Nebraska Accredited Medical Assistant Schools and Programs

Nebraska is a state that offers both stunning natural beauty and large areas of industry. Rural areas boast farms and ranching, while larger cities house industry and medical complexes. Medical facilities like hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities can be found throughout the state.The best cities to find work as a medical assistant in Nebraska are:

• Omaha
• Lincoln

When looking for a medical assisting school, be sure to inquire whether graduates are eligible to sit for the certification examination. Certification is a must for any medical assistant and is becoming required more and more by medical offices. There are several certifications a medical assistant can receive, though the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) designation is the more prominent.

Nebraska Medical Assistant Certification Requirements

Nebraska has no laws on its books that make it compulsory for medical assistants (MAs) to carry an institutionally recognized credential in the field. It’s no surprise that some may find this perplexing since other entry-level allied healthcare professionals like nursing assistants (CNAs), practical nurses (LPNs), and phlebotomy technicians (CPTs), among others, must hold the proper credentials in order to be employable. However, there are two widely recognized credentials that exist, and if acquired, can help MAs boost their career prospects and increase their earning potential.

At present, the two nationally recognized credentials that are available to those within the medical assisting field are:

1. The Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential which has its certification exam administered through The American Medical Technologists (AMT)
2. The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential which has its certification exam administered through The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)

AMT’s Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)

In order to become eligible to sit for the AMT’s Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification exam, individuals will need to have fulfilled – at the very – least ONE of the following requirements:

1. Successfully complete a college-level medical assistant program which has the following attributes:
   1. A total of 880 contact hours of instruction: 720 hours of didactic, in-class instruction on theory associated with medical assisting and 160 hours of supervised, real-world clinical practice at a medical facility
   2. Must be accredited by an agency which has been approved by one of the following institutions/organizations:
      • The US Department of Education
      • The Council for Higher Education Accreditation
      • American Medical Technologists (AMT) Board of Directors

2. Provide legitimate documentation of having completed a medical assistant program through the US Armed Forces which has the following attributes:
   • 880 total contact hours instruction: 720 hours of instruction based on medical assistant theory and 160 hours of supervised, hands-on clinical practice in a medical setting
3. Provide legitimate documentation of having previously worked as a medical assistant program instructor for at least five years OR have taught more than one year combined with having at least three years of prior work experience as a medical assistant
4. Provide legitimate documentation of having previously been employed as a medical assistant for five out of the last seven years, performing clinical and administrative duties
5. Provide legitimate documentation of having completed a medical assistant

AAMA’s Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)

In order to become eligible to sit for the AAMA’s Certified Medical Assistant certification exam, individuals will need to have satisfied the requirements listed below:

1. Complete a medical assistant program which has:
   1. Two main sections: clinical and theoretical
      • Contains both administrative and clinical classes like medication administration, computer competency, medical law & ethics, patient relations, pharmacology, office practices, anatomy & physiology, record keeping and accounting, and clinical and diagnostic procedures, among others
   2. Accreditations from either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP) or The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
   3. CMAs must renew their certifications every 60 months by:
      • Providing documentation of having completed a specific number of continuing education credits
      • Passing a 200-question recertification exam

List of Nebraska Medical Assisting Programs

1. Central Community College

Locations: Hastings

Central Community College offers both an Associate of Applied Science degree and a diploma in medical assisting. Students looking to enter the workforce quickly may choose to earn a diploma, which can usually be completed in about one year. Students looking for a broader education in medical assisting, or who plan to advance their education in the future, may decide to pursue the AAS degree. Students in both degree types learn a combination of administrative and clinical skills, and may sit for the Certified Medical Assistant exam upon graduation.

2. Southeast Community College

Locations: Lincoln

Southeast Community College offers a diploma in medical assisting. The course may be completed in four to six quarters. If choosing the four-quarter option, students spend the first three quarters in classroom instruction. The remaining quarter is spent performing an externship to put education into practice. Classroom and externship hours may vary slightly for the longer program. Students learn a combination of laboratory, administrative and clinical skills to prepare them for the workforce. Students may sit for the Certified Medical Assistant exam upon graduation.

3. Nebraska Methodist College

Locations: Omaha

Nebraska Methodist College offers a certificate in medical assisting. This course may be completed in about 12 months with a flexible daytime and part-time schedule. The program combines hands-on learning and didactic instruction, providing students with rounded education in both clinical and administrative skills. The fourth term is spent in externship at one of Methodist’s approved medical facilities. Prerequisites and entrance qualifications may be required, and students may be eligible to sit for certification exams upon graduation.

4. Metropolitan Community College

Location: Omaha

Metropolitan Community College is a public community college that offers Medical Assisting certificate program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). In total, the 76 credit-hour program is composed of lecture courses, lab instruction, and a clinical externship. During the program, students will take courses including Clinical Procedures, Medical Procedures, Lab Techniques, Pharmacology, and more. The program’s retention rate is nearly 86 percent.

Article Written by Rachel Dennis

Rachel Dennis works as both a professional writer and health care provider. She has been a licensed health care provider since 1998, with work experience as a medical assistant, certified nursing assistant and emergency medical technician. She has been writing since 1994 and has been published both on-line and in print.