Choosing the Right Medical Assistant Program in Milwaukee, WI

ByChris Padilla Last Update on

The Vital Role of Medical Assistants in Healthcare

Medical assistants play an integral role in healthcare delivery across settings like clinics, hospitals, and doctors‘ offices. As demand for healthcare services surges nationwide, driven by aging Baby Boomers and expanded access through insurance reforms, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment of medical assistants will swell 23% through 2028 – a rate far outpacing the average for all occupations.

This rapid job growth, paired with competitive wages and relatively low barriers to entry compared to nursing and other clinical roles, makes medical assisting an appealing career choice. Those who pursue formal training at an accredited program can unlock even stronger outlooks by obtaining certification and positioning themselves for advancement over time.

Milwaukee offers aspiring medical assistants prime access to accredited training programs, with a wealth of options through technical colleges, career colleges and community colleges across the metro region. This guide provides an expert overview of medical assistant career paths along with insights on finding a high-quality training program attuned to your personal learning needs and professional goals.

A Versatile Skill Set Across Healthcare Settings

Medical assistants apply their versatile clinical and administrative skills across healthcare environments to support physicians and nursing staff while directly caring for patients. Responsibilities may include:

Clinical

  • Recording patient medical histories
  • Measuring vital signs
  • Assisting with examinations and minor office procedures
  • Collecting/preparing laboratory specimens
  • Providing prescription/test results

Administrative

  • Managing patient registration
  • Scheduling appointments
  • Maintaining electronic health records
  • Handling billing, bookkeeping and insurance-related tasks

Most medical assistants hold a postsecondary certificate or associate’s degree, which equips them with well-rounded competencies to fluidly shift between patient-facing and administrative work while also developing specialized skills in areas like ophthalmology or podiatry through on-the-job training.

Formal training combined with national certification (discussed below) provides the strongest foundation for growth from entry-level to lead roles. As of 2021, approximately 60% of medical assistants across the U.S. held some type of certification, according to the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

Importance of Accredited Medical Assistant Training

While some medical assistants are trained on the job, completing an accredited program is extremely valuable preparation for certification and career advancement. It‘s also required for Medical Assistants to pursue certification through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) – a key asset for unlocking top earning potential compared to uncertified peers.

So what is accreditation and why does it matter? Accreditation is essentially an independent stamp of quality assurance, certifying that a given medical assistant training program meets strict standards established by the accrediting organization. These standards span areas like:

  • Curriculum
  • Instructor qualifications/capabilities
  • Access to learning resources
  • Student support systems
  • Graduate career outcomes

By opting for an accredited program, students can be confident they will receive current, comprehensive training in line with national Employer and industry expectations.

Accreditation Bodies

Two organizations handle accreditation for most U.S. based medical assistant programs:

1. Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

CAAHEP is the largest programmatic accreditor across allied health professions including medical assisting programs. More than 2,100+ medical assisting programs currently hold accreditation through CAAHEP.

2. Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)

ABHES serves as an accreditor focused specifically on medical assistant programs and other health education training. Over 275+ medical assistant programs have met ABHES standards for quality education.

In addition to program-specific oversight, CAAHEP and ABHES also approve select institutions themselves as accreditors for medical assistant programs. This approach streamlines oversight through a validated local authority already actively engaged in upholding regional educational standards.

When researching programs, prospective students should look for both institutional and program-level accreditation to ensure quality and value across the board.

Top Medical Assistant Training Programs in Milwaukee

The Milwaukee region hosts numerous accredited medical assistant programs through community colleges, career colleges and technical schools. Here’s an overview of some of the top providers along with key insights on curriculum, accreditation status and other differentiate factors.

Milwaukee Area Technical College

With multiple area campuses, MATC provides one of the most affordable paths to preparing for medical assistant certification in Milwaukee. The school confers a technical diploma in medical assisting that can be completed in just over a year studying full or part-time.

Program Highlights

  • CAAHEP Accredited
  • Coursework in medical terminology, electronic records, insurance, clinical care and more
  • Emphasis on hands-on skills development
  • Faculty with healthcare experience
  • Career placement assistance upon completion

As a technical college focused squarely on workforce development, MATC works closely with regional medical providers to align training to employer needs. The school also offers enviable affordability – with annual tuition around $5,500 including fees.

Recent Graduate Outcomes

  • 100% job placement rate
  • Average reported salary range of $14-$17 per hour across settings like clinics, blood centers, and hospitals

Bryant & Stratton College

Bryant & Stratton is a career college with a Milwaukee campus offering an associate degree track to prepare medical assistants for professional certification.

Program Highlights

  • Accredited by ABHES
  • Blends coursework and lab learning focused specifically on advancing clinical competencies
  • Hands-on practicum/externship prior to graduation
  • Small class cohorts capped at 40 students
  • Faculty with field experience

The program meets requirements for graduates to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Bryant & Stratton also provides career placement support.

Recent Graduate Outcomes

  • 100% externship placement rate
  • 80%+ job placement rate
  • Average reported salary of $14-$16 per hour across clinical settings

Herzing University

Herzing University’s Brookfield campus provides a diploma program and an associate degree option for medical assistants – both focused squarely on preparing for advancement to lead clinical or administrative roles.

Program Highlights

  • CAAHEP Accredited
  • Diploma can be completed full-time in 9 months
  • Associate degree track spans approximately 18 months
  • Specialized courses in healthcare reimbursement procedures and management
  • Hands-on learning labs on campus
  • 100% rate of employment for recent diploma graduates

Herzing medical assistant students further benefit from the school’s deep connections to regional healthcare employers. The University invites employers onsite to meet with students and also provides career guidance tailored to each graduate‘s professional interests.

Career Advancement for Medical Assistants

Medical assistants poised to parlay their accredited diploma or degree into supervisory, training or administrative positions over time through several pathways:

1. Gain Specialized Experience
Many assistants develop specialized skills in areas like ophthalmology, podiatry or OB/GYN assisting through on-the-job training sponsored by their employer. These specialized skills can fuel pay increases and eligibility for senior-level positions.

2. Pursue Advanced Credentials
Gaining certified medical assistant status and other stackable credentials like certification in emergency medicine expands role versatility. Some medical assistants pursue additional training as clinical medical assistants, surgical technologists, medical coders or other related roles.

3. Earn a Bachelor‘s Degree
Pairing hands-on experience with an RN diploma or degree serves as launchpad for nursing career. But medical assistants have options too – a health services, public health or healthcare administration bachelor’s degree elevates prospects for staff training/development roles, clinic management and similar leadership positions.

Many employers offer tuition reimbursement incentives to help staff earn bachelor‘s credentials, which also supports employee retention.

Professional Associations Support Advancement

In additional to accreditation bodies, professional medical assistant associations like the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and American Medical Technologists (AMT) play a key role in supporting career growth through certification, continuing education and networking.

Certification: AAMA offers the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential, while AMT confers Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) status. Passing these rigorous exams requires accredited program completion and measures knowledge across clinical, administrative and general areas. Certification signals to employers your capabilities and can mean:

  • Enhanced job prospects
  • Higher hourly wages – recent figures show CMAs earning a median $4.86 more per hour than non-certified peers
  • Eligibility for senior level positions
  • Foundation to pursue multiple certifications over time

Continuing Education: Maintaining certification requires ongoing continuing education participation. Both AAMA and AMT provide extensive online and in-person learning options – from courses to annual conferences – enabling certificants to stay sharp and demonstrate commitment.

Professional Community: With collective memberships nearing 200,000, AAMA and AMT foster invaluable networking. Local chapters provide additional opportunities for certificants to meet, learn and potentially find job leads through peers.

While Milwaukee offers excellent options for accredited medical assistant preparation, it’s essential to assess program alignment with your individual situation and learning priorities:

Schedule Flexibility – Convenient options like night/weekend courses can be crucial if you are working or managing family commitments while enrolled.

Total Cost & Financial Aid Options – Compare total tuition costs and availability of grants, loans and scholarships across school types to minimize student debt. Public technical colleges and community colleges generally offer the most robust aid opportunities.

Reputation & Outcomes – Graduation rates, certification pass rates and graduate employment placement rates vary considerably, even across accredited institutions. Validate that the program supports students in meeting learning and career milestones.

Learning Culture – More intimate, cohort-based programs can foster valuable peer collaboration and support that fuels confidence as you build new clinical skills.

Career Support Services – Look beyond classroom curriculum alone when evaluating options. Robust career guidance plus clinical practice support and employer partnerships help smooth the path from graduation to job placement.

By weighing factors unique to your situation, you can find the medical assistant program in Milwaukee that offers the best springboard to a vibrant career touching lives through patient care.

Medical Assisting – A Rewarding Career Built on Compassion

With demand for talented healthcare professionals growing rapidly nationwide, individuals who pursue formal medical assistant training will find themselves at the nexus of exciting career opportunities.

Milwaukee students in particular benefit from access to accredited program options that open doors to certification and diverse roles focused on supporting patient health across providers. By leveraging the foundation from a program attuned to your learning priorities, you can chart a course in this dynamic allied healthcare field delivering immense personal and professional fulfillment.

Sources

A dedicated father and former high school English teacher, Chris's journey into education advocacy is both personal and profound. His passion for equitable education sparked not in the classroom, but at home, as he navigated the challenges and triumphs of raising his children within the public education system.

After receiving his Master's in Education, Chris embarked on a teaching career, enriching young minds with literature and critical thinking skills. However, it was his transition to full-time parenthood that brought a new dimension to his understanding of education. He witnessed firsthand the effects of underfunding and standardized test pressures on schools and students alike.

Motivated by these experiences, Chris took his advocacy to the digital world. His blog, born from a blend of professional insight and parental concern, delves into the nuances of educational policy, resource allocation, and the need for a balanced approach to student assessment. Chris's unique perspective as both educator and parent offers a compelling call to action for quality, accessible public education.

Chris, residing with his family in [City, State], continues to be a beacon for educational reform, inspiring others through his writings and community involvement.

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