Medical Assistant Training Approaches

Medical assisting training can vary somewhat depending on the region, state regulations, and school type. Some school's course design and implementation is unique because of the institution's background, traditions, competency and training demands, values and resources, location, size of classes and faculty. On the other hand, there also are many similarities among different schools, such as how they implement the medical assistant modules and curriculum through eclectic and individualized techniques and the way their content is organized by job tasks and practicing standard procedures and universal precautions.

Which Training Programs are Best?

As always, recommended medical assistant programs are those that are licensed by a regulatory or overseeing entity, such as a branch of the United States Department of Education and/or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Successful graduates from these programs are usually eligible to sit for nationally recognized medical assistant certification exam to earn their recognized medical assistant credential. This is important to remain competitive and employable on today's highly competitive job market.

What is Distance Education?

Distance education programs make use of instructional technology such as computers and interactive video, note that media can offer privacy, individualization, potential achievement gains, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility. However, technology is subject to change, involves some cost and expertise, and may not be appropriate for the level of instruction needed to produce highly trained and flexible employees.

What Should I Look for In a Distance Program?

Good distance education programs have earned approval and recognition by the same regulatory bodies as mentioned above, and have explicit measurement standards, such as using pre- and post tests based on grades; providing frequent feedback to students and instructors; measuring success by application of skills in job performance (such as the externship at a job site); and including observations of changes in work habits and attitudes as well as student reactions.

Kei tells us: "I am starting my certified medical assistant training program in May at a private institution and regardless of the numerous complaints I read about not being able to find a job I am still going!

 And here is why: I did my research!

I currently work for a hospital and hold a position that is strictly desk work, which bores me. I have also considered becoming a RN, but before I make the commitment I will go for my CMA. I already work for a hospital, which has a paid intern program for students who go to the school I am enrolling in.

I do agree, the certified medical assistant training should be taken at a community college because if you ever want to progress you have college credits you can use, or transfer. Unfortunately, the community colleges in my area aren't CAAHEP certified, while the private school I will attend has CAAHEP & ABHES accreditation... and fact is, the hospital I work for usually only hires students from this particular school. That's the reason why I am pursing this program.

I strongly suggest to others who are curious about medical assistant training to do their research. See what competing programs have to offer over each other. Also, know whether in your area and most hospitals are recruiting certified medical assistants (this knowledge is very important). Some want to have CNA certification as well. The available positions are often listed as either clinical technicians, or patient care technicians.

The internship that I am interested in helps to obtain CAN certification. So, do your research in your area, before committing to a program. And for those who already have their certified credentials, get phlebotomist certification, or EKG certificate as well to open up doors if you can't find a job."