The Medical Assistant Associate Degree Provides A Stable Career And A Platform To Expand Upon

Medical assistants work in an office setting. They do not always work with patients directly. Most assistants deal with billing and only see patients when the patient enters or leaves the office. Although these administrative personnel do not prescribe medication or become directly involved in patient care, they still have to have a certain amount of medical knowledge. The office staff never prescribe medication or make official diagnoses.


A person can earn a living without having to go to a four year medical school. Many community colleges and trade schools offer courses in medical assisting. The two year degree focuses on computer skills, legal and ethical issues, as well as making sure future administrative personnel engage in effective communication.

Medical billing and coding is the primary function of doctor’s office personnel. The office staff takes care of appointments, and handling the paperwork for the tests that the doctor orders. Part of their job is making sure the office gets paid by insurance companies. For some offices, the assistants will need to become familiar with Medicare and Medicaid payment policies.
Medical assisting schools can offer diplomas or associate’s degrees. It takes longer to earn the associate’s degree, but there are advantages to earning the two-year degree. The two-year degree lets the student continue his education. He can go on to become a nurse or decide to pursue a different field while working his way through school. A professional who chooses a medical assistant associate degree has a stable degree on which he can fall back.