10 Best Medical Assistant Programs in New York | 2024

Discover the best Medical Assistant programs in New York. Learn more about their nuances as we explore their prerequisites, requirements, salary expectations after graduation, and more.

What Is a Medical Assistant Program?

A Medical Assistant program in New York is a comprehensive educational pathway designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge required to excel in the medical assisting field. These programs blend theoretical learning with practical training, preparing students for a dynamic role in healthcare settings.

Medical Assistant Coursework

Key components of the curriculum typically include:

• Anatomy and Physiology: Understanding the human body's structure and function is crucial. This module provides foundational knowledge about bodily systems and their interrelations.
• Medical Terminology: Familiarity with medical jargon is vital. This course teaches the language of healthcare, enabling students to communicate effectively in a medical environment.
• Phlebotomy: A critical skill for medical assistants, this involves learning how to draw blood for tests, transfusions, or donations.
• Electrocardiography (EKG): Students learn to perform EKGs, an essential diagnostic tool in cardiology.
• Laboratory Procedures and Techniques: This covers the basics of handling and analyzing clinical specimens.
• Medical Billing and Office Management: Understanding the administrative aspects of healthcare, including patient billing and healthcare systems management.

Medical Assistant Clinical Training

Clinical training in Medical Assistant programs typically includes:

• Internships: Many programs include an internship component, where students work in healthcare facilities, gaining practical experience.
• Patient Care: Students learn to assist in patient care, from taking vital signs to preparing patients for examinations.
• Diagnostic Procedures: Training often includes assisting in basic diagnostic procedures, under the supervision of healthcare professionals.
• Emergency Response: Basic emergency response skills, such as CPR and first aid, are often part of the training.
• Specialized Skills: Depending on the program, students may receive training in specialized areas like pediatrics, geriatrics, or orthopedics.

Best Medical Assistant Programs

The following schools have been selected based on allnurses' methodology of surveying our readers to understand what they value most, with the addition of graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, price, mode, duration, and admission rates of hundreds of the most prominent nursing schools in the United States.

1. Mildred Elley

Mildred Elley offers Medical Assistant programs at its Albany, New York City, and Pittsfield campuses, with options for an Associate in Occupational Studies and Clinical Medical Assistant Certificate. The programs are designed for hands-on training in medical assisting, preparing students for various roles in healthcare settings.

Key features include:

• Program Options: Associate degree and certificate programs.
• Flexible Scheduling: Day, evening, and weekend classes available.
• Skills Taught: Medical terminology, patient care, performing EKGs, and more.
• Certification Preparation: Opportunity to take national certifying exams through the National Healthcare Association (NHA).
• Program Benefits: Financial aid, lifetime job placement assistance, and approved for Veterans Education Benefits at selected campuses.

2. Columbia-Greene Community College

Columbia-Greene Community College offers a Medical Assisting Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) program. The program is accredited and provides hands-on experience through clinical rotations.

Key aspects include:

• Duration: 2 years.
• Curriculum: Includes courses in medical office procedures, billing, coding, EKG, phlebotomy, and more.
• Clinical Rotation: 160-hour clinical rotation in various healthcare settings.
• Certifications: Preparation for national certification exams offered by the AMCA.
• Fast-Track Option: Health Care Facilitator Microcredential for skills in telemedicine.

3. Monroe College

Monroe College offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Medical Assisting. The program prepares students to perform clinical and administrative tasks in healthcare settings. Key features include:

• Program Length: 64 credits.
• Curriculum: Includes Clinical Laboratory Procedures, fundamental communication skills, and hands-on experience.
• Practical Experience: Practicums in area hospitals, including Mount Sinai and Morris Heights Health Center.
• Career Opportunities: Positions in hospitals, clinics, care facilities, and more.

4. Branford Hall Career Institute

Branford Hall Career Institute offers a Medical Assisting Training Program that provides students with industry-relevant skills. The program includes an externship for real-world experience.

Key aspects include:

• Skills Taught: Taking medical histories, recording vital signs, preparing patients for examination, administering EKGs, and more.
• Career Opportunities: Graduates can work in doctors' offices, clinics, hospitals, and community health organizations.
• Externship: Hands-on training in a real healthcare setting.

5. Hunter Business School

Hunter Business School offers a comprehensive Medical Assistant training program accredited by CAAHEP. The program is designed to train competent, entry-level medical assistants in cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains.

Key features include:

• Program Duration: Day program (7½ months), Evening program (15 months).
• Skills Taught: Venipuncture, assisting with exams and special procedures, performing EKGs, and laboratory tests.
• Externship: 160 hours of supervised training in a medical work environment.
• Career Opportunities: Certified Medical Assistant, Clinical Assistant, Doctor's Assistant, Medical Office Assistant, and more.
• Accreditation: Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

6. Plaza College

Plaza College offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Medical Assisting, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The program prepares students to become Registered Medical Assistants (RMAs) with a focus on both clinical and administrative skills.

Key features include:

• Curriculum: Includes ICD-CM and CPT Coding, Medical Terminology, Pathophysiology and Pharmacology, Laboratory and Clinical Procedures, Medical Law and Ethics, Insurance, and Administrative Procedures.
• Certification Preparation: Review course for the Registered Medical Assistant exam.
• Career Opportunities: Graduates can work as Registered Medical Assistants, Patient Care Technicians, Outpatient Surgery Assistants, and Patient Representatives.

7. Mandl School - The College of Allied Health

Mandl School offers an A.O.S. in Medical Assisting, a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for various roles in healthcare settings. The program spans 60 weeks and includes 1200 total clock hours.

Key aspects include:

• Program Length: 60 weeks.
• Skills Taught: Clinical laboratory procedures, administrative skills, phlebotomy, EKGs, patient care, medical terminology, anatomy/physiology, and medical ethics.
• Career Opportunities: Graduates can work in clinics, hospitals, health care facilities, private doctor's offices, insurance organizations, and more.

8. Bryant & Stratton College

Bryant & Stratton College offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Medical Assisting. The program is designed to prepare students for a career in the medical field, focusing on both administrative and clinical duties.

Program highlights include:

• Curriculum: Includes typing/transcription, communications, taking vital signs, microscopy, and vision testing.
• Accreditation: Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
• Career Opportunities: Positions in private practices, hospitals, clinics, and certain government agencies.
• Locations: Available at multiple campuses in New York, Ohio, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

9. ASA College

ASA College offers a Medical Assistant program that combines online classes with hands-on experience in onsite clinicals and an externship. The program is designed to develop skills for the medical field.

Key aspects include:

• Hands-On Training: Administering injections, taking vital signs, recording EKGs, assisting in minor surgical procedures, obtaining specimens and laboratory testing, and performing phlebotomy.
• Certifications: Prepares students for several certification exams, including CMA, RMA, NCMA, CCMA, and CMAC.
• Program Features: Flexible learning options, financial aid, and international student scholarships.
• Credits: Total of 63 credits for the program.
• Career Opportunities: Positions in doctor's offices, clinics, and major hospitals.

10. St Paul's School of Nursing

St. Paul's School of Nursing offers a Medical Assisting program designed to provide knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level employment as a medical assistant in various healthcare settings. The program focuses on both administrative and clinical tasks.

Key features include:

• Work Settings: Graduates can work in physicians' offices, hospitals, outpatient facilities, and other health practitioner offices.
• Skills Taught: Routine administrative and clinical tasks to keep healthcare offices running smoothly.

Prerequisites & Requirements

Medical Assistant programs in New York require that students meet certain prerequisites and requirements to ensure they're ready to meet the demands of the program and role.

Prerequisites for Medical Assistant Programs in New York

Prerequisites typically include:

• Educational Background: A high school diploma or GED is usually required. Some programs may also ask for transcripts from previous educational institutions.
• Age Requirement: Candidates must be at least 18 years old at the time of enrollment.
• Health Clearance: Proof of immunizations and a recent physical examination may be required to ensure the student's ability to safely perform the duties of a medical assistant.
• Background Check: A criminal background check is often necessary to ensure the safety and integrity of the healthcare setting.
• Basic Computer Skills: As many healthcare systems are digitized, basic computer literacy is often a prerequisite.
• English Proficiency: For non-native speakers, proficiency in English may be required, as it is the primary language used in healthcare settings in New York.

Requirements for Medical Assistant Programs in New York

Once enrolled, students must meet certain requirements to complete the program:

• Course Completion: Students must complete all required coursework, which typically includes classes in medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and other relevant subjects.
• Clinical Training: Completion of a specified number of hours in clinical training or an internship is usually required. This provides practical experience in a healthcare setting.
• Skill Competency: Demonstrating proficiency in various medical assistant skills, such as phlebotomy, EKG, and patient care, is essential.
• Examinations: Students may need to pass certain exams, which could include both written and practical tests, to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.
• Attendance: Regular attendance and maintaining a minimum grade point average (GPA) are often required to remain in good standing in the program.
• Certification Exam: Although not always mandatory, many graduates choose to take a certification exam, such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam, to enhance their employment prospects.

Medical Assistant Salary Expectations in New York

According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for Medical Assistants in the state is $38,720, or $18.40 per hour. New York comes in above average, with Medical Assistants in the state earning $44,020.

Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 14 percent from 2022 to 2023, which is much faster than the average for other occupations.

While these figures are directional, it's important to consider the various factors that affect salary expectations, such as geography, years of experience, employer, level of education, and more.

The top-paying states include:

• Washington: $50,350
• District of Columbia: $50,020
• Alaska: $49,400
• California: $47,850
• Minnesota: $47,330

Are Medical Assistant Programs Worth It in New York?

Deciding whether to pursue a Medical Assistant program in New York involves weighing the potential benefits and drawbacks. These programs can be a stepping stone for those looking to enter the healthcare field, but they also require commitment and investment.

Pros of Medical Assistant Programs in New York

1. Growing Job Market: The healthcare industry in New York is expanding, leading to a higher demand for medical assistants. This growth translates to more job opportunities and potential for career stability.
2. Diverse Work Environments: Graduates can work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, and specialized medical facilities, offering a wide range of experiences and learning opportunities.
3. Competitive Salaries: Medical assistants in New York often enjoy competitive salaries compared to other states, which can be a significant incentive.
4. Short Training Duration: Unlike many healthcare professions, medical assistant programs can be completed relatively quickly, often within a year, allowing for a faster entry into the workforce.
5. Foundation for Further Education: These programs provide a solid foundation in healthcare, making it easier for graduates to pursue further education in nursing, healthcare administration, or other medical fields.

Cons of Medical Assistant Programs in New York

1. Cost of Education: The cost of these programs can be a barrier for some, especially in private institutions where tuition fees are higher.
2. Emotional and Physical Demands: The role of a medical assistant can be emotionally and physically demanding, dealing with patients' health and sometimes critical health situations.
3. Limited Scope of Practice: Medical assistants have a limited scope of practice compared to other healthcare professionals, which might be a drawback for those seeking more autonomy and advanced medical responsibilities.
4. Competitive Job Market: While there are many job opportunities, the market can also be competitive, especially in popular urban areas.
5. Requirement for Recertification: In some cases, medical assistants may need to undergo periodic recertification or continuing education, which can be an additional time and financial commitment.

Medical Assistant programs in New York can be worth it for those seeking a quick entry into the healthcare field with good job prospects and competitive salaries. However, it's important to consider the financial investment, emotional and physical demands, and long-term career goals before making a decision.

Medical Assistant Programs Near Me

Discover the best Medical Assistant programs in the following states:

• California
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Michigan
• New Jersey
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Texas

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the hands-on training aspects of accredited medical assistant programs in New York?

Hands-on training in New York's medical assistant programs typically includes real-world clinical duties such as drawing blood, performing EKGs, assisting in outpatient procedures, and managing medical records. Students also learn office procedures like scheduling appointments and handling billing. This practical experience is crucial for preparing students for the demands of working in a medical office.

Q: Is medical law and ethics a part of the medical assistant curriculum in New York?

Accredited medical assistant programs in New York often include coursework on medical law and ethics. This education is essential for understanding the legal and ethical boundaries within which medical assistants must operate, ensuring they provide care responsibly and professionally.

Q: Do medical assistant programs in New York offer both full-time and part-time options?

Most medical assistant programs in New York provide flexible scheduling options, including both full-time and part-time study. This flexibility allows students to balance their education with other commitments, such as work or family responsibilities.

Q: How successful are medical assistant programs in New York in terms of job placement for graduates?

Many medical assistant programs in New York boast high job placement rates for graduates. These programs often have connections with healthcare providers and medical facilities, which can help students find entry-level positions soon after completing their credentials.

Q: What types of financial aid can students expect when enrolling in a medical assistant program in New York?

Students enrolling in medical assistant programs in New York may have access to various forms of financial aid, including federal grants, scholarships, and student loans. Additionally, some institutions offer their own financial aid packages or payment plans. Prospective students should contact the financial aid office of their chosen institution to explore all available options and determine eligibility.