Massachusetts Accredited Medical Assistant Schools and Programs
Massachusetts is a progressive healthcare state with good employment opportunities for medical assistants. The region includes a nice combination of rural, urban, and metro areas. Massachusetts is overflowing with history and offers a good standard of living.If you’re thinking of working as a medical assistant in Massachusetts, consider choosing an area rich in healthcare centers like:
- Boston
- Springfield
- Salem
There are many colleges throughout Massachusetts that offer medical assistant training. Most of them are accredited, which means they offer the ability to take the certified medical assistant (CMA) exam through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
Massachusetts Medical Assistant Certification Requirements
Medical assistants (MAs) aren’t required by law to hold any formally-recognized credentials in order to be employable. This is not only the case in the state of Massachusetts. The same rule is applied throughout the United States. Despite this fact, however, there are two legitimate, broadly recognized medical assisting credentials that MAs looking to boost their career prospects, increase their earning potential, and simply gain a leg up on their colleagues can pursue.
At the moment, the two medical assistant certifications are:
- The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification which is offered by The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
- The Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification which is offered by The American Medical Technologists (AMT)
The Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
At least ONE of the following requirements must be satisfied in order to be eligible to take the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential exam which is administered by American Medical Technologists (AMT):
Option I: Complete a college-level medical assistant program that’s:
- Accredited by a regional or national agency approved by:
- The American Medical Technologists (AMT) Board of Directors
- US Department of Education
- The Council for Education Accreditation
- Composed of at least 880 contact hours: 720 hours of in-class/online theoretical instruction and 160 hours of hands-on clinical training at a healthcare facility that’s supervised by a professional/instructor in the field
Option II: Complete medical training in the U.S. Armed Forces that is:
- Composed of at least 880 total contact hours of instruction: 720 hours in didactic instruction in a classroom setting and 160 hours of hands-on, supervised clinical training
Option III: Have prior experience as a medical assistant program instructor
- Must have at least five years of experience working as a medical assistant program instructor OR one year as a program instructor combined with three years of experience working directly in the field as a medical assistant
Option IV: Have prior experience working in the field as a medical assistant
- Must have at least five years of clinical and administrative work experience as a medical assistant in the past seven years
The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
The following requirements must be met in order to be eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential exam which is administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA):
- Graduate from a medical assistant program that’s accredited by:
- The medical assistant program must cover clinical and administrative coursework topics like coding and insurance processing, human anatomy, physiology, medical law and ethics, computer competency, administration of medication, medical terminology, and first aid, among others
- Those who are CMA credentialed must renew it every 60 months via:
- Completing continuing education credits
- Passing a 200 question recertification exam
List of Massachusetts Medical Assisting Programs
1. Springfield Technical Community College
Location: Springfield
STCC offers a Certificate in Medical Assisting. Students may complete the course in about one year. The program consists of standard medical assisting instruction, including courses in clinical, administrative, and laboratory skills. Students must complete a 160-hour externship to put their skills to practice. Upon graduation, students may sit for the certified medical assistant exam.
2. Middlesex Community College
Location: Lowell
Middlesex Community College offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree in Medical Assisting. The course is 62 credits and combines core clinical and elective courses. Students must complete placement tests and general education prerequisites prior to entering the core courses. Graduates are eligible to sit for the certified medical assistant exam.
3. Southeastern Technical Institute
Location: South Easton
STI offers a nine-month Diploma in Medical Assisting. Students are required to complete general education classes and an entrance exam before entering the core medical assisting program. This program consists of basic clinical and administrative medical assistant instruction, including a clinical/administrative externship. Graduates are eligible to take the certified medical assistant exam.
4. Mount Wachusett Community College
Location: Gardner
MWCC has a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree in Medical Assisting. The program consists of 62 credits and requires an admission exam, completion of general education courses, and a keyboarding test prior to clinical admission. Students learn a combination of front office and clinical skills, including phlebotomy, medical billing, patient exams, and record keeping. Students must complete an externship. Graduates may sit for the certified medical assistant exam.
5. Quinsigamond Community College
Location: Worcester
QCC offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree in Medical Assisting. This college goes about instruction a bit differently. The first year of the program is dedicated to clinical instruction to help students get a firm grasp of clinical education and skills. The second year is comprised of general education and supportive coursework. Students must complete an externship and may take the certified medical assistant exam.
6. North Shore Community College
Location: Danvers
Students at NSCC may earn a Certificate in Medical Assisting. The program consists of core medical assisting courses to help students enter the workforce quickly. Students must complete an externship and may take the certified medical assistant exam after graduation.
7. Porter and Chester Institute
Locations: Canton, Chicopee, Westborough, Woburn
Porter and Chester Institute offers a Certificate in Medical Assisting. The program is available during the day, and takes about nine months to complete. Additionally, an evening course is offered which takes about 15 months to complete. The college offers job placement assistance after graduation. Graduates are eligible to take the certified medical assistant exam.
8. Northern Essex Community College
Location: Haverhill
NECC offers a Certificate in Medical Assisting. The program is 32 credits and can usually be completed in less than one year. Students receive focused instruction in administrative and clinical skills and an externship is required to help put skills to use. Graduates may sit for the certified medical assistant exam.
9. Bay State College
Location: Middleborough
Students at Bay State College can earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Medical Assisting. The fully accredited program offers general education courses, electives and core instruction in medical and administrative medical assisting. A 160-hour externship is required prior to graduation. Graduates may take the certified medical assistant exam.
10. Massasoit Community College
Location: Canton
MCC offers a Certificate in Medical Assisting. Students can complete the program in about one year of part-time study. The program focuses on core courses to help students earn their degree and get into the workforce faster. Graduates may take the certified medical assistant exam.
11. Cape Cod Community College
Location: West Barnstable
The Certificate in Medical Assisting program at Cape Cod Community College is 29 credit hours and can usually be completed in less than one year. The college recommends potential students meet with an advisor and attend an information session to learn more about the program. CCCC focuses on core courses in both clinical and administrative medical assisting. Graduates may take the certified medical assistant exam.
12. Bunker Hill Community College
Bunker Hill Community College offers a 28-credit hour certificate program in medical assisting that can be completed in roughly a year. In order to gain admission into the program, students will need to have a high school diploma or GED, pass or test out of a basic English course, and attend an information session. The program combines lecture, lab practice, and a clinical externship to prepare students for a career in the medical sector immediately upon graduating. During the program, students will take courses such as Principles of Clinical Practice, Medical Assisting Skills, Human Growth and Development, and others.
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.