enrolling in any program. This is especially true for medical assistant training programs. You want to ensure the school is accredited and the facilities are up to par.
During your visit, ensure you check out the following:
● The facility and its equipment
● Computer lab facilities for students
● Up-to-date facilities
● Tutoring and online or distance learning options for students
● Available options for students to make up for the classes they missed
When looking for medical assistant training, it’s essential to find a program that will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in your career. This is why a physical school visit is essential.
9. Practicums, Externships, and Internships
Most medical assistant training programs include a practicum, externship, or internship. This is an opportunity for you to gain hands-on experience in a real-world setting. InterCoast College’s program includes training in a medical facility in order to assist their students in meeting the requirements for testing as a Nationally Certified Medical Assistant through the NCCT.
You should find out if the program you’re interested in offers this type of experience. If it doesn’t, you may want to consider another program. These types of experiences are essential as they allow you to learn and grow in your chosen career.
Contact Us Today for the Information on Our Medical Assistant Training Program
At InterCoast Colleges, our medical assistant training program prepares you for a career in the medical industry. Our highly-trained and knowledgeable instructors, career services, and hands-on lab technicians will help to ensure that you get the best training while also handling other responsibilities outside the class.
Our school offers both on-campus and online programs. Our Medical Assistant programs are offered as hybrid online/on-campus schedules at all our physical locations. Contact us today and see if you qualify to enroll in your desired program to get started as a medical assistant.