After completing a degree in the field of medical assisting, the next step is to obtain a job. However, before beginning a job search, consider obtaining medical assistant certification first. This will increase the chances of getting a job that will likely have better pay and benefits.
What Is Medical Assistant Certification?
Medical assistant certification consists of passing an examination that has been issued through the American Association of Medical Assistants. Certification is similar to a stamp of approval from a governing board that states a person has the proper knowledge needed in order to be employed as a medical assistant. Completion of a program in medical assisting from a school that has been accredited by the American Association of Medical Assistants is required in order to sit for the certification examination or recertification examination.
Medical Assistant Certification Benefits
Although there are currently no state regulations that require an individual to become certified in order to work as a medical assistant, most employers are requiring certification before hiring. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those that are certified in medical assisting will have the highest job prospects in the field. Additionally, Payscale.com reports that the earnings of certified medical assistants were three cents per hour more than those that are not certified. Additionally, promotion opportunities and additional responsibilities are benefits of certification.
Starting the Certification Process
As stated above, in order to sit for the medical assistant certification examination a person must first graduate from an accredited training program. However, not all programs will meet this requirement as the American Association of Medical Assistants only recognizes two types of accreditation. These are accreditation from either the Accreditation Bureau of Health Education Schools or Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. When choosing a training program it is important to make sure that it is accredited by one of these programs.
Medical Assistant Grants and Scholarships
When it comes to paying for your education, it can be very expensive. Fortunately, there are several medical assistant grants and scholarships available to help cut some of the costs. Here are some of the scholarships and grants available to help pay for your education as a medical assistant.
The first step any student should take when applying for college is to fill out the FAFSA. This is the form that will determine whether a student is eligible for any type of federally funded financial aid. This includes federal grants and student loans. The Pell Grant is free money for students that qualify financially. It is important to determine eligibility for this type of grant first because it is possible that a Pell grant will cover most of the cost of tuition. If necessary, the FAFSA will allow for student loans, which offer low interest rates and payment plans.
Alice Newell Joslyn Medical Fund
For Latino students looking for medical assistant grants and scholarships, the Alice Newell Joslyn Medical Fund offers an award from $500 to $2000 per year. In order to qualify for this scholarship a student must live or attend school in San Diego, California. Scholarship applications may be requested directly from this fund. The scholarship requires a person to re-apply each academic year and in order to receive the scholarship again; certain scholastic progress requirements must be met or exceeded.
Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology Program Scholarships
For those students that are interested in specializing as a medical assistant in the field of ophthalmology, the Education and Research Foundation division offers several scholarships for those that qualify. The award amount is $500 and in order to apply for the scholarship a student must be selected by their school. In addition to specified program scholarships, the Joint Commission on Allied Health also has several other medical assistant scholarship opportunities available for students pursuing a degree in the healthcare industry.
Maxine Williams Scholarship
In order to apply for the Maxine Williams Scholarship a student must be enrolled in a school that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs. A student must have completed at least a semester at the school before applying for the scholarship. The amount of the scholarship is $1000 and applications for the Maxine Williams Scholarship will have to be requested through a school financial aid administrator. Other requirements for this scholarship include maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or better.
Other Financial Assistance
There are medical assistant grants and scholarships available through federal and state governments as well as through some corporations. In order to learn about available scholarships in the medical assisting field, contact a school guidance or financial aid counselor. Every college has different scholarship funds available for their students, so asking a financial aid representative from the school in which you are enrolled is the best way to find out about scholarships that may be available.
Finding money for college will take some time and it is important to be aware of scams that claim they are scholarships for education. Research the scholarship before applying and make sure your school of choice accepts the funding.
The Top Medical Assistant Schools
When considering an education to become a medical assistant, there are several programs from which to choose. In addition to the traditional programs that require class attendance, there are also several top medical assistant schools online. When choosing medical assistant schools it is important to make sure to choose one that is accredited.
Brown Mackie College
Brown Mackie College is one of the top medical assistant schools that offers an on campus degree. This college has an associate’s degree program as well as certificate and diploma options. A medical assistant degree from this college provides students with the basic administrative and patient care skills needed for employment as a medical assistant. The program is currently available for students in Idaho, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Arizona, Florida, Missouri, Georgia, South Carolina, Michigan, Kansas, and Illinois.
Sanford Brown Institute
The medical assistant program through Sanford Brown Institute is a diploma or associate’s degree program that is offered on campus. The course is currently available to students who live in Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Florida, Texas, and Georgia. During the program, a student can expect to take classes such as medical law, ethics, medical records, medical communications, laboratory procedures, basic patient preparation, and insurance claims. These classes will prepare a student for a job as a medical assistant in a physician’s office or other health care setting.
Globe University
Globe University is another of the top medical assistant schools that has campuses in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and South Dakota. Currently, Globe University offers an associate’s degree in medical assisting, through an on campus program. The program trains students in pharmacology, radiology, microbiology, hematology, and patient care. In addition, Globe University also offers a medical administrative assistant degree, which teaches students how to run the front office of a medical facility.
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