Because hands-on training is an important
aspect of almost any allied health education, degree programs to become a
medical assistant are not offered fully online. However, several
schools now offer hybrid programs that allow students to complete much
of their required coursework online, coupled with on-site experiences.
Options for study may result in either a diploma or a more comprehensive
Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting.
Focusing on the core skills and essential information needed by
medical
assistants, a diploma program varies by school from approximately 1-1.5
years in length. Successfully completing the course sequence entitles
individuals to sit for a national exam and become certified by the
American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
Program Requirements
Educational prerequisites for the diploma program are typically a
high school diploma or its equivalent, although this may not always be
mandatory. Coursework and communication largely takes place online, so
all aspiring students must have access to a personal computer with
access to the Web. Hands-on clinical training, either on campus or at a
designated healthcare facility, enables the student to put the theories
learned at home to practice on-site.
Typical Course Descriptions
In a diploma program, courses are often completely pre-planned
without much class choice flexibility, although students may be able to
choose the order of completion. The following classes are basic
components of any medical assistance diploma programs because they teach
enrollees how to contextualize, discuss and apply their knowledge.
Anatomy and Physiology Course
This introductory course covers the main principles of human anatomy
and physiology, basic chemistry, cell anatomy and tissue studies. It
also provides a broad overview of all the body systems, including the
cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, endocrine, lymphatic, digestive
and reproductive systems.
Medical Terminology Course
The language of medicine and its importance is addressed in this
course. Basic medical terms and abbreviations for all major body parts
and systems, medical conditions and medication administration are
taught.
Clinical Skills Course
The class provides a general overview of essential skills needed to
work with ill and injured patients. Topics include procedural gowning
and gloving, HIPAA, OSHA regulations, infection control, laboratory
safety and the measurement of vital signs. Hands-on practice may include
assisting in minor surgeries and blood collection.
Continuing Education
Medical assistants who are certified through AAMA must recertify
every five years. Obtaining continuing education units (CEUs) satisfies
this recertification requirement. Those who opt not to recertify are
not permitted to use the credential in connection with existing or
future employment.
Online Medical Assistant Associate of Applied Science Program Overview
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program provides much more
in-depth education than a diploma program, and requires a greater time
commitment; typically, students can expect to spend 1.5-2 years studying
for the degree. Earning an AAS permits graduates to sit for the AAMA
national exam that may lead to certification.
Program Requirements
Applicants are typically expected to hold a high school degree or its
equivalent to be considered for acceptance to an AAS program; there are
usually no other prerequisites. The program is a mix of online
instruction and hands-on clinical training, either at the school or in a
professional healthcare setting. Since some coursework is delivered
online, prospective students must have access to a computer with
Internet connection.
Typical Course Descriptions
Unlike diploma programs, associate's degree programs require general
education units and electives to round out the curriculum. However, core
courses may be comparable to those found in a more concise program. A
few of these are outlined below.
Pharmacology Course
Pharmacology is the study of pharmaceutical drugs, their
classifications and their applications. Students learn about the
physical and mental impact drugs can have on the body, how they
potentially interact with one another and the types of adverse reactions
that may occur.
Radiology Course
This class discusses the science and physics of x-rays, the terms and
equipment used for internal imaging and the techniques used to properly
process films. Students review the muscular and skeletal systems and
relate them to radiology practice. They also explore safety concerns and
methods to minimize risk.
Healthcare Ethics and Law Course
This introductory course discusses basic, but critical, legal and
ethical values as well as the connection between them and their
relevance to the American healthcare system. Students are taught the
importance of ethical decision-making in terms of both personal and
professional values. They also study HIPAA, healthcare law, medical
documentation handling, professional codes, licensure and accreditation.
Career Statistics
There is no legal requirement for individuals to obtain a formal
education of any kind, nor take any type of exam, in order to work as a
medical assistant. However, earning a degree from an accredited school
and becoming certified by AAMA or another recognized organization is
usually either mandatory or strongly favored by employers, and greater
experience and education is linked to higher salaries. Per the U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants held approximately
483,600 jobs as of 2008, and future employment prospects are expected to
be 'excellent' from then through 2018. Earnings for these professionals
vary; the middle 50% earned between $23,700 and $33,050 as of May 2008 (
www.bls.gov)
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