Should I go for the medical assistant program?

Ok here's the situation- I'm going back to school for the second time. I start next month, but I haven't registered yet. I'm 26 but there's nothing I want to do with my life. What I mean by that is, I have no passion or talent for anything in life. I have been severly depressed for the past 2 years, and its gotten worser since I lost my dad in August. I know I have to make a living for myself because I can't live with my mom for the rest of my life. I'm unemlpoyed and have been since last year April 2007. I can not find work anywhere, so that why I'm trying to get back in school and trying to make something out of my life. I was thinking about going for the medical assistant program and going for the certificate instead of a degree, so I can get finished sooner. Is that a good idea? Will that be good enough in order to potentially get a job? Because here's the deal I have to be out my mom's house by next fall, and I figure the medical assistant certificate is the way to go because, supposedly there's a growing demand for m.a. and its a job that going to always be around. Or should I look into something else? I know the starting pay rate is usually $10 and up in michigan, and i'm fine with that. I just have to get in a field thats going to always be around and will help me gain employment. Can someone please help me?

Why settle for $10/hr? You could attend LPN school and in about 12 months become a nurse and be making twice that much. You might as well take advantage of living with your mom while you still can. Almost every where in the country has a demand for LPNs, despite that some MAs think that they are being "phased out" - not true at all. MA is ok, but I think in the long run LPN is better because it takes just a little longer to complete and you will have much better income, employment opportunity, and educational advancement. Think about it! Good luck!

Hi Sarah, I agree with Kat. During this worsening economic crisis our nation is facing, a career with a higher earning potential is essential, especially for those who are single with no one else they can rely on. Thoroughly research careers you have interest in. Respiratory Therapy may be an option for you. I have enjoyed working as an RT for 10 years. It requires attending an accredited 2 year program, earning an Associate Degree, passing the (NBRC)National Board for Respiratory Care's Board Exams and applying for state licensure as a (RCP)Respiratory Care Practitioner, which allows a Respiratory Therapist(RT) to practice respiratory care within that state. Average salary here in my area is around $50,000, which is 13% lower than the sverage salary nationwide. Shadow an MA, LVN, RN, and RT to experience what their day entails. It will help you decide which career is best for you. Since you have been unemployed since April of 2007, you may be able to apply for grants, which will at least help pay for your tuition and textbooks. Grants unlike school loans do not have to be paid back; eliminating future debt. I hope this helps. I wish you well. Good journey.

I'll add my $0.02....

I was a medical assistant for years before going back to school to become an LVN. Honestly, I REALLY LOVED being an RMA and prefer it to nursing work. It's a really fun and rewarding job and had GREAT family friendly hours. Not to mention, way less stress than a nurse. I was really happy as a medical assistant.

The only reason I went into nursing is that I was only making about $10.50/hr.....after 5 years. Research your areas wages: if I could have made $17/hr as an RMA, I would still be a medical assistant today!

Hello Sara,
Just wanted to say sorry for your loss but it's time to move on. You will never do anything if you keep yourself there. So here's my advise get out of this rut and only you can do this. Sorry don't mean to be rude but you need to move on.

So anyway, I am a Medical Assistant I have been for 5 years and I love it. Right now I work for a career school that offer MA class and now I am an Externship Coordinator. People ask me why am I here and not out in the medical field. Well I know what it is to struggle to get where you need to get and I'm here to help you. Like I tell my students you will only get out what you put into it.

I to had to put myself through school with no support from my husband and I had 4 kids and home. So while my husband was not there my kids lived on MC Donalds for 11 months. I did what ever I could to do my best to finish. I also worked as a waitress in the morning will I went to school at night. That was the best thing I ever did for myself and for my kids, and I am no longer in the marriage.

So yes start as a Medical Assistant see if you will like it because you have to love what you do to make it work.

Sara, everyone goes through hard times and are in a rut for a while but only you can make it better. SO GET UP, GET OUT AND MAKE IT HAPPEN.

Sincerely

Peggy from Austin and living up with my kids.

You need to be very cautious about any trade schools you consider. Many of them are not candid about the accreditation they offer and what it means. I am a newspaper reporter and you can read some stories I have written on this topic. This forum will not let me post URLs however you can google based on the headlines and find the stories easily. Here are some headlines you can google:
Students wanted jobs, but got debt instead
Trade school pitfall: Lack of accreditation can strand grads

I have been a Medical Assistant for 9 years, i started out at 7.50 an hour and now i make 10.50, I run the lab, plus do all the garbage dumping and nightly cleaning, I want to ask for a raise but fear as being viewed greedy please let me know your opinions.

lisa in Portland, Oregon said: I have been a Medical Assistant for 9 years, i started out at 7.50 an hour and now i make 10.50, I run the lab, plus do all the garbage dumping and nightly cleaning, I want to ask for a raise but fear as being viewed greedy please let me know your opinions.

In 9 years you've only gotten a $3/hr raise??? That's horrible. I don't see how one could live off of that. Have you been with the same company the whole time? Trust me honey, you are NOT being greedy by asking for a raise. I would do some research in your area and find out what the comparable wages are for MAs with your amount of experience. That way you can negotiate better with your employer. I would also try to see about getting annual cost of living raises if possible.

9 years and only $3 per hour raise is them being greedy not you. I would definitely talk to your employer about getting a raise.

Kat in Mansfield, Texas said: In 9 years you've only gotten a $3/hr raise??? That's horrible. I don't see how one could live off of that. Have you been with the same company the whole time? Trust me honey, you are NOT being greedy by asking for a raise. I would do some research in your area and find out what the comparable wages are for MAs with your amount of experience. That way you can negotiate better with your employer. I would also try to see about getting annual cost of living raises if possible.

Yes, I have been with the same physician all this time, I live in a rural area and jobs are heard to come by,so people seem to take advantage of that. It's a family owned general practice, and there are no benefits, I just feel like screaming inside, but i keep doing it for the experience, I just hope things will turn in my favor.

Kat in Mansfield, Texas said: Why settle for $10/hr? You could attend LPN school and in about 12 months become a nurse and be making twice that much. You might as well take advantage of living with your mom while you still can. Almost every where in the country has a demand for LPNs, despite that some MAs think that they are being "phased out" - not true at all. MA is ok, but I think in the long run LPN is better because it takes just a little longer to complete and you will have much better income, employment opportunity, and educational advancement. Think about it! Good luck!

Anybody know if lincoln tech institute has full accreditations in state of n.j.? also, anyone know if theyre credits are transferable to other schools, or transferable to lpn-rn bridge programs? thanks in advance, all!!!

Sean in Trinity, North Carolina said: Anybody know if lincoln tech institute has full accreditations in state of n.j.? also, anyone know if theyre credits are transferable to other schools, or transferable to lpn-rn bridge programs? thanks in advance, all!!!

If your credits are from a private technical school they will most likely not transfer any where else. They to be from a regionally accredited college or university. You will most likely not get any credit for MA courses for a nursing program unless they were non nursing courses like Anatomy and Physiology and taken at a regionally accredited university or college.

I was wondering if anybody could tell me if LPN's are only hired at hospices and nursing homes. I would like to know what other places, because what I have read on these forums is that hospitals aren't hiring LPN's anymore. Thanks.

IM CURRENTLY LOOKING INTO STARTING A MEDICAL ASSISTING PROGRAM. IT HAS ALWAYS CAUGHT MY INTEREST. CAN SOMEBODY WHO IS CURRENTLY A MA TELL ME HOW THEY LIKE IT. I WAS ALSO LOOKING INTO CNA BUT STILL DEBATING WHICH ONE WILL PAY OFF MORE. ANY FEEDBACK ..THANK YOU

ashleigh in Portland, Oregon said: I was wondering if anybody could tell me if LPN's are only hired at hospices and nursing homes. I would like to know what other places, because what I have read on these forums is that hospitals aren't hiring LPN's anymore. Thanks.

This really depends on the region you live in. The two places I have lived and worked as an LPN/LVN DO still hire us in the hospitals. I worked for 1.5 in 2 different hospitals in the Seattle area. The hiring trends for LPNs in hospitals seem to fluctuate anyway. You are certainly are not limited to working hospice or nursing homes. Doctor's offices and clinics still readily use LPNs as well. Do the research in your area though because it is different everywhere.

claire in Chicago, Illinois said: IM CURRENTLY LOOKING INTO STARTING A MEDICAL ASSISTING PROGRAM. IT HAS ALWAYS CAUGHT MY INTEREST. CAN SOMEBODY WHO IS CURRENTLY A MA TELL ME HOW THEY LIKE IT. I WAS ALSO LOOKING INTO CNA BUT STILL DEBATING WHICH ONE WILL PAY OFF MORE. ANY FEEDBACK ..THANK YOU

From what I've heard, its a good career. Just be VERYY careful of the school you go to. Some of the for-profit schools will take your money and run and leave you jobless. If you can, go to a community college, that way were your credits are good. Or if you happen to go to a trade school, go to a school that has accrediation from the CAAHEP or the ABHES or even a school that is able to have you get certifacation from the NHA, that way you are able to sit for your certifcation exam to be a CMA.

thank you missy for the advice.. i will definitely look into it.. thanks once again.

claire in Chicago, Illinois said: thank you missy for the advice.. i will definitely look into it.. thanks once again.

You are so welcome.
I hate hearing of other peoples bad experiences, who want something better for themselves but end up getting screwed over. Just make sure you do all your homework on the schools and ask TONS of questions.

has anyone ever heard of Eagle Gate College? They have a medical assitatnt program that i'm thinking about taking part in. What do you like about being an MA? What do you dislike? (besides pay..) If I maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout the year and a half MA program (and do well on my externship) could I request higher pay?

*I ment to say if I maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout the 1 1/2 of the MA program

Does it really matter how you do on the externship? Will the employer ask them how well you did?

Im in a MA program because I just had a baby and I intend to go back for RN, but I need money now, is it worth it???

I am in the same situation. I have a Bachelors degree in Fashion Merchandising but since then my lifestyle has changed. I want to have a family some day soon and the fashion world would not allow that to happen. I am weeks aways from going back to school to get my associates degree as a MA. I am hoping that since i already have a bachelors degree I might get offered better pay when I graduate. I need to know the good and the bad about the job??? Some people are telling me to become an RN or LPN but I really don't like the dirty and nasty things that nurses have to do. I also like working with paperwork and such and that is why I thought being an MA would be perfect. Please let me know what you think!

sara in Sterling Heights, Michigan said: Ok here's the situation- I'm going back to school for the second time. I start next month, but I haven't registered yet. I'm 26 but there's nothing I want to do with my life. What I mean by that is, I have no passion or talent for anything in life. I have been severly depressed for the past 2 years, and its gotten worser since I lost my dad in August. I know I have to make a living for myself because I can't live with my mom for the rest of my life. I'm unemlpoyed and have been since last year April 2007. I can not find work anywhere, so that why I'm trying to get back in school and trying to make something out of my life. I was thinking about going for the medical assistant program and going for the certificate instead of a degree, so I can get finished sooner. Is that a good idea? Will that be good enough in order to potentially get a job? Because here's the deal I have to be out my mom's house by next fall, and I figure the medical assistant certificate is the way to go because, supposedly there's a growing demand for m.a. and its a job that going to always be around. Or should I look into something else? I know the starting pay rate is usually $10 and up in michigan, and i'm fine with that. I just have to get in a field thats going to always be around and will help me gain employment. Can someone please help me?

If I were you I would go for LVN the schooling is just about three months longer and the pay would be alot better!

I am currently in a MA program and people at my school say that is is hard to find a job. They either want you to have 2 or 3 years experience, but I'm fresh out of school. So I need help. Oh yeah I'm just 19 years old, so please help me!!!!!!!!!

Well go to the hospitals after you take your certification test. My friend just got hired at a hospital making 15.85 hourly. So dont let your lack of experiance get you down just keep trying. And maybe further your education because when Im done at my school Im going to BAKER, because the more letters you have behind your name the better. By the way i will be an MA and RN once Im done

Well your credits can transfer to Baker so to get your foot in the door I would do it.I am doing it!! You wouldn't want to be broke for another 2-3 years.

Baker where? Oregon?

Hi everybody, I have a plan and wondering if anyone can tell me if it is a good idea. I am going to do MA for a 1 year program and go work while pursuing a master in health care management because that is what I want to do. I think as being a MA it can help me with tuition as well as some experience in health care field. I'm not sure if this is a good idea doing MA or Medical record... or is there any other health care career that I should study that would be helpful for me? I'm not really sure which one would be more related or helpful for me...Can anyone give me some ideas please?...I don't want to waste my time....I really appreciate that. Thank you and good luck to you all here!

alyssa in Portland, Oregon said: Baker where? Oregon?

Well Im from Michigan so I dont know if you have Baker there so I would go to a community college not a university because it would take way too long.

I am a Medical Assistant teacher and let me just say I think MAs get bashed all the time due to the fact more Clinics and Doctors offices prefer to hire Medical Assistants over an LPN or RN and the case is probably that they can pay less and they do the exact same thing in a office or Clinic I'm a Nurse Practitioner who worked at the Mayo clinic for years and I was actually there when they started to let the Nurses especially the LPN go I would not say give up on Medical Assisting in 2012 you no longer have to worry about what certification to get because you will be Licensed just like us Nurses
and you will be trained in IV therapy as well. I don't think LPNs will ever be phased out they are Nurses however a Medical Assistant is a Multi task job so I say stick with it in a couple of years good thing are coming of course that means more schooling and possibly a mandatory degree

sara in Sterling Heights, Michigan said: Ok here's the situation- I'm going back to school for the second time. I start next month, but I haven't registered yet. I'm 26 but there's nothing I want to do with my life. What I mean by that is, I have no passion or talent for anything in life. I have been severly depressed for the past 2 years, and its gotten worser since I lost my dad in August. I know I have to make a living for myself because I can't live with my mom for the rest of my life. I'm unemlpoyed and have been since last year April 2007. I can not find work anywhere, so that why I'm trying to get back in school and trying to make something out of my life. I was thinking about going for the medical assistant program and going for the certificate instead of a degree, so I can get finished sooner. Is that a good idea? Will that be good enough in order to potentially get a job? Because here's the deal I have to be out my mom's house by next fall, and I figure the medical assistant certificate is the way to go because, supposedly there's a growing demand for m.a. and its a job that going to always be around. Or should I look into something else? I know the starting pay rate is usually $10 and up in michigan, and i'm fine with that. I just have to get in a field thats going to always be around and will help me gain employment. Can someone please help me?

go to lpn school medical assistant do not make anything and no one will hire you without years of experience it is a TOTAL waste of time and money!!!

jojos mom in Rockingham, North Carolina said: I am a Medical Assistant teacher and let me just say I think MAs get bashed all the time due to the fact more Clinics and Doctors offices prefer to hire Medical Assistants over an LPN or RN and the case is probably that they can pay less and they do the exact same thing in a office or Clinic I'm a Nurse Practitioner who worked at the Mayo clinic for years and I was actually there when they started to let the Nurses especially the LPN go I would not say give up on Medical Assisting in 2012 you no longer have to worry about what certification to get because you will be Licensed just like us Nurses
and you will be trained in IV therapy as well. I don't think LPNs will ever be phased out they are Nurses however a Medical Assistant is a Multi task job so I say stick with it in a couple of years good thing are coming of course that means more schooling and possibly a mandatory degree

I am glad I read your post everyone else had me thinking about not going back to school like I have plans to do here soon.So reading yours I am heading back.THank you

Trade schools will rip students off, expecially the bigger schools.Go to a local comunity college and do your basics.Do this and challenge yourself. transfer to a 2 year degree and love what you do. Finally, anything that is short in time MA degrees) are usally a wast of time and money and only help greedy schools.

lisa in Portland, Oregon said: I have been a Medical Assistant for 9 years, i started out at 7.50 an hour and now i make 10.50, I run the lab, plus do all the garbage dumping and nightly cleaning, I want to ask for a raise but fear as being viewed greedy please let me know your opinions.

Lisa,
You DESERVE that pay. If you are doing beyond your expectation and (probably out of job description) It's not right to deprive you of money you are WORKING for and for your career sake.
I'm 21 years old. Fresh out of college for about 2 years and I started as a medical assistant at $10.50.. and have been there almost 2 years now making 11.50. Write the administration a letter, my friend did the same thing, and she got her raise!

Alaina in Tallahassee, Florida said: I am currently in a MA program and people at my school say that is is hard to find a job. They either want you to have 2 or 3 years experience, but I'm fresh out of school. So I need help. Oh yeah I'm just 19 years old, so please help me!!!!!!!!!

Alaina,
I am 21 years old, i went straight from high school to a Medical institute studied the medical assistant program for a year and graduated. I landed a job doing my clinicals/internship at a medical clinic by word of mouth and had an interview with a doc that was i need of an assistant. Ive been with that same physician for almost two years making decent pay. If i can do it you can do it! You'll be surprised how many facilities actually need more MA's. You can go to hospitals, urgent cares, all types of doctors.. just have to apply yourself and shop around, There will be a shot for you!! You'll learn so much about this job too, so if you still decide to go back to school as an LPN or RN it will come naturally!
Good Luck and dont worry about being left out on the streets :)
Medical field always has room for opportunities.

Hello all,

From reading these forums I am getting nervous about applying to Medical assisting school.
In a couple months, I will be graduating with my BS in Health Science but immediately enrolling into a Medical assisting diploma [or associates degree] program in Augusta, GA. The associates degree sounds nice since about 3 quarters of work should transfer over from my bachelors but this school is private [ACICS accredited]..and not CAAHEP or ASBES, so I'm thinking about doing the diploma program which is so I can become a CMA later. My only concern is finding a job afterwards as well. I've recently decided that I want to get my Masters at a PA school and you need medical/healthcare experience before enrolling. Volunteering hours work for all schools, but some require paid work, and medical assisting was one of the recommended pre-req careers.

The rest of the previous post:

My other question is [particularly for those with AS in MA], will my Bachelors help me with employment if I do not decide to get the Associates, because why spend more money (though I should get military benefits) and time if there's no guarantee I'd get a job? I also currently have office/clerical work experience.

The other part of the post:

My other question is [particularly for those with AS in MA], will my Bachelors help me with employment if I do not decide to get the Associates, because why spend more money (though I should get military benefits) and time if there's no guarantee I'd get a job? I also currently have office/clerical work experience.

I know it's been a long time since this post and you may not be reading it anymore, or you may have already completed the exercise. None-The-less, I'd say no.

I would not ever enroll in a for-profit medical program or actually any trade school period unless I had personally verified with numerous potential employers that they would hire someone from that school. Just call around to anyone you might identify as a potential employer and you should be able to find out within minutes if what the recruiters are telling you is true or if they are just blowing smoke. While you're at it, find a publicly accredited program and call the secretary to the department head and ask about the school you are proposing to attend. You might get an earful about former students who got ripped off and then had to come to the public school to finish. Also be aware that if you go to a school without the proper accreditations you cannot use that education in the future to go on for another degree at a university for example. Beware and do your homework!

Mike in Aliso Viejo, California said: I know it's been a long time since this post and you may not be reading it anymore, or you may have already completed the exercise. None-The-less, I'd say no.

Thanks for your response. I just added this post today, lol

Marla Fisher in Long Beach, California said: I would not ever enroll in a for-profit medical program or actually any trade school period unless I had personally verified with numerous potential employers that they would hire someone from that school. Just call around to anyone you might identify as a potential employer and you should be able to find out within minutes if what the recruiters are telling you is true or if they are just blowing smoke. While you're at it, find a publicly accredited program and call the secretary to the department head and ask about the school you are proposing to attend. You might get an earful about former students who got ripped off and then had to come to the public school to finish. Also be aware that if you go to a school without the proper accreditations you cannot use that education in the future to go on for another degree at a university for example. Beware and do your homework!

-----------------

Hello Marla,

I've been doing extensive research and the public school I'm considering (Augusta Tech) is indeed accredited thru CAAHEP [I checked both websites] and its less expensive than the private school I was considering. I just want to get in and get out and have some form of med experience under my belt you know, but I do want to work in the field too, at least for a couple of years before applying to PA school.

Peggy Rivera in Austin, Texas said: Hello Sara,
Just wanted to say sorry for your loss but it's time to move on. You will never do anything if you keep yourself there. So here's my advise get out of this rut and only you can do this. Sorry don't mean to be rude but you need to move on.

So anyway, I am a Medical Assistant I have been for 5 years and I love it. Right now I work for a career school that offer MA class and now I am an Externship Coordinator. People ask me why am I here and not out in the medical field. Well I know what it is to struggle to get where you need to get and I'm here to help you. Like I tell my students you will only get out what you put into it.

I to had to put myself through school with no support from my husband and I had 4 kids and home. So while my husband was not there my kids lived on MC Donalds for 11 months. I did what ever I could to do my best to finish. I also worked as a waitress in the morning will I went to school at night. That was the best thing I ever did for myself and for my kids, and I am no longer in the marriage.

So yes start as a Medical Assistant see if you will like it because you have to love what you do to make it work.

Sara, everyone goes through hard times and are in a rut for a while but only you can make it better. SO GET UP, GET OUT AND MAKE IT HAPPEN.

Sincerely

Peggy from Austin and living up with my kids.

Peggy from Austin. Great advice and insight! And, bravo for you in accomplishing your goals. Despite your unfavorable situation, you did not sit there and have a pitty party. No, you made the most of it and worked DILIGENTLY. I commend you.

is asi institute a good place to go to school for medical assisting?

WELL I WANNA KNOW WHAT BETTER MEDICAL BILLING AND CODING OR MEDICAL ASSISTANT SOME PEOPLE SAY GO FOR BILLING AND CODING, MANY PEOPLE SAY GO FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANT SOME PLEASE HELP ME OUT IM SO CONFUSED......

netty in Wenonah, New Jersey said: is asi institute a good place to go to school for medical assisting?

Be very carefull about the random for profit colleges around. Living in NJ you have the perfect oppertunity to attend one of the many public four year and community colleges in the state. All of which are Accredited. An ASI Institute degree probably isn't worth the paper it is printed on. In our area make sure the school is accredited through the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. www.msche.org/

That is the difference between a real school and one of the many for profit scams in our area.

jason

SHARNISE in Paterson, New Jersey said: WELL I WANNA KNOW WHAT BETTER MEDICAL BILLING AND CODING OR MEDICAL ASSISTANT SOME PEOPLE SAY GO FOR BILLING AND CODING, MANY PEOPLE SAY GO FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANT SOME PLEASE HELP ME OUT IM SO CONFUSED......

Hi Sharnise....shoot me an email..krzztell@yahoo.com ... I can go over the differences and let you know what I have found..either way with medical asst, make sure the schools you are looking at are CAAHEP accredited..this is the highest certification you can receive in this field and all employers look for it...

It's really hard to choose a program not knowing what exactly you want. I became an MA because it was s fast way to enter medical field with decent pay and somewhat respectable job. My program took 9 months. I volunteered at the hospital that I wanted to get a job during school, then I asked to extern there, and got a job there. It's been 7 months now. Start pay for new grads is 16$ per hour.
Most MAs I know if they go back to school, its almost always RN program. I'm going for microbiology though, but that will be after a while. I'm going to try to get the hospital to pay be proving I'm an excellent employee, and volunteer every chance I get. In the mean time, I'm still making ok money.

j in Corvallis, Oregon said: It's really hard to choose a program not knowing what exactly you want. I became an MA because it was s fast way to enter medical field with decent pay and somewhat respectable job. My program took 9 months. I volunteered at the hospital that I wanted to get a job during school, then I asked to extern there, and got a job there. It's been 7 months now. Start pay for new grads is 16$ per hour.
Most MAs I know if they go back to school, its almost always RN program. I'm going for microbiology though, but that will be after a while. I'm going to try to get the hospital to pay be proving I'm an excellent employee, and volunteer every chance I get. In the mean time, I'm still making ok money.

What school/college/university did you attend and are there any steps or helpful advise you could give to someone who's wanting to begin the path of becoming a MA. I'd love to complete a MA program and land a job in less that 2 years, 9months sounds even better (GOD FOR YOU - its always great to hear about people with positive experiences).

jojos mom in Rockingham, North Carolina said: I am a Medical Assistant teacher and let me just say I think MAs get bashed all the time due to the fact more Clinics and Doctors offices prefer to hire Medical Assistants over an LPN or RN and the case is probably that they can pay less and they do the exact same thing in a office or Clinic I'm a Nurse Practitioner who worked at the Mayo clinic for years and I was actually there when they started to let the Nurses especially the LPN go I would not say give up on Medical Assisting in 2012 you no longer have to worry about what certification to get because you will be Licensed just like us Nurses
and you will be trained in IV therapy as well. I don't think LPNs will ever be phased out they are Nurses however a Medical Assistant is a Multi task job so I say stick with it in a couple of years good thing are coming of course that means more schooling and possibly a mandatory degree

I am currently in school for The Medical Assistant Associate Degree Program, my question is does it pay off to get the two year degree or should I go for the one year certificate program? It seems that the responsibilities aren't much different, but I do live near two large teaching hospitals in Augusta, Georgia with multiple clinics attached. It seems the curriculum doesn't differ much from the LPN program with the exception of clinicals, although I will be involved in an externship. Some of my class mates are considering the certificate program then specializing in such programs as,sonography etc.