Medical Assistance Colleges & Universities


Could Medical Assisting be the Career for You?
A career in medical assisting could be perfect for you if you are caring, enjoy helping others, and want a career with a bright future. In the decade 2008-2018, employment of medical assistants is projected to grow by 34 percent, and by 22 percent for registered nurses.

Nursing degrees and medical assisting degrees provide the training and credentials you need to begin your career and make the most of the opportunities offered by this job growth--applicants with formal training and certification can expect to have an advantage in the job market.

How Are Nursing and Medical Assisting Different?
Nursing involves taking responsibility for treating and communicating with patients under the direction of a physician, surgeon or other senior medical professional. Nurses carry out many tasks that could be done by a medical assistant, but also have a higher level of training and responsibility for treating patients, performing diagnostic tests, administering medication, and operating medical machinery. Registered nurses often specialize in a specific area of healthcare such as pediatric or perioperative. The majority of registered nurses work in hospitals.

Medical assisting involves responsibility for minor medical processes such as taking patients' medical history, recording their vital signs, preparing and sometimes testing laboratory specimens, changing dressings, and removing sutures. Most medical assistants work in physicians' offices or offices of other health practitioners. They often carry out clerical duties such as completing insurance forms, billing, and record-keeping.

Are Medical Assisting Degrees or Nursing Degrees Essential?
Completing a one-year certificate or diploma program, or a two-year associate degree can be an advantage if you are hoping to begin a career in medical assisting, although there are no formal education or training requirements. Registered nurses must complete a formal education program--a bachelor's degree, associate degree, or diploma. They must also pass a national licensing exam.

Medical assisting schools and colleges offer the degree and other training programs you need to begin your medical career, so check out the schools near you today.
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