With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose which Medical Assistant training program is right for you. In order to help narrow down your choices, it is best to ask yourself some initial questions:
- Is this program accredited?
- Is this program online or in-person?
- How long is the program?
- What kind of certification options does this program offer?
- How much does the program cost?
- What kind of school-to-job pipeline does this program have?
- What makes this Medical Assistant program different
All of these questions are important to help identify the program quality and if it will be the right fit for you.
MA Accreditation
Accreditation is an important factor when choosing a Medical Assistant program. Training programs like the National Institute for Medical Assistant Advancement (NIMAA) have been rigorously reviewed by the Accreditation Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) to affirm the program meets high standards, ensuring the best-quality education.
In-Person vs. Online Training
Another factor to consider when choosing an MA training program is whether you want your training to be fully online, fully in-person, or a combination of the two. In-person programs do not allow for much flexibility for people who are already working or have children. NIMAA’s online learning model allows students to complete many assignments when it fits into their schedule.
Other online programs require a hands-on component after a student has completed all the “book learning.” NIMAA’s program is unique. While the educational component is online, your hands-on experience starts at the clinic within the first week and continues throughout the program, allowing you to practice as you learn. With this type of model, you are less likely to forget what you have learned when it is time to practice in the clinic.
Program Length
Many traditional accredited MA programs can take more than a year to complete. Many people do not have the time to dedicate to an educational program for such a long time. NIMAA’s training program can be completed in eight months, allowing the opportunity to secure a Medical Assisting position sooner.
Certification Options
While certification is not legally required, completing a certification exam after graduation is an important requirement for most employers of Medical Assistants because of liability reasons and some state-specific clinical regulations. NIMAA instructors support graduates to sit for an exam of their choice (CMA, RMA, CCMA, and NCMA). The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) is widely considered the most nationally recognized and prestigious MA credential.
Program Cost
A big factor for many when choosing a Medical Assistant training program is the cost. Some programs can cost upwards of $20,000. NIMAA’s program is very affordable, and eligible students can apply for federal student financial aid (FAFSA). Some of NIMAA’s partnering externship clinics provide tuition coverage or reimbursement options after hiring.
Hiring Options
When looking for the best program, one should consider specific pathways and connections for graduates to be hired into a Medical Assistant role after graduation. Many Externship clinics working with the NIMAA program partner with NIMAA to train high-quality candidates who will learn clinic-specific systems, allowing them to hit the ground running without skipping a beat if officially hired as an employee.
The “Stand-Out” Difference
Every MA program has its differences. NIMAA is unique because its goal is not only to help fill the healthcare workforce gap with high-quality graduates but also to train students within their own communities who have a deeper understanding of the patients that partner clinics serve. NIMAA is not just looking for students who want a job but also students who truly care about making a difference.