In this article, we outline seven types of medical training programs that are relatively fast to complete. You can finish many of the listed career certificate training programs in about 12 months or less. Some schools may have longer and more inclusive associate degree programs available too.
Medical Assisting
A medical assistant is a professional who supports the work of physicians and other health professionals. Medical assistants may work in a clinical or administrative setting. Certified medical assistant training may take as few as 3-6 months to finish, but 10 month programs are much more common. Find a medical assisting program near you.
Typical Medical Assistant Program Lengths
- About 3-6 months for accelerated online CMA programs
- About 10 months for in-classroom certificate training
- About 2 years for associate degree in medical assisting
Certified Coding Specialist
Medical coders take data from the doctor and transfer it to the patient’s permanent medical record. Certified coding specialist training takes approximately 10 months at an accredited online medical trade college. An associate degree in healthcare administration will also prepare you to become a CCS. Though certification is not required everywhere, earning your certificate will help your job search. Find a medical coding school near you.
CCS Program Lengths
- About 8-12 months for online medical coding programs
- About 2 years for an associate degree in healthcare administration
Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in the proper distribution of prescription medicines to patients. Pharmacy technician training programs take about 12 months to complete on average. That includes about 600 to 800 hours of training. You can find programs at community colleges and trade schools. Find a pharmacy tech school near you.
Pharmacy Tech Program Length
- About 9 months to 1 year for certificate training programs
Surgical Technician
Surgical technicians assist surgeons and other medical personnel during surgeries. Surgical technologist certification training programs take about 9-15 months to finish, on average. These programs can be taken at local community colleges and medical trade schools. You can decide to continue your certificate training to an associate degree, which will take 2 years. Find a surgical tech school near you.
Surgical Tech Program Lengths
- About 9-15 months for certificate training programs
- About 2 years for an associate degree in surgical technology
Dental Assisting
Dental assistants help the dentist and dental hygienist provide care to patients. They may also take care of a variety of administrative tasks. Most dental assistant training programs take as few as 10 months to complete. You can continue this training to a 2 year associate degree if you decide to. Find a dental assisting school near you.
Dental Assistant Program Lengths
- About 10 months of dental assistant certification training
- About 2 years for an associate degree in dental assisting
Phlebotomy Technician
Phlebotomy technicians are responsible for collecting and delivering blood to the laboratory for testing. Phlebotomy technician certification training generally takes under a year, or about 1 or 2 semesters at an accredited college. Find a phlebotomy school near you.
Phlebotomy Technician Program Length
- About 360 hours/12 weeks for accelerated certificate programs
- About 12 months or less for phlebotomy certification training programs
Medical Billing
A medical biller acts as a liaison between the medical facility and payment parties. There are online medical billing certificate programs that take as few as 10 months to complete. There are also more encompassing 2 year associate degree programs available. Find a medical billing school near you.
Medical Billing Program Lengths
- About 10 months for medical billing certificate training programs
- About 2 years for associate degree in healthcare administration
As you can see, there are different types of medical careers that can train you for a career in a shorter amount of time than a 4-year college or university degree. Follow the links to find more information about each career.
Reference:
How Long Does it Take to Become A CMA?
How Long Are Dental Assisting Programs?
