FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Penn Foster College Launches Medical Assistant Online Associate Degree Program

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Penn Foster College, one of the oldest and largest distance learning institutions in the world, has recently launched an accredited online Medical Assistant associate degree program to help meet the high demand for health care workers. The Medical Assistant degree program prepares students for in-demand positions in states like California, where the Stockton Record calls the health care worker shortage "dire," or in Virginia, where Knight-Ridder reports agencies are "always hiring" medical assistants.

By offering an associate degree in this high-demand health care job market, Penn Foster College hopes to help students gain higher paying medical assistant positions and, ultimately, have more successful careers.

"Having the right medical assistant skills is vitally important in today's job market," said Dr. Richard Ferrin, President, Penn Foster College. "Our associate degree program can prepare students to enter the medical assistant field quickly, conveniently and efficiently."

In the new Medical Assistant program, Penn Foster College graduates earn an associate degree that is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council, readying them for immediate employment. The online associate degree program offers students an affordable, reliable and convenient way to learn anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, basic lab and office procedures and medical office management.

Some medical assistants choose to train on the job while pursuing their Penn Foster College degrees, as did this medical office assistant student:

"When I applied for my position and interviewed, I made my employer aware that I was presently taking an at-home training program [to become a] medical office assistant," said Penn Foster College student, S. Fielding of Tennessee. "My salary increased when I finished the program."

Students who pursue Penn Foster College medical assistant degrees can expect the demand for their skills to be high once they graduate. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that a medical assistant career will remain one of the "fastest growing occupations" through 2014.

Penn Foster College offers degrees designed to give students the skills they need in today's fastest growing fields. Student can study online, in print or in combination, depending on which method best suits their learning style. An expert faculty and friendly support staff are dedicated to helping all Penn Foster College students successfully complete their programs and earn their degrees.