What You Need to Know About Medical Assistant Online Training Programs

Are ONLINE Medical Assistant Programs Legit?

Many community colleges and vocational training institutions now offer their complete, or partial medical assistant program online, however, potential medical assistant students should NEVER sign up for anything before doing thorough research and asking important questions.

Some websites emphasize that they offer the best medical assistant training online with nationally accredited endorsement for their certified medical assistant program, however, just because it is advertised it doesn't necessarily mean the course is accredited by any of the reputable national accreditors of healthcare schools such as CAAHEP and ABHES, or the Department of Education.

Anyone can set up a so-called medical assistant online program and locate a self-proclaimend accreditation committee and  then, make the claim their course is a certified medical assistant online program and among the best—that doesn't always mean it is true, nor does it guarantee the certificate you will receive is worth the paper it is printed on. At best, you can frame it and hang it on your wall.

What you will get, if that much, is a paper that states that you have completed an online medical assistant course. Good luck with landing a qualified medical assistant position with that and applying for "real" certification with the AAMA or AMT, the recognized authority in medical assistant certification in the USA and abroad. Also, keep in mind that some US states now mandate certification in certain medical specialties and procedures, such as in phlebotomy, X-ray, EKG, and of those who administer physical and IV therapy.

To learn more about the medical assisting career and what a medical assistant does please visit Medical Assistant Net on the Web.

Avoiding Hidden Pitfalls when Delegating Tasks to Medical Assistants

With the increased need to hire medical assistants due to the rough economy and inflation also come certain pitfalls when physicians train their medical assistants on the job to delegate medical tasks and advanced health care procedures that were formerly performed by higher paid licensed nursing and allied health professionals.

With the economy down, all costs and prices increasing everywhere, and energy prices through the roof it also affects the cost of running and maintaining a medical office. Practicing physicians try to lessen the impact of the current inflation on their medical office operational cost by turning toward hiring unlicensed staff, e.g., lesser paid medical assistants or technicians, to delegate responsibilities which historically have been performed by higher-salaried nurses and mid-level providers. While this literally spurs the hiring of more medical assistants it also means that measures must be taken to avoid certain liability issues for the physician and medical assistant alike.

Medical assistants receive on-the-job training to perform administrative and clinical duties, such as patient care and medical tasks and are expected to handle advanced services such as injections, calling-in prescriptions, removing sutures and on-site laboratory screening tests. This trend of hiring medical assistants  to replace nursing staff for less pay is likely to continue as long as inflation and people seeking jobs everywhere remains high.


When a medical assistant receives on-the-job training to perform a medical task, it is good practice that the supervising physician includes a record and description of the training in the personnel file, which should also include clinical skills checklists.

Each item on the checklist should be checked off only after observing the medical assistant perform the task appropriately. Furthermore, the medical assistant's personnel file should include a written job description defining his/her scope of practice and limits of duties.

Then, the specific skills should be periodically revisited, reviewed and reevaluated by to avoid deterioration of this knowledge and prevent errors from seeping in over time. It is equally important to appropriately supervise medical assistants when they perform any kind of hands-on patient care, on site screening tests, call in prescriptions, or administer medications.

The best way to prevent liability issues for doctors who hire and train medical assistants, and medical assistants under their employ is to stay well informed and abreast with current trends.

For more information about training medical assistant students, duties, specialties, certifications and pay visit the Certified Medical Assistant website. This website addresses typical training requirements, challenges, hidden pitfalls, job market trends, future outlook and pay for medical assistants in the USA.

While the above referenced website provides unmatched information for medical assistants not found anywhere else on the Web it cannot answer all questions that may arise. Therefore, another great resource is the State Medical Board/Board of Medical Examiners which regulates the medical profession in each state and the Board of Nursing.

Learn more about medical assistants at Medical Assistant NET on the Web.

Allied Health Institute Launches Chiropractic Technologist Associate of Science Degree Program

NORTH LAUDERDALE, FLA., May 24th, 2011 –
Allied Health Institute, an accredited post secondary school, launched a 16-month Chiropractic Technologist Associate of Science Degree program.


The program is designed to meet a growing need for Chiropractic Technologists nationwide. Because employment of chiropractors is expected to increase 20 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, similar growth is expected in terms of need for Chiropractic Technologists.

“A chiropractic technologist is a paraprofessional serving the chiropractic profession in the capacity of an assistant in the chiropractic office,” said Marvin Merritt who developed the program for Allied Health Institute. ‘The chiropractic technologist could assist in case histories, preliminary portions of the examination, the application of modalities and therapies and the taking and developing of x-rays all under the direct supervision of the attending chiropractic physician. “

The Chiropractic Technologist program provides students with professional training in the field of alternative medicine, focusing on chiropractic. Students are introduced to chiropractic philosophy and principles, anatomy and physiology, nutrition and are provided with an in-depth study of radiologic science.

“Chiropractic is the 3 largest healing art next to allopathic and osteopathic medicine. Where as M.D.'s and D.O's utilize the support skills of the medical assistant in their offices, the D.C.'s will utilize the specific skill set of the chiropractic technologist."

Chiropractic is the third largest healing art next to allopathic and osteopathic medicine. Whereas MDs and DOs utilize the support skills of the medical assistant in their offices, the DCs will utilize the specific skill set of the chiropractic technologist,” said Merritt. “There is an ongoing push by the insurance industry to require all personnel that come in contact with patients in regards to treatment to be certified and has some type of state licensure in order for the provider to receive reimbursement for services rendered. A certified chiropractic technologist would fulfill this requirement.”

The coursework for this program is conducted online and also includes a facility-based clinical training requirement, which provides the student with a hands-on learning experience.

Among the duties performed by the chiropractic technologist include assisting patients with paperwork, examination preliminaries such as height and weight, blood pressure, pulse and respiration and an initial spinal screening. In addition, the chiropractic technologist may be called upon to take and develop x-rays and apply therapies all under the direct supervision of the attending chiropractic physician.

About Allied Health Institute

Allied Health Institute provides quality distance education in high demand job fields in a wide range of healthcare occupations. By utilizing virtual classrooms, students have the flexibility to continue their education from the convenience of their own homes. Most classes are completed entirely online, allowing students great flexibility while receiving support from instructors, peers and student services. Programs that contain clinical training and externships are designed to enhance career skills, providing student with hands-on training and real-life experience.

For more information, call 1-866-251-3244

Teaching Medical Assistants of the Future: Are Medical Assistant Instructors Up for the Task?

What Kinds of Duties Will Medical Assistants Have in 2015?

Either through choice or necessity, more and more adults seek enrollment in secondary vocational programs, postsecondary vocational; vocational or skill-centered curricula. One responsibility that will fall heavily on vocational schools and for medical assistant instructors is keeping up to date. Advances in health care, new discoveries in medicine and technological changes in the workplace can happen quickly and must be followed.

Often we are asked simple questions:
Can a Medical Assistant give injections if he/she isn't certified?
Can a Medical Assistant give injections in _________ (your state)?
Are medical assistants allowed to start or disconnect IVs?
Are medical assistants allowed to give narcotic injections?
Are medical assistants allowed to inject collagen? Botox? Flu Shots?

But what about the more complex skills and skills that are on the brink of discovery? Keeping abreast with the latest changes and discoveries often necessitate changes in the medical office workplace. Preparing the future medical assistant student body for these changes is important and essential for the student's success. If medical assisting teachers cannot anticipate and do not keep current with the latest changes, their vocational training programs quickly become state, outdated and obsolete. As a result their graduates must be retrained, or worse, they cannot find employment.

Teaching Employable Medical Assistants of the Future

In addition, medical assistant school teachers must keep up with workplace trends and customs, for example, men in nontraditional roles and positions in the medical office, medical assistants performing limited x-ray skills, CLIA waived lab procedures, training in specialty fields, electrocardiograms, ophthalmology chair-side assisting, podiatric procedures and starting IV lines.

Their educational activities must be directed toward the preparation of individuals for productive and gainful employment in the medical office, or better ANY and all medical offices. While most state regulations remain vague on the exact role of their practicing medical assistants in their state some states have strict rules with the medical assistant's scope of practice clearly spelled out.

Measurable Occupational Learning Outcome

Although there are several ways to measure learning outcomes, the most common method employed in vocational education is occupational competency testing designed to assess mastery of skills and knowledge found in specific jobs. Learning and building a successful career path never ends. Many medical assistants, in addition to their recognized, certified credentials, are inspired to reach even higher and return back to the classroom to earn an academic degree, such as an A.S. degree in Medical Assisting or a Bachelors in Healthcare Management.

Getting A Medical Assistant Education

Getting a medical assistant education will open up many opportunities:

Professionals in the field get to work alongside doctors and nurses, in settings such as physician's offices and hospitals. The career outlook is great and pay is comparable to that of other highly skilled health care workers.

Medical assistant training is offered at a variety of college throughout the country. The career field appeals to people of all walks of life, and is accessible to anyone no matter what the age. In the past, workers were trained on the job, but with mandated changes in health care guidelines more colleges have worked the program into their curriculum.

Classes for the program include biology, pathophysiology and coding.
Students will also complete a set amount of hours in a clinical setting.
This is usually done towards the end of the curriculum.

Getting Started

Many two-year colleges and technical schools offer the program. Do an internet search to find a local college that has the curriculum. The requirements at each school will vary, but all students need to achieve a high school diploma before applying.

After finding a program schedule a campus visit. This provides an opportunity to see what the school has to offer and learn more about the courses. Speak with an enrollment counselor as they are fully prepared to help students choose a major and set up classes.

The next step is to sign up. Most colleges offer an online application, but the paperwork may also be filled out at the admissions office. Be thorough and do not leave any spaces empty.

During the admission processes a student will likely be required to complete an entrance exam. Some schools require the TEAS exam and others demand the SAT be taken. This information will be discussed during that initial meeting with the guidance counselor. The test serves as an assessment of math and English skills and as a guideline to where each person is with their education. Many colleges offer study groups and tutoring to help students prepare for the examinations.

Financing Your Education

The school will require payment prior to starting the program. Colleges offer a variety of options to students who are struggling to pay for school. Visit the financial aid office to find out about assistance.

Federal aid is one method of financing college. Students can get a Pell Grant, federal loans and state scholarships to help pay for school expenses. A work study option is also available and requires students to work part-time in one of the school's offices.

The deadline to apply for aid is on March 10. Although applications are still accepted after the date, students should apply quickly to receive the maximum benefit amount. Talk to a school counselor to find out more information.

A medical assistant diploma opens many doors for those who graduate the program. No matter what age group or walk of life a student comes from, an individual can gain a lot from the curriculum. Check with a local college to find out more information about training. The career is truly rewarding and the pay is great. It is a great choice for anyone who wants to change their life.

Medical Assistant Training

Teaching Medical Assistant Skills

Medical Assistants must know a wide variety of skills pertaining to medical office administration routines and clinical tasks revolving around patient intake procedures, patient record management, medical history taking, setting up EKG s, spirometry, immunizations, blood draws, charting, measuring orthopedic fittings and such. Some situations may involve bio-hazard risks where Universal Standard Precautions must be practiced to protect themselves, their patients and coworkers from harm.

Medical assistant training programs vary. Most medical assistant training can be completed quickly at a career school or college in your city. Whether you are looking for classroom-based learning, morning, or evening classes, or online courses to suit your busy schedule we can help you find the right medical assistant training program that leads to desired medical assistant certificates and diplomas right here. To find medical assistant training near you complete the School-Finder form. You can browse though your area's vocational training schools, explore various training avenues and request more information from the institutions that interest you.

Medical Assistant On the Job Training vs. Formal Vocational Training

Medical assistant on the job training

Medical Assistant Training Options

Medical assistants can obtain their job skills either though eclectic or individualized teaching at vocational training institutions, from online medical assistant self-study programs, or through direct on the job training. On the job training for medical assistants typically focuses only on the skills that need to be handled. 

Benefits of Either on the Job Training - Or Academic...

The benefit is that this informal training counts as direct hands-on experience, while also getting paid. On the other hand, formal voc-ed training programs provide medical assistant school graduates with a diploma, or transferable academic degree and qualifies them to sit for certain medical assistant certification exams.

Reason for Earning a Medical Assistant Diploma

Vocational Education to earn a Medical Assistant Diploma

"I have noticed that there are a lot of medical assistants that are unemployed due to lack of certification and outdated skills!"

In an effort to document the learning gains for students in secondary and adult full-time vocational programs, states are developing skill standards for given occupations upon which their vocational curricula are based. These standards form the basis for assessing students' entry-level occupational skills, plus their employability skills that are generic to all occupations. The documentation of these skills, eg. through standardized competency testing, final written examinations, and an intern- or externship then provides vocational training program graduates with a diploma to present to potential employers, thus enhancing their ability to gain employment. Medical assistants who have earned a medical assistant diploma will be able to move successfully from one job to another as demanded by the changing competitive market.

Choosing the BEST Medical Assistant Program that's RIGHT for You

Step 1: Decide What's Right for You

Set your goals and follow your heart:

Once you have decided that medical assisting is for you, you will have to find a medical assistant training to learn the trade. Medical assistants work in the front and back office of ambulatory medical clinics, and practices under the direct supervision of a licensed health care practitioner, such as a medical doctor. You will need to know administrative and clinical procedures to help the doctor to keep the work flow of the medical practice running smoothly and reliably.

The best training comes from a local vocational training institution, or community college that offers a Medical Assisting Program. The better schools are those that are those recognized by a branch of the U.S. Department of Education, and accredited by CAAHEP, or ABHES (you can google these acronyms for their definition). 

So, the first thing you'd want to ask is: is the program recognized and approved by those organizations. The next thing you will ask, will I be able to sit for nationally recognized medical assistant certification exams, since your chances of landing the better jobs and better pay are greater when you are certified. After that you can ask, how much will it cost and how long does it take to finish the program.

Step 2: Choose a Program

What to ask when exploring a medical assisting program:

Undoubtedly you will arrive at a point where you will ask: "Can this school be right for me?". Here are additional considerations when choosing a medical assisting program that's right for you. Ask this:

* What is the school's success rate (% graduates)?
* Is the school planning to pursue accreditation status?
* Is the institution licensed by regulatory entity in their state?
* Will I be eligible to sit for national certification exam once I have graduated?
* Will I be able to transfer educational credits earned to other schools?
* Does the program offer clinical training and an externship to solidify learned skills?
* If it is an online program will it help me to advance in my career?
* What are the attendance and early withdrawal rules?
* Will I get a refund should I need to withdraw early?
* Will the school assist me in job placement?

Step 3: Consumer Beware

Look before you leap! Recognize the good from the bad:

What if you want to join an ONLINE medical assistant program? Should you steer clear if that program is NOT accredited by recognized accreditors? 

Well, it is entirely up to you, what your goals are, and what will work best for you financially, and in the long run. Nobody in the USA says that medical assistants cannot work in a medical office, or clinic unless they graduated from an accredited school. Heck, there are thousands of very good medical assistants that were trained right on the job.

However, more and more employers are seeking medical assistants with formal training and certifications primarily as a business strategy and liability reasons.

Having said that, let us assure you that there ARE many legitimate institutions, and cyber-schools that offer quality vocational education programs online that lead to certificates, diplomas, and degrees, which are not necessarily accredited (yet!). Often, they are maintained by a traditional brick-and-mortar campus where related classes are held in a real classroom that is licensed by their local Department of Education (USA). Many of them are in the process of getting their regional accreditation status to attest to their program's quality. And yes, there are institutions, and cyber-schools that choose not to seek accreditation for various reasons. It is entirely your choice, and up to you to do your research and decide which route to take.

To learn more about the medical assisting career please visit Medical Assistant NET on the Web. 

We Need More Protection from For-Profit Education Rip-Offs!

Tell the Obama administration we need more protection from for-profit education rip-offs!

The U.S. Department of Education has proposed new rules to protect students and taxpayers from career education programs that over-charge and under-deliver, but the rules need to be stronger. USA Today praised the Obama Administration for flagging the problem, but called the proposal "feeble" and "too accommodating."

Federal law requires career education programs that receive federal student aid to "prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation." By defining "gainful employment" for the first time, the proposed rules make it possible to enforce this important law.

The for-profit college industry and its highly paid lobbyists are fighting hard to weaken the proposed rules, so exploitative businesses can keep profiting off federal student aid. That's why the Obama administration needs to hear from you today.

Take action and send your comment to the Department of Education!

Example letter:

Dear Jessica Finkel,

Career education programs that receive federal student aid funds must be held accountable for training students for good jobs without saddling them with unmanageable debt. The proposed rules on gainful employment are a good first step, but they should be strengthened to provide more meaningful protection for students and taxpayers starting next year. Ensuring access to affordable higher education is incredibly important for our economy, but for-profit programs that over-charge and under-deliver do more harm than good, and should not be subsidized by taxpayer financed student aid.

Medical Training Provided by the Army!

Top Medical Careers Available in the US Army
The Army has always prided itself on the fact that it provides world class training in a variety of skills. The medical field is no different. As a soldier I have had treatment from what I feel is some of the best medical personnel in the world.

http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/300713/top_medical_careers_available_in_the.html

Warning: Diploma Mills!

When it comes to vocational training, especially online, awareness is the key to successs! If an online post-secondary training program, non-traditional university, or so-called virtual college attended is not legit students may be in for an unpleasant surprise.


Warning: Diploma Mills!!!

People in this day and age are always busy! The daily bump and grind, the hustle and bustle of modern life keeps them on the go and there is never enough time for anything, it seems, even family.

Of course, everybody who has goals in life knows that they need education and training to achieve them. However, busy people with full-time jobs, at-home moms, and those living in remote areas don't always have the time, or the resources to go back to school to begin their new career path. Instead, they seek out web-based courses that are held entirely online to supplement or continue their education, or complete vocational training.

Understandably, single parents, or those with limited transportation, or budgets are also very interested in learning from the convenience of their own home. Because of the tremendous growth in the healthcare industry many wouldn't think twice about taking a medical assisting, medical laboratory technology, and surgical technology programs held completely online.


When It Comes to Vocational Training!

However, when it comes to vocational training, especially in the healthcare industry where theory combined with hands on clinical skills are a must one must be reminded to think twice. If a website promises vocational training completely online to earn a diploma, or degree in just 6-8 weeks, or become a healthcare professional ready to hit the workforce without additional training, or an internship -- then consumer beware! Caution and awareness is always good poliyc to make the right choices when it comes to online education. Just because a program offers a certificate, diploma, or degree for a fee to join doesn't automatically mean it is the right program, or legit. And any job placement assistance that might have been promised may consist of nothing but a copy of doctors listed in the local area's Yellow Pages (if that much!)

This Is Not to Discourage Anybody!

Indeed, there are many excellent distance education programs offered online, including for healthcare professionals. Plenty of people have taken them and achieved great success. However, in their quest for higher education, or specialized vocational training an unaware consumer might encounter “diploma mills” — dubious providers of education that ends in certificates and degrees that are bogus, and "accreditation-mills" that are considered worthless.



Council of Higher Education Accreditation Warns about Diploma and Accreditation Mills!

Certificates from diploma mills aren't worth the effort, time, money, or the paper they are printed on. Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)specifically warns about diploma- and accreditation mills! See: http://www.chea.org/pdf/fact_sheet_6_diploma_mills.pdf

CHEA also published a monograph that describes the scope and impact of distance learning on higher education. It identifies the primary challenges that distance learning poses for accreditation and describes the thoughtful and comprehensive response to date of the accrediting community to assure quality in distance learning. See: http://www.chea.org/Research/Accred-Distance-5-9-02.pdf

One important aspect to consider when selecting an online learning program is the school's reputation. The school must be honest and credible in their dealings with the public, have a clean record and should be accredited and approved by the right organization!

The U.S. Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), the only agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a institutional and specialized accreditor for healthcare education and training says the same: Accreditation by ABHES signifies that the institution or program has met the eligibility criteria and evaluation standards of ABHES and complies with the policies and procedures for maintenance of accreditation as established by ABHES. See: http://www.abhes.org/


Awareness is the Key!

Although proper accreditation is one of a number of important considerations when selecting an education or training program, there also are legitimate institutions that offer vocational education programs that are NOT (yet) accredited; but they are at least licensed by their local Department of Education. These institutions go through a rigorous review process by a commission of state elected officials who verify that the school meets a set standard and criteria. Online courses are not accredited or approved by the board of education unless they truly meet or exceed established national standards. The application process for reviews and approval is tedious and lengthy! Only the best programs achieve accreditation. Institutions that went through the process and are approved will always have their program's accreditation status visibly posted on their Web site and online course catalogs.

It is the presence of a number of certain features taken together that should signal that this might be a “mill.” Web page advertisements that contain text, images, seals and any profound sounding designations to proclaim that a school and their programs are accredited may contain words such as approved, accredited, accreditation pending, authorized, chartered, licensed, empowered, sponsored, recognized and registered.

Web sites that feature such ads should be critically examined to determine whether these claims are merely common catch phrases, or the assertions are legit.

Those whose goal is proper vocational training to receive a much desired promotion, or to achieve educational goals that will allow them advance into a new position or career must graduate from courses that are licensed and recognized not just by any, but by the RIGHT organizations.



What are Things to Look for?

Use common sense!!! It is always a good idea, before joining an online program, to get in touch with the provider of the courses to ask questions. One should also contact the accrediting organization to find out whether a program is truly legitimately accredited by them. It's also a way to confirm the quality of the online training program. ABHES has put together a great resource of helpful links titled Allied Health & Career Education Resources for Post-Secondary Institutions on their website.



In Closing Some Final Advice!

Remember this: that online post-secondary training providers, non-traditional universities, and so called virtual colleges that offer distance learning programs have different licensing and accreditation standards than the traditional brick-and-mortar universities, colleges and vocational training institutions. They may be great courses for many but always make sure they meet your specific goals.

Another great article is at Wired News titled: Down by the Diploma Mills Stream.

© 2006 Danni R./Advanced Medical Assistant Custom Web Design, LLC.

A Word of Caution Before Signing up For Distance Education and Training

Distance education and online training over the Internet fills a vital gap in the education field for non-traditional students, and provides e-learners with convenience, flexibility, and the ability to study anywhere, any time without being on campus. The majority of the students that seek training through virtual schools online are around 35 years old, work at full-time jobs, and two-thirds have family responsibilities. Important is to realize that online programs are not always accredited or legit.

Internet Scams
The Internet is known for many different types of scams. Sometimes, if not careful, the certificate or diploma distance education learners receive is not even worth the paper it is printed on and the time and money invested was wasted. Online training providers, non-traditional universities, and colleges who offer virtual and distance learning programs have different accreditation standards. It is important to recognize the difference between legitimate and fully accredited vs. illegitimate and non-accredited correspondence schools before signing up for any distance education courses or programs.

© 2005 Advanced Medical Assistant Custom Web Design, LLC. All rights reserved.