Associate Degree
Medical Assisting
在线 Associate Degree 程序
Associate Degree
Medical Assisting
在线 Associate Degree 程序
Earn a degree 和 become a medical assistant
Accreditation | Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission |
---|---|
Transfer credit | Up to 45 approved credits |
格式 | 在线 classes + h和s-on clinical labs & externship |
Certification | Prepare 为 Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification exam – we pay for your first attempt! |
QuickPaths | Advance your education in allied health with many options at the bachelor’s degree level, including health sciences or healthcare administration |
Associate of Science in Medical Assisting Services
的 Associate of Science in Medical Assisting Services degree is a 60-hour undergraduate 程序 which prepares you for a career as a medical assistant.
的 online degree 程序 provides students with fundamental knowledge 和 skills in medical terminology, pathophysiology 和 pharmacology, insurance claims, patient privacy, billing 和 coding, 和 much more.
Career-focused curriculum
Discover the crucial knowledge 和 skills required to succeed in your work 和 build a foundation for continued career growth.
Flexible schedule
You can take classes during the day or in the evening. We strive to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.
Virtual services
Access to extensive virtual services, including academic advising, tutoring, support services, technical support 和 library services.
Lifelong support
We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.
Rolling admissions
No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready 和 prepare to get started soon.
Classes Start July 8th
Learn More Today
Curriculum
Medical Assisting associate degree classes & curriculum details
软件下载的 associate degree 程序 builds upon our diploma in medical assisting, introducing students to the overall operation of a physician’s office. You’ll be trained in basic clinical 和 administrative tasks including exam room assistance, routine lab procedures, h和ling financial records, insurance forms 和 more. You will prepare for 和 sit 为 Medical Assisting Certification Exam as part of the 程序.
所有 classes are delivered online. 的 curriculum also includes h和s-on clinical experience 和 an externship.
程序s | 个月i | 学分 |
---|---|---|
Associate of Science in Medical Assisting Services | 20 | 60 |
i. Aver年龄 number of months for students to complete the 程序 attending full-time
Required Courses
所有 courses, 24.00 semester credit hours, are required.
Required Clinical Courses
所有 courses, 13.00 semester credit hours, are required.
* Enrollment 和 successful completion in a student readiness training course is required two terms prior to MS 263 和 MS 268.
Healthcare Elective Courses
A minimum of 2.00 semester credit hours is required 从 a combination of healthcare electives 和/or credits transferred 从 the core (non-general education) courses of a healthcare-related associate or diploma 程序s. Students not transferring in 2.00 semester credit hours in healthcare courses may make up the difference with elective courses in healthcare 和/or related subject areas.
General Education Requirements - Associate
Students enrolled in this bachelor's degree must complete a minimum of 24.00 semester credit hours in general education distributed among the following disciplines. 9.00 Semester Credit Hours in Communications EN 104 – English Composition I EN 111- Information Literacy EN 116 – Speech 6.00 Semester Credit Hours in Humanities HU 140 – Cultural Diversity HU 240 – Introduction to Humanities 3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Mathematics MA 109 – College Algebra 3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Science SC 144 – Introduction to Anatomy 和 Physiology* 3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Social 和 Behavioral Sciences PS 101 – Psychology *This requirement is being met by the 程序matic science course requirement, SC 144, above.
学费 & 成本
学费 & 成本
的 cost of tuition 为 Associate of Science in Medical Assisting 程序 is $515 per credit.
You can potentially earn even greater savings by transferring credit 从 prior college coursework, applying for financial aid, or potential partnership opportunities through your employer.
软件下载的 goal is your career advancement. That’s why we are always working to improve our curriculum 和 processes to make our 程序 as affordable as possible while preparing you best for success in your work.
You may be eligible for multiple scholarships 和 grants, both through Herzing University 和 several national scholarship websites.
Veterans, Active Duty U.S. Servicemembers, 和 spouses may qualify for a 10% tuition discount or tuition reduction to $250 per credit.
Requirements
Medical Assisting associate degree enrollment requirements
Prerequisites to enroll in the Herzing University Medical Assisting associate degree 程序 include:
- Completion of a high school diploma, GED or equivalent
- Meet 和 interview with a Herzing University admissions advisor
- Complete an enrollment application
Eligible states for enrollment: 阿拉巴马州, 阿拉斯加, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, 夏威夷, 爱达荷州, Illinois, Indiana, 爱荷华州, 堪萨斯, Kentucky, Louisiana, 缅因州, Maryl和, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, 内华达, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, 俄亥俄州, Oklahoma, 俄勒冈州, Pennsylvania, Rhode Isl和, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, 德州, 犹他州, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, District Of Columbia, 和 the Virgin Isl和s.
Clinicals: how the associate degree 程序 works
的re are two requirements to complete the medical assisting associate degree 程序 outside of regular online classes:
Two terms prior to the externship, you will be required to take two clinical courses. Most coursework will be completed online, but you will also be required to meet with a proctor at a healthcare facility (possibly a Herzing 校园) to demonstrate mastery in medical assisting skills. Prior to your labs you will need to take 和 pass a Student Readiness Training (SRT) proctorship. You must complete a Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR class 从 the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross as part of the requirement.
You will complete 180 hours at a medical clinic or doctor’s office in an eight-week period during your final term—Monday-Friday during daytime hours. Depending on the requirements of your externship site, expect about 25-40 hours per week. Herzing’s clinical coordinator can assist you in your search, but it will be your responsibility to locate 和 secure a proctor 和 externship site in your geographic area during your Student Readiness Training Seminar (SRT).
Finding a proctor for your clinicals. Herzing’s Proctor Prep SRT seminar provides guidance on how to search 和 secure a proctor to assist in your clinical courses. This course is usually scheduled two terms before the first clinical course. In order to succeed, you’ll need to be in frequent communication with the SRT instructor. You will have access to a clinical coordinator who will assist in your search, but ultimately it is your responsibility to secure proctorship.
Contact us 和 we can provide answers to any further questions you have about the clinical/externship component of the medical assisting 程序.
Certification
Get educated 和 certified
软件下载的 goal is to maximize your chance of finding a job as soon as possible after graduation.
That’s why our associate degree curriculum includes prep 为 Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam 和 we pay for your first attempt.
After earning your associate degree 和 certification you’ll be well positioned for your first job 和 a healthcare career full of possibilities.1
Classes Start July 8th
Waived Enrollment Fee你的 rewarding career path in medical assisting
Medical assisting offers you an entry point into your unique career path in healthcare. In less than 2 years you can earn an associate degree in medical assisting, find your first job 和 position yourself to advance your career in the future.
作为一个 medical assistant you’ll be charged with variety of many different types of tasks in either clinical or administrative roles (or both, depending on the size of the institution), including drawing blood, taking vital 迹象, scheduling appointments, preparing exam rooms 和 communicating with patients 和 other medical personnel.
Medical Assistant Ranked #11 Best Health Care Support Jobs of 2023 通过U.S. 新闻 & World Report
You will become a key contributor in a healthcare institution 和 learn what it takes to succeed as part of a medical team. This can be a greater next career step for those looking for go 从 CNA to MA.
Seeking a job in an office environment? Students interested in pursuing a role exclusively working in administration might prefer to pursue an associate degree in medical office administration. You’ll be able to focus your study developing the knowledge 和 skills necessary to succeed in a medical office.
Job outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical assistants is expected to increase 14% 从 2022-2032, much faster than the aver年龄 across all U.S. occupations.*
It’s a great time to begin earning the education you need to join this rapidly growing field, become an MA, 和 build a strong foundation for a career in healthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Considering your career options in healthcare? Here are a few other types of jobs where you can potentially get off to a fast start:
- Medical Records Technician. Medical records technicians are responsible 为 recordkeeping of confidential patient information. 的se types of jobs have no responsibilities in clinical care.
- Medical Billing 和 Coding. Billers 和 coders focus on healthcare revenue cycle man年龄ment, concerned primarily with how patients 和 insurance companies are billed for healthcare services. 的se professionals do communicate with patients (most often medical billers) but again, play no role in clinical care.
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). CNAs, on the other h和, do not play a role on the administrative side. 的y work exclusively in patient care, helping patients get dressed, bathe/shower, move 从 beds to wheelchairs, or eat meals. CNAs more often perform tasks needed around the clock, so hours/shifts in these positions can be less predictable.
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). lpn have a different scope of practice than medical assistants, focusing more directly on patient care under the supervision of an RN or physician. This represents a more direct career path into nursing. Learn more about the difference between medical assistants vs. lpn.
- Dental Assistant. Dental assistants also perform one or a mix of clinical 和 administrative tasks, but only in regard to dental care.
Beginning your career as a medical assistant is a great way to build a strong foundational education in healthcare, gain meaningful real-world experience 和 prepare yourself to continue growing professionally.
What is the next level after medical assistant? It depends on your strengths, preferences 和 overall career goals in healthcare.
Many fields in healthcare are potential l和ing spots for medical assistants looking to specialize or branch into a new career path, including healthcare man年龄ment, health information man年龄ment, nursing (you may consider going 从 medical assistant to RN), 和 more.
Herzing University offers many degree 和 diploma 程序s for practicing medical assistants to take a leap 和 embark on a new career path. 软件下载的 health sciences degree 程序 is designed to help you complete your bachelor's degree 和 advance your career to the next level.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these are the most common places of employment for medical assistants:
- Physician’s offices
- Hospitals
- Offices of other health practitioners
- Outpatient care centers
- Retirement communities / assisted living
With Herzing University, an affordable, career-focused education is within your reach. We are always striving to make college more affordable for everyone.
- Student loans & secured loans. 贷款 offer a way to pay for all or part of your tuition.
- Scholarships. We offer a variety of scholarships based on academic achievement, financial need or community affiliations. Contact an admissions advisor about current scholarship opportunities by calling 1-800-596-0724 or request for information online.
You can find an estimate for grant 和 scholarship aid using the net price calculator, 和 find an estimate for tuition 为 online medical assisting 程序 using Herzing University’s tuition wizard.
How long it takes to become a medical assistant depends on what level of education you pursue. Partner with Herzing University 和 you can expect a range of 10 months–20 months to get your education, get certified 和 start looking for a medical assistant position, depending on whether you choose a diploma or degree 程序.
的 following timelines are based on full-time status:
- Associate degree: 20 months
- 文凭: 10 months
After earning your degree or diploma, we recommend becoming certified as a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) even if it isn’t required in your state. With a diploma/degree 和 a certification, you’ll be positioned well for your first job.
A career in medical assisting involves a diverse array of roles 和 responsibilities. Depending on the practice you work for 和 department you are in, your normal everyday tasks can vary widely.
Potential tasks include (but not limited to):
- Answering the phone 和 greeting patients
- Informing physicians about patient concerns
- Scheduling appointments
- Gather patient information: contact info, insurance info, etc.
- Measuring patient vital 迹象
- Taking blood pressure, pulse 和 respirations
- Setting up exam rooms for procedures
- Visual 和 hearing tests
- Drawing blood
- Pregnancy tests
- Making patients comfortable during an appointment
No matter what’s required in your day-to-day experience on the job, what ties everything together is your professionalism, care for patients 和 attention to detail. 你的 resourcefulness will make you a valuable resource in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
Read more about a typical day in the life of a medical assistant 和 what you can expect after getting a job in the field.
Because medical assistants can wear so many different hats there are many important skills needed to thrive in different healthcare environments:
- Professionalism. In many positions you will need to h和le customer service tasks, basic patient care 和 clearly communicate physician information to patients. Medical assistants must demonstrate professionalism 和 tact when interacting with patients.
- Attention to detail. Medical assistants may gather patient contact or insurance information 和 keep medical records organized. You must be meticulous 和 highly detail oriented to succeed.
- Compassion. Making patients comfortable 和 empathizing with their concerns is crucial ensuring patients are calm 和 collected for medical procedures.
- Multi-tasking. Staying organized 和 measured in the face of quickly changing circumstances 和 a lengthy “to-do” list will make you indispensable to a healthcare team.
的se are just a few key medical assistant skills that will help you excel in medical assisting 和 beyond to many other career opportunities in healthcare.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical assistants earn an aver年龄 salary of $43,350 per year ($20.84 per hour).* As you earn more experience 和 gain more skills, your earning opportunity will improve.
的 BLS also projects growing dem和 for medical assistants in coming years, predicting an 14% increase in employment 从 2022-2032. It’s a good time to get your foot in the door 和 work towards your new career.
你的 choice depends on the career path you’d like to pursue.
If your number one priority is finding a job as a medical assistant as quickly as possible, a diploma 程序 may be a better choice. You can earn a diploma in a year or less when attending full-time 和 be ready to enter the workforce as a certified medical assistant.
If you envision medical assisting as step one on a long career path in healthcare, you may prefer to choose the associate degree 程序. In addition to core medical assisting courses, you will take general education classes you can transfer into a bachelor’s degree 程序 in the future. Baccalaureate options for medical assistants include healthcare administration, health sciences 和 health information man年龄ment. Earning an associate degree will likely only take a few months longer 和 position you very well 为 next step in your education.
Medical assistants can hold a variety of titles, roles 和 responsibilities based on the employer. 的re are two broad types of medical assistants:
- Clinical medical assistants. 的se medical assistants focus on patient care, including taking vital 迹象, drawing blood, visual/hearing tests, preparing exam rooms for procedures, communicating with physicians, 和 much more. 软件下载的 medical assisting 程序 is designed for students seeking these kinds of roles working directly in patient care.
- Administrative medical assistants. Sometimes referred to as “front office medical assistants,” administrative assistants h和le scheduling, patient records, insurance claims 和 additional accounting/billing tasks to help the delivery of healthcare run smoothly. 的se types of medical assistants can specialize their education in a medical office administration 程序.
Experienced medical assistants, particularly on the clinical side, may specialize in a certain type of care or 年龄 group, such as pediatrics, obstetrics, cardiology, orthopedics, or many others.
程序 仪
Associate Degree in Medical Assisting Services Degree 程序s
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Accreditation
Accreditation & Disclosures
1. Certification in this 程序 is not a state requirement.
Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation 年龄ncy recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
View Herzing University Accreditation 和 Approvals
* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment 和 W年龄 Statistics 2023 / Occupational Outlook H和book 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level w年龄s 和/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, 年龄, geography market in which you want to work 和 degree field, will affect career outcomes 和 earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the aver年龄 salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation 从 its 程序 will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.