If you want to help people live healthier lives, but don’t think that becoming a doctor or a nurse is right for you, you may want to consider medical assistant degree programs at schools near you.
Schools with Medical Assistant Degree Programs
- Everest Institute: Austin
Carrington College: Albuquerque
Colorado Technical University: Sioux Falls
Medical assistants can perform a wide variety of tasks, ranging from clerical and administrative duties to basic clinical tasks like recording vital signs and assisting doctors during examinations.
Medical assistant degree programs prepare students for careers as medical assistants. Medical assistant college degrees are often one- or two-year programs, and often culminate with either a professional certificate or an associate degree.
Regardless of the specialty, medical assistants provide crucial services to physicians and their patients.
Types of Medical Assistant Degrees Available
Most medical assistant degree programs are associate’s degrees and can be completed in two years. Some schools also offer certificate programs, which may require one or two years of coursework. Some programs also offer (or require) internship experience as part of the degree.
What a Medical Assistant Degree Teaches You
Students learn a wide range of skills studying in medical assistant degree programs. The specific coursework will depend on the school and the specific type of medical assistant the student wishes to become, but most will require students to take basic biology and anatomy courses as well as first aid.
Students will study other topics ranging from laboratory techniques, clinical procedures, accounting, insurance processing, patient relations, and a host of other topics, depending on their specialty.
Medical Assistant Degree Featured Careers
Questions to Ask about Medical Assistant Degree Programs
1. Do I want to dedicate my life to helping others live healthier lives?
2. Do I like working with people, often in fast-paced, hectic environments?
3. Am I sure I don’t want to spend the time and energy to become a doctor or a nurse?
4. What kind of medical assistant position would I be best suited for?
Source: bls.gov/oco/ocos164.htm
