If you’re looking for a way to break into the lucrative medical industry, but you don’t have the time or money to become a full nurse or MD, there’s a great alternative: becoming a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) in New York. Medical Assistants are a valuable part of any medical team, but becoming a CMA typically requires less than a year. If you choose the right Medical Assistant program in NY, you could have a new career in as little as 6-9 months!

That said, there’s a lot to consider. Is becoming a CMA right for you? What school will give you the most benefit for your investment? Can you obtain financial aid?

The Westchester School for Medical and Dental Assistants is one of the top dental assistant schools in New York, and we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll cover the most important issues you should consider before signing up for CMA classes.

I. What is a Certified Medical Assistant?

A CMA is a combination of a basic nurse and an administrative assistant. Your job would encompass front desk work, as well as helping out with patients and their examinations. In a way, you would become the glue that holds your office together, the person that all the nurses and doctors rely on for help.

You’ll probably spend most of your time at the front desk, greeting patients as they enter the clinic, and assisting with their paperwork. You’ll be answering their questions and – more importantly – helping to put them at ease so that their examinations and procedures go smoothly. You need to have excellent people skills to thrive as a CMA.

In addition, you’ll be handling a lot of the bureaucracy and paperwork, such as scheduling appointments over the phone, and filling out insurance forms. You need a good attention to detail, particularly when it comes to insurance and billing.

However, you’ll also be spending time in the back with patients. You could be called on to do a wide variety of tasks such as:

• Taking patients’ weight, blood pressure, etc
• Drawing blood or delivering injections
• Collecting other bodily fluid samples
• Cleaning, sterilizing, and maintaining equipment
• Giving and reading electrocardiograms (EKGs)
• Performing other routine tests, such as reflex tests

This is a busy, multi-tasking focused job – but it’s also highly rewarding work, since you’ll be helping sick people get better every day.

Finally, it’s worth mentioning that becoming a CMA in New York can be a stepping stone towards bigger and better certifications, such as becoming a fully certified nurse. Your CMA experience would translate directly and make you even more valuable for future employers if you continue getting training and certifications.

II. Choosing Between Dental Assistant Courses in NY

If becoming a CMA sounds like a good idea, the next step is to choose a dental assistant school that can make it a reality. Here are some things to consider.

• In-person or online? Online schools are typically less expensive, but they also typically give an inferior education. Employers may be concerned if you lack hands-on/in-person experience.
• Most CMA schools are geared around students balancing an existing job and other obligations, with day, evening, and weekend classes. You want one that’s close enough you can attend it easily.
• New York state has no single legal authority on CMA training, but there are numerous bodies such as NYSED, ACCET, and the Federal Department of Education, who all certify CMA courses. Multiple accreditations are a sign of a quality program.
• Placement rates. When calling around, be sure to ask about their graduates’ placement rates. That is, how many find jobs in their field, and how quickly? Good numbers here are another sign of a worthy medical assistant training program in NY.
• Other training? It’s commonplace for CMAs to pick up certifications in related skills, such as phlebotomy (blood work) or advanced EKG training. If the school offers extra certifications, that’s a big bonus.
• Time and costs. How long does the program take to complete and, of course, what are the basic fees? Of course, this is a situation where you don’t want to go to the cheapest school – employers know which schools offer quality education.

III. Financial Aid Issues

Generally speaking, becoming a CMA is the least expensive option for becoming a certified medical professional. However, expect it to cost several thousand at a minimum, up to the low $10,000s for top-tier schools. If you can’t afford to pay this out of pocket, it’s time to look into financial aid options.

1 – Compile a full list of expected costs

Remember, the school’s own fees will only be part of the costs. You’ll be purchasing textbooks and supplies, and you may also be looking at commuting fees or even nearby housing. If you’re going to attend full time, also account for your own living expenses.

2 – Contact the school’s financial aid office

Any reputable CMA program in NY should have a financial aid office that will help you get going. This should be your first stop, as they’ll be best informed about what programs are available to their students.

3 – Look beyond the state level

While most local CMA financial assistance comes from in-state sources, there are numerous other options as well. You may qualify for Federal grants such as Pell or FSEOG grants, or at least be able to take out low-interest Federal school loans. Also, if you happen to be a military veteran, the VA offers numerous types of school assistance.

Is It Time for A New Career?

If you’re thinking that getting a CMA certification in New York is the right move for your life and career, the Westchester School for Medical and Dental Assistants is here to help! We’re one of the top medical assistant programs in NY, with superb placement numbers. Over 85% of our graduates have a new job within 30 days!

To learn more about our programs, please contact us.