Associates in medical assisting - is it worth it?

Associates in Medical Assisting – Is It Worth It?

The healthcare field is rapidly expanding, the need for medical professionals growing with that expansion as well. If you’re considering a career in this field, you might be wondering about the best educational path to take. One popular option is pursuing an associates in medical assisting. Working with both patients and behind the scenes within a clinic or medical office is a great choice to get the ins and outs of the career field. But is it worth the investment of time and money?

What are Associates in Medical Assisting?

An associate degree in medical assisting typically takes about two years to complete and is offered by many community colleges and technical schools. At 鶹, our associates in medical assisting only takes about 20 months – possibly less if you have credits to transfer! This degree path is meant to give students the skills and knowledge necessary to perform both clinical and clerical work within a medical office or clinic, among many positions in the healthcare field. Students take courses in ethics, pharmacology, anatomy, and many more to get a broad understanding of the healthcare field and to work with patients they meet at every step of the way.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics explains some of the typical responsibilities of Medical Assistants in :

  • Record medical history of patients through interview.
  • Take vital signs like blood pressure, weight, and height, from patients.
  • Assist physicians during examinations.
  • Give patients injections, draw their blood, or give medications as directed by physicians.
  • Schedule patient appointments.
  • Collect specimens such as blood, urine, and others for laboratory tests.
  • Maintain inventory of medical and office supplies.

Benefits of Earning Your Associate Degree in Medical Assisting

1. Comprehensive Education:

Unlike certificate programs, an associate degree gives you a deeper understanding of the field. On the clinical side, students learn invasive clinical procedures like drawing blood or administering injections, along with non-invasive procedures like urinalysis, nutrition for health and disease, and electrocardiography. On the clerical side, students will learn administrative tasks like medical billing, using electronic health records, telephone communication, and scheduling, all with office equipment usage.

2. Increased Job Opportunities:

Many employers prefer or even require medical assistants with an associate degree because it indicates a higher level of education and training. Earning your degree can make you a competitive candidate. Not only that, but you could find work in diverse healthcare environments, including, but not limited to, hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices, and more. From the , the “employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 14 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.” Along with that, as the Boomer generation ages, not only will medical assistants of their age group retire, but there will also be a greater need for medical professionals to take care of such a large generation of aging individuals.

3. Certification:

In many associate degree programs, students prepare to sit for certification exams. At ANU, students take the CPR exam through the American Red Cross, the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam, the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPTC) exam, and the Certified EKG Technician (CET) exam as part of their classes.

4. A Pathway to Further Education:

An associate degree can be a steppingstone to higher education, like bachelor’s programs in the medical field. Many ANU medical assisting students find that they want to become registered nurses after working in the field, and others move on to our Medical and Health Services Management program to become managers in the healthcare field. An associate degree provides a solid foundation for pursuing more advanced roles in healthcare – saving you time and money in the long run.

Earning an associates in medical assisting can open doors to a rewarding career with numerous opportunities for growth and advancement. While it requires commitment, the benefits of comprehensive education, increased job opportunities, and preparation for certification make it worthwhile for many aspiring medical assistants. Evaluate your goals and resources to make an informed decision about your educational path. With ANU, you can earn your degree faster and for less than other institutions. Go to an.edu to learn more.

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