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Medical Assistant Schools in NY

Medical assisting is one of the hottest career choices today. With a fast increasing elderly population in the US, qualified healthcare professionals are likely to be in high demand in the coming years. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that the employment rate in this field will grow at 34% during 2008-2018.

A career in this field can be launched quickly, within just a year. If you enroll into an accredited training program from a reputable school, you have excellent prospects for a steady career and even the potential for future advancement into medical tech careers and nursing with further education.

What Does Medical Assisting Involve?

Medical assistants are professionals who perform administrative and clinical tasks to keep hospitals, physicians’ offices, clinics, and other healthcare settings run smoothly. They assist doctors and senior nurses by taking care of basic administrative and clerical tasks, allowing them to focus on the medical issues of the patients. It is up to them to create an environment that is conducive for the medical professionals to treat patients by taking care of the day-to-day medical office routines, such as answering telephones and interacting with vendors.

Their duties may vary from one office to another, depending on the size and specialty of the facility. In a smaller setting (for example, managing the clinic of just one physician), the professional may handle a wide array of administrative and clinical duties. In larger settings where there are many staff, each one specializes in one particular area and is supervised by the administrator of the department.

Administrative duties range from

  • Filing patient records
  • Billing
  • Book keeping etc

Clinical duties include

  • Recording vital signs of the patient
  • Preparing patients for examination by the physicians
  • Collecting laboratory specimens
  • Taking care of laboratory equipment and supplies

Evaluating Medical Assistant Schools in NY

Medical assisting is a competitive field and there are hundreds of schools out there. Some factors to consider when evaluating schools include the school’s accreditation status, the program duration, the curriculum and course scheduling, and whether or not the school offers a career placement service.

Here are a few things to keep in mind while you decide on the right school:

1. Is the school accredited?

It can often be easier to get financial aid and secure employment if you study at an accredited school.

Pick a school that will make you eligible for the CMA (Certified Medical assistant) or RMA (Registered Medical assistant) certification. You can take the CMA certification exam immediately after you graduate from a school that is accredited by the ABHES (Accrediting Bureau of health Education Schools) or CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs). To become eligible to sit for the RMA exam, you need to work for at least five years.

2. What is the program duration?

Different schools offer programs that may vary in length and flexibility. College programs are usually two years in length and they award an associate’s degree after completion of the program. You could also earn a diploma, which can be completed in about nine months to one year.  It is a good idea to contact several schools in NY first to get a feel of the kind of programs they offer, the curriculum, and the cost involved before making the final decision.

3. What is the curriculum like and is there flexibility in the course?

A typical curriculum will contain medical and non-medical courses.
Medical courses might include

  • Anatomy
  • Pharmacology
  • First aid
  • Lab work

and the non-medical courses will train you in administrative tasks, such as

  • Record keeping
  • Bookkeeping
  • Insurance coding
  • Medical billing etc.

If you are a working professional, you should check if the school offers flexible scheduling or online courses, which will allow you to study without having to compromise on other areas of your life. You might want to also check explore the transportation options to and from the school – will you be able to make it to the classes on time?

Medical Assistant Schools in New York

4. Does the school provide career placement services?

Most schools help students find externships that will allow them the opportunity to interact with doctors, nurses, and insurance representatives. This experience will prove to be valuable when you start searching for a job. Check with your chosen school’s advisor to see if they have a strong career placement programs that will help you find a position once you graduate.
The following are a few good schools in NY, which you may want to compare to find the best one for you.

  • Anthem Institute
  • Elmira Business Institute
  • Allen School
  • Everest Institute
  • ASA Institute of Business and Computer Technology
  • Branford Hall Career Institute
  • Bryant & Stratton College
  • New York School For Medical & Dental Assistants
  • Career Academy of NY
  • Sanford-Brown Institute

Job Opportunities After Graduation

According to the BLS, “Health care will generate 3.2 million new wage and salary jobs between 2008 and 2018, more than any other industry, largely in response to rapid growth in the elderly population.” Graduates can get jobs in physician’s offices, private and public hospitals, other health care practitioner’s offices and health care facilities.

If you have decided to opt for a career in this field, do your homework and find a reputable school in NY that has an excellent curriculum and a good job placement program.
Resources

Ready to start exploring medical assistant schools in NY?  Call a college advisor at 877-451-2596 to find a program today.