How Long Does it Take to Become a Medical Assistant in an Accelerated Program?

Are you looking to become a medical assistant, and wondering how long it will take? Are you curious about the differences between a traditional learning experience and a virtual learning experience? Are you wondering what the benefits of an accelerated program are? How about whether or not it's right for you? You have come to the right place.

What does a medical assistant do?

A medical assistant is the first person to see a patient. They collect vitals and other pieces of information from a patient, and they notify the doctor that the patient is ready to be seen.

Medical assistants are also responsible for clerical duties. These duties include updating records and filing charts. Medical assistants typically work Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week. Some medical assistants prefer to work night and weekend shifts.

Those who choose to become a medical assistant will find themselves admiring how versatile this field can be. Medical assistants are trained to perform both patient care duties as well as clerical duties.

What is the Difference Between Traditional and Accelerated Programs?

Many prospective students often wonder about the differences between the traditional learning process and accelerated process. If you are looking at joining a traditional medical assistant program, you could finish your program in two years. Many accelerated programs finish in as little as 15 months.

Both programs should provide you with what you need to know in order to become a successful medical assistant. During your program, you can expect to learn medical terminology, first aid, math, medical billing, science, and more. The traditional program spreads out all of the information over a longer period. With accelerated programs, the information is condensed together, with no break in between classes.

What Are the Benefits of Choosing an Accelerated Program?

There are many benefits to graduating from a medical assistant program early. The obvious benefit is that you finish your program early. The next benefit is that you could complete your certification exam right after completing your program.

You could also begin looking for employment sooner than expected. Additionally, completing an accelerated program may show potential employers your work ethic, and that you can handle various forms of pressure. It shows your dedication, and that you are excited to get out into the profession.

What You Should Know about an Accelerated Program

An accelerated program goes fast, and there is a lot of information that must be learned in a short period. It is important for anyone enrolling in an accelerated degree program to be prepared before the class starts. Whether you are participating in an accelerated degree program, it is important that you have all your materials ready.

Some tips to help you as you navigate the accelerated degree program include:

• Be sure to put anything distracting away while you attend class and study.
• Have plenty of pens, pencils, notebooks, notecards, post-its, and more next to you.
• Set aside time each day to study
• Ask questions when you need something clarified

Are You Ready to Get Started on Your Medical Assistant Degree?

Are you thinking about becoming a medical assistant? There's no time like the present to earn your Associate of Applied Science Degree in Health Science with a Concentration in Medical Assisting from ECPI University. For more information, connect with a friendly admissions advisor today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

DISCLAIMER – ECPI University makes no claim, warranty, or guarantee as to actual employability or earning potential to current, past or future students or graduates of any educational program we offer. The ECPI University website is published for informational purposes only. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained on the ECPI.edu domain; however, no warranty of accuracy is made. No contractual rights, either expressed or implied, are created by its content.

For more information about ECPI University or any of our programs click here: http://www.ecpi.edu/ or http://ow.ly/Ca1ya.