Washington, DC Accredited Medical Assistant Schools and Programs
What could be more exciting than pursuing a medical career in the nation’s capital? By becoming a medical assistant in Washington, DC, you’ll be at the forefront of your profession, with access to some of the most challenging job opportunities in the country. Medical assistants in DC can take jobs at the top healthcare facilities in the capital itself or in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area. After you graduate, you’ll be able to work not only in DC, but in nearby cities like these:
- Alexandria, VA
- Arlington, VA
- Bethesda, MD
- Rockville, MD
Careers in healthcare continue to grow. You can take advantage of this trend by earning a certificate, diploma, or associate degree in medical assisting. If you want to finish your education and start working as soon as possible, a certificate or diploma program may suit your needs. If you want to reserve the option to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in the healthcare field, consider a two-year associate degree program. In this versatile profession, the possibilities are endless.
Washington, DC, has a limited number of medical assistant schools. You can expand your options by considering online programs or by exploring colleges and technical schools in the nearby states of Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. DC-area residents constantly complain of the traffic, so consider carpooling, using transportation systems (Metrorail and Metrobus), or taking courses online.
List of Washington, DC Medical Assisting Programs
1. Fortis College
Locations: Multiple campuses in Maryland and Virginia; Online
With locations in Maryland and Virginia, the accredited Medical Assisting Program at Fortis College is convenient to Washington, DC. A certificate in Medical Administrative Assisting is available online for students whose interests lie in records management, clinic administration, billing, or insurance processing. The clinical medical assisting programs lead to a certificate or diploma. The Fortis program is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, which means that you will be eligible for national certification if you successfully finish the program.
2. Career Technical Institute
Location: Washington, DC
Career Technical Institute is a private, for-profit post-secondary career training institution that offers a Medical Assistant Certificate program that can be completed in as little as 40 weeks. The program, which can be taken during daytime or evening hours, teaches students to administer EKGs, give injections, how to manage a medical office, and many other tasks that those in the profession must know. Throughout the program’s duration, students will undergo a combination of in-class instruction, hands-on lab practice, and a clinical externship. There is also an Associate of Applied Science in Allied Health Care program with a concentration in Medical Assisting available. In addition to the material that’s included in the certificate program, the A.A.S. degree also teaches Business Etiquette, Business Math, Communication, and more. Students choosing the A.A.S. option can expect to dedicate 60 weeks to complete the daytime program and 84 weeks to complete the evening program.
3. Prospect College
Location: Washington, DC
Prospect College is a private, for-profit medical career training institution located in the heart of the nation’s capital. PC offers students a Medical Assistant Certificate program that prepares students for entry-level positions in the healthcare industry as a front or back office assistant. The program can be completed in as little as 33 weeks (8 months) and can be taken during daytime, afternoon, and evening hours. After students complete the in-class lecture and lab portion of the course, they’ll need to complete a 170-hour externship a local healthcare facility. Once completed, students will be well-versed in emergency and medical back office skills, patient scheduling, essential patient care techniques, office bookkeeping, and more.
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.