There are many medical trade schools in Arizona. We have compiled a list of them, along with information about the cost and length of their programs.
If you’re looking for medical assistant jobs in Arizona, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll show you all the best ways to get started on your path to a fulfilling career as a medical assistant in this state.
Medical assistants are an essential part of the healthcare system and have several responsibilities, including:
- Taking patient histories and recording symptoms
- Performing diagnostic tests such as blood draws and taking X-rays
- Preparing patients for treatment or surgery by cleaning wounds or applying bandages
Arizona
Arizona is the sixth most populous state in the United States, with a population of 6,828,065, according to the 2010 census. It has two major metropolitan areas, Phoenix and Tucson; it is also known for its desert climate, landforms and national parks.
Arizona’s capital is Phoenix. Its largest city is Phoenix; Mesa, Glendale and Scottsdale are among its largest suburbs.
California
California, the most populous state in the U.S., has a lot of medical schools. It also has a lot of colleges that offer medical assistant programs and degrees. If you want to become a medical assistant in California, there are many options from which to choose.
To find out more about what these options look like and how they can help you achieve your goals, continue reading below for our analysis on the best trade schools and universities for becoming a registered or certified medical assistant in California!
Vocational and trade schools train students for a variety of careers in areas like healthcare, legal studies, cosmetology, and technology. Trade schools offer several benefits, including affordability. Many trade schools charge lower tuition rates than four-year institutions, which can save students money. Additionally, people who earn an occupational credential benefit from higher employment rates than those with an academic credential, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Top 10 Vocational Trade Schools in Arizona
| RANK | SCHOOL | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pima Community College | Tucson, AZ |
| 2 | GateWay Community College | Phoenix, AZ |
| 3 | Central Arizona College | Coolidge, AZ |
| 4 | Arizona Western College | Yuma, AZ |
| 5 | Tohono O’odham Community College | Pima County, AZ |
| 6 | Yavapai College | Prescott, AZ |
| 7 | Cochise College | Sierra Vista, AZ |
| 8 | Chandler-Gilbert Community College | Chandler, AZ |
| 9 | Mesa Community College | Mesa, AZ |
| 10 | Coconino Community College | Flagstaff, AZ |
Top Online Programs
Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.
Many schools in Arizona offer vocational and trade programs. Most vocational programs incorporate a mix of coursework and hands-on learning through internships, apprenticeships, or practicums.
Completing a certificate or associate degree in a vocational program generally takes 1-2 years. Some schools offer self-paced or accelerated options for students seeking a faster option. Students looking for more flexibility can also research online vocational programs.
This page introduces trade and vocational schools in Arizona and ranks the top programs in the state. It also provides information on scholarship opportunities for students and the career and salary outlook for trade school graduates.
FAQ
| QUESTION | ANSWER |
|---|---|
| Can I go to trade school online? | Yes. Many trade schools in Arizona offer online programs. Online students can often meet a program’s in-person requirements at an approved site in their community. |
| Can I get financial aid for trade school? | Yes. Accredited trade and technical colleges in Arizona meet the requirements for many financial aid programs, including federal aid. |
| Can trade school credits transfer? | Yes. Students can often transfer the credits they earn from accredited trade and vocational schools in Arizona to other institutions. |
| When can I apply to trade school? | Many trade schools offer rolling admissions policies, which let prospective students submit an application at any time. Similarly, trade schools often offer multiple start dates each year. |
Accreditation and Licensing for Trade Schools
Prospective trade school students should always check a school’s accreditation status before applying. Schools must undergo a rigorous review process from an independent accrediting agency to earn accreditation. During the review, the accrediting agency evaluates the school’s student learning outcomes, academic mission, faculty qualifications, and graduation requirements. To maintain accreditation, schools regularly repeat the review process.
Accreditation benefits students in several ways. For instance, only students attending an accredited school qualify for federal financial aid programs, and many schools only accept credits and degrees from accredited institutions. Additionally, many professional licenses and certifications require an accredited degree.
At the institutional level, both regional and national accrediting agencies grant accreditation to schools. Liberal arts and research institutions and community colleges typically hold regional accreditation. In Arizona, the Higher Learning Commission grants regional accreditation to four-year and two-year schools.
Vocational and trade schools may hold national accreditation from an agency such as the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). ACCSC accredits more than 650 trade and technical schools in the country. Online schools may also hold accreditation from a specialized agency like the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.
Trade schools also need a license to operate in the state. The Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education licenses private vocational and trade schools in Arizona. Learn more about the accreditation process.
Vocational Trade Schools in Arizona
Trade schools in Phoenix, Tucson, and other parts of Arizona prepare graduates for in-demand careers. Our list ranks the best trade schools in Arizona to help prospective students find the right program for their interests and goals.
Career and Salary Outlook for Trade School Graduates
Trade school graduates can work in roles such as medical assistant, electrician, ultrasound technician, and paramedic. Vocational and trade schools can also lead to careers in trade services, aerospace, and healthcare.
Salaries vary widely by role, location, and experience, but technical and trade school graduates earn an annual salary of over $55,000 per year, on average. Students considering trade and technical schools in Arizona can research Arizona salaries by occupation to learn more about the earning potential in their field. For example, dental hygienists in Arizona earn over $84,000 per year, on average, while avionics technicians make over $60,000.
Many trade school careers offer strong growth projections. For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects faster-than-average job growth for dental hygienists, EMTs and paramedics, and HVAC technicians. Prospective trade school students should research job demand and average salaries in their specific field.
What Kinds of Trade School Programs Are Available?
Trade and vocational schools in Arizona offer certificates and degrees in high-demand fields like healthcare, legal services, and hospitality services. Many of these fields offer strong job growth projections and above-average salaries.
This section introduces trade school programs that prepare graduates for in-demand career paths in Arizona. In addition to the following programs, prospective students can research other popular vocational programs, including programs for dental hygienists, construction managers, radiology technicians, and medical assistants.
Paramedic SchoolsEmergency medical technicians and paramedics respond to emergency calls, provide medical care for sick and injured people, and transport patients to hospitals. They may provide first aid,
monitor vital signs, or provide life support care, depending on the situation. EMTs and paramedics typically need a certificate or an associate degree.During their training, paramedic students learn to assess patient conditions, provide trauma care, and use medical equipment. They also receive specialized instruction in hospital or ambulance
settings.EMTs and paramedics earn a median salary of over $35,000 per year, with faster-than-average projected job growth between
2018 and 2028. Every state requires paramedics to hold a license. In Arizona, the
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services & Trauma System certifies EMTs and
paramedics.Learn more about paramedic and EMT programs.
Occupational Therapy SchoolsOccupational therapists treat patients with injuries and disabilities. While occupational therapists typically need a master’s degree, occupational therapy assistants need an associate degree
for entry-level roles. Occupational therapy assistants help patients with therapeutic activities, train patients in using special equipment, and report patient progress to occupational therapists.During an occupational therapist program, students take courses in biology, pediatric health, and occupational therapy. Many programs also incorporate fieldwork to build professional experience.According to BLS data, occupational therapy assistants earned a median annual
salary of $59,200 in 2019. The Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners licenses occupational therapy assistants in Arizona. Candidates for licensure must
meet academic requirements, complete supervised fieldwork, and pass an examination.For more information, check out our page on occupational therapy programs.
Paralegal ProgramsParalegals help lawyers by conducting legal research, investigating cases, and drafting legal documents. They also interview clients, take affidavits, and conduct research on laws and
regulations. During a paralegal certificate or degree program, students take classes in legal research, contract law, civil litigation, and legal writing. Most paralegals hold an associate degree
in legal studies or paralegal studies, but some hold a certificate in paralegal studies.According to the BLS, paralegals and legal assistants earned a median annual salary of over $51,000 in 2019, with
much faster-than-average projected job growth between 2018 and 2028. While paralegals in Arizona do not need a license to practice, some pursue professional certifications to stand out in the job
market.Learn more about paralegal programs.
Beauty and Cosmetology SchoolsCosmetologists offer facial treatments, makeup analysis, and other beauty services. They may work in roles such as
skincare specialist,
manicurist, or
hairstylist. Salaries for beauty and cosmetology school graduates vary by role, but
median annual salaries typically range from $25,000-$35,000. Cosmetologists benefit from faster-than-average job growth projections between 2018 and 2028.In cosmetology school, students learn to cut and style hair, perform skin treatments, and offer other personal appearance services. Many schools also provide courses in sales, management, and
marketing for students interested in opening a salon. The Arizona State Board of Cosmetology licenses cosmetologists in Arizona. Applicants must complete a
state-approved program and pass written and practical examinations to earn their license.For more information, visit our page on beauty and cosmetology programs.
Veterinary Technician SchoolsVeterinary technicians assist vets by performing medical exams and providing care for pets. They may administer anesthesia to animals, perform laboratory tests, and administer vaccines or
treatments prescribed by a vet. Veterinary technicians also maintain records and case histories. The BLS reports that
veterinary technicians earn a median salary of over $35,000 per year, with much faster-than-average
projected job growth between 2018 and 2028.During a veterinary technician program, students take courses in animal anatomy, pharmacology, and disease. Many programs also incorporate an internship. In Arizona, veterinary technicians must
apply for a license from the Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board. Candidates for licensure must complete an accredited two-year veterinary
technician program and pass an exam.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many schools in Arizona that offer different types of medical trade programs. You can take your pick based on what type of training fits your needs best. There are plenty of options for students who want to get a good start on their careers or just get some extra experience before applying elsewhere
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