Medical Assistant Programs in Tampa FL
Medical Assistant Programs in Tampa FL: Tampa is a city in Florida, USA that is known for its beaches and a large number of medical assistants. It is also home to several colleges that offer accredited Medical Assistant programs. In this article, we will discuss the requirements to become a certified medical assistant in Tampa FL and outline accredited programs offered by Sarasota School of Massage Therapy, CareerSource Pinellas County – CareerConnections Center and West Central Florida Community College.
Contents
What is a Medical Assistant?
In addition to administrative duties, medical assistants perform clinical duties such as monitoring patient status, ensuring the cleanliness of examination rooms and equipment, collecting biological specimens and preparing them for testing. Medical assistants also assist healthcare providers during examinations or procedures by passing instruments or assisting with the application of dressings and casts.
Medical assistants may work in the offices of physicians who specialize in many areas of medicine including pediatrics (childhood diseases), ophthalmology (eye disorders), psychiatry (mental disorders) or surgery. They may also be employed by hospitals where they provide basic nursing services under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs).
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Requirements for Medical Assistants in Tampa
A high school diploma or equivalent is the minimum requirement for a medical assistant in Tampa. However, some employers may prefer candidates with some college education or experience in the field.
Certification is not required for entry-level jobs as a medical assistant, but it is highly recommended. The National Healthcareer Association offers a certification exam that covers basic knowledge on how to use office equipment and procedures and how to work with patients. This exam can be taken by mail or online. The American Association of Medical Assistants provides three levels of certification: Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA).
Outline of CAAHEP Accredited MA Programs in Tampa, Florida
The following list includes accredited medical assistant programs in Tampa, Florida. These programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), so they meet national standards for quality education in the healthcare industry.
Additionally, several of the schools below offer programs specifically tailored to address an area or type of medicine or patient population:
- Programs that focus on pediatrics and/or geriatrics
- Programs that focus on women’s health care, including OB-GYN and gynecology (GYN) services * Programs that focus on mental health and behavioral health services, such as psychological services for people with depression or anxiety disorders
- Programs that focus on cardiac care, including heart failure management and pacemaker insertion procedures
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How to Become a Certified Medical Assistant in Tampa, Florida
To become a certified medical assistant in Tampa, Florida, you must first take a CAAHEP accredited medical assistant program. Then you can apply for a job as a medical assistant and work toward certification as one.
After completing an accredited program, you’ll be required to pass the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). This test allows you to demonstrate your knowledge of basic administrative duties relevant to helping out in a doctor’s office or hospital setting. You can also pursue specialty certification if it interests you; for example, some employers prefer their assistants to have clinical certifications if they are going to be interacting with patients on an ongoing basis.
Once certified, it is important that all CMAs stay up-to-date on changes in the field by taking continuing education courses approved by AAMA or other accreditation agencies such as Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education or Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA).
List of Medical Assistant Programs in Tampa FL
Everest University-Brandon
Everest University-Brandon is a private, for-profit college with its main campus located in Tampa, FL. It has an open admissions policy, which means that any student who applies to Everest University-Brandon can start classes at the institution. The school offers a 2-year associate’s degree program in medical assisting that qualifies graduates to sit for the national certification exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
Everest University-Brandon also has campus locations in Brandon and Wesley Chapel, FL; as well as online programs available through its Virtual Campus for students who prefer that learning environment.
Evins Regional Juvenile Center
- The Evins Regional Juvenile Center
- Located in Tampa, FL
- Programs offered include: Medical and Health Services Certificate, Certified Medical Assistant
- Contact information: (813) 968-4100
- Tuition and fees: $4,000 for full-time students, $1,800 for part-time students
- Scholarships and financial aid available. Contact the school directly for more information. The length of the program is 25 weeks (900 hours). Admission requirements vary by program; visit their website or contact them directly to inquire about yours. You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED equivalent to be eligible for admission into this program. Campus location: 3330 W Columbus Dr Tampa, Florida 33619 Student services include tutoring, career counseling services and academic advising
Fortis College-Centerville
Fortis College-Centerville is a for-profit college located in Centerville, Ohio. Fortis College-Centerville is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), which is an accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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Fortis College-Jacksonville
Fortis College-Jacksonville is a for-profit college located in Jacksonville, FL. The school has an open admission/open enrollment policy and offers bachelor’s degree programs. Fortis College-Jacksonville awards certificates, diplomas, and associate’s degrees in the following fields:
- Administrative medical assisting
- Medical assistant
The typical student at Fortis College-Jacksonville is female, aged 24 or older and has some college education. Students can take courses online or on campus at the Fort Calhoun Road campus (see below).
Fortis Institute-Winter Park
Fortis Institute-Winter Park
Address: 1120 W Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Phone Number: (407) 659-4351
Fortis Institute-Miami
Fortis Institute-Miami is located at 1755 NW 75th Ave, Miami, FL 33126. Their phone number is (305) 892-7200. Their website is http://www.fortis.edu/miami/.
This training program will prepare you for a career as a medical assistant in Florida. The coursework includes clinicals at local hospitals and healthcare facilities where students can apply their skills under supervision from experienced professionals. Students must also pass the AAMA certification exam to become certified as a Certified Medical Assistant upon graduation from this program
Galen College of Nursing – Tampa Bay
Galen College of Nursing – Tampa Bay
- Address: 4200 E. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, FL 33610-4018
- Phone Number: (813) 868-7171
Herzing University-Kenner
Herzing University-Kenner
Herzing University is a private, non-profit school located in Kenner, LA. It has an open admissions policy and has been accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges at its main campus since 1983. Herzing University offers programs in healthcare to students seeking career advancement and personal growth.
The program offered by Herzing University enables students to learn about the field through hands on training that simulates real world scenarios which can be applied immediately after graduation when they pursue their careers as medical assistants. The coursework takes four semesters with each semester lasting 16 weeks including an 8 week internship during the last semester.
Hodges University
Located in St. Petersburg, Florida, Hodges University is a private, non-profit, co-educational university. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a variety of subjects including business, education and nursing.
The Bachelor of Science in Medical Assisting program at Hodges University prepares students to become competent medical assistants that are able to take vital signs; prepare patients for examination and treatment; distribute medications within licensed guidelines; maintain patient confidentiality; follow proper procedures for preparing instruments and equipment used during examinations or procedures; organize files and records according to established standards of practice; maintain stock inventory levels according to established policies/procedures; maintain cleanliness of exam rooms, file areas, etc.; identify equipment needed for specific tasks related to their area(s) of specialization such as x-ray department or lab workstation areas (e.g., phlebotomy).
Students who complete the program will learn how to communicate effectively with patients through verbal communication skills as well as written documentation techniques necessary when working with different types of healthcare professionals such as doctors or nurses at hospitals or clinics.
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ITT Technical Institute-West Palm Beach
ITT Technical Institute-West Palm Beach offers a variety of programs. The school offers certificates, diplomas and associate degrees in the following fields:
- Medical Administrative Assistant
- Dental Assisting
- Pharmacy Technician (Pharmacy Technology)
- Surgical Technology
Tuition for the Medical Assistant Program at ITT Technical Institute-West Palm Beach is $15,200 per year. You can find out more about their tuition by visiting their website or asking them directly via phone call or email. Please note that every college charges different rates of tuition based on state residency, dorms used (if any), book list and other factors.
ITT Technical Institute-Daytona Beach
- ITT Technical Institute-Daytona Beach
- 1020 International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114.
- for-profit institution
ITT Technical Institute-Fort Lauderdale
- ITT Technical Institute-Fort Lauderdale
- Location: 1701 S. University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33322; 877-848-5394
- Cost: $1,250-$1,400 per month for a 12-month program. Financial aid is available.
- Programs offered: Medical Assisting Diploma/Certificate Program; Medical Administrative Assistant Diploma/Certificate Program (NAACLS Certified); Medical Billing & Coding Certificate Program; Phlebotomy Technician Certificate Program. All programs take about nine months to complete. Courses include Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Basic Mathematics for Clinical Professionals, Introduction to Healthcare Information Systems (ECDL), Introduction to Business Concepts for Medical Assistants (EKCEP), Introduction to Electronic Health Records Documentation (ECDL). Additional courses are also available depending on the level of training desired by the student after graduation from the medical assistant program at ITT Technical Institute in Fort Lauderdale Florida.* Facilities include a networked computer lab equipped with software designed specifically for medical assisting practice such as Microsoft Office Suite 2007 Applications (Outlook Express e-mail client). In addition there are multiple classrooms where students learn technical skills necessary before entering into clinical rotations within their field of interest.* Admission requirements vary by state so check out your state’s requirements here before applying at www wwwitttechcollege
ITT Technical Institute-Jacksonville
ITT Technical Institute-Jacksonville
Address: 3240 Kings Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32218
Phone: (904) 723-5333
Website: http://www.itt-tech.edu/locations/jacksonville-fl
ITT Technical Institute-Miami
- Location: Miami, FL
- Accreditation: Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)
- Undergraduates Served: 2,000+
- Graduate Students Served: 1,000+
ITT Technical Institute-Miami is an accredited school that offers several programs to help students grow their skills in the medical assistant field. The school has been in business since 1985 and was originally founded by John McClelland as International Training Technologies, which later became ITT Technical Institutes. The school offers both online courses and traditional courses at their campus in Miami.
ITT Technical Institute-Orlando
- ITT Technical Institute-Orlando
- Address: 1701 W. Princeton St., Orlando, FL 32805
- Telephone: (407) 628-4100
- Website: www.itt-tech.edu
Keiser Career College – Miami Lakes Campus
Address: 1600 NW 112th Avenue, Miami Lakes, FL 33178
Phone Number: (305) 599-8777
Hours of operation: Monday through Thursday from 6 am to 10 pm, and Friday from 6 am to 8 pm. There is no weekend or evening hours for this program.
Programs offered include: Medical Assistant (Gainesville Campus), Medical Assistant (Miami Lakes Campus)
Tuition costs range from $12,500 to $15,000 per year.
Admission Requirements include completing a high school diploma or GED certificate; passing the HESI Admission Assessment test; having 2 years of documented work experience in an allied health field; having current CPR certification at American Heart Association Healthcare Provider level; being able to pass a criminal background check; having reliable transportation to/from class each day; and not being enrolled in another accredited program during enrollment into the Keiser Career College program. You will also need official transcripts from all colleges you have previously attended as well as proof that you are eligible for federal student loans (if applicable).
Advantages of Medical Assistant Programs
Faster Time to Completion
The medical assistant program is accelerated, flexible, and convenient. It can be completed online at a pace that works for you. You can complete the program in as little as six months!
Stronger Job Prospects
- Job opportunities are increasing.
- Job security is high.
- Median salary of $50,000.
Increased Earning Potential
As the medical industry continues to grow and evolve, there are more and more opportunities for qualified medical assistants to work in the field. As a result, the average salary for this position is $34,000—a significant increase from what it was just 20 years ago. To put that into perspective: In 1999 (the first year on record), the average annual wage was closer to $20,000.
How much can you earn if you complete an associate’s program? According to Payscale data, your earning potential will depend largely on where you live; however, graduates of programs in New York City have reported an average starting salary of $35k and top-earners making upwards of $70k per year within a few years of graduating their program.
Key Programs that Lead to High Demand Careers
To help you decide which medical assistant program is right for you, we’ll outline some of the most popular programs that lead to high-demand careers.
Medical assistant programs are ideal for students who want to work in a variety of settings and eventually advance their medical career by becoming a licensed medical professional.
Medical billing and coding programs prepare students with the skills needed to code insurance claims and bill patients at hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. These courses provide opportunities for current medical assistants who are looking for more specialized roles in the field or those who have completed an associate’s degree but wish to further specialize in coding procedures.
Medical insurance courses offer students the opportunity to learn about health insurance plans provided by employers and third party payers as well as how they apply them properly when working within different types of businesses including hospitals or physician offices where they can use this information while assisting patients with their coverage plans or even enrolling new ones into their specific benefits package at work places like these two examples above mentioned here today! This type of education will give anyone interested in pursuing such a career path all they need to know about how things work before making any decisions moving forward so that their decision making process becomes easier overall.”
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Check out options for programs with above average salaries and job growth to make a change in your career!
While the job growth rate of medical assistant programs is good, it’s not as great as some other occupations. For example, general and operations managers have a 100% job growth rate, so that might be something to consider if you want a job with above average salary and growth in your future.
If you’re thinking about making a change in your career or looking at options for programs with above average salaries and job growth, look at the following statistics:
- The average salary of all jobs (including those without formal education). This will help you understand what kind of salary range you should expect when entering into the workforce. A larger number means more money!* The average salary for your current job.* The average salary for your dream job.* The average salary for medical assistant programs across all colleges/universities (not just this one).