When considering a medical assistant program, one of the most critical components is the externship. This hands-on experience bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world practice, offering invaluable exposure to healthcare environments. Below, we’ll dive into the essentials of externships, their formats, and why selecting a program with a strong externship component is key to your success.
What Is a Medical Assistant Externship?
An externship is a supervised, practical training period where students work in a healthcare setting. Typically included as part of a medical assistant program, externships allow students to:
- Apply classroom knowledge in real-world scenarios.
- Gain experience with medical procedures, patient care, and administrative tasks.
- Work under the guidance of experienced healthcare professionals.
Common Formats for Medical Assistant Externships
Externships can vary based on the program and the partnering healthcare facilities. Here are the most common formats:
- Full-time externships: Students work a standard 40-hour week for several weeks, mimicking full-time employment.
- Part-time externships: Ideal for those balancing other responsibilities, these allow for flexible scheduling while still meeting program requirements.
- Rotational externships: Students rotate through multiple departments or facilities, gaining a broader understanding of medical assisting roles.
Key Benefits of Medical Assistant Externships
Choosing a program with a robust externship can significantly impact your career readiness. Benefits include:
- Skill application: Externships provide a controlled environment to practice skills learned in class, such as drawing blood or taking vital signs.
- Professional networking: Working alongside healthcare professionals helps build connections that could lead to job opportunities.
- Increased employability: Employers often prefer candidates with externship experience, as it demonstrates hands-on competence.
- Confidence building: Real-world experience helps you feel prepared to handle the challenges of a medical assistant role.
What to Look for in an Externship Program
Not all externships are created equal. When evaluating medical assistant programs, consider the following:
- Affiliated healthcare facilities: Does the program partner with reputable hospitals, clinics, or private practices?
- Hands-on opportunities: Will you perform a variety of clinical and administrative tasks, or is the experience limited?
- Program support: Are there clear guidelines, supervision, and feedback mechanisms in place?
- Length and structure: Does the externship provide enough hours to build meaningful experience?
Comparing Philadelphia Medical Assistant Externship Programs
Here’s a quick look at how externship opportunities vary among medical assistant programs in Philadelphia:
| Program | Externship Length | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Mercy College | 160 hours | Offers externships as part of its 12-month program with job placement assistance. |
| Propel America | 160 hours | Includes externships with employer partners and a $1,500 stipend. |
| Pennsylvania Institute of Technology | 4 credits | Hands-on externship integrated into its 33-week hybrid program. |
| Philadelphia Job Corps | Varies (8+ months) | Tuition-free program with externships in clinical settings. |
| Prism Career Institute | 150 hours | Focuses on preparing students for certifications and clinical competency. |
Why a Strong Externship Matters
A well-structured externship can make the difference between feeling overwhelmed and feeling confident on your first day as a certified medical assistant. Programs that provide comprehensive externships help ensure you:
- Have hands-on experience in both clinical and administrative tasks.
- Gain familiarity with the day-to-day operations of healthcare settings.
- Build relationships that can lead to job offers or strong recommendations.
How We Can Help
We’ve reviewed all Philadelphia-area medical assistant programs, including detailed information about their externships. Whether you’re looking for a program with flexible scheduling, top-notch facilities, or strong job placement support, our resources can guide you to the right choice.
Explore your options and ensure your education includes an externship that sets you up for success in your medical assistant career.