What is a Medical Assistant?

A medical assistant is a healthcare professional who performs a variety of administrative and clinical tasks in a medical setting, such as a doctor's office, clinic, or hospital. Their responsibilities may include scheduling appointments, managing patient records, taking vital signs, assisting with examinations, and administering basic medical procedures. Medical assistants play a crucial role in supporting healthcare providers and ensuring the smooth operation of a medical practice.

Training Requirements for Medical Assistants in Philadelphia

To become a medical assistant in Philadelphia, individuals typically need to complete a formal training program, which can be found at various vocational schools, community colleges, and technical institutes throughout the city. These programs usually take between 9 and 12 months to complete and cover a range of topics, including medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical office procedures, and clinical skills.

The Fastest Path to Becoming a Medical Assistant in Philadelphia

For those seeking a more expedited path to becoming a medical assistant in Philadelphia, some schools offer accelerated programs that can be completed in as little as 6 months. These intensive programs focus on the core competencies required for the role and provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam, a nationally recognized certification.

Examples of Medical Assistant Schools in Philadelphia

1. Community College of Philadelphia: The Community College of Philadelphia offers a Medical Assistant Certificate program that can be completed in 9 months. The program covers topics such as medical terminology, clinical procedures, and administrative duties. Tuition for the program is approximately $5,000, and applicants must have a high school diploma or GED.

2. Peirce College: Peirce College, located in the heart of Philadelphia, provides a Medical Assistant Associate's Degree program that can be completed in 2 years. The program includes coursework in medical assisting, medical coding and billing, and general education. Tuition for the program is around $25,000, and applicants must meet the college's admission requirements.

3. Harcum College: Harcum College, a private institution in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania (just outside of Philadelphia), offers a Medical Assistant Certificate program that can be completed in 12 months. The program covers topics such as medical office procedures, clinical skills, and pharmacology. Tuition for the program is approximately $18,000, and applicants must have a high school diploma or GED.

4. Antonelli College: Antonelli College, located in Philadelphia, provides a Medical Assistant Diploma program that can be completed in 9 months. The program covers topics such as medical terminology, medical office administration, and clinical procedures. Tuition for the program is around $16,000, and applicants must meet the college's admission requirements.

Exploring a Career in Medical Assistant Outside Philadelphia

For those inspired to become a Medical Assistant but living in a different state, achieving your ambition is still very much a possibility. You could explore becoming a Medical Assistant in Akron, Fresno, Louisville/Jefferson County, Sacramento, Stockton. And if you're not near any of these, Dreambound is here to assist by offering an easy way to find and compare Medical Assistant classes by entering your zip code. With the right mindset and resources like Dreambound, starting a career in healthcare is possible from any place.

Online Medical Assistant Programs in Philadelphia

In addition to traditional on-campus programs, there are also several online medical assistant programs available to residents of Philadelphia. These programs offer the flexibility and convenience of distance learning, allowing students to complete their coursework at their own pace and from the comfort of their own homes. Some examples of online medical assistant programs that are accessible to Philadelphians include those offered by Penn Foster College and Purdue University Global.

Free Medical Assistant Training Options in Philadelphia

While most medical assistant programs in Philadelphia come with a tuition cost, there are a few free or low-cost options available to residents. The Philadelphia Workforce Development Corporation, for instance, offers a free Medical Assistant Training Program that provides participants with the necessary skills and certifications to work as a medical assistant. Additionally, some local community organizations and nonprofits may offer free or discounted medical assistant training opportunities.

The Certification Process for Medical Assistants in Philadelphia

In Pennsylvania, medical assistants are not required to be certified, but many employers prefer or even require candidates to hold a recognized certification, such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential from the American Medical Technologists (AMT). To obtain these certifications, individuals must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as clinical procedures, administrative duties, and medical ethics.

The Job Environment for Medical Assistants in Philadelphia

Philadelphia's robust healthcare industry provides ample employment opportunities for medical assistants. Potential employers include hospitals, outpatient clinics, physician's offices, and other medical facilities throughout the city. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Philadelphia metropolitan area employs a significant number of medical assistants, with a mean annual wage of around $38,270 as of 2022.

Some of the largest employers of medical assistants in Philadelphia include:

• University of Pennsylvania Health System
• Jefferson Health
• Main Line Health
• Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
• Abington Jefferson Health

Final Thoughts

Philadelphia's thriving healthcare landscape and diverse educational offerings make it an attractive destination for those interested in pursuing a career as a medical assistant. With a variety of training programs, both on-campus and online, as well as the potential for free or low-cost options, aspiring medical assistants in the City of Brotherly Love have ample opportunities to gain the necessary skills and certifications to succeed in this rewarding field. By taking advantage of the resources available in Philadelphia, individuals can embark on a fulfilling career path as a medical assistant and contribute to the city's vibrant healthcare ecosystem.

If you're considering a career shift or curious about different professional paths, Dreambound has written many guides to help you in making informed decisions. Here are a few:

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