Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/851335
July, 2017 l Working World l WorkingWorld.com 7 an aging population creates an increased need for healthcare services, this growth is likely to continue for many years to come. The outlook is even brighter for Certified Medical Assistants, with job prospects that are considered "excellent." As the demand for medical assistants increases, so does the medical assistant salary, as shown by the history of earnings. Between 2002 and 2004, medical assistants earned an average of $25,000 a year. With increased regulations in the healthcare field, the need for skilled assistants increased and so did the salary. In 2008, the average salary jumped to $29,000, then again to $30,000 in 2010. By 2013, the average salary of the top- earning medical assistants was $35,500, plus benefits. Considering that the demand for medical assistants and the related salary is predicted to keep growing at this rate, there has never been a better time to become a medical assistant. For those ready to start a career that offers it all, including a lucrative medical assistant salary, now is the time to find an accredited medical assisting program and to get the education necessary to join this remarkable field. Those with jobs and other responsibilities can even get their training through an online program. Online programs allow students to study from home on their own schedule without giving up the things that matter most in their lives. WHAT DO MEDICAL ASSISTANTS ACTUALLY DO? Medical assistants strive to ensure that the healthcare facilities they work in run like a well-oiled machine. They work in administration at the front desk, as well as perform clinical tasks related to providing direct care to patients. Medical assistants gather information on patients' medical histories and health issues, and provide patients with information and instructions regarding treatment. They prepare rooms, patients, and instruments for the physician, as well as offer basic support during procedures. In addition, they keep records current and organized, schedule appointments, file insurance claims, answer phones, schedule appointments, and more. In short, medical assistants perform any task necessary to ensure that physicians are in the best position to provide quality treatment to their patients. HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST PROGRAM FOR YOU Not all online medical assisting programs are the same. Programs accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) will include all the coursework and clinical experience necessary to become a certified medical assistant (CMA). You must graduate from one of these programs to be eligible to sit for the certification exam. You should also consider the type of program you want to enroll in. Certificate and diploma programs typically take 12- 18 months to complete, while associate's degree programs typically take between 18 and 24 months to complete. As with any profession, a higher level of training often means increased employment opportunities and the potential to earn a higher salary. While all programs teach the basics of medical assisting, associate's degree programs include general education courses in addition to medical assistant training. This is the best choice if you plan to complete a bachelor's degree program at a later time. Finally, you should look for programs that include certification preparation or review courses, as well as those that provide internship or externship opportunities. This is especially important if you intend to become certified, have plans to perform specialized functions, or plan to work solely as either an administrative or clinical medical assistant. TYPES OF MEDICAL ASSISTANT PROGRAMS • Diploma Program A diploma program can be completed in 2-3 semesters and, if properly accredited, may qualify you to take the CMA certification exam. Diploma programs often include training in administration, medical law, office management, anatomy and physiology, clinical procedures, medical terminology, and also include some exposure to clinical practice. • Certificate Program Certificate programs allow you to easily transfer to an associate's degree program and can qualify you for the certified medical assistant exam. In these programs, you can expect to study basic concepts, perform record maintenance, assist physicians, and practice other clinical and administrative duties. In addition, you will explore the ethical and legal responsibilities associated with working in the healthcare industry. These programs also often include a number of options for gaining clinical experience. • Associate's Degree Program Associate's degree programs are much more in-depth and include general education courses like English, psychology, sociology, and mathematics, as well as medical assisting courses. These courses may include medical billing and coding, insurance billing, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, accounting, laboratory procedures, and much more. These programs also typically include clinical experiences in both clinical and administrative settings. Whether at the diploma, certificate or associate's level, online medical assistant programs provide everything you need to enter this exciting field. Online programs are the best option if you are interested in getting an education while working, taking care of a family, or meeting other responsibilities and obligations. MEDICAL ASSISTANT PROGRAMS IN THE AREA Note to Colleges: If you don't see your program listed please email workingworld@ copcomm.com and we will update the online version. • American College of Healthcare www.ach.edu • CBD College www.cbd.edu • Angeles College www.angelescollege.edu • American Career College www.americancareercollege.edu • Los Angeles ORT College www.laort.edu • American Medical Careers www.americanmedicalcareers.org • Valley College of Medical Careers www.valleycollegeofmedicalcareers. business.site • National Career College www.nccusa.edu • Platt College www.plattcollege.edu • NIU College www.niu-college.com • David Geffen School of Medicine www.medschool.ucla.edu • West Los Angeles College www.wlac.edu • LA Vocational Institute www.lavocational.com • Galaxy Medical College www.galaxymedicalcollege.edu • Concorde Career College— North Hollywood www.concorde.edu/campus/north- hollywood • East Los Angeles Occupational Center http://www.eastlaservicearea.org/