Becoming a Medical Assistant in Delaware: Explore the Best Options for Your Future
With an online medical assistant program, you can become an MA in less than a year. This guide introduces some of the best online medical assistant programs in Delaware, with details on education, certification, responsibilities, and what to expect after graduation.
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Inside Online Medical Assistant Programs in Delaware
Earning a certificate is the fastest way to become a Medical Assistant in Delaware, while associate degree programs can make it easier to advance your education later on.
With online programs, you can become a certified medical assistant in as little as eight months. While you can complete the classroom portion of these programs remotely, you’ll still need to gain hands-on experience in person.
Below, we’ve featured two of the hybrid programs available in Delaware to help you find the right fit.
Dawn Career Institute
The Medical Assisting program at the Dawn Career Institute (DCI) combines online classes with hands-on training in Delaware. Courses are offered during the day in-person, in the evenings in a hybrid format, or online.
Phlebotomy training and OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens certification are included in the program. Students earn at least 160 hours of experience at a medical facility during an externship prior to graduation.
Graduates are eligible to apply to take the CCMA and RMA exams, as well as the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) and Certified EKG Technician (CET) exams.
Duration: 36 weeks
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: Approximately $16,000
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma, GED, or the equivalent
Curriculum:
- Professional Communications
- Introduction to Computers
- Medical Terminology
- Introduction to Medical Assisting
- Anatomy and Physiology Foundations
- Introduction to Medical Billing and Coding
- Pathophysiology
- Clinical Examination Procedures
- Clinical Laboratory Procedures
- Medical Office Procedures
- Electronic Health Records
- Medical Law and Ethics
- MA Capstone
- Pharmacology Principles
- MA Externship
Herzing University
You can choose to earn either a diploma or an Associate of Science in Medical Assisting Services at Herzing University.
Both programs include online courses, in-person clinicals and labs, and an externship. Depending on which program you choose, you can become a medical assistant in 10 or 20 months.
Graduates are prepared to take the CCMA exam or the RMA medical assistant certification exam, and the school will pay for your first attempt.
Duration: 10-16 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
- Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology
- Medical Clinical Assisting I & II with Lab
- Externship and Credentialing
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FAQs for Medical Assistant Students in Delaware
Before you choose an online medical assistant program, you may have questions about the length and cost. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions from prospective students in Delaware.
How long does it take to become a medical assistant?
In Delaware, you can become a medical assistant in less than a year. Online diploma or certificate programs take nine to 12 months to complete.
Associate degree programs can take up to two years to finish. However, they might be a better fit if you plan on advancing your career with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or other healthcare-related degree.
How do I become a medical assistant?
Start by enrolling an accredited online medical assistant program in Delaware. Look for schools that offer hands-on experience and prepare you to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam or the RMA certification exam.
Once you’ve completed your MA program, becoming certified can help you find a good job at a hospital, clinic or private practice. If your program didn’t include an externship, finding your own can help you gain experience and make connections.
Can I become a medical assistant online?
Yes, Delaware offers medical assistant programs online. However, you’ll also need to gain practical skills with hands-on training in local externships or clinical placements.
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 $41,000 per year. This salary varies based on factors such as education, experience, and employer.
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 information based on job postings and employee reports.
Do medical assistants make more than CNAs?
Yes, medical assistants typically make more than Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), although their salaries are comparable. The average salary for a medical assistant in Delaware is $20 per hour, and CNAs make anywhere from $10 to $29 per hour.
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
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.
An associate degree isn’t necessary, but it can help you find a higher-paying job. If you plan on continuing your education, you can also transfer some of the credits you earned to another healthcare program.
Although certification isn’t 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
- Passing a medican assistant certification exam
Salary and Career Outlook for Medical Assistants in Delaware
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $35,020 | $44,200 | $57,830 |
| Delaware | $34,270 | $41,830 | $51,170 |
| Dover, DE | $33,280 | $38,750 | $47,940 |
Source: Medical Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, 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.
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