Pursuing a role as a medical assistant is a wonderful way to begin a satisfying career in the healthcare field, as they work in a variety of settings and specialties. However, the length of time required to complete a medical assistant training program depends on the schedule, school, and modality of the courses taught.
Prism Career Institute offers a comprehensive Medical Assistant training program in Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Here, we discuss the length of time required to complete our Medical Assistant program.
Requirements for the Medical Assistant Program at Prism Career Institute
The Medical Assistant training program at Prism Career Institute can be completed in 10 months, through 40 instructional weeks of instruction. Becoming a medical assistant requires completion of 420 lecture hours (108 online) and 150 lab hours, as well as 150 externship hours. The daytime program is available at all three campus locations, while an evening program is available at Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City, NJ. Some of the required courses include lessons on:
- Geometric planes of the body, cell structure, and metabolism
- Body systems and functions
- Patient history and vital signs
- Phlebotomy
- Infection control
- Records management
The program is taught by highly experienced instructors and offers a deep dive into multiple subjects, preparing students for a healthcare career. Students must also complete a 150-hour externship to gain hands-on experience in the field.
Our Medical Assistant Program Offers Remote and Hands-On Learning
The classes at Prism Career Institute are offered in a hybrid format. The modality of these programs allows students to experience online classes combined with hands-on learning. Our unique approach to virtual learning offers recorded lectures, video demonstrations, lab simulations, and studies. These online courses allow students to learn more through interactive models to better understand human anatomy, interactions with patients, and more.
Hands-on learning is the best way for medical students to explore their skills and experience. Students spend 150 hours working at an externship during the medical assistant program. Externships allow students to build professional networks for job opportunities in multiple medical assistant careers. They also help students enhance their necessary skills by performing various clinical and administrative tasks. Prism Career Institute associates with local agencies, health centers, and medical offices for placement, considering the student’s ability to travel back and forth to their assigned healthcare site.
This blended course format emphasizes the importance of classroom and hands-on learning. It also allows medical assistant students to explore their specializations and employment opportunities.
Our Medical Assistant Program Offers Opportunities for Specialization
At Prism Career Institute, students can specialize in several areas and aspects of the healthcare profession. In the Medical Assistant program, potential areas of specialization include:
Phlebotomy
Phlebotomy is the practice of drawing blood, typically in the arm, by using a needle. It is an essential skill required in many healthcare settings and roles. Skills for taking samples include:
- Preparing samples for transfusion
- Managing patient records
- Cleaning and sanitizing equipment and surfaces
- Labeling and preparing samples for testing
Phlebotomists often work with patients and find work in settings such as hospitals, primary care offices, blood donation centers, diagnostic laboratories, and some urgent care centers. Phlebotomy is an expanding part of healthcare, with many working in testing centers drawing blood and collecting samples for providers. Although students receive training in phlebotomy, they may need additional training and certification to work as a phlebotomist, such as taking the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam.
Medical Records
For the Medical Assistant program, the records management portion requires students to attend some weeks of instruction covering electronic medical records (EMR) systems. Throughout the four units, students are taught navigational features, front-office applications, clinical care aspects, and coding and billing.
Learning the intricacies of medical coding and billing procedures helps students understand the importance of accurate code diagnoses and services to facilitate proper billing and reimbursement practices.
EKG Technology
Another specialization opportunity for medical assistants is in electrocardiogram (EKG) technology. These professionals administer EKGs and other diagnostic tests to assess a patient’s heart activity. Students may learn about EKG technology in our Medical Assistant program, but they will need to complete additional training or certification, such as the Certified Electro-Cardiology Technician (CET) exam.
Opportunity for Certification Exam
Graduates have the option to take the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The examination consists of 150 scored questions over three hours, and the passing score is 390. The requirement for taking the exam includes completing a Medical Assistant program and having relevant work experience. After completion of the externship, Prism Career Institute will cover the exam fees, and study resources will be provided to students who register for the exam.
Taking the exam will set students apart from other employment candidates, as most employers require certification for medical assistants. There are many resources for the CCMA exam, such as online study guides, practice tests, preparation packages, and test plans. Certifications typically need to be renewed every two years for medical assistants.
Job Roles for Medical Assistants
Medical assistants help run healthcare facilities by taking care of documentation, updating patient records, collecting samples for lab testing, aiding in exams and treatments, assisting with diagnostics, and more.
There are various career pathways that medical assistants can pursue after graduation, including phlebotomists, EKG technicians, medical coding and billing specialists, and more. The versatility of a medical assistant career allows these professionals to be employed in many settings. They include hospital departments, urgent care centers, nursing home communities, rehabilitation centers, and diagnostic centers.
Why Choose Prism Career Institute’s Medical Assistant Program?
Students who attend Prism Career Institute are prepared for future employment opportunities within the healthcare field because of their specialized training and externship experience. Programs focus on teaching the necessary skills, ensuring successful training for students seeking employment in the medical assistant field. Financial aid is also available for eligible students to help with the navigation of funding options and making programs more accessible.
Prism Career Institute also provides comprehensive career services for our Medical Assistant students. We assist students with:
- Writing resumes and cover letters
- Identifying employment opportunities in healthcare settings
- Obtaining job interviews through our network of employers and employment agencies
- Practicing interview techniques
- Developing networking, customer service, and professionalism skills
- Learning how to network with potential employers
These benefits are just some of the reasons aspiring medical assistants should choose our program.
Invest Your Time and Become a Trained Medical Assistant
The medical assistant program at Prism Career Institute provides an in-depth education in a short completion period. Students can complete the program in about 10 months, and they get access to highly qualified instructors and our career services department. Prism Career Institute has campus locations in Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City, NJ, and Philadelphia, PA. If you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant, find out more about our Medical Assistant program by contacting us today.