To become a medical assistant, you generally follow these key steps:
- Obtain a high school diploma or GED
This is the basic educational requirement before pursuing medical assistant training
- Enroll in an accredited medical assistant program
These programs are offered by vocational schools, community colleges, technical schools, and some universities. Programs typically last from about 9 months to 2 years and cover clinical and administrative skills such as anatomy, physiology, first aid, medical law, billing, and computer applications
. Programs can be in-person or online.
- Complete hands-on training or internship
Many programs include or recommend internships or externships to gain practical experience in clinical settings, which helps in applying skills like taking vital signs and performing diagnostic tests
- Get certified (optional but recommended)
Certification is not always mandatory but is often preferred or required by employers and can lead to higher pay. Common certifications include the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) or the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
. To get certified, you must pass an exam after completing an accredited program.
- Apply for medical assistant jobs
Once certified or after completing your training, you can apply for jobs in various healthcare settings such as doctors’ offices, clinics, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers
Additional notes:
- Basic computer skills and good communication are important for administrative tasks
- Online programs are available and can be self-paced, some as short as 4 months
In summary, becoming a medical assistant involves completing high school, enrolling in and completing an accredited training program, optionally obtaining certification, and then seeking employment in healthcare settings. Certification improves job prospects and salary potential
