Medical Assisting Program Overview
Earn your MA diploma in as little as 9 months
If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a Medical Assistant, consider enrolling in our Medical Assisting program at Eagle Gate College. Through our flexible hybrid model, we offer online and in-person classes to grant you the necessary skills to begin this rewarding healthcare career.
At Eagle Gate, you can earn your MA diploma and begin looking for Medical Assisting jobs in as little as nine months. Graduates of our program are also eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification exam, which is offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What you need to know
Does Eagle Gate College offer a Medical Assistant program near me?
Aspiring Medical Assistant students are welcome to enroll at any one of our campus locations in Utah or Idaho:
Why do I need a Medical Assisting diploma?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical Assisting careers are on the rise. Employment of Medical Assistants is projected to grow 18 percent by 2030. While not all employers require applicants to have a degree, many will only choose Medical Assistants that have been formally trained.
What is a Medical Assistant?
A Medical Assistant possesses the necessary skills to assist patients, nurses, and physicians. They are vital members of the healthcare team that fill both administrative and clinical functions. Though their job duties can vary, they might conduct lab work, suture wounds, apply dressings, take vital signs, and promote good health habits.
What is the cost of the Medical Assisting program?
Tuition costs for Medical Assisting will vary depending on the school and your individual situation (think location, finances, etc.). At Eagle Gate College, there are a number of financial aid options available to Medical Assisting students. Reach out to an admissions representative for more information.
What courses are required to become a Medical Assistant?
If you’d like to enroll in a Medical Assisting diploma program, your courses will typically include the following topics: microbiology, hematology, venipuncture, and urinalysis; transcription and charting; patient vital signs, ECGs, and draping/gowning; minor surgical assisting; and injections and pharmacology.
How long is the Medical Assisting program?
A Medical Assisting diploma program can usually be completed in a year or less. At Eagle Gate College, you can receive Medical Assistant training in as little as 9 months! This career track might be ideal for those who do not want to spend years in school.
What certifications will the Medical Assisting program prepare me for?
Graduates of Eagle Gate’s MA program are eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification exam, which is offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
What kind of jobs can you get with a Medical Assisting diploma?
Some of the various job titles for graduates with a diploma in Medical Assisting include Clinical Medical Assistant, Medical Office Manager, Phlebotomy Technician, and Front Office Manager.
How much money do Medical Assistants make?
As of May 2020, the median annual salary for Medical Assistants was $35,850. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment of Medical Assistants is projected to grow 18 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. These numbers, however, might vary depending on your location and experience.
Please note that wage data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) or other third-party sources may not be an accurate reflection of all areas of the country, may not account for the employees’ years of experience, and may not reflect the wages or outlook of entry-level employees, such as graduates of our program. (accessed on 11/15/2021)
Medical Assisting Curriculum
Our hybrid-online Medical Assistant program will prepare you for a career as an entry-level Medical Assistant in as little as 9 months. You will learn how to perform clinical and administrative tasks in a medical office, clinic, hospital, or other healthcare setting.
This is a blended program in which all your theory (didactic) courses are online, while your lab and externship requirements are mostly residential with minor online components. Our program emphasizes administrative and clinical skills, with extensive instruction in medical terminology, medical office procedures, medical/clinical procedures, basic anatomy and physiology, and special duties common in the field. We also focus on communication, critical thinking, human relations, and decision making.
By the end of our program, you will complete 28 semester credits. Class topics include pharmacology, medication administration, diagnostic imaging, infection control, assessment, stages of life, office management, introduction to medical assisting, medical law, and more.
Areas of Medical Assistant Training:
- Microbiology, hematology, venipuncture, and urinalysis
- Transcription and charting
- Patient vital signs, ECGs, and draping/gowning
- Minor surgical assisting
- Injections and pharmacology
Medical Assisting Program Campus Locations
Contact any of our campuses to learn more about how to become a Medical Assistant or to enroll in our MA program.
Medical Assisting Program Admissions
What do I need to do to start?
Our admissions process is designed to help you understand all the options surrounding your career education. An admissions representative will guide you through the enrollment process so that you feel comfortable, confident, and ready to start your first day of classes. We also conduct a career planning session to learn and discuss your interests, goals, and career objectives.
To apply for the Medical Assistant program, you must pass an entrance exam and meet the following requirements:
- Confirm you have access to a personal computer with internet.
- Submit proof of vaccinations prior to your externship. Vaccination fees will be your responsibility.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Out-of-pocket costs for our Medical Assistant program can vary depending on your individual situation. There are various financial aid options available to our students. In fact, our financial aid team is ready to assist you develop a financial plan to achieve your educational goals.
Our financial aid options include the following programs and opportunities:
- Federal Grants
- Institutional Scholarships and Grants
- Outside Scholarships
- Federal Work-Study
- Federal Loans
- Private Loans
Please visit the School Catalog for more details.
MA Graduates Share their Experience
Medical Assistant Career
Medical Assistants perform several tasks to support a physician’s plan of care for their patients. Their duties include both administrative and clinical functions, such as recording patient histories, measuring vital signs, filling out insurance forms, and scheduling patient appointments. Furthermore, Medical Assistants can specialize in different healthcare fields, including optometry, podiatry, and pediatrics.
Some common employers of Medical Assistants include physicians’ offices, hospitals, and retirement communities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of Medical Assistants is projected to grow 18 percent by 2030, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
Becoming a Medical Assistant can also lead to a steady source of income. The BLS reports that the average salary of Medical Assistants is about $36,000, while those earning in the top 10th percentile can earn as much as $51,000 per year, or more.
Please note that wage data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) or other third-party sources may not be an accurate reflection of all areas of the country, may not account for the employees’ years of experience, and may not reflect the wages or outlook of entry-level employees, such as graduates of our program. (accessed on 11/15/2021)
Medical Assisting Program Accreditation
Eagle Gate College is institutionally accredited by The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). ABHES is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally-recognized accrediting agency under the provision of Chapter 33, Title 38 of the U.S. Code and subsequent legislation. ABHES provides Eagle Gate College accreditation for the delivery of Diploma, Associate degree, Baccalaureate degree, and Masters degree levels.
Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), 7777 Leesburg Pike, Suite 314 N., Falls Church, Virginia 22043; (703) 917-9503
www.abhes.org
