Medical Assistant Programs in NY

Medical assisting is one of the fastest growing career options today, according to the US Department of Labor. Medical assistants are hired to support the physicians and other healthcare staff in medical facilities and clinics. The job outlook in this area is excellent, particularly for those who have had formal training through completing a training program at an accredited institution.

It is not only a rewarding healthcare career option which will allow you to work with patients of different demographics, but it also offers a chance to advance into medical tech careers or even nursing with further education.

What does a medical assistant do?

The duties vary according to the type of office, location, and practice. Depending on their employer’s needs, they may perform clinical, clerical or administrative functions; or all three.

Clinical assistant:

They have a more medical-related job profile which may include

• preparing patients for medical examinations
• taking medical histories
• explaining medical procedures to the patient.

They may also assist the physician during examination.

Clerical assistant:

Their role is not all that different from that of any other clerical staff, but specialized knowledge is important here to ensure smooth functioning of a physician's office or a hospital.
The job typically includes

• scheduling appointments
• sorting mail
• answering phones

and other clerical tasks.

Administrative assistant:

They may assume any or all of the general clerical duties, but they also perform some of the functions of a clinical assistant.
Their job involves

• updating patient files
• arranging hospital admissions
• submitting medical claim forms etc.

Which is the right medical assistant program for you?

If you seriously considering this as a career option, there are several accredited programs in NYC, NY that you may want to take a look at. Here are a few things to consider, while you explore different programs:

1. Type of program – associate's degree or professional certification?

There are two types of medical assisting training programs: associate’s degrees and professional certification. The associate’s degree program is generally two years in length and is a good choice if you plan to further your education in the future.  On the other hand, a certification program, which teaches you the only core courses, is shorter and can be completed in about nine months to one year.

2. Course schedule – regular, weekend or online classes?

When you talk to admission officers, inquire about flexibility of schedules. If you are working or have other responsibilities, which prevent you from attending regular classes, you may need to look at a flexible program that have courses meeting on the weekends or online.  

3. Cost of the program – availability or loans, financial aid and scholarships

Training can be expensive, so it is important that you take advantage of financial aid, student loans, and potential scholarship opportunities. Cost for a certificate can range from $6,000 to $9,000 or more, while an associate’s degree program can set you back by $15,000 to $30,000.

4. Accreditation of the school by CAAHEP or ABHES

No matter which type of program you choose, it is necessary to ensure that the institute you pick is accredited either by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). If you choose a school that is not accredited, you risk being ineligible for federal educational loans or grants.  Furthermore, the Certifies Medical Assistant (CMA) designation, which is the industry standard, may only be earned through the American Association of Medical Assistants, and the AAMA only allows graduates of accredited healthcare programs to take the exam.

If you need more assistance in finding different medical assistant programs in NY, call 877-451-2596 to talk to an advisor today.