Medical Aide Education Requirements and Training Info
Medical aides, who are also called medical assistants, perform clinical and administrative duties that keep medical offices running smoothly and efficiently. Preparation for a career in medical assisting includes on-the-job training, postsecondary schooling and volunteer experience.
Education Requirements for Medical Aides
Postsecondary Education
Medical aides, or medical assistants, are not required to seek postsecondary training; however, formal training is preferred by most employers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Certificate, diploma and associate degree programs in medical assisting focus on topics such as anatomy, pharmacology, diagnostic procedures, first aid and medical terminology. Students also take business courses in accounting, office administration, medical transcription, typing and bookkeeping. Aspiring medical aides who haven't completed a postsecondary program should have taken high school classes in science, math, keyboarding and computer applications.
Training Information for Medical Aides
On-the-job Training and Volunteer Experience
On-the-job training for medical aides consists of supervised work and training sessions that last a few months. New aides may be assigned a mentor who supervises aides' work and provides feedback. Aspiring medical aides can gain experience by volunteering at medical centers.
Certification
Though not required, certification shows that a medical aide's skills meet industry standards. Certification is available through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
Graduating from a medical assisting program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) is prerequisite for AAMA certification. First-time applicants must also provide their college transcripts. The AAMA certification exam is administered by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants. Under the AAMA guidelines, certified medical aides are required to renew their certification every five years.
Certified medical aides can recertify by taking the certification exam again or by completing continuing education. They are also required to maintain CPR certification. CPR certification courses are offered by the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association.
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24 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Master
- Bachelor
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Associate
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- AAS in Medical Assisting
- AS in Health Science
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
- Currently not accepting applications from Texas residents
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Master
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- MBA Dual Concentration: Healthcare Management and Project Management
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- MBA Dual Concentration: Healthcare Management and Public Safety Leadership
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- Bachelor
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Associate
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- AS in Medical Assisting
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- Non-Degree
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must live within close proximity to school locations
- Must be graduated from high school by 2011
School locations:
- Arizona (1 campus)
- Florida (3 campuses)
- Georgia (1)
- New Jersey (1)
- New York (4)
- Ohio (1)
- Pennsylvania (1)
- Texas (3)
Classroom-Based Programs
- Associate
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Non-Degree
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- Certificate in Medical Assistant
- Certificate in Medical Assisting Bilingual Version (English/Spanish) Medical Assistant
- Certificate in Medical Assisting Specialist
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- Diploma in Medical Assistant
- Diploma in Medical Assistant (Weekend Spanish Version)
- Diploma in Medical Assistant Bilingual (Spanish/English)
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- California (1 campus)
- Colorado (1)
- Minnesota (1)
- Texas (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Master
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- MS in Health Services Management
- Bachelor
- Associate
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Distance Learning Programs
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Non-Degree
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- Undergraduate Certificate in General Studies (Medical Assistants)
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Florida (5 campuses)
- Georgia (1 campus)
- Michigan (3)
- New York (1)
- Oregon (1)
- Pennsylvania (1)
Classroom-Based Programs
- Bachelor
- Associate
- Non-Degree
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate.
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Master
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- Master of Science in Education - Allied Health Teaching and Leadership
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Bachelor
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- BS in Health Science
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 21 years of age or older and have completed some college or 24 years of age or older and a high school graduate for a Bachelor's degree
- Masters degree applicants must have a Bachelors degree
- Doctorate degree applicants must have a Masters degree
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Doctorate
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Bachelor
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- BS in Health Studies - General
- BS in Health Studies - Health Management
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must have either two or more years of college or active military status if you are under 24 years of age
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
