How Long Is the Medical Assistant Program at Fortis College?
The Medical Assistant program at Fortis College typically takes around 9 to 12 months to complete, offering a relatively quick path to entering the healthcare field. This duration can vary slightly depending on the specific campus and program structure.
Understanding the Medical Assistant Role
The medical assistant profession is a vital component of the modern healthcare team. Medical assistants perform a wide range of tasks, both administrative and clinical, ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of medical offices and clinics. Their responsibilities often include:
- Taking patient histories and vital signs
- Preparing patients for examinations and procedures
- Assisting physicians during examinations and procedures
- Administering injections and medications (as allowed by state regulations)
- Performing basic laboratory tests
- Scheduling appointments and managing patient records
- Handling billing and insurance procedures
A skilled and knowledgeable medical assistant is crucial for providing quality patient care and supporting healthcare providers.
Benefits of Pursuing a Medical Assistant Program
Choosing to pursue a medical assistant program at Fortis College, or any accredited institution, offers numerous benefits:
- Career Advancement: Provides a direct pathway to entry-level positions in the healthcare field, offering opportunities for growth and specialization.
- Job Security: The demand for medical assistants is projected to grow significantly in the coming years, offering excellent job security.
- Relatively Short Training Period: Compared to other healthcare professions, the program is shorter, allowing for a quicker entry into the workforce.
- Variety of Work Settings: Medical assistants can find employment in a variety of settings, including physician’s offices, hospitals, clinics, and specialized medical centers.
- Making a Difference: Medical assistants play a vital role in patient care, contributing directly to the well-being of others.
What to Expect in the Medical Assistant Program at Fortis College
The Medical Assistant program at Fortis College is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the field. The curriculum typically includes:
- Medical Terminology: Learning the language of medicine.
- Anatomy and Physiology: Understanding the structure and function of the human body.
- Clinical Procedures: Mastering essential clinical skills, such as taking vital signs, administering injections, and assisting with examinations.
- Administrative Procedures: Developing skills in scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and handling billing and insurance.
- Laboratory Procedures: Gaining experience in performing basic laboratory tests.
- Externship: Completing a hands-on externship in a real-world medical setting.
The program typically combines classroom instruction with hands-on laboratory training, preparing students for the demands of the profession. This combination helps in solidifying the learning and making it more practical.
The Importance of Accreditation
When choosing a medical assistant program, it is crucial to ensure that the institution is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency. Accreditation signifies that the program meets certain standards of quality and rigor. Graduating from an accredited program is often a requirement for certification and employment. Fortis College’s Medical Assistant program is often accredited; however, you should always verify the current accreditation status with the specific campus you are interested in.
Factors Influencing Program Length
How Long Is the Medical Assistant Program at Fortis College? As mentioned, it typically takes 9-12 months. However, the precise length of the Medical Assistant program at Fortis College can be influenced by several factors:
- Campus Location: Different Fortis College campuses may have slightly different program structures.
- Course Scheduling: The availability of day, evening, and weekend classes can affect the overall completion time.
- Individual Progress: A student’s ability to keep up with the coursework and successfully complete the externship may impact the timeline.
It is essential to check with the specific Fortis College campus you are interested in to confirm the program length and scheduling options.
Cost Considerations
The cost of the Medical Assistant program at Fortis College can vary depending on the campus and the specific program. In addition to tuition fees, students may also need to budget for:
- Textbooks and course materials
- Uniforms
- Medical supplies
- Certification exam fees
Financial aid options, such as grants and loans, may be available to help students cover the cost of the program. Students are encouraged to speak with a financial aid advisor to explore their options.
Certification and Job Opportunities
Upon completion of the Medical Assistant program at Fortis College, graduates are typically eligible to sit for a national certification exam, such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam offered by American Medical Technologists (AMT). Certification can significantly enhance employment opportunities.
Common job titles for medical assistant graduates include:
- Medical Assistant
- Clinical Medical Assistant
- Administrative Medical Assistant
- Medical Secretary
Maintaining Certification
Once certified, medical assistants are typically required to maintain their certification by completing continuing education requirements on a regular basis. This ensures that they stay up-to-date on the latest medical advancements and best practices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Medical Assistant program at Fortis College offered online?
While Fortis College offers some online programs, the Medical Assistant program is typically a hands-on program that requires in-person attendance for clinical skills training and laboratory work. Check with your specific campus to verify their exact format and availability of online components.
How much does the Medical Assistant program at Fortis College cost?
The cost of the Medical Assistant program varies by campus. It’s best to contact the admissions department at the specific Fortis College location you are interested in to obtain the most accurate information regarding tuition and fees.
What are the admission requirements for the Medical Assistant program?
Typically, admission requirements include a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Some campuses may also require an entrance exam or interview. It’s essential to check the specific admission requirements for the campus you are applying to.
Is financial aid available for the Medical Assistant program?
Financial aid options are generally available for eligible students. Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and speak with a financial aid advisor to explore their options, which may include grants, loans, and scholarships.
What kind of career opportunities are available after graduating?
Graduates can find employment in a variety of healthcare settings, including physician’s offices, hospitals, clinics, and specialized medical centers. Common job titles include Medical Assistant, Clinical Medical Assistant, and Administrative Medical Assistant.
Does the program include an externship?
Yes, a clinical externship is typically a required component of the Medical Assistant program at Fortis College. The externship provides students with valuable hands-on experience in a real-world medical setting.
What skills will I learn in the Medical Assistant program?
You’ll learn both administrative and clinical skills, including taking vital signs, administering injections, assisting with examinations, scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and handling billing and insurance procedures.
Is the Medical Assistant program accredited?
While Fortis College may hold accreditation, you must verify that the specific Medical Assistant program you are interested in is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency. Accreditation is important for certification and employment opportunities.
What is the difference between a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)?
Both CMA and RMA are respected certifications for medical assistants. The CMA exam is offered by the AAMA, while the RMA exam is offered by AMT. The requirements for each exam may vary.
Does Fortis College offer job placement assistance after graduation?
Many Fortis College campuses offer career services and job placement assistance to graduates. This may include resume writing workshops, interview preparation, and job search resources.
What is the typical day like for a medical assistant?
A medical assistant’s day can vary depending on the work setting. It generally includes a mix of clinical and administrative tasks, such as greeting patients, taking vital signs, assisting with examinations, scheduling appointments, and managing patient records.
How often does Fortis College start new Medical Assistant program cohorts?
The frequency of new program start dates varies by campus. Contact the admissions department at your desired Fortis College location to inquire about the upcoming start dates for the Medical Assistant program. This helps to plan your enrollment properly and schedule accordingly.