When you’re looking for a way to launch a new career as a medical assistant, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by your options. From traditional on-campus degrees to entirely online self-paced programs, there are many different ways to get the training you need to succeed in your new role.
One of the clearest ways to distinguish between different programs is whether or not they claim to be accredited. But what does it actually mean for a program to gain accreditation, and how much should accreditation weigh into your decision about where to train?
In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about accreditation before you choose a medical assistant training program, including just how much it really matters.
What Does Accreditation Mean and Why Does it Matter?
First off, let’s make sure we all understand where accreditation comes from and what it means. Accreditation for any online degree program can be awarded by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), which is approved by the Department of Education.
When it comes to medical assistant programs specifically, there are two more accrediting agencies you should be aware of: the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). These organizations both focus on evaluating healthcare training and their accreditation is equally legitimate.
So what actually determines whether a particular program gets accredited? Accrediting agencies tend to focus on ensuring that a given program meets their standards for preparing students to fulfill their healthcare roles appropriately. To determine this, these organizations may evaluate the curriculum, instructors, and outcomes of the program.
Another factor is whether a program qualifies its students to take the relevant certification exam–for most medical assistants, that would be the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Some non-accredited programs won’t leave you eligible to take the exam, ready to pass it, or prepared for hands-on work once you earn certification.
How Do I Tell If a Medical Assistant Program is Accredited or Not?
Most medical assistant programs will disclose their accreditation status on their websites. If not, the fastest way to find out is to check the official CAAHEP and ABHES sites, which both offer directories of accredited programs. Be sure to look at both directories since many programs are only accredited by one institution or the other.
Do I Need to Choose an Accredited Medical Assistant Program?
Now that you know how to determine whether a program is accredited or not, let’s talk about how much accreditation really matters. The truth is that there are both upsides and downsides to choosing an accredited program.
On the bright side, accredited programs may be more likely to impress potential employers, especially those that have pre-existing relationships with particular programs or accrediting bodies. Completing an accredited program might also help you negotiate for a higher salary with your prospective employer.
On the other hand, accredited programs tend to charge a lot more than non-accredited options, since the process of applying and reapplying for accreditation can be costly and time-consuming.
The average salary for medical assistants nationwide is $44,034, while a single year’s tuition at an accredited institution can cost anywhere from half that much to about the same amount. Keeping that cost-benefit analysis in mind can help you avoid overpaying for a program and spending years trying to recoup your investment.
For example, Keiser University, an online college for medical students, is accredited by the CAAHEP and costs over $22,000 to attend. In-person accredited programs will cost you even more without necessarily increasing the salary you can expect to earn once you graduate.
How Do I Choose the Right Medical Assistant Program for Me?
With all of this info in mind, how should you decide which program is best for you? You can start by evaluating these factors:
- Cost: Not everyone can afford the high costs of in-person and accredited medical assistant training, so be sure to analyze your current financial situation and your future career goals before making your decision.
- Length: Medical assistant programs can range in length from weeks to years. Ask yourself how long you’d be willing to wait before re-entering the workforce with your new skills and credentials.
- Flexibility: Depending on which program you choose, you may be expected to attend all classes in person, log in at set times for remote classes with live instructors, or simply complete lessons and assignments at your own pace. Consider your existing obligations, like caring for your family or holding down a job, to make sure your preferred program aligns with your schedule.
- Accreditation: While accredited status can certainly lend a program a certain air of prestige, you’ll probably want to consider the concrete factors above before ruling out any programs purely on the basis of accreditation.
If you’re looking for a program that strikes the perfect balance between credibility and affordability, be sure to consider Stepful’s online Medical Assistant Program, which takes only four months to complete and costs a fraction of what some competing institutions charge.
