Become a Medical Assistant in 6 weeks

A career in medical assisting is the best for individuals interested in entering the rewarding medical field.

It also offers a decent salary and excellent job security and is made for individuals who thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy helping others.

But, what is a medical assistant? And what do they do?

In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about medical assistants, and if becoming one in 6 weeks is possible, and how.

To become and begin working as a medical assistant, certification or license is generally not required in most states. However, many employers prefer hiring certified medical assistants.

If you wish to opt for certification, there are accelerated training programs available that can be completed in as little as 6 weeks. Pursuing a medical assistant degree typically takes 1 to 2 years.

Now, let’s dive into the real bits.

Is it Possible to Become a Medical Assistant in 6 Weeks?

Yes!

It is possible to become a medical assistant in 6 weeks, through online training programs. There are many accredited online training programs available that help you complete your medical assistant training in as little as 6 weeks.

However, it is always recommended to check the course and syllabus of the training program, as a proper accredited medical assistant training program needs at least 4 to 6 months to complete.

Does this mean you need to go back to the traditional way of getting a degree from a university or a community college?

Not at all!

We’ll discuss a solution to this in the next section.

What Do You Need to Get Job Ready as a Medical Assistant?

To become job-ready as a medical assistant, you usually need a combination of formal training, certification (such as the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant or CCMA certification), and practical experience.

Let’s dive a little deeper:

Formal Training:

Formal training for medical assistants can be done through a post-secondary education program, such as a certificate program, diploma program, or associate degree program.

These programs cover essential topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical office procedures, and clinical skills. The duration of these programs can vary, with accelerated programs which offer a faster route to completion.

CCMA Certification:

While certification is not always required to work as a medical assistant in all states, obtaining certification can greatly enhance your job prospects.

The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification, offered by organizations like the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) or the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), tells employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the role. To become certified, you typically need to pass an exam after completing an accredited training program.

Experience:

While formal training and certification are essential, practical experience is also equally important in preparing you for a job in this field. Many employers prefer to hire medical assistants with some prior experience in a healthcare setting, as it demonstrates your ability to handle the responsibilities of the role effectively.

You can gain experience through internships, externships, or volunteer work in healthcare facilities.

So, if you’re considering a career as a medical assistant,

And want to step foot inside the industry ASAP, you should check out Preppy, an online program designed specifically for medical assistant training.

Preppy is our

Top Pick for 2024 for the Online Medical Assistant Training Program, and here’s why:

Preppy’s course lasts for 4 months, and it’s all done online. This means you can study from the comfort of your own home, at your own pace, and fit it around your schedule.

And the best part? You’ll earn your certificate in just 6 weeks – that’s a speedy path to getting qualified!

Additionally, Preppy is in collaboration with a non-profit accredited university, Auburn University. So once you complete their training program, you will be getting a certificate from Auburn University, which will enhance your resume tenfold.

But it doesn’t stop there. Preppy goes the extra mile. Once you complete your training, they offer externship opportunities, which means they help you find places where you can gain real-world experience. This is invaluable for your career journey.

Now, let’s talk about the financial side. Preppy’s courses are much more affordable compared to other options available. So not only are you getting top-notch training, but you’re also saving money in the process.

And here’s something sweet: if you decide to enroll with Preppy, they’ll throw in a free laptop to support your studies.

Plus, their support team is available 24/7 to assist you whenever you need it.

With all these perks, Preppy sounds like an excellent choice for anyone looking to kickstart their career as a medical assistant, doesn’t it?

Click Here To Learn More About Preppy’s Online Medical Assistant Training Program

Average Length of Medical Assistant Programs

Medical assistant programs often come in various formats and durations to accommodate different schedules and educational needs.

The length of medical assistant programs can differ based on the program type selected. This variation allows individuals to choose a program that aligns with their preferences and availability.

Let’s look at the breakdown of duration according to the programs available:

• Shorter Options (6 weeks): Certain programs, especially those online, are shorter, lasting about 6 weeks. Although they’re quick, they require students to put in a lot of effort because they cover a lot in a short time.
• Longer Programs (up to 2 years): On the other hand, longer programs can last up to 2 years, offering students an extensive curriculum. With this extra time, students can really dig deep into the subjects and get ready for the job of being a medical assistant.

Average Lengths of Different Programs

– Online Program (4 months): Online medical assistant programs typically span around 4 months, offering flexibility for individuals who need to balance their studies with other life commitments, such as a full-time job or family.

– Community College Certificate Programs (12 months): Community colleges offer certificate programs that typically take around 12 months to complete. These programs combine classroom instruction with some form of clinical experience to prepare students for entry-level positions in healthcare settings.

– Associate Degree Programs (2 years): Associate degree programs in medical assisting typically have a duration of 2 years. These programs offer a more comprehensive curriculum, covering a broader range of topics and providing students with a deeper understanding of medical assisting principles and practices.

What Are the Benefits of Accelerated Medical Assistant Programs?

Now that you know that there is an option of completing your medical assistant training in under 6 months, you might be wondering about the credibility of such programs.

Are they better?

Let’s take a look at the advantages accelerated programs offer:

• Faster Completion: Accelerated Medical Assistant Programs are designed to get you certified and ready for work in a shorter amount of time compared to traditional full-time programs. This means you can enter the workforce sooner and start earning sooner too. In a world where time is precious, this accelerated path can be incredibly appealing.
• Cost-Effectiveness: These accelerated programs often come with a lower price tag compared to full-time options. By compressing the curriculum and streamlining the learning process, they can offer quality education at a more affordable rate. This makes it a more accessible option for individuals who may have budget constraints but still want to pursue a career as a medical assistant.
• Convenience and Flexibility: Accelerated Medical Assistant Programs typically offer flexible scheduling options, allowing students to balance their studies with other commitments such as work or family responsibilities. Whether you’re a parent, working professional, or someone with a busy schedule, the convenience of being able to study at your own pace and on your own terms is invaluable.

FAQs

Is it possible to become a medical assistant in 6 weeks?

It is possible to enter the field of medical assisting in as little as 6 weeks by completing a self-paced online program. These programs offer flexibility and allow individuals to learn at their own pace.

Alternatively, some individuals may choose to start working as medical assistants without obtaining certification, although certification is often preferred by employers.

Can I become a medical assistant online?

Yes, there is a wide range of online medical assisting programs to choose from. It is advisable to select a program that offers an externship component, as it provides valuable hands-on experience with patients. Additionally, many more affordable medical assistant programs can be found online.

What is the fastest way to become a medical assistant?

With a high school diploma or GED, you can begin your medical assistant career without needing certification or prior experience in many states.

How long does it take to get a medical assistant certification?

The duration of a general online certification course is typically around 4 months, while a community college certification course or trade school program takes approximately 12 months. If you opt for a degree program, it usually takes around 2 years to complete.

If you prefer to gain work experience instead of completing a certification course, you will need at least one year of experience before being eligible to take the RMA or CCMA exam. However, the CMA exam does not accept work experience as a substitute for a medical assisting program.

Related Resources:

• Accelerated Medical Assistant Program
• Medical Assistant Degree Online 6 Weeks
• Cheapest Medical Assistant Program
• 4 Week Medical Assistant Program