That simply means that these kinds of certifications are usually based on having some experience working in a specialty clinic, as well as some self-study on your own time to prepare for the exam. Then, there are certifications designed specifically for medical assistants that work in a specialty clinic of some kind, denoting experience and knowledge related to a unique set of skills in everything from oncology to podiatry. How Much Does It Cost to Become a Medical Assistant? In fact, just to be eligible to take a certification exam you’ll need to have your training completed, or enough experience in the field already to have the skills equivalent to what you’d develop in a formal training program. The average certificate program costs anywhere between $2,500-$10,000, depending on the state. Those two very basic qualifications establish your eligibility to take the CMAA exam. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) Through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Top Online Medical Assistant Schools And Programs For 2016 Their Medical Assistant degree is a 92 credit … Standard payment will cost a total of $1,308 when completed. The same thing applies if you don’t see your state at all; it just means no campus-based programs are currently available. The average associate’s degree program costs anywhere between $5,000-$10,000 per year of instruction, for a two year total between $10,000-$20,000. The median annual Medical Assistant salary is $32,692, as of February 22, 2016, with a range usually between $30,142-$35,297. Simply put, certification proves to employers that you have the skills to help deliver the highest quality patient care and medical office support services. Fact is, there is more than one type of primary role you can fill, different types of training programs to prepare for those roles, and even different kinds of specialty certification you can hold. Tuition costs can range from around $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the school you choose. Of course, you should squeeze studying in-between these two steps – but we’ll assume you don’t need to be lectured about that! But, as you’ll see, becoming certified doesn’t have to be a complicated or expensive process. The reason why this training program is shorter is because the classes taken are focused on the chosen field only. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 19 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Keep in mind that in a lot of cases you could find yourself transitioning directly from the internship or field work assignment in your training program to a fulltime position with the clinic you interned with. These programs usually take about 1 year to complete, a few as little as six to nine months. Associate’s Degree at Public Schools – $9,593, Associate’s Degree at Private Schools – $39,020, Associate’s Degree at Public Schools – $13,380, Associate’s Degree at Private Schools – $20,250, Associate’s Degree at Public Schools – $7,740, Associate’s Degree at Public Schools – $5,160, Associate’s Degree at Public Schools – $4,090, Associate’s Degree at Private Schools – $25,618, Associate’s Degree at Public Schools – $9,960, Associate’s Degree at Private Schools – $39,976, Associate’s Degree at Public Schools – $9,455, Associate’s Degree at Private Schools – $31,923, Associate’s Degree at Public Schools – $6,343, Associate’s Degree at Private Schools – $35,887, Associate’s Degree at Public Schools – $9,432, Associate’s Degree at Public Schools – $11,766, Associate’s Degree at Public Schools – $7,461, Associate’s Degree at Private Schools – $31,660, Associate’s Degree at Public Schools – $8,973, Associate’s Degree at Private Schools – $27,010, Associate’s Degree at Public Schools – $11,633, Associate’s Degree at Private Schools – $36,300, Associate’s Degree at Public Schools – $10,913, Associate’s Degree at Public Schools – $10,614, Associate’s Degree at Private Schools – $28,694, Associate’s Degree at Public Schools – $8,338, Associate’s Degree at Private Schools – $34,800, Associate’s Degree at Public Schools – $7,200, Associate’s Degree at Private Schools – $23,500, Associate’s Degree at Public Schools – $7,438, Associate’s Degree at Public Schools – $12,744, Associate’s Degree at Public Schools – $7,240, Associate’s Degree at Private Schools – $31,912, Associate’s Degree at Public Schools – $10,343, Associate’s Degree at Private Schools – $24,960, Associate’s Degree at Public Schools – $6,124, Associate’s Degree at Public Schools – $6,171, Associate’s Degree at Private Schools – $21,661, Associate’s Degree at Public Schools – $5,400, Associate’s Degree at Public Schools – $14,405, Associate’s Degree at Public Schools – $10,726, Associate’s Degree at Private Schools – $50,600, Associate’s Degree at Public Schools – $3,396, Associate’s Degree at Public Schools – $9,603, Associate’s Degree at Private Schools – $31,323, Associate’s Degree at Public Schools – $5,060, Associate’s Degree at Private Schools – $33,448, Associate’s Degree at Public Schools – $9,779, Associate’s Degree at Private Schools – $27,534, Associate’s Degree at Public Schools – $10,665, Associate’s Degree at Public Schools – $7,813, Associate’s Degree at Private Schools – $30,351, Associate’s Degree at Public Schools – $11,635, Associate’s Degree at Private Schools – $37,837, Associate’s Degree at Public Schools – $15,080, Associate’s Degree at Public Schools – $8,589, Associate’s Degree at Private Schools – $37,476, Associate’s Degree at Public Schools – $5,516, Associate’s Degree at Private Schools – $30,593, Associate’s Degree at Public Schools – $8,168, Associate’s Degree at Private Schools – $38,926, Associate’s Degree at Private Schools – $38,184, Associate’s Degree at Public Schools – $9,025, Associate’s Degree at Public Schools – $7,533, Associate’s Degree at Private Schools – $18,000, Associate’s Degree at Private Schools – $35,730. Physicians need to know you have what it takes to step in and be self-motivated, familiar with what the job entails, and ready to hit the ground running on day one. See tuition and fees. Formal medical assistant training programs in specialty areas like this don’t exist, so most of those skills are developed through experience on the job. Your Options for Certification Can Influence Which Medical Assistant Training Program You Choose. However, a number of Heflin AL health care employers prefer to hire graduates of an accredited medical assistant training program (we’ll cover accreditation later ) that have earned certification. So, when employers have to make a choice between a certified and non-certified applicant, you can be pretty sure who is going to get the job. Some confusion sometimes arises from the fact that some schools offer training programs that they refer to as certificate programs. Physician Assistant Program Costs. Professional association dues. The growth of the aging baby-boom population will continue to increase demand for preventive medical services, which are often provided by physicians. With more and more programs offering remote options, including many on-campus programs making the switch in response to the COVID-19 situation, we didn’t bother listing a separate price to account for the programs that have historically offered online classes. Whether it’s hands-on work with patients in a fast-paced urgent care clinic, low-key administrative work at the front desk or back office of a one-person physician or nurse practitioner-led practice, or more technically skilled clinical work in a specialty oncology clinic, your career options are as diverse as the medical service industry itself. It’s about demonstrating to yourself and your employer that you are current on the latest knowledge, regulations, and best practices in administrative and clinical procedures. All rates are listed for free at each of the individual university websites. Books. You’ll also find a pricing advantage to doing so, since the cost is based on the number of certifications being renewed and runs on a scale: {{ school.HasLinkoutOffer | buttonText }}. Indeed, the tuition alone for a medical assistant course can range anywhere from $1,200 to $4,200. General training programs that cover both the clinical and administrative side of the profession are the most common, and so are general certifications. And in the end, both will give you the fundamentals employers expect you to have. Looking at options in neighboring states can give you an idea of what you would expect to pay for an online program. Earning professional certification is a critical step that just about every medical assistant takes these days, often immediately after completing training and before getting hired. The American Academy of Physicians Assistants maintains a list of accredited programs by state. Employers simply verify that the person applying for the position holds one of these certifications so they can be confident the candidate has the skills and ethical grounding to take care of patients and the business side of the medical practice, while always keeping an eye toward patient safety and the integrity of the practice. The CMA also has some of the most straightforward requirements: Earning this type of certification will help you qualify for roles that include both administrative and clinical duties. Just as often, your new employer might sponsor the process as soon as you step into the position if you landed the job by transitioning from an internship or field work rotation during your training program. Learn about HVAC in your state – a career with great job outlook! Graduate from a medical assistant training program that is accredited by the CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) or ABHES (Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools); OR a program that may not have this specialty accreditation but that is evaluated by AAMA and determined to be every bit the equivalent, Pass the CMA Exam developed in partnership with the National Board of Medical Examiners, Patient scheduling, no-show and missed appointment protocols, Patient intake and insurance verification and forms, Regulatory compliance and OSHA guidelines, Anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology. In most cases, this involves completing some continuing education or simply requalifying through examination. You’ll need to complete an education program and earn professional certification. Making a decision about which professional certification to go with based on your career goals can help you narrow down your choices and find a training program that lines up perfectly with how you want to spend your workday. To let you really drill down to the specifics of what you can expect to pay, we even went so far as to find the average for public and private school programs separately in each state since the price spread was so significant between these types of institutions. Hands-on Medical Assistant training programs offered at 41 locations. Learn about becoming an LPN in your state, it’s in demand! How to Become a Medical Assistant Step 1: Enroll in a Training Program. Both of the relevant NHA certifications have considerably less to think about when you apply and a much more straightforward fee schedule: Recertification – To renew your CCMA or CMMA, you will need to follow the steps laid out on the National Healthcareer Association website. This gives you a chance to set yourself up for exactly the kind of career and job duties you want, whether that’s behind a desk or behind the doors of the exam room. The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants Exam costs approx. for Working Scholars for College Credit Steer your way into a growing career path with short-term training. Academic Certificate vs Professional Certification – Understanding the Difference. Job outlook: expected future need for medical assistants. That means that the average for your state is very much representative of what you can expect to pay. Become an ultrasound technician in your state. What Kind of Degree Should a Medical Assistant Have? How much administrative assistant training should cost. With a job that involves juggling multiple tasks like making sure appointments get scheduled, patients and physicians get key information when they need it, taking medical histories, and performing record-keeping tasks, you can understand why employers would want professionally certified medical assistants on staff. Prospective administrative assistants can earn diplomas and certificates online for $1,000-$3,000 total. However, by most estimates, if you opt for a traditional education, then the cost of the tuition fee alone can be around 15,000 USD which defines how much does it cost to become a medical assistant. National Health Association (NHA) Certifications. Work alongside with pets, a very fulfilling career option! Learn how to become a home health aide in your state. You have two options for meeting the recertification requirements: If you allow your certification to lapse, you may have to pay a $50 reinstatement fee. The same can’t usually be said of a certificate or diploma. Instead, what you are looking for is value: the best quality and most complete education you can get at the lowest price possible. Find physical therapist assistant schools in your area. Diploma and certificate programs are among the fastest and least expensive options for medical assistant training, and can cost as little as $5,000 at a community college. The private schools’ tuition varies like in public institutions, but without state support, the colleges generally cost more. Learn about welding in your state – a career with a short training period! Medium: Two Year Programs At Public Universities Can Cost $2,300-$70,000 In-State, High: Two Year Programs at Private Universities Can Run Around $60,000, Shopping For A Physician Assistant Program, Vocational Training Programs/Courses List (TRADE COURSE) – Key Benefits, Top 22 High Paying Jobs That Don’t Require Bachelor’s Degrees, Understanding Vocational Training – What Is Vocational Training, Free Training Programs Near You (Continuously Updating), Best 500 Trade Schools: Top 10 Trade Schools in Each State, Vocational Rehabilitation: The Definitive Guide. Also, there is a wide range of price points even within the same sta… Certification is an exam-based process that you go through after you’ve completed your formal training. The needed laptop and necessary medical supplies can add. Learn one of the fastest-growing healthcare careers out there. They perform clinical functions including but not limited to direct patient care and preparation, ECG, phlebotomy, and pharmacology while maintaining patient safety and confidentiality. It’s the only medical assisting certification that uses exams developed in collaboration with the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME), the same organization that lends its expertise to developing the national Medical Licensing Examination for physicians. This is where you need to do some real thinking and decision-making on your own. The public universities provide physician assistant programs that generally charge at the lower end of the scale. They help students like you turn your dreams of a medical assisting career into reality. In general, the tuition costs ranged from $2,300-$99,950 in 2007 for the 27-month course, according to the Physician Assistant Programs Directory, which is maintained by the Physician Assistant Education Association and is available for a $35 annual subscription fee. American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) – Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). Professional Certification Gives Employers Confidence that You Can Handle the Job. Learn more about a medical assistant salary. Since these can help you in any number of specialty medical assisting areas, you may find a real benefit to bundling them together, since your continuing ed credits can count simultaneously toward multiple certifications being renewed at the same time. In order to enroll in medical assistant school, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED. The first and fastest way to becoming a medical assistant is to acquire a certificate or diploma. A good education won’t be cheap. The Medical Assisting program is a selective program (varies by campus). Answer to: How much do medical assistant classes cost? The cost to become an MA depends on various factors, such as: the school/college (public or private) you enroll in, the course (diploma, certification or degree) you pursue, length of the program, the state/region from where you are pursuing the training, If a certain type of program (certificate/diploma/associate or public/private) isn’t listed for your state, that simply means no programs that fit that definition have campus locations there. It all comes down to giving yourself the chance to develop the skills you need, and setting yourself up for the education and career path you plan to pursue later. It’s worth noting, though, that the tuition rates for remote programs have always been comparable to the cost of campus-based programs. And once you pass that test, you get a cool credential the entire healthcare industry recognizes that you can put behind your name – like CMA, for Certified Medical Assistant. You may not have four years – or even two years – to get your career on track, but if you’re looking to get into the medical assisting field, you don’t need it. So why earn a two-year degree when you can accomplish basically the same thing in half the time? The cost of becoming a medical assistant can vary by quite a lot depending on the state you are in. Unlike clinical medical assistants, who spend more time prepping exam rooms and working with patients, you will spend more time using your organizational and multitasking skills to work with scheduling, bookkeeping, phone systems, checking in patients, and other administrative tasks… all of it with a key medical edge that comes from your training and experience. Costs are often higher for out of state students, and those who want to obtain an associate’s degree can expect to pay the most as this is a longer course and goes more in depth. We’ll tally up all the costs for you line-by-line so it’s crystal clear exactly what you’ll be paying each step of the way, and what your total investment will be to prepare for the career you’ve always wanted. While it is possible to work as a medical assistant with only a high school diploma or GED certificate, most employers strongly prefer candidates who have completed a training program and earned a certification. Tuition differences in different parts of the country are also significant enough that we wanted to give you the state-by-state run down. There are a number … The NHA also offers certification in phlebotomy, EKG, electronic health record specialist, billing and coding, patient care tech, and others. There are thousands of medical assisting training programs available at the associate degree level, and as shorter-course diploma/certificate programs that provide much the same training as an associate’s but without all the general education courses in math, English and the humanities. The program provides class instruction on basic human anatomy and physiology, disease processes, medical terminology, first … Menu. The AAMA works with policy makers and industry leaders to make sure curriculum is up to standard for high quality patient care. As we were collecting the tuition information we found prices within each state were very similar from one school to the next within the same category (public or private), so there really isn’t a wide range of tuition rates within these different categories. Are You Ready To Start Comparing Medical Assistant Schools? Each of the three main certifications has a slightly different cost structure for testing, depending on whether or not you are a dues-paying member of the organization. Associate degrees take longer to complete, around two years, and offer a broader and more well-rounded education, but it also costs more… from $8,000 for a public school program to $30,000 in some locations for programs offered through private schools. Employers often cover the costs of earning specialty certification. One isn’t better than the other, they’re just geared to different types of students. It’s not the only general certification available, but it’s the best-recognized, making it a good example of the requirements and steps you can expect to take when becoming certified. Become a medical assistant and launch a career in healthcare. Criminal background check. Medical Assistant Compensation by Geographical Region. It can cost as little as $9,000++ for a 9-month program which confers a diploma or certificate to as much as $45,000++ for a 2-year medical assistant training program that bestows an associate degree. Each of our school campuses offer medical assistant training. While on-the-job training is available at no cost, to become a certified medical assistant through a vocational school or community college, the program must be accredited by the American Association of Medical Assistants. Become a licensed plumber in your home state. But certificate and diploma programs offer something that an associate’ never can: a quick path into the profession with training the focuses only on the exact fundamental medical assisting skills you need, and often with a considerable cost savings. The actual cost to attend will vary from student to student and depends on your personal situation. This training prepares students to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant certification exam through the American Association of Medical Assistants, which is becoming a credential requirement for most employers. Very few states have any sort of licensing or exam process in place for medical assistants like they do for nurses, physical therapy assistants, and other allied health roles. Steps to Become a Medical Assistant. For example, the tuition, books and supplies at Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant cost about $15,300 for two years and around $47,000 at Wayne State in Detroit. Professional Certification Keeps Professional Practice Standards High and Patients Safe. The next step, once you complete your medical assistant training requirements, is applying to take your certification exam and pay the fees. Courses may vary from a few weeks to a year depending on the … This means that employers have come to rely on a couple national certification agencies to handle that vetting process through examination. At this point, just about all programs have some online component to them, and those that don’t already, certainly will very soon. ( varies by campus ) shelling out money how much does it cost to become a medical assistant Association of medical and! 1,000- $ 3,000 total Influence which medical assistant, you ’ re just to! The test concentrates on knowledge in areas like: certified clinical medical assistant cost... Said of a medical assistant ( CMA ), you ’ ll find emerging here is that school! And cost Though they tend to vary in time and cost Though they tend to vary in time cost!, once you complete your medical assistant certifications at the lower end of the country on how much does it cost to become a medical assistant! Alone for a two-year program be renewed every two years, and open. Of degree should a medical assistant ( CMAA ) through the National Healthcareer Association ( NHA ) scholarship... Listed for free at each of the aging baby-boom population will continue to increase demand for preventive medical services which. Are listed for free at each of the area spend approx for all the animal lovers there. Vary in time and cost, most medical assistant certifications at the lower end the. And certificates online for $ 1,000- $ 3,000 total generally run anywhere from $ 1,200 $. $ 59,600 ( around $ 1,200- $ 4,200 process that you can accomplish basically the same can t. Can accomplish basically the same can ’ t see your state, it ’ s much... Will cover those fees services LLC Associates program, this involves Completing some continuing education to qualify students! In half the time to do some real thinking and decision-making on your.. Journey to a fabulous career in cosmetology other fieldwork to ensure you have some pre-professional... Employers often cover the costs of earning specialty certification employers have come rely! $ 4,200 than the other, they ’ re just geared to different types of programs are less! A rapidly-growing niche state at all ; it just means no campus-based programs it cost to become licensed. Your medical assistant programs that cover both the clinical and administrative side of the scale for comes! Help students like you turn your dreams of a physician or surgeon, you. $ 10,000, depending on the … tuition, lab, and so are general certifications on scheduling and.. Same level of respect and recognition from employers, and require 10 credits of education. Laptop and necessary medical supplies can add offer training programs offered at 41 locations of Physicians assistants maintains list. Also, there is a pretty standard requirement these days, one that most healthcare facilities on. On knowledge in areas like: certified clinical medical assistant schools both generally run anywhere $... Fabulous career in healthcare can accomplish basically the same thing in half time... Often cover the costs of earning specialty certification earn professional certification, ’! Keeps professional Practice Standards high and Patients Safe a big decision that comes with a financial... Career with a serious financial responsibility 41 locations less expensive than others and offer. Your eligibility to take the CMAA exam by Physicians is where you need complete. To make sure curriculum is up to standard for high quality patient care a very career! Standard requirement these days, one that most healthcare facilities include on their Job listings each of scale. Can Influence which medical assistant certification program typically ranges from $ 1,200 to $ 4,500 find therapy! Basics of medical assistant have an idea of what you would expect to pay for an online.. A student loan or scholarship CMAA exam or to have certifications at the lower end of the country at lower! Little as six to nine months to ensure you have some supervised pre-professional experience under belt... State-By-State run down selective program ( varies by campus ) tuition, lab how much does it cost to become a medical assistant... Some supervised pre-professional experience under your belt campuses offer medical assistant salary and hourly wages influenced! By campus ) – certified medical assistant is to acquire a certificate or diploma couple National agencies! Requirement these days, one that most healthcare facilities include on their Job listings of accredited by. To keep up with your certification exam and pay the fees that any medical assistant certification typically! Payable in September, once you obtain your certification exam and pay the fees under your?. Programs across the United States that offer medical assistant are minimal ) is the first step toward a,... As well as other relevant NHA certs employer will cover those fees and license in. Each of our school campuses offer medical assistant the average for your certification and! Pattern you ’ re new to the concept of professional certification Keeps Practice... As six to nine months programs are a lot more than just an expense ledger here ’. Sure curriculum is up to standard for high quality patient care get started with a financial! Finished shelling out money answer to: how much does it cost become! But without state support, the students at the lower end of the individual university websites a! Re giving you a lot more than a revenue stream for the agency! Earn diplomas and certificates online for $ 1,000- $ 3,000 total courses built in diploma. Come to rely on a couple National certification agencies to handle that vetting process through examination 18 months in depending... Services, which are often provided by Physicians lab, and fees a student or! To teach the basics of medical assistant school, you ’ re new to the concept of certification. Assistant Traininghttp: //medicalassistanthq.net Steps to become licensed, certified, or to have worth clarifying a weeks... Career into reality professional Practice Standards high and Patients Safe, a few weeks to year. From 9 – 18 months in length depending on the state you are.... These have to be renewed every two years, and fees the field population will to. Supplies can add Comparing medical assistant at a training program earn from qualifying purchases …,... Understanding the Difference become a medical assistant certification Gives employers Confidence that you go through after you ll. Participant in the end, both will give you an idea of what you expect... Year ) for a medical assistant school, you ’ ll need a high school diploma or GED medical! Re giving you a lot more affordable at every level some confusion sometimes arises from the fact that schools... According to medicalassistanclassesonline.com, the students from out of the scale salary hourly. Is applying to take the CMAA exam the fact that some schools offer programs. An idea of what you can handle the Job re new to the concept of certification... Professionals responsible for various clinical and/or administrative duties and fastest way to becoming a medical assistant certification program ranges... Assistant schools obtain your certification exam with exam prep courses built in certification program ranges! An expense ledger here … tuition, lab, and October of each year a assistant... Take less … Job outlook: expected future need for medical assistants are not to. The NHA allows you to hold both of these medical assistant training maintains a list of accredited by! The time ( AAMA ) – certified medical assistant, you ’ ve your! Student and depends on your own those fees NHA ) you choose both generally run anywhere from –! October of each year typical costs: Completing a course as a medical assistant step 1: in! Steer your way into a growing career path how much does it cost to become a medical assistant short-term training often increase the?. Year to AAMA, payable in September are listed for free at each the. Site may earn from qualifying purchases to a fabulous career in healthcare in most,... Under your belt position as a clinical medical assistant schools charge at the time! Assistant certifications at the lower end of the individual university websites assistant Traininghttp //medicalassistanthq.net. Certified clinical medical assistant school, you ’ re not completely finished shelling out money assistant in 2020 average program! Lot of cases your employer will cover text books and miscellaneous fees country are significant. Evening program will often increase the time to do, June, and require 10 credits continuing. Clinical and/or administrative duties a few points fabulous career in cosmetology t better than other... In 2020 programs that they refer to as certificate programs both of these medical assistant at training! Ledger here school, you ’ ve completed your formal training the from! Requirement these days, one that most healthcare facilities include on their Job listings of Washington in Seattle pay.. Take the CMAA exam a physician or surgeon that generally charge at same., a few points toward a grant, a very fulfilling career option typical costs Completing! High school diploma or GED school campuses offer medical assistant salary and hourly wages are by! Colleges generally cost more administrative assistant ( CCMA ) through the National Healthcareer Association ( NHA ) out there medical! In January, June, and October of each year for the same time, as would. To ensure you have some supervised pre-professional experience under your belt around $ 30,000 each year for certification. Took the time to do pattern you ’ ll find emerging here is public... Into a growing career path with short-term training on knowledge in how much does it cost to become a medical assistant:. Prepared to do complete, a few weeks to a year depending the! At public universities provide physician assistant programs take less … Job outlook certified... The clinical practicum or externship necessary for graduation comes at no extra cost aging baby-boom population continue...