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Careers Beyond Medical Assisting: What Comes Next?

Medical assistants are becoming an increasingly important part of the healthcare team, as hospitals and healthcare facilities strive to accommodate the needs of a growing patient population.

In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates employment for medical assistants will grow by as much as 16 percent through 2031, well above average rate for all occupations.*

While increased demand may improve the outlook for how much medical assistants make , you can utilize your experience as an MA and medical assisting degree to advance your career to the next level. With experience, medical assistants can specialize and move into leadership roles, filling another vital healthcare workforce need. By advancing their education, they can become healthcare managers, healthcare administrators, nurses and more.

Ready to take your healthcare career to the next level? Check out some of these fast-growing career options beyond the medical assistant role.

1. Healthcare management

Many students who start out as a medical assistant choose to advance their education with a bachelor’s degree in health administration  or management. Graduates of a healthcare management program can pursue advanced roles in a variety of healthcare industries, including insurance, healthcare policy, healthcare finance, and information management, as well as various clinical settings.

The BLS reports that organizations have a growing need for healthcare managers to plan, direct and coordinate health services. They project 28% employment growth for medical and health services managers between 2022-2032 .* The average salary for medical services managers is $127,980 per year ( $61.53 per hour), according to BLS data.

Healthcare management job titles include:

• Physician Practice Manager
• Health Care Administrator
• Patient Finance Manager
• Health Insurance Manager
• Managed Care Representative
• Healthcare Department Manager

While a bachelor's degree can help you qualify for these types of roles, you can really separate yourself from the pack by earning a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration to advance your education and better prepare for leadership positions.

2. Health information management

Health information careers are experiencing rapid growth as organizations invest in electronic medical record-keeping. As a result, there is a growing demand for managers with knowledge of health information systems to ensure that patient data is recorded accurately and securely.

Similar to medical assistants, HIM professionals need strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills. For medical assistants with administrative experience, a bachelor’s degree in health information management can provide the additional technical training needed to pursue roles as a health information technician or clinical data specialist, or leadership roles such as HIM Project Manager or HIM Director.

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3. health sciences.

Medical assistants looking to complete a bachelor’s degree and advance their allied health career to the next level may consider earning a bachelor’s degree in health science .

Health sciences can offer many unique career paths in health and wellness, fitness and nutrition, health policy and community healthcare roles. Current healthcare professionals, including medical assistants, may build upon their current experience and education to earn their bachelor’s degree faster and better qualify for the next level of managerial-level roles in their fields.

Learn more about what you can do with a health science bachelor's degree - it can open many doors for medical assistants looking to take the next big career step. 

There is a critical, widening gap between the demand for healthcare services and availability of qualified nursing professionals. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment for RNs will increase by as much 6 percent nationwide by 2031.

The nationwide demand for nurses is creating new career advancement opportunities for medical assistants, as well as other healthcare professionals.

“I have always wanted to help people, and a career as a medical assistant is a great way to do that,” says Tiffany Norfleet , who earned her medical assisting degree at Herzing in 2018. “But my next step is to further my education by attending nursing school.”

A career in nursing not only provides increased job stability and earning potential, but it also offers an opportunity to direct and manage patient care, as well as pursue specialties in pediatrics, ambulatory care, oncology or other areas to become one of many different types of nurses .

Medical assistants can advance to RN by earning an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing, then passing the NCLEX-RN. Or, they can take a shorter path by going from MA to LPN and start working as a practical nurse before pursuing the RN path.

Often, medical assistants can earn credit for previous coursework and professional healthcare experience, accelerating their transition to a new career.

Job market insights and information is developed and provided by  Lightcast . Herzing University makes no representations or guarantees that graduation from its programs will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth. For information regarding student outcomes, please visit our  Consumer Disclosures  page. For support with career resources, please contact us by phone at (866) 208-3344 or email at  [email protected] .

Herzing’s medical assisting program prepares students for different types of roles in medical assisting , while providing a clear pathway for upward mobility. Graduates of Herzing’s medical assisting program can apply credits toward bachelor’s degrees in Healthcare Administration or Health Information Management, or one of Herzing’s various nursing degree programs .

In fact, students who complete an associate in medical assisting  can earn a bachelor’s in healthcare administration in as little as 16 months. Additionally, students in the bachelor’s degree program can get a head start on earning an MBA in healthcare management through a dual credit option. The MBA concentration is designed to prepare students with the strategic skills and business acumen required for healthcare leadership roles. This program is ideal if you are looking to take the step from clinical practice into management.

Not sure which path is right for you? Check out our tips for choosing the right healthcare degree program , and start your path to career advancement today.

Find your career program with Herzing

* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics 2022 / Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.

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The AAMA offers continuing education (CE) to all medical assistants:

CMAs (AAMA) ®   |   Earn recertification points to recertify by continuing education. View the Recertification Policies to ensure you are eligible.

Medical Assistants  |   Earn CEUs (continuing education units) to show employers you are staying current in the field.

AAMA Members  |   Enjoy discounts on AAMA CEUs that can add up to the price of membership and more. Join today !

Where to Get CEUs

AAMA CEUs   |  You may earn all of your CEUs from the AAMA. If you do, you will be eligible to recertify online or by phone .

Non-AAMA CEUs   |  You may also choose to earn at least 30 AAMA CEUs and the rest of the recertification points from other sources.

If any of your CEUs are from non-AAMA sources, you may recertify  online or by mail-in application .

The AAMA offers many ways to earn CEUs:

• Secure online payment
• Immediate score results sent to your email address
• Automatic updates to your AAMA CEU Transcript
• CMA Today CE articles  |  CE articles and tests appear in each issue of the magazine, which is published six times a year. They are also available on the e-Learning Center. CMA Today is a benefit of AAMA membership: Join today ! Nonmembers may subscribe to CMA Today .
• AAMA Self-Study Courses  |  These publications offer topics that range from microbiology to workplace bullying. Each course includes a test.
• AAMA Annual Conference  |  Each year the conference provides continuing education programs and events that also give you a chance to network with colleagues. Check out the registration brochure, available every year in March.

CPR   |  Two-year CPR cards issued within the applicant’s recertification period will be counted as four clinical AAMA recertifica­tion points. Up to three two-year CPR cards may be submitted for a total of 12 CEUs. 

Featured AAMA-Approved CE Programs   |  The AAMA has approved several programs that are worth AAMA CEUs and are noted on the  AAMA Approved CE Programs webpage. All are accessible online and for free. 

As an AAMA member, you will not be charged extra for registering your CEUs. The AAMA will enter the number and category of AAMA CEUs into your transcript, and you will be able to access your AAMA CEU Transcripts anytime online.

Non-AAMA Recertification Points

You may earn up to 30 non-AAMA recertification points by attending programs and events that are not approved by the AAMA.

You must determine if the programs meet the standards for approvable continuing education. The AAMA provides three documents that serve as useful guidelines:

• The Content Outline for the CMA (AAMA) ® Certification Exam is a comprehensive list of everything a CMA (AAMA) has to know for the exam, organized by topic category.
• The Occupational Analysis of the CMA (AAMA) is based on an AAMA survey of the tasks performed on a daily basis by CMAs (AAMA).
• The Advanced Educational Topics for Medical Assisting defines advanced medical assisting skills and areas of knowledge.

In addition, medical assistants may earn recertification points for authoring textbooks, textbook chapters, and articles pertaining to medical assisting. Recertification points are also granted for work serving as an item writer to the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam.

See the “ Authorship and Item Writing Recertification Points ” flyer for details.

The AAMA will not update your transcript when you attend non-AAMA approved programs and events. Save any related documentation, such as a syllabus, to include when you submit the Recertification by Continuing Education Application  by mail or when you apply online .

Required Recertification Points

Total Points A total of 60 recertification points is required.

Minimum & Remaining Points A minimum of 10 points is required for each content area. The remaining 30 points may be accumulated in any of the three content areas.

• 10 administrative
• 10 clinical
• 30 points from any combination of the above three categories

AAMA CEU Credit Minimum At least 30 of the required 60 recertification points must be accumulated from AAMA approved continuing education units (CEUs). If desired, all 60 points may be AAMA CEUs.

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Career Advancement Guide for Medical Assistants

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Updated July 13, 2023

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The Training, Education & Skills Required to Move to Advanced Medical Careers

Medical assistants have enormous career potential within the field of medical assisting. They can choose to specialize in almost any area of medicine, assisting physicians and other healthcare personnel in clinics, hospitals, private offices and more. But there is also promising opportunity for career advancement beyond medical assisting. In fact, some medical assistants come to see the expertise and knowledge they earn during their work as stepping stones to other healthcare careers. This guide focuses on the possibilities for medical assistants, both within their chosen profession and other career paths.

Timeline for Pursuing and Advancing a Medical Assistant Career

Though career advancement often happens on a very personal timeline, this rough guideline offers an idea of what students may want to consider as they train for medical assisting careers and move up the career ladder.

Attend a medical assisting training program

Start out with a program from an accredited institution. Schools that offer medical assisting programs include community colleges, vocational schools , and universities. Those who want to keep their options wide open may want to choose the associate degree program in medical assisting. Students should receive clinical training while attending a program.

Get certified

Medical assistant certifications are available from several agencies, including the American Association of Medical Assistants. Now that the training is complete, certification is practically a must. In some programs, students are expected to sit for a certification exam around the time they graduate. Others may have the option to wait a few months. Either way, this is the time to hit the books hard and pass the test with flying colors. Learn more about medical assistant certification

Get Experience

Seek out employment and begin working in a medical office. If you've attended a medical assisting program, find out if your school offers help with job search and placement. During this time, learn as much as you can, and offer to take on increasing responsibility. Gain a deeper understanding of the medical field, and take note of the parts of your job that you like and excel in.

Delve into specializations

Once medical assistants have some general experience under their belt, they may want to look at specializations in ob-gyn, ophthalmology or podiatry. Having numerous certifications and specialized training certificates can broaden the medical horizons, as well as look fantastic on a resume.

Consider more education or training

What would it take to become a nurse? Would any work done towards a medical assistant education be applied to a nursing degree? Would you be able to still work as a medical assistant while attending nursing school? This is the time to have these questions answered. When it's time for a change, start looking into the options. Further education and training might yield a different career in healthcare, perhaps even one that will advance quickly, because the fundamentals are already in place.

Take the plunge

Ready for more education? Find out what it would take to use that associate degree as the basis for the bachelor's degree program. There are most likely basic courses you can apply to another related program, particularly courses in math, science or medical terminology. Choose an area of healthcare that truly captures your interest, and be prepared to work hard to meet your goals.

Explore Top Online Medical Assistant Programs

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

5 Benefits of Medical Assistant Career Advancement

Medical assisting is a solid career choice in a field expected to grow at an astounding 23 percent through 2024. There should be no shortage of jobs for those looking to work in this career. But what do medical assistants have to gain by advancing their careers? There are several reasons, but the number one reason, not surprisingly is to increase earnings.

As with most careers, the more advanced the work, the higher the pay. Medical assistants who advance their career through specialized expertise, additional classes and more targeted training may be more likely to get that coveted pay raise.

Better Job Security

One of the woes of staying in an entry-level job while not increasing skills is that workers may be more likely to be downsized or replaced. But those who have made a point of advancing their career through greater knowledge and skills can become quite valuable to employers, who may then make a point of keeping them on the payroll.

Broader Skill Set

Learning new skills isn't just about job security and higher pay – it's about patient satisfaction, and that translates into kudos from employers and coworkers. That broader skill set can hold a medical assistant in good stead as they look into other careers in healthcare. For instance, someone who wants to be a nurse can learn a great deal of hands-on skills while working as a medical assistant.

More Prestige

Turning to specialized training to advance medical assistant careers can mean that in the end, the person who has the widest variety of training is more in-demand. The prestige that comes from being able to handle various patient populations can change an entry-level medical assistant into a must-hire advanced candidate.

Wider Career Options

Medical assistant careers aren't limited to physician's offices or hospitals. Those who have significant training in a particular field can move into more challenging careers, such as office management, or clinics that support a particular population or focus on a particular illness or medical issue.

How to Advance a Medical Assistant Career

At first blush, it might seem that working as a medical assistant could leave you stuck in that role forever. But it is possible to broaden the horizons, especially with more education, more training, and specialization in the things that interest you. For instance, a medical assistant can move into team leadership or supervisory positions, or can opt to do back to school to move into other careers in the medical field. The following steps can help make it all a reality.

Look for training options

There are likely several opportunities to train in other areas, sometimes right there in the organization that currently employs you. Consider training sessions in everything from how to spot drug use or depression to CPR classes and refresher courses for billing and coding.

Develop professional skills

When given the opportunity to do something new, take it! A new machine in the office is cause for learning how to work it; a new billing system offers an opportunity to spread your wings.

Become a teacher

Reach out to teach others what you know. Get in touch with a local vocational or community college and offer your service as an adjunct faculty. Become the go-to person in your organization for training new medical assistants from their very first day.

Some clinical fields require very specific knowledge and expertise. If you are okay with moving around every few years, consider moving from one office to another and broadening your skill set through specializations. Clinical fields that might catch your attention include emergency medicine, cardiology, ophthalmology, pediatrics or podiatry.

Get Certified

Though it seems like a given, many medical assistants choose not to become certified simply because it is not required. That means that those who obtain certification might have better options for employment and might stand out from the pack of applicants.

Dive into a foreign language

A medical assistant is often the first person a new patient sees. What if that patient doesn't speak English? Being able to speak a foreign language heightens the opportunities to show off your skills, make patients feel more comfortable, and make life easier for the physicians and nurses who don't know the language.

Get additional education

So you're trained and certified. Now what? Continue to hone your skills while you consider getting further education. Moving into another area of healthcare might be easier thank you think. For instance, if you have already earned an associate degree, it's a short leap to the bachelor's – which might enable to you to become a registered nurse, go into administration, and so much more.

Careers for Advancing in the Medical Field

Those who choose to spread their wings and move into other areas of the medical field can do so with medical assisting as a firm foundation. The following jobs are options for those who want to enhance or further their medical assisting careers.

Administration/Management

Medical and health services manager.

Annual Salary (2014): $92,810

Training, education or experience requirements: Moving into the job typically requires a bachelor's degree

Job requirements: While a bachelor's degree is typically the minimum to enter healthcare management and administration, master's degrees are becoming increasingly popular; many employers now require the graduate degree. Many begin their career path with experience in a healthcare office or in a more clinical role. Though more work in hospitals, some might choose to work in nursing homes or long-term care facilities. The job includes improving efficiency and quality of healthcare, keeping the facility up-to-date and code compliant, integrating new technologies, managing finances and staff, and overseeing budgets and purchases.

Medical Records and Health Information Technicians

Annual Salary (2014): $35,900

Training, education or experience requirements: Must earn certification; some employers require an associate degree

Job requirements: Certifications include Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) or Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR), among others. Certification might require graduation from an accredited program, passing an exam, or both. In states or facilities where licensure is required, a graduation from a formal education program and the CTR registration is often required.

38% work in hospitals, while 21% work in offices of physicians. Job duties include reviewing and organizing patient records, tracking patient outcomes, using electronic health record programs, using classification software, and maintaining confidentiality of patient records.

Medical Technology

Surgical technologist.

Annual Salary (2014): $43,350

Training, education or experience requirements: Accredited programs take anywhere from a few months to two years

Job requirements: Employers prefer those who have earned their postsecondary award or associate degree; some are required to earn certifications, such as the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or Tech in Surgery – Certified (NCCT). Some jobs also require certification in basic life support and CPR.

The vast majority work in hospitals or outpatient care centers. Duties include preparing operating rooms, sterilizing equipment, preparing patients for surgery, assisting during surgery, keeping count of supplies, and maintaining a sterile environment.

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist

Annual Salary (2014): $59,430

Training, education or experience requirements: Technologists need a bachelor's degree

Job requirements: A bachelor's degree in laboratory technology or life sciences is required for entry-level work. Some states require licensure; in this case, certification is required. Certification can be general or specific, and requires completion of an accredited program and passing an exam.

The majority work in hospitals or diagnostic laboratories. Job duties include analyzing bodily fluids, studying blood samples for potential uses, using a variety of equipment to perform tests, log data appropriately, and discuss results with the appropriate medical personnel.

Licensed Practical or Licensed Vocational Nurse

Annual Salary (2014): $42,490

Training, education or experience requirements: Graduation from an approved nursing program is required, as well as passing the NCLEX-PN

Job requirements: LPNs and LVNs must complete an approved nursing program, which typically takes one year. They must also pass the NCLEX-PN. Passing this exam is required to become licensed in any state. 

LPNs and LVNs are found in all areas of healthcare, including offices, outpatient centers, hospitals, nursing homes and more. They provide direct patient care under the supervision of registered nurses, including checking vital signs, providing for basic patient comfort, reporting status to nurses or doctors, and keeping track of information in the patient's chart.

Registered Nurse

Annual Salary (2014): $66,640

Training, education or experience requirements: Though an associate degree or diploma might be suitable for registered nurses, a bachelor's degree requirement is becoming more widespread

Job requirements: Most incoming registered nurses will be required to hold a bachelor's degree, especially if they intend to work in hospitals. They must become licensed by the state in which they intend to work; this requires graduation from an accredited program and passing the NCLEX-RN. 

The vast majority of registered nurses work in hospitals. The work might include monitoring patients, administering medications, planning for patient care, collaborating with other healthcare professionals, operating and monitoring medical equipment, and teaching patients and their families what to expect during and after treatment.

Medical Assistants Moving Up: A New Opportunity in Nursing

Some medical assistants enjoy helping patients so much that they decide to transition to a career in nursing. A nurse goes beyond the basic duties of a medical assistant (vitals and injections) and treats patients on a much deeper level. Nurses provide, coordinate and monitor patient care, recommend medication, educate patients and families, and give emotional support when needed. In essence, they engage with patients in more varied and advanced ways than medical assistants, and play a more central role in the health care process. For MA's with drive, nursing is a great next step.

Types of Nurses

The nursing field encompasses a variety of individual professions. While they all share certain characteristics – working with patients, medication and families – the depth of the work, education and experience involved can vary significantly.

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN)

LPNs perform clinical functions such as monitoring vital signs (heart rate, oxygen levels, blood sugar) and assessing patients for status changes. In some states, LPNs also care for wounds, provide intravenous treatments and other more advanced duties. To become an LPN, a medical assistant must pass a one-year training program or earn an associate degree from a community college, and then pass the required NCLEX-PN exam.

Registered Nurses (RN)

RNs represent the cornerstone of the nursing field. They perform more advanced duties than LPNs and work more closely with physicians to care for patients both in the short- and the long-term. For example, RNs administer medications, operate complex medical equipment and work with patients and families on after care. Some RNs also specialize in a particular type of nursing, including geriatric nursing, pediatric nursing or neonatal nursing. Becoming a registered nurse takes a bit more education and training that what's required for an LPN. RNs usually graduate from a two- to three- year associate degree in nursing (ADN) program or earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Aspiring RNs must then sit for and pass the NCLX-RN exam, which is required to obtain a license in all states.

Nurse Practitioners (NP)

NPs sit at the top of the nursing ladder. They perform the most complex nursing functions, such as prescribing medication to patients. Nearly all NPs start out as RNs and then progress in their careers through a Master of Science of Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). NPs need to hold state licensing and certification, as well. Becoming a nurse practitioner can take at least six years.

Nursing In-Depth: Second-Level Care

The role of a nurse goes beyond the first line of patient care. Nurses also promote health and assist patients in meeting their personal goals for well-being. When caring for a patient with a burn, for instance, the nurse will administer medications and perform dressing changes, but also facilitate healing via excellent skin care and teaching the patient and family how to avoid infection.

Nurses also assess family and home situations to ensure patients get the care they need after they leave. For example, a nurse might teach a family member how to properly care for a burn using over the counter supplies, or work with the physician and medical team to secure an order for home care

Helping the Whole Person

In addition to medical care, nurses make sure patients and families maintain psychosocial health. They forge close relationships with their patients and patients' families, and are as concerned with how a disease or illness affects a patient emotionally as they are with treating the ailment. A nurse will also examine a patient's coping skills and emotional and spiritual needs, and provide support – or referrals to support – if deemed necessary. Nurses have the opportunity to build deeper and longer-lasting bonds with their patients than a medical assistant is able to.

The Nursing Intangibles

Like medical assistants, nurses must be comfortable working with healthcare providers and members of the general public. Nurses often work long hours and in stressful situations. Nurses exercise a great deal of critical thinking and clinical judgment; they must be flexible and able to quickly and easily adapt to changes in patient condition and workplace priorities. Today's nurses are also technically adept; they use computers, cell phones, tablets and other digital devices often.

Medical Assistant Programs by State

Frequently ask questions answered from the expert.

Jackie Hayes, medical assistant instructor at the College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University, discusses medical assistant career advancement.

Q. What additional courses or training could a medical assistant take in order to advance their career options?

Depending upon the direction you want to take your MA career, additional training could be focused on specific clinical courses focused on working with specific populations such as aging populations, working with pediatric patients, working with patients with specific diseases or conditions (e.g. diabetes, pulmonary disease, fibromyalgia, and oncology). Other directions may be in areas such as health promotion, management, human resources, personal care, or care coordination support.

Q. What advice would you offer someone who is already a medical assistant and wants to go back to school to broaden their horizons?

Consider what you like best about the experiences you have had in your career. Think about what you would like to be doing in 5-10 years and seek continuing education in that area. This may lead you on a similar path growing in clinical expertise in patient care or to a different direction utilizing the skills that you have developed working with other medical professionals and patient populations. Another option is business or human resource pathways leading to management positions in medical practice or other ancillary health services such as customer service or human services.

Q. What are some of the most common career advancements you see among medical assistants?

Business such as office management or program management, clinical such as clinical supervisor, RN, care coordination, personal care, health promotion, physician's assistant, or MA instructor.

Q. Any additional advice for those who are considering a broader career path?

The future for medical assistant careers looks very promising as the need for this skilled professional increases and opportunities for advancement in specialized clinical areas and other broader careers grows as well. I would encourage those who are practicing now and have affirmed that they have hearts for people and passion for helping others and enjoy working hard to look for opportunities to keep learning and expanding their horizons in the health care field. There will always be a need for dedicated, knowledgeable and caring health care professionals.

Resources for Medical Assisting Career Advancement

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As a medical assistant, continuing education is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in healthcare and advance your career.

This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about medical assistant continuing education , including CMA CEU requirements, and tips for finding the best educational opportunities.

Get information on Medical Assistant programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

Medical Assistant Continuing Education Basics

Once you’ve completed your MA program and are qualified as a certified medical assistant, you need to meet certain continuing education requirements to maintain your certification.

This involves completing 60 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every 60 months. We’ll cover this in more detail later on.

There are many benefits that come along with your continuing medical education. Firstly, it helps you to develop professionally and to increase your competency levels. Plus, when applying for the best medical assisting jobs, the employer will ask you for your current credentials to make sure you’re eligible for the role.

There are plenty of ways to earn your CEUs. The ways of earning them include formal education classes, online workshops, seminars, conferences , local workshops, and continued employment.

Healthcare professionals sometimes confuse CEUs for CMEs but they are different.

CME stands for Continuing Medical Education. A CME credit is awarded for a ‘contact hour’ and is usually associated with doctors, nurses , and pharmacists. These credits demonstrate the number of hours a healthcare professional has spent pursuing continuing education.

CMA CEU Requirements

The CMA credential is awarded by the American Association of Medical Assistants ( AAMA ). It’s important for your career prospects and also for demonstrating your competence in areas such as patient care.

To maintain your CMA certification, you must have a passing score of 60 CEU points every 60 months. This includes 10 points in the administrative, general, and clinical categories. The other 30 points can be accrued across any of the 3 categories.

To earn your points, you can choose courses that cover speciality and general CEUs. General CEUs cover broad areas of medical assisting such as medical terminology and clinical procedures. Speciality CEUs cover more specific elements of the role such as phlebotomy.

Medical assistants looking to become recertified can do so via the AAMA website where you can submit your application online. You can also submit your application via email or over the phone if you prefer. The instructions for doing this can also be found on the AAMA website.

Finding The Best Educational Opportunities

There are many AAMA-approved institutions that provide continuing medical education to medical assistants. Due to their accreditation , these courses are usually the best way for you to earn your CEUs.

There are also lots of non-AAMA courses that you can take. However, you’ll need to decide how relevant the topics are.

To evaluate the quality of a course, there are several factors you should consider:

• Is the rationale of the course clearly stated?
• Are the learning outcomes of the course clearly stated?
• What credentials do the instructors have?
• What are the instructional methods?
• Are the registration fees reasonable?
• Is there a refund/cancellation policy?

Below is a list of resources medical assistants can use to find educational opportunities:

• AAMA State and Chapter Listings
• AAMA Self-Study Courses
• AAMA Annual Conferences
• AAMA e-Learning Center

There are many other websites online where you can find non-AAMA education opportunities.

Free Continuing Education Opportunities For Medical Assistants

A fee is required to enroll in most CEU courses and to use the majority of CEU resources. Still, there are some organizations that offer free CEUs to medical assistants. These can be found using online databases and search engines. However, the quality, relevance, and credibility of free CEUs are often hard to establish.

Below are some websites where you can gain access to free CEUs:

• Center for Disease Control and Prevention
• Smiles For Life
• Immunity Community

What are the best continuing education opportunities for medical assistants?

The best way to continue your medical assistant education is to enroll in AAMA-approved courses and use AAMA-approved resources.

What is the cost of continuing education for medical assistants?

The costs of continuing education for medical assistants varies widely depending on how you choose to earn your CEUs. Some websites charge a subscription fee for unlimited access to their resources and most AAMA-approved courses charge a fee. There are also free CEU resources that you can access online.

Are there any free CME opportunities for medical assistants?

CME is not usually associated with medical assistants. It’s a form of continuing education that is more relevant to doctors, nurses, and pharmacists.

As a medical assistant, continuing your education is vital for maintaining your CMA credentials and keeping pace with advancements in your field. Fortunately, it’s easy to earn and complete your CEUs. Doing so helps you to excel in your role and keep your career progressing.

• https://theemedicalassistants.com/continuing-education-requirements/
• https://annalsofcontinuingeducation.com/medical-assistant-ceu-options-and-requirements/
• https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/cme-vs-ceu
• https://www.aama-ntl.org/continuing-education/ceus
• https://www.findmedicalassistantprograms.org/types-of-ma/certified-medical-assistant/
• https://learn.org/articles/free_online_continuing_education_units_ceu_courses_for_medical_assistants.html

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American Association of Medical Assistant Education

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Degree: Associate in Applied Science HEGIS Code: 5214 Curriculum Code: 1967.MOA Campus Location: North Health Sciences Division

Pre-Admission Recommendations: Required 85% Average (High School), Biology, Keyboarding Career Opportunities/Further Education: Physicians’ Offices and Medical Health Care Facilities

Program Description

Admission requirements, progression, department notes, graduation requirements, essential functions, accreditation, program competencies, scholarships.

The evolving landscape of healthcare delivery has increased the demand for competent, versatile Medical Assistants. Graduates of our Medical Assisting AAS degree program are prepared for employment in a variety of medical and healthcare settings.

The duties of Medical Assistants vary from office to office, depending on the location and size of the practice and the specialty of the practitioner. In small practices, Certified Medical Assistants perform both administrative and clinical duties and report directly to an office manager, physician, or other health practitioner. Those employed in larger practices tend to specialize in a specific area under the supervision of a department manager or administrator.

Medical Assistants perform administrative tasks which may include updating and filing patient medical records and filling out insurance forms. They also perform tasks less specific to medical settings, such as answering telephones, greeting patients, handling correspondence, scheduling appointments and handling billing and insurance reimbursement.

Medical Assistants also perform clinical duties which may vary according to what is allowed by state law. Some common tasks include taking medical histories and recording vital signs, preparing patients for examinations and assisting physicians during examinations. Medical Assistants collect and prepare laboratory specimens and sometimes perform basic laboratory tests on the premises, dispose of contaminated supplies and sterilize medical instruments. They might draw blood, perform electrocardiograms, and change dressings. Medical Assistants also may arrange examining room instruments/equipment and purchase/maintain supplies and equipment.

The goal of this program is to produce graduates who possess the necessary knowledge of contemporary medical office practices and the skills to be an efficient Medical Assistant. Through a series of specialized courses, laboratory work and practicum experience, students acquire the competencies and standards of proficiency which are required for certification by the American Association of Medical Assistants. The program also provides a broad base of information which allows graduates to successfully continue their education in a related medical field.

The curriculum includes a 22 credit hours of general education core courses in liberal arts, social science, and science courses: specifically, Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Psychology, Mathematics and English. The remainder of the coursework has been designed to build clinical and administrative skills. Lectures help students build a professional vocabulary of medical terminology and teach medical law and ethics for health care professionals, basic medical assisting theory and concepts. Students also learn clinical office procedures, clinical skills, and laboratory skills in on-campus laboratories equipped with modern instrumentation to allow students extensive and varied training in a simulated office environment. Additionally, computer skills are stressed using a Microsoft Windows environment and the MEDENT medical practice management program. Students use these applications to record and retrieve simulated patient data, schedule appointments, create communication and correspondence to other healthcare personnel, and billing office procedures using proper ICD-10-CM and CPT codes.

Throughout their time in the Medical Assisting program at SUNY Erie Community College, students acquire the necessary cognitive, psychomotor and affective learning domain standards to become effective entry-level Medical Assistants and, in their final semester, will have an opportunity to apply their knowledge, skills and abilities at an affiliated clinical site during a 160-hour, off-campus, supervised  Practicum externship experience. This unpaid Practicum Experience will bridge the gap between student and allied healthcare professional and provide an opportunity for practical clinical and administrative experience observing, performing and/or assisting with medical assisting procedures while interacting with other members of the healthcare team. The Medical Assisting Department is not responsible for re-assigning students due to absenteeism and/or non-compliance with Practicum site requirements.

Upon successful program completion, graduates may apply to take the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) national certification examination. Graduates passing this Certified Medical Assistant examination may use the credential CMA (AAMA). Many graduates of the Medical Assisting Program immediately assume positions as Medical Assistants in private physician offices. Others work in various healthcare facilities.

A career in Medical Assisting can provide personal fulfillment and build professional experience while working alongside physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses and other medical assistants, doctors and nurses, they may take patient histories, get vital signs, draw blood, handle specimens, or perform diagnostic tests. Medical Assistants possess the necessary cognitive, psychomotor and affective knowledge, skills and abilities to perform a blend of clinical and administrative procedures and activities and become valued members of the allied heath team. Medical Assistants also schedule appointments, file medical records, and work with insurance companies. Medical Assistants work in numerous ambulatory healthcare settings including medical offices, medical billing and coding departments, and various areas of hospitals, rehab centers, nursing homes and laboratories.

The Medical Assistant is an entry-level healthcare position and is of the few careers in the allied healthcare field that can provide traditional “9-5” hours and/or the flexibility to work around other life obligations. Once a Medical Assistant has gained experience, (s)he may use it as a bridge to other careers by focusing on the aspects that best suit them. Medical Assistants who prefer providing direct patient care may wish to pursue further education in nursing, while those who prefer the administrative aspects of this field may seek to advance their career in heath information technology, healthcare informatics and security, or as an office manager.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook projects a 23% increase in the employment of Medical Assistants from 2018 to 2028; this is much faster than the average anticipated growth rate for all other occupations. The growth of the aging population will continue to increase the demand for preventive medical services, which are often provided by physicians. As a result, physicians will hire more Medical Assistants to perform routine clinical and administrative duties, allowing physicians to see more patients.

Admission Criteria include :

• High school degree or HSE (High School Equivalency)
• Completion of all developmental English and math courses
• Completion of BI 147 & BI 148 (or equivalent courses) within the past 5 years achieving a minimum grade of “C-“
• Minimum college GPA of 2.5 within the last 5 years OR minimum grade of 85% final grade in high school general biology within the past 5 years  

Students must maintain a minimum grade of C in all Medical Assisting (MA) courses and a minimum grade of C- in all other required courses. If minimal grades are not attained  or  if the student has withdrawn (W) from the course, a second failure in a repeated course (a grade below a C in MA courses; or grade below a C- in all other required courses),  or  a second withdrawal (W) from that course will result in dismissal from the Medical Assisting Program. All courses may be repeated only once. 

Because of the critical nature of the profession, deviations from professional conduct may adversely affect the patient’s well-being. Therefore, the department reserves the right to immediately remove the student from didactic, laboratory and clinical course work and/or dismiss that student from the program if the department determines that the student has acted in an unprofessional manner or if the student is unable to provide safe laboratory practices.

Off-Campus Participation

This program requires students to participate in college sponsored off-site activities. According to SUNY policy #3200 (Admissions of Persons with Prior Felony Convictions), SUNY Erie must inquire if a student has a prior felony conviction before the student can participate in any college sponsored off-site activity. Screening may be completed at tinyurl.com/ErieBoxedOut .

Note : Failure to complete this screening will affect the completion of the Medical Assisting program and a felony conviction may impede a student from completing degree requirements, such as the Practicum Experience component required for degree completion and the ability to sit for the CMA (AAMA) examination.

• Lab coats must be worn and all safety protocol followed in all clinical and laboratory courses.
• Students are responsible for providing transportation to off-campus clinical sites assigned for the Practicum Experience to observe and/or perform clinical and administrative skills for 160 hours in a practical setting.
• Student accident insurance is available and highly recommended for part-time students.
• Students who have previously taken a medical terminology course at another institution or who have had experience working in the medical field, may elect to schedule a proficiency test to obtain credit for Medical Terminology I (MA 115) and/ or Medical Terminology II (MA 125). Upon successful passing of the Medical Terminology I (MA 115) proficiency test, the student may elect to take the Medical Terminology II (MA 125) proficiency test. Any interested student should call the Department Secretary at 716-851-1554 to schedule an appointment to take the test.  Note: Students MUST take the proficiency tests PRIOR to attending the respective courses.
• MA courses are integrated and sequenced in a specific manner to enable students to attain program competencies.
• Once accepted into the program, students must complete all Medical Assisting courses within a four-year time period
• For graduation, students must have an overall GPA of 2.0 and a minimum grade of C in all Medical Assisting courses
• Upon completing all required coursework for the Medical Assisting program, students must apply for graduation at www.ecc.edu/graduate
• Earning an Associate of Applied Sciences Degree in Medical Assisting does not constitute certification
• The issuance of an Associate of Applied Sciences Degree in Medical Assisting is not contingent upon passage of any external certification examination
• Graduates of the Medical Assisting Program are eligible to sit for the national Certified Medical Assistant examination sponsored by the American Association of Medical Assistants. Upon passing the certification examination, students will hold the CMA (AAMA) credential.

Medical Assistants deal with the public; therefore, they must be neat, well-groomed and have a courteous, pleasant manner and they must be able to put patients at ease and explain physician instructions. They must respect the confidential nature of medical information.

Clinical and administrative duties require a reasonable level of physical strength, manual dexterity and visual acuity in order to successfully perform required competencies. Medical Assistants are often called upon to multi-task and may have to handle several responsibilities at once.

In order for students to perform the essential functions of the Medical Assisting profession, the Medical Assisting student must meet the essential functions in ALL of the following areas:

• Visual Acuity : The Medical Assisting student must be able to read charts and graphs, discriminate colors, read instrument scales, observe microscopic materials and record results.
• Speech and Hearing : The Medical Assisting student must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively in order to assess both verbal and non-verbal communication and share information with other members of the health care team.
• Observation and Communication : The Medical Assisting student must possess the ability to communicate effectively and read, write and use the English language to communicate detailed information verbally and in writing with individual patients, families, visitors and other members of the healthcare team and complete required medicolegal documentation. Additionally, students must functionally use all senses: vision, touch, hearing, and smell which are essential in assessing patients and maintaining safety.
• Sensory/ Motor Functions : The Medical Assisting student must possess the physical strength and stamina necessary to execute the clinical and administrative tasks delegated to medical assistants, such as obtaining and recording vital signs, manipulating instruments and equipment, preparing patients for physician examination, collecting specimens, performing clinical procedures such as phlebotomy or CLIA-waived laboratory tests, transferring patients, and responding to emergency situations.
• Psychological Stability : The Medical Assisting student must demonstrate the emotional health required for full utilization of the applicant’s intellectual abilities. The student must be able to handle stress and take appropriate actions when emergency situations arise.
• Affective Behaviors : In addition to meeting the safety and technical requirements of the program, Medical Assisting students must also possess emotional stability and flexibility to develop the ability to think critically, exercise sound judgment, function effectively in stressful situations, accept constructive criticism, adapt to change, maintain confidentiality, and demonstrate appropriate behavior toward patients and other members of the healthcare team

The Medical Assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

9355 - 113 th Street North, #7709

Seminole FL 33775-7709

727-210-2350

www.caahep.org

CAAHEP accreditation guidelines require that a procedure be established for determining that the applicants’ or students’ health will permit them to meet the technical standards of the program. In compliance with this provision, a medical health examination is required of all applicants after acceptance to the program. Medical office affiliates require that this health information be current and on file before students are placed for their medical office practicum experiences.

Licensure Compliance Statement

The SUNY Erie Community College Medical Assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB) and its curricula and program of study meets current CAAHEP Standards and Guidelines, MAERB Core Curriculum competency requirements and has been approved by the State University of New York (SUNY) and New York State Education Department (NYSED) to ward an Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS) with a major in Medical Assisting.

Graduates of the SUNY Erie Medical Assisting program are eligible to sit for the national Certified Medical Assistant examination sponsored by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Upon passing the Certification examination, students will hold the CMA (AAMA) credential. Although Scope of Practice laws vary from state to state, the CMA (AAMA) credential has reciprocity in all fifty (50) states.

Health Science Division Student Health Report Form:

The Commission on Accreditation of Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accreditation guidelines require that a procedure be established for determining that the health status of a student will permit them to meet the physical and technical standards of the program. In addition to the immunization documentation required for registration and attendance at SUNY Erie, Medical Assisting students are also required to complete a Health Science Division Student Health Report Form . This form provides documentation of evidence physical examination, that matriculating students are in compliance with this provision and are in good physical and mental health, capable of completing the program requirements. It also provides documentation of following program requirements:

• Most recent PPD and Influenza Vaccine ( MUST be within a year)
• BOTH dates for MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella); (or positive titer results)
• BOTH dates for Varicella Vaccine (Chicken Pox); (or positive titer results)
• All THREE dates for Hepatitis B Vaccine (or positive titer results); (or declination form)
• Most recent Tetanus Vaccine ( MUST be within 10 years)

All students rotating to off-campus clinical sites are required to have this form completed in full and signed by a physician or other qualified representative of the physician office. All vaccination and immunization documentation must include the name and address of who and where the vaccine was ordered and/or administered as well as the date of vaccination. Health Science Division Student Health Report Forms are required to be on file in the Medical Assisting Department prior to the completion of MA 126 coursework, will be reviewed with students in MA 216 in anticipation of MA 223. Student Health Forms must be current in order to participate in the Medical Assisting Practicum Experience.

The college reserves the right to deny progression in the Medical Assisting Program to students who submit incomplete or otherwise unacceptable physical exam reports. Additionally, students will not be eligible to participate in off-campus Practicum rotations without this form and will not graduate.

Upon graduation with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Medical Assisting, the graduate will be able to:

• Describe the structure, function, organization, and common pathologies of the human body with regard to nutrition, infection control and bloodborne pathogens
• Perform administrative skills; including identifying styles and types of applied communications as they relate to medical documentation and computer applications, and maintain records of Accounts Receivable/Payable and supply inventories
• Create and organize electronic medical records in a practice management system, record and retrieve simulated patient data, schedule appointments, create healthcare communication and correspondence, and bill office procedures using proper procedural and diagnostic coding for third party reimbursement
• Recognize the legal implications and ethical considerations of personal and professional ethics regarding the delivery of healthcare
• Demonstrate knowledge of basic and applied mathematics for managing medical business practices and finances, as well as measuring patients and recording vital signs and administering medication
• Perform clinical skills; including phlebotomy, electrocardiography, pulmonary function testing, capillary puncture, and obtaining specimens to perform CLIA waived testing
• Perform professional level CPR skills and first aid procedures for bleeding control, fractures, seizures, shock, syncope, and diabetic patients
• Demonstrate the necessary cognitive, psychomotor and affective learning domain standards and apply appropriate knowledge, skills and abilities consistent with acceptable professional conduct standards while performing clinical and administrative medical assisting procedures, including quality assurance practices in healthcare

 Medical Assisting Program Efficacy

An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is granted to each student who successfully completes all coursework and the Medical Assisting Practicum Experience and is eligible to sit for the national Certified Medical Assistant examination sponsored by the American Association of Medical Assistants. Upon passing the certification examination, students will hold the CMA (AAMA) credential.

CMA (AAMA) Certification Examination Outcomes

The Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB) has established > 60% as the passing outcome threshold for the CMA examination. The chart below reflects the SUNY Erie AAMMA (CMA) Examination outcome results for 2015-2019. Each year, from 2015-2019, the SUNY Erie CMA Examination Pass Rate is above the MAERB threshold. Furthermore, the three-year average SUNY Erie CMA Examination pass rate is 89.4% which is well above the 60% MAERB passing outcome threshold.

Medical Assisting Job Placement Outcomes

As of 2019, Positive job placement rates reflect the number of Medical Assisting graduates employed as a Medical Assistant or in a related field based on  Calendar Year of Graduation . The Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB) has established > 60% as the job placement outcome threshold for all CAAHEP-accredited Medical Assisting Programs. The chart below reflects the SUNY Erie Medical Assisting Graduate Job Placement Rate for 2019 at 86.67% and the average positive placement rate over the past two years for SUNY Erie Medical Assisting graduates is 82.61%, both of which exceed the 60% MAERB threshold.

Prior to 2019, positive job placement rates reflected the number of Medical Assisting graduates employed as a Medical Assistant or in a related field based on  Calendar Year of Admission . Positive job placement rates reflect the number of Medical Assisting graduates employed as a Medical Assistant or in a related field. The Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB) has established > 60% as the job placement outcome threshold for all CAAHEP-accredited Medical Assisting Programs. The chart below reflects the SUNY Erie Medical Assisting Graduate Job placement rate. The three-year average rate for SUNY Erie Medical Assisting Graduate Job Placement from 2015-2017 is 79.5% which exceeds the MAERB threshold.

SUNY Erie offers scholarship opportunities through its Foundation; a complete listing of scholarship opportunities can be found on the college website at ecc.edu/foundation .

Additional Medical Assisting program scholarship information for the Maxine Williams (AAMA) and Dorothy Ross (NYSSMA) scholarships is available from the full-time Medical Assisting Faculty.

Total Degree Credits: 60

First Year, First Semester

• BI 147 - Survey Anatomy and Physiology Credit Hours: 3
• BI 148 - Laboratory for BI 147 Credit Hours: 1
• EG 118 - Basic Emergency Health Care Credit Hours: 2
• EN 100 - Composition I: Rhetorical Strategies Credit Hours: 3
• MA 112 - Medical Law and Ethics Credit Hours: 3
• MA 115 - Medical Terminology I Credit Hours: 3
• MT 112 - Survey of Mathematics Credit Hours: 3

First Year, Second Semester

• CW 100 - Introduction to Public Health Credit Hours: 3
• MA 117 - Medical Administrative Practice I Credit Hours: 2
• MA 119 - Medical Computer Applications I Credit Hours: 2
• MA 125 - Medical Terminology II Credit Hours: 3
• MA 126 - Clinical Office Procedures Credit Hours: 4
• MR 105 - Introduction to Coding, Classification & Reimbursement Systems Credit Hours: 3
• MR 106 - Lab for MR 105 Credit Hours: 1

Second Year, First Semester

• MA 128 - Medical Administrative Practice II Credit Hours: 2
• MA 215 - Electronic Medical Records Management Lab Credit Hours: 1
• MA 216 - Clinical & Laboratory Skills Credit Hours: 3
• MA 217 - Pharmacology Credit Hours: 2
• MA 220 - Medical Computer Applications II Credit Hours: 2
• MA 229 - Professionalism in the Medical Office Credit Hours: 2
• ML 200 - Survey of Clinical Microbiology Credit Hours: 2
• ML 201 - Survey of Clinical Microbiology Lab Credit Hours: 1
• MR 208 - Health Care Reimbursement Credit Hours: 3

Second Year, Second Semester

• MA 221 - MA Seminar Credit Hours: 1 *
• MA 223 - MA Practicum Experience Credit Hours: 2 *
• PS 100 - General Psychology Credit Hours: 3

* Students will work under supervision in an approved physician’s office or health care facility as part of the course requirement. Students shall not receive pay for the externship experience.

NOTE: This is a recommended sequence. Many courses have prerequisites and/or co-requisites. Student should consult his/her academic adviser prior to registering.