Medical assistants play a critical role in maintaining efficient healthcare operations. They support nurses and physicians by handling many of a facility’s administrative and basic clinical duties, helping to facilitate positive experiences for patients.
The U.S. Department of Labor projects 26.8% job growth in the medical assistant field in New York state between 2022 and 2032. For individuals in the New York City area who are interested in becoming a medical assistant, enrolling in a Queens-based medical assistant school is a great way to prepare to achieve their professional goals.
Before embarking on this journey, aspiring medical assistants should learn about the steps an individual must take to enroll in a medical assistant school in Queens.
What Does Medical Assistant School Entail?
Medical assistant programs offered at schools in Queens, NY, are typically designed to provide students with the foundational knowledge in healthcare administrative processes and basic patient care tasks that are required to succeed as a medical assistant.
Medical assistant students engage with a curriculum that covers both administrative and medical topics. Typical courses cover the following administrative topics:
Medical terminology
Administrative procedures in healthcare facilities
Computer applications
Medical records and insurance
Electronic health records
Common courses focusing on clinical patient care cover the following topics:
Basic life support
Medical anatomy and physiology
Hematology and phlebotomy
Cardiovascular and electrocardiogram (EKG) care
Pathophysiology and pharmacology
Additional coursework may include courses in general education or related subjects, such as communication, psychology, sociology, and a foreign language such as Spanish.
This holistic approach provides students with the ability to handle a wide range of essential tasks in a healthcare facility, to help ensure the facility runs efficiently and that patients have a positive experience.
Medical Assistant School Requirements in Queens
To qualify for a medical assistant school in Queens, an individual typically must hold a high school or GED diploma and be at least 17 years old. Students enrolling from a foreign country may be required to have their diploma translated into English, and their diploma must be deemed equivalent to a U.S. diploma by a credential evaluation organization. Some programs have grade point average (GPA), standardized testing, or prerequisite requirements, so candidates should explore the policies of the school they plan to attend before applying.
Medical assisting programs are often structured as associate degree programs, which can take fewer than two years to complete. The Associate of Science in Medical Assisting degree program offered at Saint Paul’s School of Nursing’s campuses in Queens and on Staten Island, for instance, can be completed in as little as 18 months. Students must complete 97 program quarter credits included in the curriculum to graduate.
Steps to Enroll in a Medical Assistant School in Queens
Prospective students must complete several steps to enroll in a medical assistant school in Queens, NY. Saint Paul’s School of Nursing connects candidates with an admissions advisor to help them navigate the process.
Step 1: Complete Secondary Education and Testing Requirements
Students looking to enroll in a medical assisting program must first earn a high school or GED diploma. They may also need to take a standardized test, such as the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam, which is typically required of Saint Paul’s School of Nursing medical assistant program applicants.
Step 2: Submit an Application
Prospective medical assisting students must submit an application to their school of choice. The Saint Paul’s School of Nursing online applicant information form process includes submission of a personal statement that allows individuals to share information about themselves and why they are interested in attending the institution. Individuals must also submit documentation that verifies their high school or GED diploma, as well as any required standardized test scores.
Step 3: Complete an Interview Process
Students applying to the Saint Paul’s medical assisting degree program must sit for an interview with an admissions advisor or administrative staff member to ensure that the student is a good fit for the program. The prospective student may use this as an opportunity to learn more about the school’s program to make sure it aligns with their personal goals and career interests. Financial aspects of attendance may also be addressed during the interview, including discussions about financial aid options.
Once these steps are completed and the student is accepted into the program, they can begin enrolling in classes.
Take Your First Step Toward a Rewarding Career
Medical assistants help healthcare teams in many types of medical settings deliver quality care to patients. Attending and completing a medical assistant school program in Queens is a smart option for those looking to enter the healthcare field.
If you are interested in serving as a medical assistant for some of the 2.3 million residents of Queens, or anywhere else in the New York City area, Saint Paul’s School of Nursing’s Associate of Science in Medical Assisting program can help you take the first step on this career path.
Available at our Queens and Staten Island campuses, the program can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the administrative and clinical tasks associated with the medical assistant role. The program also can prepare you to sit for the registered medical assistant (RMA) or certified medical assistant (CMA) certification exam.
Through the coursework in the program, you can develop skills in executing essential medical assistant tasks through a combination of classroom and controlled clinical work under the supervision of a physician or nurse. Learn how Saint Paul’s School of Nursing can help you get ready to achieve success.
Recommended Readings
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How to Become a Registered Medical Assistant
Diversity in Medical Assisting