When it comes to making a change in your career, it can be difficult to find the time in your busy lifestyle. But becoming a medical assistant is one way you can achieve a fulfilling career while fitting education into your schedule. Whether you’re just starting in the workforce or you’re looking for a different career path, medical assisting can benefit many. At Prism Career Institute, we offer medical assisting courses to help students start their journey. Here, we talk about what medical assistants do, how to become a medical assistant, and the benefits of their career.
What Is a Medical Assistant?
A medical assistant is in charge of taking care of both administrative work and patient care in a healthcare setting. They are essential to keeping hospitals, clinics, private practices, and other medical establishments up and running. They organize the necessary information and complete tasks that make the day run smoothly. Medical assistants may also complete other tasks, such as:
- Collect and prep laboratory samples, such as blood
- Medical exam assistance
- Clinical assistance
- Wound care
- Communicate with patients
- Diagnostic testing
- Insurance and billing
- Drawing blood
- Schedule appointments
- Measuring vital signs
Process of Becoming a Medical Assistant
Before becoming a medical assistant, you must have a high school diploma or GED. Next, you must enroll in courses that give you the tools needed to become a medical assistant. Students can attend vocational schools, community colleges, or even some universities that have accredited medical assistant programs. However, attending a vocational school allows you to complete your course requirements quicker, meaning you can graduate and enter the workforce at a faster rate.
Prism Career Institute is an establishment that offers a medical assisting course. Students who enroll in our classes can complete them in about six months. Students are required to finish 720 hours of courses, 420 of those hours being lectures and 150 hours being lab time. This allows students to gain hands-on experience, giving them a sense of what it’s like to work in a professional setting. It also gives instructors the chance to closely assist students with their learning.
Classes are completed both remotely and in-person, and students can choose from evening and day courses. This makes it a great option for those who already have jobs or family obligations but still want to switch careers. In addition, students who enroll in our medical assisting program must also complete 150 hours of a medical assistant externship. This allows students to obtain real experience working in the healthcare industry, meaning they’ll have the expertise and knowledge needed to become successful after graduation.
After completing their courses and externship, students may take the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam. Once they take and pass the exam, they are then officially certified to work in the healthcare industry. At Prism Career Institute, part of your tuition covers the costs of the exam, so students do not have to worry when the time comes.
Medical Assistant graduates who decide to move further in the discipline of phlebotomy or electro-cardiology after they’ve completed externship, they may also take the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) or Certified Electro-cardiology Technician (CET) exam. While Prism does not cover the cost of the study materials or the exams, graduates may find the certifications helpful in pursuing these specializations.
Why Should You Be a Medical Assistant?
There are many benefits to becoming a medical assistant, including:
Jobs Are in Demand
Jobs in the healthcare industry are abundant, and we don’t see that changing any time soon. This is because educated medical professionals are required everywhere, so the need for nurses and other healthcare workers will never go away. For graduates, this means they can have an easier time finding a job following the completion of their studies.
Job Mobility
Because of the high demand for healthcare workers across the world, this gives students the option to work anywhere they desire. If you are looking to move elsewhere after graduation, a medical assistant career path can accommodate your need to travel. In addition, medical assisting can lead to higher-paying careers and promotions.
Continuing Education
Those who earn their diploma as a medical assistant are one step closer to furthering their education and promoting themselves within the medical field. By continuing with school, medical assistants can move on to hold higher positions. Students can explore their options through our career services.
Save Costs on Education
Because you won’t have to attend a traditional two or four-year school, medical assisting can save costs on education. Not only can it save you money, but it can also allow you to earn a stable income faster than if you were to get your associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Most specialized Department of Education approved programs are eligible for financial aid or student loan assistance.
Enroll at Prism Career Institute
Prism Career Institute aims to give students the resources and education they need in accessible, easy formats. That’s why we offer convenient course scheduling with both daytime and evening courses through our New Jersey campuses in Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City, as well as daytime courses in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. To learn more about how to become a medical assistant, contact us or apply online today.