Jobs for medical assistants may rise 34 percent.
Medical assistant is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, according to the Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook. Between 2008 and 2018, jobs for medical assistants are expected to jump by 34 percent. There are no formal requirements to become a medical assistant, and some learn on the job, but obtaining a certificate from an accredited medical assistant program improves your chances of getting a job.
University of Alaska Anchorage College of Health and Social Welfare
The University of Alaska Anchorage offers two certified medical assistant programs. One is an associate of applied science (AAS) degree program, and the other is a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam preparation course. Completing either allows students to take the CMA exam. The associate-degree program includes an externship in a medical office. To apply for the AAS or CMA preparation programs students must obtain CPR certification. Requirements also may include a physical exam, proof of current medical insurance and immunization and a criminal background check.
University of Alaska Anchorage Medical Assisting Program
3211 Providence Drive, AHS 161
Anchorage, AK 99508
907-786-6928
uaa.alaska.edu
Erwin Technical Center
Erwin Technical Center in Tampa, Fla., offers daytime and evening classes for its medical assisting program. The course covers medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, radiology, pharmacology, scheduling and administrative assisting. Prospective students must pass a physical examination and have current vaccinations, and may be subject to random drug tests. Erwin's medical assisting program also includes an externship in a physician's office or clinic.
Erwin Technical Center
2010 E. Hillsborough Avenue
Tampa, FL 33610
877-231-1815
erwin.edu
Mercy College of Health Sciences
Mercy College of Health Sciences of Des Moines, Iowa, offers a three-semester medical assistant (MA) certification program and an associate of science degree program. Students who complete the MA certificate program can be admitted into the degree program. The certificate program includes in-class lessons, skills labs and clinical experience. Curriculum includes medical assistant clinical procedures, imaging, anatomy, English composition, psychology and a practicum.
Mercy College of Health Sciences
928 6th Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
515-643-3180
mchs.edu
Richland College
Richland College in Dallas, Texas, offers a one-year program in medical assisting. Students are subject to criminal background checks and drug screens and must obtain liability insurance and current immunizations. Coursework covers medical law and ethics, insurance coding, terminology, human behavior in health professions and computers in healthcare. The course also includes clinical experience.
Richland College
12800 Abrams Road
Dallas, TX 75243
972-238-6950
richlandcollege.edu
Tags: College Health, Alaska Anchorage, College Health Sciences, degree program, Erwin Technical, Erwin Technical Center, Health Sciences
