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Associate of Science in Medical Assisting
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An Associate of Science in Medical Assisting combines clinical training with classroom education. The program typically takes 1-2 years to complete, and a degree is awarded after successfully passing a minimum number of academic units. While there is on-the-job-training and certificate programs for medical assisting, an Associate of Science in Medical Assisting goes a step beyond by increasing the classroom education. Courses cover anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology, as well as typing, transcription, recordkeeping, accounting, and insurance processing. Students learn laboratory techniques, clinical and diagnostic procedures, pharmaceutical principles, the administration of medications, and first aid. They study office practices, patient relations, medical law, and ethics.
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An AS in Medical Assisting is a great degree whether you want to stay in Medical Assisting or move on to a technician or medical records job. An AS gives you a solid foundation in the health sciences as well as the clinical know-how to advance your career.
A Medical Assistant with an Associate of Science degree can make up to $15/hr, while a Medical Assistant with no degree makes an average of $11/hr.
Career options:
• Medical Assistant
• Medical Records
• Medical Secretary
AriesGirl
over 2 years ago
586 comments
I only have a diploma in medical assisting and I think a degree would put me ahead of the curve. But no matter whether you have a diploma, certificate or degree, all the jobs are requiring you to have 1 to 3 years experience.
klippx3
almost 3 years ago
2 comments
Looking for a place to take certification test for medical assisting in Cincinnati, Ohio area if i can get some direction on who when where testing is i would greatly appreciate it
tiffannij
over 3 years ago
190 comments
i in college now and is goin for my associates in nursing but was thinking of taking an online class or weekend class to become certified in Medical assisting. I don't think it is right for them to say you get better training than just doing the 9 months class.
malaniep43
about 4 years ago
2 comments
I have my associate of science degree in medical assisting. I now what to go future and get my nursing degree for RN. I am having trouble locating a school.
Account Removed
over 4 years ago
Getting a degree in medical assisting will put you ahead of those that only have a cert. or a diploma. For me having a medical assistant diploma is not paying off job wise but what I have learned will go to use when I enter nursing school. Knowlege is never a waste of money!
kstiltner1
over 4 years ago
7172 comments
Interesting.
Kimmie_T
over 4 years ago
66 comments
I completely agree with this article. I received my diploma in Medical Assisting in 2004. The programs that are 9-12 months aren't as effective, as the 24 month programs. Many people I have worked with aren't truly prepared, their skills are lacking. I now, am preparing to start my RN degree. My Medical Assisting degree helped towards this path.
deborahconant1962
over 4 years ago
8 comments
This is not true. I went through a 9 month program which yes I only received a certificate in Certified Medical Assisting. I was trained for the the same; insurance, billing & coding, anatomy, etc. I also had to sit for the same cetification as those who took the 2 year class. We had to pass entrance exam to be able to take the class to begin with. The way this is worded is almost discriminating.