You’ve already made up your mind to become a medical assistant, and that’s great; however, the issue is that you do not possess the skills or knowledge to become one. So, to bridge this gap, you need to enroll in a training program. 

But with endless options, how can you be certain that you’ve chosen the best online medical assistant program?

This question becomes even more important when you consider that choosing the wrong school can result in wasted tuition, an ineligible certification status, and difficulty finding a job. To ensure you make a wise investment, here are 7 essential factors to consider before enrolling.

1. Check for Accreditation

This is hands down one of the most important factors when it comes to choosing the right training program. While there are multiple governing bodies that grant accreditation to programs and schools, the go-to and trusted one is the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET). 

But why is accreditation important? Well, accreditation ensures that the curriculum meets high national standards. More importantly, most reputable certifying boards, such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), only allow graduates from accredited programs to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam.

2. Preparation for National Certification

Once you’ve established that your shortlisted MA programs are accredited, the next thing you need to check is how and if the program prepares you for the CMA certification exam. 

The easiest way to identify this is to check the curriculum; if the program has a dedicated “Exam Prep” section, that means you will be taught advanced strategies on how to attempt the exam, along with insights. 

3. Hands-On Externship Opportunities

This is especially important if you are coming from a non-medical background. Check if the program will train you in person, and before you ask, yes, even online programs (at least high-quality ones like the one offered by CCI Training Center) offer hands-on training without charging you extra. 

This helps you gain real-world experience and boost your employability. 

4. Curriculum Depth and Balance

Check if your chosen program is strictly administrative, clinical, or both. You see, as an MA, you need to carry out both clinical and administrative duties. So, make sure you choose a program with a curriculum that includes:

• Clinical: Pharmacology, infection control, and surgical assisting.
• Administrative: Medical billing and coding, electronic health records (EHR), and office management.
• Science: Anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.

5. Reputation and Student Outcomes

Another important factor that most people skip after checking the curriculum is the success record of a training program. 

So, before committing, research the school’s track record, and also, don’t be afraid to ask the following questions:

What is their graduation rate? 

What percentage of their students pass the national certification exams? 

What is their job placement rate? 

Here’s a tip: Schools love to share these highlights. If you come across a school that isn’t transparent about its data, you can skip it completely. 

6. Financial Aid and Total Cost

Education has always been expensive, but with the recent inflation, it is increasing even more. Therefore, you do not want to skip on a school that offers financial assistance. 

Chances are, if you check for accreditation, you are sorted, as only accredited schools are eligible for federal grants and loans. 

In addition to financial aid, you should also ask for a tuition cost breakdown to ensure that there are no hidden costs. 

7. Career Services and Job Placement Assistance

Please understand that career service and job placement assistance are not the same as a job placement guarantee. 

With that said, you will still require assistance when it comes to creating a resume that just works and help with interview preparation. 

If the program offers these services, then you can be certain that it is a legitimate medical assistant training program.