The roles of CNAs and Medical Assistants may seem the same, but they're VERY different jobs. First, medical assistant training is significantly longer and more in-depth. As an example: In California, a CNA certification course is approximately 160 "clock hours". That's 100 hours of theory/classroom work, and 60 hours of hands-on clinical training.
Certified Clinical Medical Assistants, on the other hand, have completed anywhere from 900 to 1,400 "clock hours". Accredited medical assistant programs teach students about pharmacology, anatomy & physiology, and more. CNA certification training is much more focused on physically moving patients, performing bathing duties, and more.
Are there any prerequisites to attend a Medical Assistant program?
None of the 6 medical assisting schools in Bakersfield require any prerequisite coursework. In other words, you don't have to have taken any classes. Also, no experience working in the healthcare field is required.
What will I learn during the program?
Regardless of which medical assisting program you choose, some courses are considered "core courses", which are taught at ALL medical assisting schools:
- Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology: Students will learn to understand the structure of the human body, from the simplest to the most complex. Students will also be able to use the correct terminology to identify body regions and key body structures.
- Pharmacology: This class will introduce students to principles of pharmacology, medication administration, and physiological responses to medication.
Continuing Education & Certification
A medical assistant is employed in a variety of healthcare facilities and will work by performing a wide range of clinical and administrative duties. The MA certificate programs can help a student to gain a rapid education and pass the medical assistant certification exam.
MA Certificate Programs and Enrollment Requirements
The certificate program can be completed in as little as twelve months and is typically available through vocational schools and community colleges. There are a total of 6 medical assistant programs in Kern County. The CAAHEP accredits programs for this healthcare position.
The medical assistant certification program will combine supervised lab experiences with classroom instruction. The lab work portion of the program will teach a student how to take a patient’s vital signs, assist with medical procedures and will educate them on the patient documentation and medical coding.
A student that enrolls in this type of program will need to have a GED or high school diploma. A program applicant should be eligible for college level English and math classes. None of the Bakersfield programs have any course prerequisites.
Some certificate programs will offer more clinical practice and lab time than others, which will generally include an even focus on medical duties and administrative skills. These programs will offer a variation in their class offerings.
Some of the core classes will usually include topics such as medical terminology, physiology and anatomy, basic clinical lab procedures, medical laws, medical ethics, medical coding and billing and computer applications.