Best Medical Assistant Schools in Delaware

If you want to become a medical assistant in Delaware, your first step is choosing the right school. The training program you pick will determine how fast you can get certified, how well you're prepared for the job, and the kind of employers that will take you seriously. In Delaware, the most respected programs are offered by accredited trade schools, community colleges, and career centers.

The medical assistant career path is in steady demand across the state. Healthcare employers want people who can handle both patient care tasks and basic office duties. That means you'll need solid hands-on training and the right certification before you can compete for the best positions.

This guide covers the top accredited medical assistant schools in Delaware, what each offers, how long programs take, and what you need to do to start.

What Medical Assistants Do

Medical assistants can work in doctor's offices, clinics, or specialty care centers. They perform a mix of clinical and administrative duties, which might include:

• Taking patient vital signs
• Recording medical histories
• Preparing patients for exams
• Assisting with minor procedures
• Managing patient records
• Scheduling appointments
• Handling billing and insurance forms

Note: In Delaware, medical assistants are not licensed by the state, but employers often require graduation from an accredited program and passing a national certification exam.

Steps to Become a Medical Assistant in Delaware

If you're starting from scratch, here's the typical path:

1. Choose an accredited medical assistant program in Delaware. Look for CAAHEP or ABHES accreditation.
2. Complete your training, which can take 9-18 months depending on the credential you want (certificate, diploma, or associate degree).
3. Complete an externship as part of the program. This gives you real work experience in a healthcare setting.
4. Take a national certification exam such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA).
5. Apply for jobs in local clinics, doctor's offices, or hospitals.

Accredited Medical Assistant Schools in Delaware

Here are some of the best options for quality training in the state:

1. Delaware Technical Community College (DTCC) - Multiple Campuses

• Credential: Diploma or Associate in Applied Science
• Length: Diploma - about 1 year; Associate - about 2 years
• Accreditation: CAAHEP accredited
• Highlights: Strong clinical skills training, small class sizes, and built-in externships with Delaware healthcare providers.

2. Dawn Career Institute - Newark

• Credential: Diploma
• Length: 36 weeks (day or evening schedules available)
• Accreditation: Accredited by ACCSC
• Highlights: Offers flexible schedules and career placement assistance. Focuses on both administrative and clinical medical assisting skills.

3. Harris School of Business - Dover

• Credential: Diploma
• Length: Around 9-12 months
• Accreditation: ACCSC accredited
• Highlights: Blends classroom learning with hands-on lab experience. Career services team available for graduates.

4. Polytech Adult Education - Woodside

• Credential: Certificate of Completion
• Length: Varies by schedule; generally under 1 year
• Accreditation: State-approved program
• Highlights: Offers evening classes for working adults and includes externship placement.

Program Lengths at a Glance

Choosing the Right Medical Assistant Program

When comparing Delaware schools, think about these factors:

• Accreditation: CAAHEP and ABHES programs best prepare you for certification exams.
• Schedule: Day or evening classes can help you fit school around work.
• Program Length: Short-term certificates get you working faster. Associate degrees take longer but expand your career options.
• Externships: Real clinical experience is crucial for building skill and confidence.
• Job Placement Support: Some schools have strong employer networks.

Tip: Always confirm that a program includes preparation for a recognized national certification exam like CMA or RMA.

Certification After Graduation

While Delaware does not require state licensure for medical assistants, most employers prefer or require certification. The two most common are:

• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) - Administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
• Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) - Administered by American Medical Technologists (AMT)

You can take either exam after graduating from an accredited program and completing your externship.

Starting Your Career

Once certified, you can apply to work in a range of healthcare settings:

• Primary care offices
• Specialty clinics (orthopedics, cardiology, etc.)
• Urgent care centers
• Outpatient surgical centers
• Community health clinics

Your program's job placement office can help you connect with these opportunities. Many students are offered jobs directly from their externship sites.

Summary and Next Steps

A medical assistant career in Delaware can start in as little as 9 months if you choose a quality, accredited program. Your biggest priorities are finding a school with solid clinical training, an externship, and certification prep. Delaware Technical CC, Dawn Career Institute, Harris School of Business, and Polytech Adult Education are four options worth exploring.

Here's what you should do next:

1. Contact at least two schools for program details, class schedules, and costs.
2. Ask each if they are CAAHEP or ABHES accredited.
3. Visit the campus or request an online tour.
4. Apply early to secure your preferred start date.

The right training program will set you up with the skills and credibility healthcare employers in Delaware are looking for. Start researching today so you can be in the field and building your career within a year.

Explore Related Topics:

• Best Trade Schools in Delaware
• Best Dental Assistant Schools in Delaware
• Best EKG Tech Schools in Delaware
• Best Electrician Schools in Delaware
• Best HVAC Schools in Delaware