Becoming a Medical Assistant in Delaware: Explore the Best Options for Your Future
Medical assistants (MAs) play a crucial role in healthcare settings. You can jumpstart a career as an MA in less than a year with an online medical assistant program.
Many online medical assistant programs in Delaware can help you gain the skills you need to succeed. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to become an MA in Delaware, from education and certification to day-to-day responsibilities.
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Inside Online Medical Assistant Programs in Delaware
Medical assistants are in high demand all over the country, including places like Delaware. So, now is the perfect time to become a certified medical assistant. While many healthcare roles require years of education and training, you can become an MA in Delaware in as little as eight months with an online program.
Like many other healthcare programs, no medical assistant program is fully online. Even programs with 100% online coursework include hands-on, in-person training to prepare you for the responsibilities you’ll take on as an MA.
You can choose one of two paths to become a medical assistant: earning a certificate or earning an associate degree. Both paths require that you complete an accredited medical assistant program. Below, we highlight two of the hybrid programs available in Delaware to show you how simple it can be to start a career as an MA.
Dawn Career Institute
The Medical Assisting program at the Dawn Career Institute (DCI) combines online courses with in-depth, hands-on training in Delaware. This program takes 36 weeks to complete. Courses are offered during the day in-person, in the evenings in a hybrid format, or online. Students can expect to earn at least 160 hours of experience at a medical facility during an externship prior to graduation.
DCI is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. The school offers several additional specialties in its Medical Assisting program. Phlebotomy training, which prepares students for medical assistant jobs and the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) Exam, is included, along with OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens certification.
Duration: 36 weeks
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: Approximately $16,000
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma, GED, or the equivalent
Curriculum:
- Professional Communications
- Medical Terminology
- Introduction to Medical Assisting
- Introduction to Medical Billing and Coding
- Clinical Examination Procedures
- Clinical Laboratory Procedures
- Medical Office Procedures
- Electronic Health Records
- Medical Law and Ethics
- MA Capstone
- MA Externship
Herzing University
You can choose to earn either a diploma or an a diploma or an Associate of Science in Medical Assisting Services at Herzing University. Both programs include online courses and in-person clinicals, labs, and an externship. Depending on which program you choose, you can become a medical assistant in 10 or 20 months.
The online medical assistant program at Herzing University prepares you to take the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam or the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification exam. The school will pay for your first attempt at the medical assistant certification exam you choose. Herzing University’s program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Duration: 10-20 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $530 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma, GED, or the equivalent
- Completion of ACT/SAT, prior college credit, or additional entrance testing
- Completion of drug testing, immunizations, health checks, and background check
- Interview with an admissions advisor
Curriculum:
- Medical Terminology
- Administrative Skills for the Medical Office
- Ethics and Professionalism
- Insurance Claims, Processing, and Adjudication
- Medical Clinical Assisting I & II with Lab
- Externship and Credentialing
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FAQs for Medical Assistant Students in Delaware
Many medical assistant programs offer a clear path to certification. But, you might have questions about the length of these programs and the cost involved. We answer some of the most frequently asked questions below to help you decide what path to becoming a medical assistant is right for you.
How long does it take to become a medical assistant?
Getting started as a medical assistant in Delaware usually takes between nine months and two years, depending on the program you choose. If you choose an online diploma or certificate program, it will usually take between nine and 12 months to complete.
On the other hand, an associate degree program can take up to two years. This program might be a better fit if you plan on advancing your career in the future, since it sets you up to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or other healthcare-related degree.
How do I become a medical assistant?
Start by finding an online medical assistant program in Delaware that fits your career plan and budget, whether it’s a diploma, certificate, or associate degree. Look for schools that offer hands-on experience and prepare you for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam or the RMA certification exam.
Becoming certified after you finish a medical assistant program can help you find a good job. You can start applying to places like hospitals, clinics, or private practices after you obtain certification. If your program doesn’t include an externship, try to find one after you graduate to help gain some experience and make connections.
Can I become a medical assistant online?
Delaware does offer medical assistant coursework online. However, for these programs, you need to complete hands-on training, often through local externships or clinical placements. These experiences are essential for gaining practical skills. Overall, online or hybrid programs can be a flexible way to start your journey in the medical assistant field.
Both online and in-person programs are designed to prepare you to pass a certification exam. Choosing to get certified by the American Association of Medical Assistants, American Medical Technologists, or the National Center for Competency Testing will help you find a better paying job.
What is the salary of medical assistants in Delaware?
The median salary of medical assistants in Delaware is approximately $46,000 per year. This salary varies based on factors such as experience, location, and healthcare settings. Medical assistants who earn a degree or have experience in the healthcare field tend to make more than medical assistants with a certificate.
For more detailed figures, check the Delaware Department of Labor’s site and/or websites like Indeed or Glassdoor, which provide updated salary information based on job postings and employee reports. These resources can help you better understand salary expectations for medical assistants in Delaware.
Do medical assistants make more than CNAs?
Medical assistants do typically make more than Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), although their salaries are comparable. The average salary for a medical assistant in Delaware is $18.87 per hour, and CNAs make anywhere from $10 to $29 per hour.
If you’re considering whether a CNA program or a medical assistant program is right for you, consider the responsibilities of both healthcare professionals. The main difference between a CNA and a medical assistant is that CNAs assist nurses in healthcare settings while medical assistants assist doctors or nurse practitioners.
Certifications and Continuing Education in Delaware
Becoming a medical assistant is one of the simplest ways to start a career in healthcare. Unlike many other medical roles, medical assistants in Delaware are not required to have advanced degrees or extensive training. Aspiring medical assistants can choose to earn either a certificate or an associate degree.
Although certification is not required to become a medical assistant in Delaware, it can help you secure a job at a high-quality facility. The certification process includes completing an accredited program, participating in an externship, and passing a medical assistant certification exam.
An associate degree is not required to find a job in Delaware as a medical assistant, but it can be beneficial in finding a higher-paying job. If you plan on continuing your education in the future, having an associate degree will also allow you to transfer some of your credits to another healthcare program.
Salary and Career Outlook for Medical Assistants in Delaware
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $33,500 | $42,000 | $56,480 |
| Delaware | $34,350 | $40,250 | $49,150 |
| Dover, DE | $31,040 | $37,480 | $45,890 |
Source: Medical Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 764,400 | 870,200 | 105,800 | 13.8% | 114,600 |
| Delaware | 2,830 | 3,440 | 610 | 21.6% | 460 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
