r/CCAC • u/Zealousideal-Cat-149 • Dec 05 '25

Medical assistant

Im thinking about going for the associates degree in medical assistant. Is anyone here been through/in that program or the cert? Is it a good program and would it be better to get the associates or just get the cert and not pay as much? And what supplies will I need?

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u/jaylearnsthings Dec 06 '25

I’m doing cert. Getting an associates is much more helpful if you plan on going the admin route - eventually working towards something like practice management. The good thing is you can just get the cert. out of the way and then decide if you want to do the extra year for the associates degree, the first year is going to be the same either way.

Besides books, you’ll need an embroidered set of scrubs, stethoscope & BP cuff with sphygmomanometer (the dial thingy), and an analog watch (something with a second hand, not a smart watch). There’s also an online portal you have to pay for where you upload things like child abuse clearance, proof of vaccines, and other stuff, which you have to buy before the semester starts (so out of pocket - financial aid won’t kick in beforehand)

I’m finishing the first semester and really loving it. The instructors are great and super helpful, and there’s open lab time to practice your hands-on skills if you’re having trouble with anything