Congratulations on deciding to pursue medical assistant school! If you’re considering the next step of looking into different medical assistant schooling programs in your area, you may have questions like:

• How much do medical assistant schools cost?
• Are there certified medical assistant schools near me?
• How do I know which program is the best for my lifestyle and goals?

Choosing the right school can make all the difference in your training, so let’s walk through seven essential questions to ask before enrolling.

Discover Dorsey college’s Medical Assistant program

Is a Medical Assistant Career for you?

Medical assistants are vital in healthcare, juggling both administrative and clinical responsibilities. If you thrive on helping people, enjoy working in a team, and can handle both medical tasks and office duties, then this could be a great career fit for you! Medical assistants often handle things like recording patient information, taking vital signs, assisting in patient exams, and even preparing samples for lab tests. Before you enroll in a medical assistant schooling program, take time to envision yourself doing the actual work of a medical assistant to make sure it’s something you want to do!

What Are the Accreditation and Certification Requirements?

Ensuring your medical assistant program (or school) meets accreditation standards is crucial. Accredited schools are a sign of quality because the institution has met and maintains a set of guidelines, which can make a difference when you apply for jobs. Certification options, such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential, often require graduation from an accredited program (or school) and passing a certification exam. Be sure to check your state’s specific requirements to see if you’ll need certification to work as a medical assistant.

How Time-Consuming is Medical Assistant Training?

The day-to-day commitments of your medical assistant training depend on the type of program. Typically, you’ll choose from in person or hybrid programs. A hybrid program is a great option for people who need flexibility. Some days you’ll be on campus, and other days, learning material will take place online. This means you can have some flexibility, which can help if you have a busy schedule outside of school. You’ll just need to plan and set a time in your calendar for online learning as well as studying the things you learn.

If you decide to pursue an in-person medical assistant training, you’ll spend a lot of time at the program’s campus attending classes. You’ll have the opportunity to learn alongside other medical assistant students. With this option, you should also set aside time to study the material you’re learning at home.

Think about your lifestyle and commitments and choose a school that will make balancing them easier. Researching a program that aligns with your career goals and preferred schedule can help set you up for success. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and see if the school is the right match for you.

How Long is the Schooling for a Medical Assistant?

Wondering about the commitment? Most medical assistant programs take around a year to complete if you’re attending full-time, typically resulting in a diploma or certificate. Shorter programs can be intensive, but they often prepare you well for the demands of an entry-level medical assistant role. Check with potential schools on how their programs are structured to ensure they align with your schedule.

Keep in mind the cost as you research different program lengths. Investing in education can be daunting, but knowing the cost upfront can help you prepare. Factors to consider include:

• Tuition
• Fees
• Supplies
• Other program essentials
• Career services

Financial aid may also be available to those who qualify, so be sure to ask each school about scholarships, grants, or payment plans. Knowing your options can ease the financial strain, allowing you to focus on getting the most out of your education.

Does the School Offer Hands-On Training and Externships?

Hands-on experience is invaluable in medical assistant training, and externships can give you a taste of what the job is really like. Externships provide a supervised, real-world environment to practice your skills and gain confidence. Ask each school if they offer externships as part of the program and how they structure lab training to reinforce classroom learning. This is a crucial part of your training, so make sure your program of choice offers plenty of hands-on opportunities.

What Are the Possible Opportunities After Graduation?

While no school can guarantee you a job, look for programs that offer career support. This could include help with:

• Resume building
• Interview preparation
• Job placement assistance
• Other career services

Employment opportunities for medical assistants are on the rise—according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand is projected to grow over the next several years.1

Is the School a Good Fit for Your Career Goals?

Different programs may offer varying schedules, campus locations, or hybrid options, blending online and in-person learning. Think about your lifestyle and commitments and choose a school that will make balancing them easier. Researching a program that aligns with your career goals and preferred schedule can help set you up for success. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and see if the school is the right match for you.

Choose Dorsey College for Your Career Training!

At Dorsey College, we’re here to help you achieve your career goals. With multiple campus locations and dedicated support, we’re ready to guide you on the path to a successful career as a medical assistant. Do you still have questions? Reach out today for answers that can help you start on the path toward a rewarding career as a medical assistant!

1. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm