Health Care Careers

Your Information Resource for Education, Training, and Schools in the Medical and Allied Healthcare Fields

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Find Your Health Care Career

Note: Because schools change the programs offered at their campuses periodically, not every campus of each school will offer all programs, and program names may change slightly from campus to campus.

While we try to keep up with the programs each school offers, you should visit the school's website by following the Request Information link to verify the exact programs offered at each campus.

Medical Assistant Educational and Training Requirements

While it is possible to start a career in medical assisting with on the job training, most employers prefer a formal education or training program. These programs are available from some vocational high schools, vocational schools, and in colleges and universities. Typical medical assistant training programs lead to a degree or certificate, and last one or two years, respectively.

Many medical assisting programs are accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). These accredited programs typically offer internships at hospitals or clinics as part of their programs.

Coursework at post secondary schools and colleges is split into medical training and office training. Medical courses include physiology, anatomy, and medical terminology. Office training includes insurance processing, keyboarding, recordkeeping and accounting procedures. Students are taught first aid, clinical procedures, laboratory procedures, and how to administer medications. They may also study medical law, ethics, and patient relations.

Licensing and Certification Requirements

There are no national licensing requirements for medical assistants, although, depending on the state in which they work, they may be required to obtain a license to perform certain procedures.

Medical Assistants are certified by one of several agencies. Certification is important, particularly for those applying for entry level positions, since it indicates competence in the field. The Certified Medical Assistant designation is offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants. The Registered Medical Assistant credential is given by American Medical Technologists.

Other organizations award specialty certifications for medical assistants specializing in podiatry or opthalmology.

 

Featured Medical Assisting Schools Schools

Vatterott College

[Campus]
Programs:
  • Advanced Medical Assistant
  • Medical Assistant AAS
  • Medical Assistant Occupational Specialist
  • More
Quick Summary: Build the life you want with training from Vatterott.

Allied Health Institute

[Online]
Programs:
  • Medical Assisting
  • Medical Assistant
Quick Summary: Allied Health Institute is a post-secondary vocational school offering a variety of Diploma and Associate Degree programs in the field of Allied Health. By utilizing online learning, students have the flexibility to continue their education from the convenience of their own home. Our virtual classrooms will enable students to attend classes and communicate with instructors and classmates. Students can complete some programs without leaving their current employment or sacrificing family time.

Westwood College

[Campus]
Programs:
  • Diploma - Medical Assisting
  • Associate Degree - Medical Assisting
  • Associate Degree - Medical Assisting I
Quick Summary:

Westwood College is an institution of higher learning dedicated to providing quality, career-focused undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to launch, enhance, or change careers.


Keiser University

[Campus]
Programs:
  • Medical Assisting, AS
Quick Summary: For over 30 years, Keiser University eCampus Online has provided student-centered, quality career education.

Concorde

[Campus]
Programs:
  • Medical Assisting - (AAS)
  • Medical Assistant - Diploma
  • Medical Assistant
  • More
Quick Summary: Get your career started with Concorde Career College.

Medical Career Institute

[Campus]
Programs:
  • Medical Assisting - Associate
  • Dental Assisting - Associate
Quick Summary: Start a great career in healthcare with Medical Careers Institute.

Illinois School of Health Careers

[Campus]
Locations:
  • Chicago
Programs:
  • Medical Assistant
  • Patient Care Technician
  • Dental Assistant
Quick Summary: Discover the secret to a successful career in Health Care.

Heald College

[Campus]
Programs:
  • Medical Assisting
  • Dental Assisting
Quick Summary: Get the real-world education you need to succeed at Heald College.

Remington College

[Campus]
Programs:
  • AAS in Clinical Medical Assisting
  • Diploma in Medical Assisting
  • Diploma in Medical Laboratory Assisting
  • More
Quick Summary: Enhance your marketable skill set quickly with Remington College.

Kaplan College - KHE

[Campus]
Programs:
  • Associate of Applied Science: Medical Assistant
  • Diploma: Medical Assistant
  • Diploma: Patient Care Technician
  • More
Quick Summary: Get a professional education designed with your future in mind at Kaplan College.

South University - Campus

[Campus]
Programs:
  • Medical Assisting (AS)
Quick Summary: Make the most of your potential with a quality education from South University. Earn your degree online, on your own timetable, or at one of our five convenient campus locations.

Northwestern College

[Campus]
Programs:
  • Medical Assisting
Quick Summary: Training for a successful future is easier than you may think! Northwestern College offers flexible career training to fit your busy schedule.

Carrington College California

[Campus]
Programs:
  • AS in Medical Assisting
  • Certificate in Medical Assisting
  • AS in Dental Assisting
  • More
Quick Summary: Ready for a rewarding career? Start with a certificate or degree from Carrington College California.

Career Colleges of America

[Campus]
Programs:
  • Medical Assistant
  • Nurse Assistant
  • Dental Assistant
  • More
Quick Summary: Get your career started with Career Colleges of America.