Online Medical Assistant Programs in Iowa: Compare Schools & More

Comparing Online Medical Assistant Programs in Iowa

Online medical assistant programs in Iowa help students begin a foundational career, learning the complexities of running a healthcare clinic while providing crucial support to providers and patients. Since it is an entry-level position that doesn’t require extensive medical training, many schools offer online medical assistant certificates or hybrid associate degrees, some of which can be completed as quickly as six weeks.

Online MA programs can be completed live or asynchronously, and many have an in-person clinical trial to ensure you’re getting a well-rounded, hands-on education. If you want to learn how to become a medical assistant in Iowa, we’ve outlined everything you need to know to get started below. Let’s compare three of Iowa’s standout medical assistant programs before covering student FAQs and MA certification pathways.

All You Need to Know: Iowa MA Student FAQ

Many students pursuing medical assistant programs in Iowa have questions about education requirements and their career path. Below, we will provide detailed answers to several common questions, helping aspiring medical assistants like yourself make informed decisions about their future and ensure they have the information they need to succeed.

How do I become a certified clinical medical assistant in Iowa?

The first step to becoming a certified medical assistant is to decide which credential you’d like to pursue and choose a program with an aligned curriculum. While the state of Iowa doesn’t require a license to practice, most employers require certification or registration to work. Becoming licensed increases your chance of employment and higher wages. You must also maintain your medical assistant certification through periodic exams or continued education.

How long does a medical assistant program take?

An online MA program in Iowa generally takes a year or less to complete. However, this time can change depending on whether you’re attending school full-time or part-time or receiving a diploma or a degree. Degree paths usually take longer than diploma programs as they require more classes and a significant time commitment.

Some universities offer accelerated MA courses that allow you to complete the program in six months or less. It’s crucial to carefully review the specific program details and discuss your individual learning goals with the chosen institution to determine the most suitable timeframe for your completion.

Can a medical assistant program be completed online?

The short answer is “mostly.” Many Iowa online medical assisting programs offer coursework and lectures online. These components are usually completed in an asynchronous style where you can work at your own pace or in a live format where you must attend class at a particular time. However, labs, externships, and practicums are almost always required to be attended in person to help students gain real-life, hands-on experience. Always check to see if the program you’re interested in requires laboratory time or an in-person externship.

Additionally, some programs may also require an in-person orientation before you begin. It’s essential to check with your school to see what the in-person requirements are and if you can meet them.

How can I check if a school is accredited?

There are multiple kinds of accreditation to look for. There’s accreditation on an institutional level and more specialized accreditation for individual colleges and programs. You should be able to find a school’s institutional-level accreditation on its website under the “About” or “Accreditation” page. Typing “accreditation” in the search bar could provide the answers you want. Always check to see if a school is accredited while researching online medical assistant programs in IA.

For programmatic accreditation, look for accredited medical assisting programs on the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs webpage or the school’s main medical assisting website.

What tasks can medical assistants do?

The general guideline for a medical assistant is any task delegated under the supervision of a licensed physician or nurse. These will be tasks that don’t require specialized skills or judgment, have a predictable outcome, and can be performed safely without risk to the patient. The supervising nurse or physician is responsible for delegating safe and appropriate tasks. Iowa does not have specific regulations.

Medical assistants are precisely what their title says: assistants to the supervising physician. They handle routine tasks a nurse or physician doesn’t have time for. Medical assistants prepare exam rooms, update patient records, take patient vital signs, clean and sterilize medical equipment, handle billing and coding of insurance forms, schedule appointments, change wound dressings, collect blood and urine samples for testing, administer medications, and relay diet and medication instructions from the physician or nurse.

Medical assistants aren’t allowed to treat or diagnose patients, interpret test results, prescribe medication, advise patients about their condition, perform physical therapy, administer intravenous (IV) medication, or perform invasive techniques such as spinal taps or colonoscopies. Any tasks requiring needles, such as injections or IVs, are typically not expected of a medical assistant unless they have been specially trained. Medical assistants usually deal with routine procedures and patients and don’t attend to patients in critical condition.

Advance as a Certified Medical Assistant in Iowa

While obtaining a certification in Iowa is not always mandatory, it can significantly enhance a medical assistant’s career prospects. They demonstrate your expertise, increase earning potential, and improve your job prospects. Certifications also boost your credibility and professionalism within the healthcare field, opening doors to new opportunities for advancement and specialization.

The most common certifications include the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). To earn these certifications, you’ll need to pass an exam. Fortunately, many medical assistant programs in Iowa provide you with the knowledge and skills required to sit for these exams.

Oftentimes, there is a continuing education requirement to maintain these certifications. You’ll typically need to complete courses, attend seminars, or participate in workshops to stay current with the latest medical advancements and best practices.

Career Growth for Iowa Medical Assistants