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If you want a hands-on healthcare career with steady demand, training as a medical assistant in Nebraska is a practical choice. Medical assistants handle both clinical and administrative tasks in healthcare settings. You can get trained in less than two years, and certification can improve your job opportunities.
This guide lists the best medical assistant schools in Nebraska, explains the training and certification process, and helps you choose the right program.
What Medical Assistants Do
Medical assistants work in clinics, hospitals, and doctor's offices. Their duties often include:
- Taking patient vital signs
- Recording medical histories
- Assisting with exams and minor procedures
- Scheduling appointments
- Handling billing and insurance paperwork
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services does not license medical assistants statewide, but most employers hire graduates from accredited programs with national certification.
Training Requirements in Nebraska
Nebraska does not require a state license for medical assistants. However, most employers prefer candidates who have:
- Completed an accredited medical assistant program
- Passed a national certification exam like CMA (AAMA) or RMA (AMT)
- Completed hands-on clinical experience through an externship
How Long Medical Assistant Training Takes
Training Option | Typical Length | Includes Externship |
Certificate / Diploma Program | 9-12 months | Yes |
Associate Degree in Medical Assisting | 18-24 months | Yes |
Certificate programs get you into the workforce faster, while associate degrees can open up more career and advancement opportunities in healthcare.
Best Medical Assistant Schools in Nebraska
Here are some of the leading schools offering medical assistant programs in Nebraska. All are accredited or have strong reputations in healthcare training.
- Program Type: Diploma and AAS degree options
- Highlights: CAAHEP-accredited program, strong employer partnerships, includes supervised clinical practicum
- Website: https://www.southeast.edu
2. Nebraska Methodist College - Omaha
- Program Type: Associate of Science in Medical Assisting
- Highlights: Small class sizes, hybrid learning options, accredited by CAAHEP, strong clinical training network
- Website: https://www.methodistcollege.edu
- Program Type: Diploma and AAS
- Highlights: Multiple campus locations, service learning component, certified exam preparation built into the curriculum
- Website: https://www.cccneb.edu
- Program Type: Certificate and AAS
- Highlights: Flexible scheduling, urban campus close to major healthcare employers, program designed for quick workforce entry
- Website: https://www.mccneb.edu
- Program Type: Diploma and AAS tracks
- Highlights: Strong clinical partnerships, career services support for graduates, on-campus health labs
- Website: https://northeast.edu
Steps to Become a Medical Assistant in Nebraska
Here's what you need to do next if you want to work as a medical assistant:
- Choose an accredited program - Look for programs accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES.
- Complete all coursework and labs - Cover both administrative skills and direct patient care tasks.
- Participate in your externship - This gives you real-world experience in local clinics or hospitals.
- Sit for a national certification exam - The CMA (AAMA) and RMA (AMT) are the most recognized.
- Apply for jobs - Use your school's career services and Nebraska healthcare job boards.
Choosing the Right Program for You
When comparing medical assistant programs in Nebraska, consider:
- Accreditation - Ensures eligibility for certification exams
- Program length - Shorter certificates vs. longer associate degrees
- Class schedule - Day, evening, or hybrid options
- Externship placement - Schools with strong local healthcare ties often provide better opportunities
- Graduate outcomes - Certification pass rates and job placement data
Nebraska Workforce Development projects consistent demand for trained medical assistants due to the state's aging population and healthcare needs.
Final Advice
Becoming a medical assistant in Nebraska is achievable within one to two years of training. Start by selecting an accredited program that fits your schedule and career goals. Complete your training, earn certification, and make use of school job placement resources to enter the field quickly.
If you're ready to start, contact at least two of the schools listed above. Ask about program start dates, tuition, and application steps. The sooner you apply, the sooner you can begin your medical assisting career.
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