5 Things You Should Do Before Becoming a Medical Assistant

Before you enter the medical field as a medical assistant there are a few things you should do to make sure you’re prepared. Check out this list of 5 things to do before becoming a medical assistant

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Introduction

Before you take the plunge and decide to become a medical assistant there are a few things you should do to make sure it’s the right decision for you.

Here are 5 things you should do before becoming a medical assistant

1. Talk to Medical assistants
Get first-hand insights by talking to Medical Assistants currently working in the field. Ask them about their day-to-day responsibilities, what they like and don’t like about the job, and what advice they would give someone considering a career in medical assisting.

2. Do your research.
Becoming a medical assistant is a big decision, so it’s important to do your research and make sure you understand what the job entails. In addition to talking to medical assistants, check out resources such as books, websites, and articles about life as a medical assistant. This will help you get a better sense of what the job is really like.

3. Consider your goals.
Think about your long-term goals and how becoming a medical assistant can help you achieve them. For example, if you eventually want to become a registered nurse (RN), becoming a medical assistant can give you valuable experience in the healthcare field that will be helpful when you apply to nursing school.

4. Get some experience.
If possible, try to get some experience working in a healthcare setting before making the commitment to become a medical assistant. This will give you a better idea of whether or not the job is right for you. You can look for volunteering opportunities at local hospitals or clinics, or see if there are any entry-level positions available where you live.

5. Make sure you’re prepared for training.
Becoming a medical assistant requires completing an accredited training program, which typically takes around 10 months to finish. Before starting your training, make sure you have the time and resources necessary to complete the program successfully.

What is a Medical Assistant?

A medical assistant is a multi-skilled health professional that supports the work of physicians and other health professionals, usually in outpatient clinics. The medical assistant job description includes performing administrative and clinical tasks. Although the majority of medical assistants work in physician’s offices, many others work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. With the rise of technological advances and medical knowledge, the role of medical assistants is expanding. No longer are they just secretaries or clerks; they are an integral part of the healthcare team.

For anyone considering a career as a medical assistant, here are 5 things you should do:

1. Research the job market for medical assistants in your area.
2. Find out what education and training is required to become a medical assistant in your state or province.
3. Explore different job options to see where you best fit within the medical assisting field.
4. Learn about salary expectations and job outlooks for medical assistants.
5. Determine if becoming a medical assistant is the right career choice for you.

Duties of a Medical Assistant

Medical assistants are vital members of the healthcare team. They perform both clinical and administrative tasks in hospitals, clinics, and physician’s offices. As the demand for healthcare services increases, so does the need for qualified medical assistants. If you are considering a career in medical assisting, here are five things you should do before taking the plunge.

Do your research
The first step is to educate yourself about what medical assistants do. Read articles, talk to people in the field, and shadow a medical assistant to get a feel for the job. Once you have a good understanding of the duties of a medical assistant, you can decide if it’s the right career for you.

Get experience in a medical setting
Some medical assistant programs require experience in a medical setting before you can be accepted into the program. Even if your program doesn’t have this requirement, it’s still a good idea to get some experience under your belt. You can volunteer at a hospital or clinic, or shadow a medical assistant to get an up-close look at what they do on a daily basis.

Take some prerequisite classes
Most medical assistant programs require applicants to have completed certain prerequisite classes, such as anatomy and physiology, before being accepted into the program. These classes will give you a solid foundation on which to build your knowledge of medical assisting.

Choose an accredited program
There are manymedical assistant programsto choose from, but not all of them are accredited by commission on accreditation of allied health education programs (CAAHEP) orthe accrediting bureau of health education schools (ABHES). These accreditations are important because they ensure that your program meets the high standards set by these organizations. Be sure to check that your chosen program is accredited before enrolling.
doctor’s office

Education and Training

Education and Training

There are a few things you should do before you start your education to become a medical assistant.
1. Get a high school diploma or equivalent: A medical assistant program may require a high school diploma or its equivalent for admission.
2. Research accredited schools: Once you have your high school diploma or equivalent, research schools that offer accredited medical assistant programs.
3. Find out if the program offers externships: Many medical assistant programs offer externships, which provide students with the opportunity to get real-world experience in the field before they graduate.
4. Make sure the program is approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or another accrediting organization: CAAHEP-accredited programs have passed a rigorous review process and meet certain standards, so you can be sure you’re getting a quality education.
5. Find out if the school offers financial aid: Many schools offer financial aid, which can help you pay for your education.

Certification

Medical assistants are in high demand—but before you can start your career, you need to make sure you have the right certification. Here are five things you should do before becoming a medical assistant:

1. Get your high school diploma or equivalent. Medical assistants need at least a high school diploma or equivalent to get started in their career. If you don’t have your diploma yet, now is the time to get it!

2. Complete an accredited medical assistant program. Once you have your high school diploma or equivalent, the next step is to complete an accredited medical assistant program. There are many accredited programs available, so be sure to do your research and choose one that’s right for you.

3. Pass the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam. To become a certified medical assistant, you must pass the CMA exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). The exam covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, Medical Terminology and patient care procedures.

4. Apply for state licensure (if required). While not all states require medical assistants to be licensed, some do have specific licensing requirements in place. Be sure to check with your state Board of Medicine to find out if licensure is required in your state.

5. Get started in your new career! Once you have your certification and any necessary state licensure, you’re ready to start working as a medical assistant! Your exact duties will vary depending on the type of healthcare facility you work in, but may include tasks such as taking patient vital signs, assisting with examinations and procedures, answering patient questions, and more.

Salary and Job Outlook

Medical assistants work in ambulatory care settings, such as clinics, physician offices, and group practices. They perform clerical and administrative tasks, as well as basic clinical duties.

The median annual wage for medical assistants was $33,610 in May 2019. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $24,280, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $46,310.

employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 19 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. An aging population will need more medical care as they live longer and stay active later in life. This should lead to increases in the number of physicians and other health practitioners who will need support staff, including medical assistants

Pros and Cons of Being a Medical Assistant

Working as a medical assistant has its pros and cons. Below we will explore some of each to help you make an informed decision before embarking on your new career.

PROS
-One of the most important things you’ll do as a medical assistant is provide care and support to patients. This can be extremely rewarding, both personally and emotionally.
-You’ll have the opportunity to work with a variety of people in different medical settings. This can give you a well-rounded view of the medical field and help you decide if you’d like to pursue a specific area of medicine in the future.
-Medical assistants are in high demand! The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment in this field will grow much faster than average over the next ten years. This means that it should be relatively easy to find a job as a medical assistant, even if you don’t have a lot of experience.

CONS
-One of the drawbacks of being a medical assistant is that the job can be emotionally taxing. You’ll be working with sick and injured patients on a daily basis, which can be difficult to handle day after day. If you think you might have trouble dealing with this type of environment, then being a medical assistant may not be the right career for you.
-Another downside to consider is that medical assistants don’t usually make very much money. The median annual salary for this occupation is just over $30,000, which isn’t enough to live comfortably in many parts of the country. If you’re looking for a high-paying career, then medicine might not be the right field for you.

5 Things You Should Do Before Becoming a Medical Assistant

Medical assistants are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the occupation will grow by 29% from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. If you’re thinking about a career as a medical assistant, here are five things you should do first.

1. Get a high school diploma or equivalent
The first step to becoming a medical assistant is to obtain a high school diploma or equivalent, such as a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. While it’s not required, completing a medical assistant program at a community college, vocational school or trade school can give you the opportunity to get hands-on experience in the field and make you more attractive to potential employers.

2. Take classes in biology and anatomy
Medical assistants need to have a basic understanding of human anatomy and physiology, so it’s important to take classes in biology and related subjects while you’re in high school or eligibility for admission into a training program. You can also brush up on your skills by taking courses offered by community colleges or online learning platforms like Coursera.

3. Consider getting certification
Certification is not required in all states, but it may help you get hired or advance in your career. The National Healthcare Association offers the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential, and the American Association of Medical Assistants awards the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential. To earn either credential, you must pass an exam administered by the respective organization.

4. Get experience in customer service or administrative roles
Working in customer service or administrative roles can help you develop important skills that are essential for medical assistants, such as communication, time management and attention to detail. Many employers prefer candidates who have prior experience working with patients or in healthcare settings, so consider getting a job at a hospital, doctor’s office or another type of healthcare facility before applying for positions as a medical assistant.

5. Find a mentor
If you know someone who is already working as a medical assistant, reach out to them and ask if they would be willing to serve as your mentor. A mentor can give you invaluable advice about what it’s like to work as a medical assistant and how to be successful in the field

Conclusion

Becoming a medical assistant is a great way to get started in the healthcare field. There are many things you need to do to make sure you are prepared for this new career.

First, you need to make sure you have the basic qualifications. You should have a high school diploma or equivalent, and it is often helpful to have some experience in the medical field.

Next, you will need to complete a medical assistant training program. This can be done at a community college or through an online program.

Once you have completed your training, you will need to take and pass the Certified Medical Assistant examination. This will show potential employers that you are qualified for the job.

Finally, you should begin searching for jobs in the medical field. You can look online or in your local area for medical assistant positions that fit your qualifications.