How long does it take to become a medical assistant?

One of the benefits of becoming a medical assistant is that you can prepare to enter the working world much faster than other medical roles. You can complete a Medical Assisting program in as few as nine months for a certificate of achievement.

What is the average cost of a medical assistant program?

The average cost of medical assistant training will vary widely based on the institution at which you are enrolled, any financial aid you receive, and whether you seek a certificate or associate degree. To learn more about the cost of Carrington College’s Medical Assisting program, check out the Academic Catalog.

Do medical assistants need a degree?

You do not need a degree to work in medical assisting. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, although there are no formal educational requirements for becoming a medical assistant in most states, employers may prefer to hire assistants who have completed a training program. Carrington College offers a Medical Assisting certificate program that can be completed in as few as nine months.

Is a medical assistant higher than a CNA?

A certified nursing assistant (CNA) is an entry-level healthcare worker who helps nurses with patient care. A medical assistant, on the other hand, works with more members of a medical team and may also fulfil some clerical duties. It is hard to say if a medical assistant is higher than a CNA, as they are separate roles.

What classes do medical assistants take?

A sample of Medical Assisting classes at Carrington College includes: MA Administration Theory 1—This course provides theory in the following areas: telephone techniques, oral communication, verbal follow-up, written follow-up, managing and maintaining the office, computers, appointments, records and filing, patient education, legal issues and biomedical ethics. MA Clinical Applications 1—This course provides concepts and entry-level skill applications for the following procedures: vitals including height, weight and vision screening, aseptic hand washing, lab safety, microscopes, venipuncture, injections (parenteral medications), ABO/RH typing, capillary puncture, hemoglobin, hematocrit, glucose, urinalysis, audiometer and electrocardiography

What does a medical assistant do?

Medical assistants perform a number of clinical and administrative tasks in doctors’ offices, hospitals, and care centers. Since medical assistants work in a variety of settings, duties can differ greatly depending on the care setting, size of the facility, and specialty of the physicians who work there. Some medical assistant duties may include:2 Record patient history and personal information Measure vital signs, such as blood pressure Help physicians with patient examinations Give patients injections or medications as directed by physicians and as permitted by state law Schedule patient appointments Prepare blood samples for laboratory tests Enter patient information into medical records

What is the difference between a medical assistant and a CNA?

A CNA provides basic care and helps patients with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, using the toilet, and helping them eat.4 A medical assistant works with patients in both a clinical and clerical capacity. Some duties of a medical assistant may include recording patient history, taking vital signs, and scheduling appointments. The main distinction between CNAs and medical assistants is that medical assistants complete clerical work.

Is formal medical assistant training worth it?

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide if formal medical assistant training is worth it. Medical assisting is a rewarding career in which you will be able to work with patients and healthcare professionals.

Medical Programs, Online Programs

Medical Assisting

Carrington’s Medical Assisting program prepares graduates to work in medical clinics.

Program Details

Cost & Financial Aid

Education is a major investment, but it’s an investment in your future. Every student comes to Carrington College with unique financial needs. Carrington College is committed to helping you achieve your education goals. We participate in most financial assistance programs, both federal and state, as well as private financing. Each program has different requirements and application instructions. Student loans, grants, and scholarships are available to those who qualify.

For complete information on current tuition costs, please see page 230 of the Academic Catalog.

Location Availability

Carrington College’s Medical Assisting program is available online and at a number of locations. To learn more about each location, explore their location pages.

Albuquerque

Boise

Glendale Learning Center

Online certificate students: All courses in this program are offered in an online format, except the in-person externship that is completed at an approved healthcare setting.

Accreditation & Approvals

Carrington College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, 428 J Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95814; 415 506 0234 an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. Additional information about accreditation, including the filing of complaints against member institutions, can be found at www.accjc.org/.

For comprehensive information on Carrington’s accreditation and approvals, visit carrington.edu/accreditation.

Course Catalog

Program Specific Disclosures

Continuing Education For Graduates

Student Outcomes

REAL WORLD SKILLS

With many classes to guide you, you’re certain to be prepared for your career.

START YOUR PATH

Complete in as few as 9 months for a Certificate

FLEXIBLE LEARNING OPTIONS

Offered online and at 16 locations around the country including locations in AZ, CA, ID, NM, NV, OR, and WA.

AFFORDABLE TUITION

Affordable tuition varies by location, learn more now.

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Discover What It’s Like to Train to Become a Medical Assistant at Carrington College

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Overall, my experience at Carrington was incredibly positive; the entire staff was helpful and hands-on.

Juandarius H.

2020 Medical Assisting Student

Medical Assistant Career Opportunities

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks in the offices of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Their duties vary with the location, specialty, and size of the practice.²

What Will I Learn?

Medical Office Functions

Diagnostic Tests

Explain Patient Procedures

Equipment and Supplies

Check out our guide on becoming a Medical Assistant.

Have you always wanted to work in a medical setting, but don’t want to attend school for years? Then a job as a medical assistant might be a good career for you. Medical assistants work in a variety of roles in medical offices and clinical settings supporting the licensed staff with technical tasks.

Medical Assisting FAQ

How long does it take to become a medical assistant?

One of the benefits of becoming a medical assistant is that you can prepare to enter the working world much faster than other medical roles. You can complete a Medical Assisting program in as few as nine months for a certificate of achievement.
What is the average cost of a medical assistant program?

The average cost of medical assistant training will vary widely based on the institution at which you are enrolled, any financial aid you receive, and whether you seek a certificate or associate degree. To learn more about the cost of Carrington College’s Medical Assisting program, check out the Academic Catalog.
Do medical assistants need a degree?

You do not need a degree to work in medical assisting. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, although there are no formal educational requirements for becoming a medical assistant in most states, employers may prefer to hire assistants who have completed a training program. Carrington College offers a Medical Assisting certificate program that can be completed in as few as nine months.
Is a medical assistant higher than a CNA?

A certified nursing assistant (CNA) is an entry-level healthcare worker who helps nurses with patient care. A medical assistant, on the other hand, works with more members of a medical team and may also fulfil some clerical duties. It is hard to say if a medical assistant is higher than a CNA, as they are separate roles.
What classes do medical assistants take?

A sample of Medical Assisting classes at Carrington College includes:

MA Administration Theory 1—This course provides theory in the following areas: telephone techniques, oral communication, verbal follow-up, written follow-up, managing and maintaining the office, computers, appointments, records and filing, patient education, legal issues and biomedical ethics.

MA Clinical Applications 1—This course provides concepts and entry-level skill applications for the following procedures: vitals including height, weight and vision screening, aseptic hand washing, lab safety, microscopes, venipuncture, injections (parenteral medications), ABO/RH typing, capillary puncture, hemoglobin, hematocrit, glucose, urinalysis, audiometer and electrocardiography
What does a medical assistant do?
Medical assistants perform a number of clinical and administrative tasks in doctors’ offices, hospitals, and care centers. Since medical assistants work in a variety of settings, duties can differ greatly depending on the care setting, size of the facility, and specialty of the physicians who work there.

Some medical assistant duties may include:²
- Record patient history and personal information
- Measure vital signs, such as blood pressure
- Help physicians with patient examinations
- Give patients injections or medications as directed by physicians and as permitted by state law
- Schedule patient appointments
- Prepare blood samples for laboratory tests
- Enter patient information into medical records
What is the difference between a medical assistant and a CNA?

A CNA provides basic care and helps patients with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, using the toilet, and helping them eat.⁴ A medical assistant works with patients in both a clinical and clerical capacity. Some duties of a medical assistant may include recording patient history, taking vital signs, and scheduling appointments. The main distinction between CNAs and medical assistants is that medical assistants complete clerical work.
Is formal medical assistant training worth it?

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide if formal medical assistant training is worth it. Medical assisting is a rewarding career in which you will be able to work with patients and healthcare professionals.