what is the difference between certified medical assistant and an associates degree in medical assistant?
Asked by cnoemy23
is there a real difference between these two? and why are some medical assistant programs 4 months and others are two years? I am thinking about doing an online program at us career institute which takes about 4-6 months, but i would like all the information i can get regarding what certificate i need after graduating.

Best Answer:
The true "certified" means you have taken & passed the national MA exam. Now, between the 2 programs; one gives you a "certificate" of completion (but you can not call yourself a "certified MA" with out passing the exam) and the other gives you the educational degree called an Associates (that's why it takes longer; you have to do the requirements for an academic degree). If you plan to go further in life, say to a bachelors; an associates is part of the way there. A certificate program is what it is--no advancement is possible with those classes.
ER PA/MA instructor
Answered by Diane A