Why is getting an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting important?

Answer 1

An Associates Degree of Applied Science in Medical Assisting, compared to a Certificate of Completion in Medical Assisting, has some advantages, but none that are vast.

You may make a little bit more per hour, but many employers would choose an employee who has more career experience in the field over someone who has more education.

It's crappy, believe me, I know first hand. I completed my Medical Assistant program this past month, and I am finding out the hard way that employers want experienced-only. There are people who never went to college who were trained for Medical Assisting at their job and as a result have 5 or more years experience.

If you really have a heart for medical assisting, go for it. You might have to settle for a minimum wage medical assistant job as a beginner until you get more experience. Good luck!

By the way, if you change your mind about what to go for, don't go for EMT or Paramedic. One of my teachers was a paramedic and she told us that the job market is really bad for those jobs. You might just want to go to school and become a Licensed Practical Nurse. It usually only takes a little over a year and the pay is considerably better than a Medical Assistant, however, I have seen Medical Assistant jobs here at the University of Michigan starting at $22/hour.

Answer 2

Do yourself a favor and DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY. A degree like this is worthless. This was available for me in my high school, and I certainly wouldn't have PAID FOR IT.

Do yourself a favor and become an EMT and get a job instead. Medical Assistants who go through these programs waste their money.

Become a nurse...Medical Assistants make like 10/hour. Nurses START at 20/hour.

Do yourself a favor...do not get a "degree" as a medical assistant.

Answer 3

It's only important if you want to work in this field. The degree will familiarize you with the industry and terminolgy. The industry is specialized enough that high school graduates really aren't qualified for even entry level positions.