Question About Allied Health Classes

Published

Hello! I really need a question answered! I've been thinking about taking classes at an Allied Health Program. Its called Petra Allied Health. Its not that far from where I'm living now so I thought it would be a good idea since this fall I'm moving to a quite large city and I wanted to get a decent job. I am thinking about taking the Medical Assistant course. I didn't know if this would be a good or bad idea since the program isn't accredited. I don't even know if allied health programs can be accredited. I honestly didn't even know if that would matter. I mean I'll have education in the field of medical assistant, but I didn't know if employers were picky or not. Also since I'm moving to a larger city I figured there would be a decent amount of job openings and even if the program wasn't accredited then it wouldn't really matter because I would be likely to land a job because of the high demand for medical assistants and the numerous openings. You can google Petra Allied Health and look at their website, I could have easily missed something as far as being accredited goes. Also I'm currently working at a school/living facility for retarded kids/adults as a direct care aid so I figured that would help me out a little too. I would really love some feed back because I've been stressing myself out over whether its worth taking or not. If you have any suggestions on certification classes that would be better than these please feel free to let me know! It can be medical related or not! Thanks for reading and commenting, I really appreciate it! If it helps you get an idea of the amount of job openings I'll be moving somewhere around OKC and probably working in OKC.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

First of all, if you plan to work in the medical field, you must give up the use of the word "retarded." It is unprofessional and socially unacceptable.

There are Certified Medical Assistant programs out there, but I don't know what the value is for that CMA designation. Roughly 50% of the MA's that I work with are not certified and they hold the same position, same pay as those who are certified. Some physicians actually prefer to train their own MA's.

Whatever you do, do NOT fall for an Associate's Degree in medical assisting. Definitely not required.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You would get more bang for your buck, employment and long term career-wise, if you were to take a Certified Nursing Assistant course at your local adult high school program, Regional Occupational Program, or community college.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Oh whoops, I didn't know. Sorry!

Well I can get a certification through the program, but the program isn't accredited. I didn't know if accreditation mattered. No, I didn't plan on getting an associate's. I'm actually in school for engineering right now and I need a job with decent pay so that I can continue to put myself through college. That's why I've been searching for a program thats quick, but can help me get a somewhat decent paying job. I mean Ill probably be working in the medical field until I get through school, which will be awhile, that's why I was interested in this program.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I thought medical assistants made more money than CNA's though.. or am I wrong because I'm just going off what I saw on Bureau of Labor Statics.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion