Program Overview
Though medical assistants’ job descriptions vary from office to office, they generally have a set of shared duties and tasks. Medical assistants aid doctors by performing basic clinical procedures and handling a variety of administrative duties. The Carrington College Medical Assisting curriculum focuses on front office administrative responsibilities such as clerical and bookkeeping functions, processing medical insurance claims as well as back office clinical responsibilities, during which students get hands-on experience conducting a variety of diagnostic tests
CLASSES START March 18, 2019*
*Class start days may vary by location or program
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Employment Projection
29% growth nationally from 2016-20263
Employment Options
Physicians’ Offices,
Outpatient Facilities,
Hospitals
Program Length
Less than a year (Certificate)4
Less than 2 years (Associate Degree)4
1. While some employers may not require this level of education, it can help better prepare you for the responsibilities of this role.
2. Program availability varies by location
3. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm (visited July 12, 2018).
Data reflects a national projected percentage change in employment from 2016-2026 and may not reflect local economic conditions.
4. Not including breaks. Program length by weeks and admission requirements can be found here in the academic catalog.
Medical Assisting Lab
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Book Your TourClasses start as soon as March 18, 2019*
* Class start dates may vary by location or program.
Which Locations Offer the Medical Assisting Program?
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*Certificate is awarded from the Phoenix North campus.
Videos
What Will I Learn
A Day In The Life
How Easy Will It Be to Get a Job as a Medical Assistant?7
You have to remember…a lot of that depends on you, but the odds are good. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants are expected to have good job prospects5. In fact, they project the addition of about 183,900 jobs for medical assistants between 2016 and 20266. And there are some reasons for this growth, including:
- As baby boomers age, there’s an increased demand for preventative medical services5.
- As physicians expand practices to accommodate more patients, they’ll hire more medical assistants to perform routine administrative and clinical duties5.
- Medical assistants work mostly in primary care, a steadily growing sector of the health care industry5
5. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm#tab-6 (visited July 12, 2018).
6. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm (visited July 12, 2018).
Data reflects a national projected percentage change in employment from 2016-2026 and may not reflect local economic conditions.
7. Individuals seeking to enter this career field may be subject to screenings such as, but not limited to, criminal background checks and drug/alcohol testing prior to externship, to attain occupational licensure/certification or employment, and throughout their careers.
Where can you work as a Medical Assistant?8,9
Physicians’ Offices
Medical assistants working in physicians’ offices help with administrative tasks like bookkeeping and clinical responsibilities. You’ll be able to record vital signs and conduct a variety of diagnostic tests. You’ll also draw blood samples, give injections and remove sutures as directed by the physician.
Outpatient Facilities
Working as a medical assistant in an outpatient facility means you’ll be able to help patients from the time they walk through the doors until the time they leave. You’ll show patients to examination rooms and prep them for the physician. You’ll also explain treatment procedures, medications and physicians’ instructions.
Hospitals
Some hospitals employ medical assistants to help care for patients. In a hospital, you might be responsible for conducting diagnostic tests such as EKGs. You could also assist physicians with surgical procedures and clean and sterilize instruments and dispose of contaminated supplies.
8. Carrington College does not guarantee employment, nor employment within specific locations, facilities or salary ranges.
9. http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/31-9092.00 (visited July 12, 2018).
Upon completion of the Medical Assisting program, graduates will be able to:
- Perform clerical functions, bookkeeping functions and process insurance claims within the medical office setting
- Conduct a variety of diagnostic tests using equipment, materials and techniques within the scope of practice
- Perform and assist with routine patient procedures and care as they relate to a medical setting
- Maintain supplies and equipment as it relates to a medical setting
- Demonstrate the ability to apply critical thinking, work collaboratively, communicate clearly and act professionally
How Does Carrington College Support Me As A Student?
We know college is a big step. But education can be the first step in building a better future. Your instructors, administrators and fellow students are there to help if you ever hit a bump in the road along the way. Carrington College offers a lot of great student support services designed to help you succeed, including:
Student Finance
From scholarships and grants to loans, we will help you understand how to search and apply for financial aid10.
Tutoring and Study Groups
For help with schoolwork, your instructors and Student Success Center staff are often available for tutoring or you can join in an open student study group.
Fixed Tuition Promise
How would you like to know what you’re going to pay, right from the beginning? We promise your tuition won’t change through the length of your program. It’s our commitment to you11.
Externships, Clinical Rotations and Fieldwork
Most programs include an opportunity to learn in the real world before you even graduate! You’ll earn impressive experience that looks great on your resume.
Career Services
After graduation, we’ll help you with your career search with everything from resume writing help to job search support to interview tips.
10. Student loans, grants and scholarships are available to those who qualify.
11. Fixed Tuition Promise is available for all Carrington College students who remain active and in good standing during the duration of their program. Students who withdraw or are withdrawn from school and are not reinstated within 180 days of their last date of attendance are subject to a tuition increase. Students who are required to repeat a course to fulfill graduation requirements are subject to additional expenses.
Five-year (2012-2016) weighted average placement rate
Based on the most recent annual report submitted to the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB) and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP):
- Citrus Heights: 69%
- Pleasant Hill: 61%
- Portland: 74%*
- Sacramento: 62%
- San Jose: 75%
- San Leandro: 70%
- Stockton: 64%
* 2016 Data Only
Classes start as soon as March 18, 2019*
* Class start dates may vary by location or program.
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