The demand for highly qualified healthcare personnel continues to grow at a rapid rate in the United States. Hospitals and doctors are constantly seeking trained medical professionals to assist with the care of patients. With advanced technology, improved preventive medicine and innovative techniques the population is living longer thus increasing the demand for more medical personnel. Training as a medical assistant enables an individual to get started in a rewarding career.
Tennessee trade schools and colleges offer excellent medical assisting programs focused on training students to succeed in the medical field. Instructors with real-world experience in the medical profession teach students how to use their knowledge and skills to perform clinical and administrative duties. Hands-on training in performing routine laboratory procedures, maintaining medical equipment and administering medications prepare them for employment in a doctor’s office, clinic or hospital.
Medical assistant schools in Tennessee offer either a one or two-year program that requires the student to have a high school diploma before enrolling. The programs instruct students in various aspects of medical training that is required to work in a physician’s office, hospital, nursing home or other healthcare facility. They receive a quality education as they acquire highly specialized skills.
Even though certification is not required, graduates from medical assistant schools in Tennessee are well prepared to take the national certified medical exam given by the American Association of Medical Assistants. Upon passing the exam, a graduate becomes a Certified Medical Assistant. Certified Medical Assistants may wish to increase their knowledge and expertise by taking advanced courses to further their career and expand their opportunities.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, in 2008 there were approximately 484,000 medical assistants employed in the United States. This occupation is expected to continue to grow at least through 2018. Some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in Tennessee routinely employ both certified and non-certified medical assistants.
Tennessee Healthcare Organizations:
Medical Assistant Society of Tennessee: www.tnsma.org
Tennessee Hospital Association: www.tha.com
Medical Assistant Programs in Tennessee
Anthem Career College
Locations: Memphis, TN / Nashville, TN
Outcome: Associate Degree, Diploma
Chattanooga State Community College
Locations: Chattanooga, TN
Outcome: Certificate
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Cleveland State Community College
Locations: Cleveland, TN
Outcome: Associate Degree
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Daymar Institute
Locations: Clarksville, TN / Murfreesboro, TN
Outcome: Associate Degree
MedVance Institute
Locations: Algood, TN / Nashville, TN
Outcome: Diploma
Accreditation: ABHES
Miller-Motte Technical College
Locations: Chattanooga, TN / Clarksville, TN / Madison, TN
Outcome: Associate Degree, Diploma
Accreditation: CAAHEP
National College
Locations: Bartlett, TN / Bristol, TN / Knoxville, TN / Madison, TN / Memphis, TN / Nashville, TN
Outcome: Associate Degree
Accreditation: CAAHEP
South College
Locations: Knoxville, TN
Outcome: Associate Degree
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Tennessee Technology Center at Knoxville
Locations: Knoxville, TN / McMinnville, TN
Outcome: Diploma
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Virginia College
Locations: Chattanooga, TN
Outcome: Associate Degree
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