Always accompanying a doctor, medical assistants are fundamental members of the healthcare team.
These professionals’ main goal is to facilitate the doctor’s job, so it covers a variety of duties ranging from clinical to clerical work.
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Cost Averages
- School Training: $1,200 to $4,200
- One-Year Certification: $2,500 – $10,000
- Associate Degree: $600-$8,400 In-State; $5,000-$20,800 Out of State
What Is A Medical Assistant?
A Medical Assistant, also called Clinical Assistant, is responsible for supporting and assisting Doctors and Nurses, to provide the best care treatment they can.
They can perform basic clinical functions but are always under the direct supervision of a doctor.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statics, for medical assistants, the median annual wage was $37,190 per year and $17.88 per hour in May 2021.
What Are The Responsibilities/Duties Of A Medical Assistant?
According to VocationalTrainingHQ.com, the major duties and responsibilities of a dental assistant include:
- Take and record patient vital signs.
- Inquire about and record a patient’s medical history.
- Administer medication.
- Prepare examination rooms.
- Work directly with the physician during examinations.
- Draw blood.
- Remove sutures.
- Check to be sure patients are comfortable.
- Educate patients about their medications.
- Review the doctor’s instructions to the patient and the family.
- Complete paperwork such as billing, patient records, and insurance.
- Answer phone calls.
- Schedule appointments.
What Are The Costs Of Medical Assistant Programs?
The cost of a medical assistant program can vary depending on the duration of the program and level of specialization, the school if you are an in-state resident or out-state student, and regional differences.
People can choose the type of program they want to complete, a certificate or a two-year associate’s degree.
A medical assistant course at a training school typically costs around $1,200 to $4,200.
A one-year certificate program through a community college costs around $2,500 to $10,000.
And, an associate degree costs around $600 – $8,400 per year for in-state students, and $5,000 to $20,800 for out-of-state students.
Extra Expenses
- To get certified, professionals must pass the exam of Certified Medical Assistant exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
- The AAMA offers a course about it; for members is currently $95, while nonmembers pay $170.
What Are The Best Schools That Offer Medical Assistant Programs?
People looking for medical assistant programs have to choose an accredited program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education (CAAHEP) or the Accreditation Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
The best 5 medical assistant programs accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES in 2022 are:
| School | Location |
| Purdue University | Des Moines, IA |
| American Career College | Orange County, Los Angeles & Ontario, CA |
| Concorde Career College | Portland, OR |
| Pioneer Pacific College | Beaverton & Springfield, OR |
| Regular Diploma Program | |
| ECPI University | Virginia Beach, VA |
