Accredited Medical Assistant Programs
If you're researching schools and programs, find out why you should attend an accredited medical assistant school.
Accreditation is a sign that an institution ascribes to, believes in, and has met an external set of basic criteria for its programs.
Beyond the assurance (for you and your future employers) that your school offers the high quality medical assistant training that you'll need to prepare for a career in this field, you'll also find that accreditation carries additional benefits.
If you choose to switch schools mid-program or continue your education later, your credits from an accredited medical assistant school should all transfer to your new school. You'll also have access to federal financial aid programs when you attend an accredited medical assistant school.
Medical Assistant School Accrediting Bodies
For students who plan on becoming certified, attending accredited medical assistant schools is important. The two agencies that specifically accredit medical assistant schools are the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Accreditation Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
There are hundreds of medical assistant programs accredited by these two organizations:
- Accreditation Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) is the only agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a specialized accreditor of institutions focusing on health care education and training.
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is the largest programmatic accreditor in the health sciences field. In collaboration with its Committees on Accreditation, CAAHEP reviews and accredits more than 2000 educational programs in twenty (20) health science occupations.
Regional Accreditation
You can also qualify for medical assistant certification if you attend accredited medical assistant schools with institutional accreditation by one of the six regional accrediting agencies.
- Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA)
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NASC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
- Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges (NASC)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Education Guide
Medical Assistant Training
Time to completion, classes and more...
Accreditation
Learn about the importance of accreditation.
Choosing a Degree
Diploma or associate's? What's best for you?
Student Interview
What it's like in medical assistant school.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
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Career Guide
Career Intro
Find out what a medical assistant career is like.
Top 5 Medical Assistant Duties
Learn about typical medical assistant duties.
Salary Information
What to expect in a medical assistant salary.
Top 5 Reasons to Become a Medical Assistant
Learn why a medical assistant career may be for you.
Certification
90% of medical assistants are certified. Find out what's required.
Professional Interview
Read a first-hand account about a medical assistant career.
Professional Terms Glossary
The guide to sorting it all out.