Medical assistant school?

Question

There are 2 programs I'm looking at online. one is a 15 month certificate program, (65 credits) and the other is an associate degree in science, also certifying me as a medical assistant, (66 credits) 2 year program. Should I just get the certificate to certify me to be a medical assistant or go to school for 2 years for the associate degree. Would one get me a better paying medical assistant job? or are they both the same.Confused on this one........

Answer 1

I've been in the medical profession for well over 25 years. So consider this: is there a need in your area for medical assistants? If the work field is flooded, then the pay will go down, if there any jobs available. My best advice that I could tell you is to stay in school, but don't settle for just an Associate's Degree. Go full steam and get your Bachlor's Degree. I assure you it'll come in handy eventually, and you'll make more money in the long run. Do it now while you're young, because as you get older, it gets harder and harder to go to school Trust me with this. Best of luck to you.....have a great day.

Answer 2

I have a CMA (certified med asst) certificate. I attended school in the late 80's; an 18mos program. I strongly urge you to attend the 2 year program and get the AS degree. Employers will respect that more, making it possible to request a higher pay or better schedule. Additionally, many do go on to pursue a nursing degree. You will be ahead of the pack, having a CMA, experience and an AS science degree.

As an aside, I don't really feel it would be possible to learn all of the patient care, lab work, and back office procedures on line. I think that online is great for basics like English or History, but you may regret not having the solid core knowledge that comes with classroom work and the "guiniea pigging" of practicing on each other.

Good luck!