28 Weeks
Program Length
$3,690.00
Tuition
What does a Medical Assistant do?
Medical assistants often find themselves working in fast-paced environments, helping to ensure that patient care and office operations run as smoothly as possible. From processing intake to recording vital signs, their daily schedule is always made up of many essential tasks.
After successfully completing the Medical Assistant program, students will be prepared to provide direct patient care, assist with procedures, prep exam rooms, and manage laboratory tests and samples. Their workplace responsibilities will vary with the location and specialization of the medical facilities where they are employed.
Where Can You Work?
Medical assistants work alongside physicians in doctors’ offices, hospitals, outpatient care centers and chiropractors’ offices.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Web browser with internet connection
- Course registration & payment
Training Materials Provided
- Expert-led video based training
- eBooks: Medical Office Procedures and Administration & Clinical Medical Assisting
- Competency assessments
- National Certification exam fee
Clinical Requirement
There is no clinical requirement by the certifying body for this program’s certification exam; however, Harrisburg University recommends that students gain some experience through job shadowing prior to obtaining a job in the field.
Medical Assistant
Outcomes
Healthcare employment is projected to grow by 13% from 2021 to 2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means that over the next decade there will be nearly 2 million new positions available for those interested in healthcare.
Skills Learned
Upon completion of this certified medical assistant program, you’ll learn a number of skills, including:
- Understanding basic human anatomy and utilizing medical terminology to effectively communicate in a health care facility
- Comprehending the use of diagnosis and procedure codes as they relate to electronic health records
- Recognizing the importance of infection control and environmental safety in general, specialty and surgical practices
- Understanding specimen collection techniques, cardiopulmonary testing, pharmacology and medication administration
- Administering medications and assisting with minor procedures
- Recording vital signs, taking medical histories and preparing patients and rooms for examinations
- Handling laboratory specimens and providing patient education
- Complying with HIPAA/HITECH, OSHA and CMS and other healthcare regulations and laws as they apply to patient information
Courses - 28 Weeks
Professionalism in Allied Health |
Medical Office Procedures and Administration |
Introduction to Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology |
Clinical Medical Assisting |
Program Preview
Medical Assistant Job Possibilities
HIDDEN
Medical Office Assistant
HIDDEN
Medical Assistant
HIDDEN
Doctor's Assistant
Certification Information
Upon completion of your medical assistant training, you are eligible to take either the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) or the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exams, both issued by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
CCMA
Certified Clinical
Medical Assistant
The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification can help you stand out in the world of medical assistants and allows you to join the workforce with an advantage.
CMAA
Certified Medical Administrative Assistant
The Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) certificate helps you gain the skills to provide administrative support in a medical setting. Demonstrate your expertise in the field and become qualified for a number of administrative duties, as well as direct contact with patients in clinical settings.
Issuing Authority
PAYMENT OPTIONS
Pay in full using any major credit card, PayPal, or Venmo. Select “credit card” as your payment option.
Apply for PayPal Credit and pay zero interest if your balance is paid in full within 6-months. Complete a quick application and you’ll receive a credit decision within seconds.
PROGRAM COMPARISONS
Harrisburg University | Community College | |
|---|---|---|
Program & Tuition Cost | $4,000 average | Up to $20,000 |
Exam Fees, Books & Materials | Included | Up to $750 |
Job Ready In | 3–6 months | 24–48 months |
Schedule Flexibility | On-demand 24/7 | Set class schedule |
Travel Requirements | None: 100% online | On-campus classrooms |
Student Support | Personal Advisors: text, call and email access | Professors: scheduled office hours |
Career Coaching | Exam-tailor + soft-skill training to build well-rounded careers | Exam-based + prerequisites and electives to meet credit |
Content Delivery | 3D animations, immersive environments, interactive activities, game-based learning | Professor lectures |
Meet Your Training Specialist!
Your Training Specialist is here to help you understand the program and payment options and succeed! Get in touch with us to learn more about the program, and how to achieve your career goals!
FAQ
Certified medical assistants deal with the public directly, so they need to be dependable, great communicators, active listeners and efficient problem solvers. Since certified medical assistants handle numerous clients' health records throughout the day, they should also be well organized and able to multitask effectively with attention to detail.
Most full-time certified medical assistants work a regular 40-hour week. Some work part-time, evenings or weekends.
Certified medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks under direct physician supervision. Physician assistants examine, diagnose and treat patients under a collaboration agreement with a physician, who may or may not be on-site.
The duties of a medical assistant vary from one practice to the next and may be limited by state laws. Responsibilities vary from office to office, depending on location, size and specialty. Administrative duties may include the following: answering phone calls, greeting patients, updating and filing patient medical records, scheduling appointments, billing and more. Clinical duties may include the following: taking medical histories, collecting and preparing laboratory specimens, explaining treatment procedures to patients, drawing blood, taking electrocardiograms and more.
Medical assistants are one of the most versatile allied health professionals. They are cross-trained to perform clinical and administrative responsibilities.
