Now that you’ve decided to pursue the role of medical assistant, the next step in your journey is finding the right program. Choosing the right medical assistant program is an investment in yourself and your future. Such a decision requires proper consideration.
Prism Career Institute offers a medical assistant program at campus locations in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and West Atlantic City, New Jersey. Here, we discuss important questions to ask before choosing a medical assistant school.
How Long Does the Program Last?
One of the many benefits of becoming a medical assistant is the length of schooling compared to other roles in the medical field. This makes medical assisting an ideal choice for individuals wishing to jumpstart their careers. Still, it’s important to know just how long the program lasts so you know what to expect.
The medical assistant program offered at Prism Career Institute includes 720 total hours taught over 40 instructional weeks (10 months). The program is divided into 420 lecture hours, 150 lab hours, and 150 externship hours.
Are Class Schedules Flexible?
Along with inquiring about the length of the program, prospective students should also ask if the program offers flexible class schedules, including day and evening class options. In many cases, students will be managing other responsibilities while completing their education. People with jobs or family responsibilities may benefit from evening classes instead of traditional daytime classes.
Prism Career Institute is pleased to offer our medical assistant program, both during the day and at night, at our Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City campuses in New Jersey. Both daytime and evening program options are 40 weeks long, with classes held Monday to Thursday. Daytime classes start at 9 a.m. and end at 1:30 p.m., whereas evening classes begin at 5:30 p.m. and conclude at 10 p.m.
Is There an Online Component?
In addition to daytime and evening classes, some individuals may be seeking further flexibility to ensure classes align with their daily lives. For these students, a medical assistant program that includes an online component may be the best option.
Students who enroll in the medical assistant program at Prism Career Institute will undergo 108 hours of online learning. This portion of the program is included in the 420 lecture hours.
Is Financial Aid Available?
Choosing to enroll in a medical assistant program is a financial commitment to your future. Prism Career Institute is dedicated to providing career training to as many students as possible. We are pleased to offer financial aid to those who qualify. Our Financial Aid Department can help students secure aid from a variety of sources, including:
- Pell Grants
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
- Federal Parent Plus Loans
- Subsidized federal direct loans
- Unsubsidized federal direct loans
- Veterans’ educational benefits
Does the Curriculum Cover Medical Billing, Coding, and Phlebotomy?
To successfully step into the role of a medical assistant after graduation, individuals must be well-versed in the crucial components of the profession. That requires enrolling in a program that covers medical assisting topics in-depth.
At Prism Career Institute, we prepare students by providing them with a well-rounded curriculum. Students who complete our medical assistant program will be knowledgeable in the following areas:
- Medical law and ethics
- Anatomy and physiology
- Electrocardiography (EKG)
- Pharmacology
- Phlebotomy
- Patient history, vital signs
- CPR
- Clinical procedures
- Patient hygiene and infection control
- Records management
Will There Be an Externship?
Studying concepts of medical assistance is important, but students also need real experience to be adequately prepared for life after graduation. When choosing a medical assistant program, you may want to consider one that includes an externship.
At Prism Career Institute, we understand how important hands-on training is for our students. While enrolled in our medical assistant program, students are required to complete a 150-hour externship, where they work and learn under the guidance of an experienced healthcare professional.
What Certifications Can I Earn Upon Graduation?
Students may wish to earn certifications after graduation to enhance their skills and jumpstart their careers. Upon successful completion of our medical assistant program, graduates may be eligible to work toward earning a variety of medical assistant certifications.
Does the School Offer Job Placement Support?
Career services can offer students valuable resources that they can use to further their careers. Individuals should ask about a school’s career services department so they can get a better understanding of the types of resources available.
Students enrolled at Prism Career Institute can take advantage of our Career Services Department. The career services team works closely with students to help them secure a fulfilling career. The Career Services Department at Prism Career Institute offers the following assistance:
- Creating cover letters and resumes
- Preparing for job interviews
- Building networking skills
- Identifying job opportunities
- Interview and job application referrals through our employer network
Enroll in Our Medical Assistant Program Today
Those wishing to pursue a career as a medical assistant should enroll in the medical assistant program offered at Prism Career Institute. To better serve our students, we offer this 40-week medical assistant program at all three of our campus locations, in Philadelphia, PA, Cherry Hill, NJ, and West Atlantic City, NJ. Apply online today or contact us for more information.