Why an Associate’s Degree in Medical Assisting is Worth It

Pursuing an associate’s degree in medical assisting can be a smart move for anyone interested in launching a career in healthcare This two-year degree provides a solid educational foundation along with hands-on clinical experience to prepare graduates for entry-level roles such as medical assistant, nursing assistant, or medical records technician

In today’s rapidly growing healthcare industry, an associate’s degree sets job candidates apart and opens doors to advancement opportunities. Here’s a look at why investing the time and effort to earn this credential pays dividends now and in the future.

The Value of Clinical Experience

A major benefit of an associate’s degree program is the clinical externship component. By working directly under the supervision of experienced medical professionals, students gain first-hand exposure to the realities of the job.

Through hundreds of hours of clinical rotations across various departments and facilities, future medical assistants develop clinical competencies and proficiency in areas like:

• Recording vital signs
• Assisting with examinations and procedures
• Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens
• Performing diagnostic tests
• Sterilizing instruments
• Providing medication and immunizations

This hands-on training is invaluable preparation for a career that involves close patient contact and performing medical tasks The interpersonal and technical skills honed during clinicals give graduates confidence and readiness to thrive in real-world medical settings

Solid Educational Foundation

While certificate programs may be completed in less than a year, an associate’s degree delivers a more thorough grounding in both the science and business sides of healthcare.

The two-year curriculum covers core topics such as:

• Anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology
• Clinical procedures and patient care protocols
• Medical law, ethics, and office administration
• Electronic health records management
• Medical billing, coding, and insurance procedures

This comprehensive education equips graduates with broad capabilities to handle both administrative and clinical duties in a medical practice. Those holding an associate’s degree tend to be well-prepared, adaptable professionals ready to contribute on day one in a variety of healthcare roles.

Career Advancement Potential

Once established in an entry-level position, medical assistants holding an associate’s degree have greater prospects for career growth through on-the-job training, certification, or pursuing higher education.

Many choose to specialize by gaining certifications in areas like:

• Billing and coding
• Phlebotomy
• EKG/ECG
• Ophthalmic assisting
• Optometric assisting

Others leverage their associate’s degree credits to pursue a bachelor’s in fields like health services management or nursing.

The solid educational foundation and clinical experience gained through an associate’s program provide a strong launchpad for Medical Assistants to access more advanced roles and higher pay grades in the healthcare field.

Wider Range of Employers and Work Settings

While certificate programs are geared towards preparing Medical Assistants for physician’s offices and outpatient clinics, an associate’s degree opens doors to a broader scope of potential employers and work environments, including:

• Hospitals
• Urgent care centers
• Rehabilitation facilities
• Long-term care facilities
• Public health departments
• Educational services
• Government agencies

With their wide-ranging clinical and administrative skills, associate’s degree holders are valued in diverse settings beyond the typical doctor’s office. This versatility provides more job options and flexibility.

High Return on Investment

Though associate’s degrees require a greater time and financial investment upfront, they tend to pay off through enhanced hiring potential and earning power over the long-term.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for medical assistants was $36,930 as of May 2021. However, those with an associate’s degree tend to command higher salaries closer to the average of $41,500 per year.

Beyond this pay bump, Medical Assistants holding an associate’s degree have access to more advancement opportunities to move into higher-paying specialized roles or leadership positions.

When weighing the costs of tuition, an associate’s degree that unlocks better compensation, job stability, and career mobility delivers significant return on investment.

Meet Educational Requirements for Certification

Earning an accredited medical assisting associate’s degree satisfies a key eligibility requirement to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam through the American Association of Medical Assistants.

Attaining CMA certification provides a credential that attests to expertise in areas like clinical processes, medical procedures, and office administration. For employers, the CMA designation indicates a medical assistant possesses verified capabilities to provide high quality patient care and support physician teams.

An associate’s degree gives graduates the foundation of knowledge plus exam eligibility to add this respected credential that can give job applicants a competitive edge.

Forge a Career with Purpose

At its core, medical assisting provides opportunity to positively impact people’s lives through caring service, comfort, and support.

Seeing patients through vulnerable moments, educating them on health issues, connecting them with life-changing resources – these meaningful moments provide a sense of purpose.

An associate’s degree in medical assisting allows graduates to step into stable healthcare careers that make a difference and fill an essential role in the delivery of medical care.

In our evolving healthcare system, the versatile services of trained medical assistants are increasingly relied upon to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance patient experiences.

Although certificate programs provide basic training for some entry-level positions, an associate’s degree sets graduates apart with its wider breadth of instruction and clinical experience.

For those seeking more knowledgeable roles with greater advancement potential, an accredited medical assisting associate’s degree is a worthwhile investment. Along with preparing graduates for certification, this credential provides opportunity to forge a career that both sustains the future and cares for those entrusted to us today.