Medical Assistant Education

Can you see yourself using medical terms and wearing scrubs? Does the thought of working side-by-side with a physician or nurse sound exciting? Maybe this career could be for you!

As a UMA medical assistant student, you’ll learn how to take vital signs, collect specimens and blood samples, assist physicians and nurses, prepare exam rooms and more. If playing an important role in the day-to-day tasks of providing healthcare services sounds interesting to you, we’d like to talk to you about it.

What’s the difference between a degree and a diploma?

In some cases, people with a diploma and people with a degree may apply for the same job in this field. A diploma program takes less time to complete and is a smaller investment than a degree program. A diploma could mean less earning potential than a degree.1 A degree requires more coursework and may be seen as a more substantial accomplishment in the eyes of a potential employer. UMA students who earn a diploma in this program may choose to continue their education at UMA and upgrade their credential to a degree in this field.

UMA students often start with a diploma because it gets them trained faster and may help them enter the workforce sooner. Once they are employed, they may return to UMA to apply their diploma coursework toward an associate degree in this field.

Real-world experience through an externship.

Students enrolled in this program receive 220 hours of hands-on experience under the supervision of a professional in a local medical office or clinic. This includes learning a variety of day-to-day tasks that may be common for this career field. Some externships have led to an employment opportunity for the participating student. All UMA externships are unpaid.

Helping you prepare for the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam.

After you graduate, you’ll be prepared to take the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam. If you meet eligibility requirements and pass this exam, you’ll become certified which can help you stand out as an applicant. This certification is considered an addition to the career training you receive at UMA and is not required to graduate. Ultimate Medical Academy has a team in place, ready to help you focus on exam-relevant material and tutor you in areas where you might need extra help.

Job outlook for medical assistant.

Medical assistant graduates can go on to positions as a medical assistant or medical office assistant. Working environments include physician’s offices, clinics, blood banks and more. This career field is projected to grow 29% from 2012 to 2022.