How to Get a Job as a Medical Assistant

So, you want to be a medical assistant? Great! The first step is to learn how to get a job as a medical assistant Here’s what you need to know.

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Job Prospects

Medical assistants are in high demand, with job prospects expected to grow by 34 percent from 2016 to 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This is much faster than the average for all occupations. The aging of the large baby-boom generation will lead to an increase in demand for preventative medical services, which are often provided by Medical Assistants

Education and Training

Regardless of which state you wish to work in, most employers prefer that medical assistants have completed an accredited training program. Certification is not always required, but it may give you a competitive edge when looking for a job. Some programs can be completed in as little as eight weeks, although most last between three and six months. If you are currently working, many programs offer evening or weekend courses to accommodate your schedule.

In addition to completing a training program, you will also need to pass a certification exam. The industry-standard certification for medical assistants is the Certified medical assistant (CMA) exam, which is offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To be eligible to take the CMA exam, you must have graduated from an accredited medical assisting program and have completed at least five years of work experience as a medical assistant

Skills and Qualifications

There are certain skills and qualifications that all medical assistants must have before they can be hired. Although the specific requirements may vary depending on the employer, most medical assistants will need to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may prefer to hire candidates who have completed a formal medical assisting program, while others may be willing to provide on-the-job training to those without formal training. In addition to completing a medical assisting program or on-the-job training, candidates should also be certified by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Although certification is not required in all states, it may give candidates a competitive edge when applying for jobs.

Resume and Cover Letter

Most employers require medical assistants to have a high school diploma or equivalent, although some may prefer or require postsecondary education, and will state this in their job postings. Whether you have a degree or certificate from a medical assisting program, or no formal education, you will need to include this information prominently on your resume. If you have related work experience, such as in a doctor’s office, be sure to highlight that as well. Your cover letter is also an important part of your job application; use it to introduce yourself and explain why you would be a good fit for the position.

Interviewing

During your job search, you will undoubtedly have to go through the interviewing process multiple times. While it may seem like a daunting task, preparing for and nailing your interviews is a process that can be perfected with practice. Check out our tips below on how to make the most of your medical assistant interviews.

When you’re in an interview, always remember that first impressions are key. Greet your interviewer with a smile and a firm handshake, and be sure to make eye contact. Be confident in your responses, but avoid sounding cocky or excessively eager. If you don’t understand a question that is asked of you, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification.

Be prepared to answer questions about why you want to be a medical assistant and what qualifications you have that make you the perfect candidate for the job. This is also a good time to ask questions about the position, the clinic or hospital, and the team that you would be working with if hired. Showing that you’re interested and invested in the job will put you ahead of other candidates who simply go through the motions without engaging with their interviewer.

And finally, when the interview is coming to an end, be sure to thank your interviewer for their time. Following up with a handwritten thank-you note is also appreciated and shows that you are truly grateful for the opportunity to interview for the position.

Salary and Benefits

Healthcare is one of the few industries that is not impacted by recessions and other economic downturns. This means that jobs in the medical field are always in demand, and medical assistants are no exception. If you’re thinking about a career as a medical assistant, you’re probably wondering about the salary and benefits you can expect.

Medical assistants earn a median salary of $33,610 per year, or $16.17 per hour. salaries can vary depending on experience, location, and employer. The top 10% of medical assistants earn more than $47,080 per year, while the bottom 10% earn less than $23,540 per year.

Benefits for medical assistants can vary depending on employer, but they often include health insurance paid vacation and sick days, and retirement savings plans. Some employers also offer tuition assistance for employees who want to further their education.

Job Satisfaction

A medical assistant (MA) is a health care professional who performs a variety of tasks to support the work of doctors, nurses, and other health care providers. The job satisfaction of medical assistants is high, and the demand for their services is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.

Job satisfaction among medical assistants is high, due in part to the positive nature of the work they do. Medical assistants often report feeling a great sense of fulfillment from helping others and making a difference in the lives of their patients. In addition, working as a medical assistant can be very rewarding financially. The median annual salary for medical assistants was $33,610 in May 2017, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Career Advancement

Medical assistants perform both clinical and administrative tasks in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They are a vital part of the healthcare team, providing support to doctors and nurses and ensuring that patients receive the best possible care.

If you’re interested in a career as a medical assistant, there are a few things you need to know. First, you will need to complete an accredited medical assistant program. These programs usually take about a year to complete and include both classroom and hands-on training. Once you have completed your medical assistant program, you will need to pass the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam before you can begin working.

Once you have become a certified medical assistant, you can begin your career in a variety of settings. Many medical assistants choose to work in hospitals or clinics, but there are also opportunities for those who want to work in private practices or even start their own businesses. No matter what setting you choose, your primary responsibility will be to provide support to doctors and nurses and ensure that patients receive the best possible care.

In addition to providing support to doctors and nurses, medical assistants also perform a variety of administrative tasks. These tasks may include scheduling appointments, managing patient records, billing insurance companies, and more. Medical assistants must be well-organized and detail-oriented in order to be successful in this role.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a medical assistant, there are a few things you need to do in order to get started. First, you will need to complete an accredited medical assistant program. Once you have completed your training, you will need to pass the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam before you can begin working. Once you have passed the exam, you can begin your career in a variety of settings.

Working as a Medical Assistant

Medical assistants are in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 19 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.1 With an aging population and advances in medical technology, doctors and other healthcare professionals will need more support than ever before. If you’re thinking about a career in healthcare, working as a medical assistant is a great place to start.

In this role, you’ll provide administrative and clinical support to doctors and other members of the healthcare team. You’ll need to be able to multi-task, have good people skills, and be detail-oriented. Most medical assistants have at least a high school diploma, but many have completed postsecondary education programs as well.

If you’re ready to start your career as a medical assistant, here are four steps to get you started.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to be certified to work as a medical assistant?

A: No, you do not need to be certified to work as a medical assistant. However, many employers prefer to hire candidates who are certified, and being certified may give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs.

Q: How do I become certified?

A: To become certified, you must pass an accredited medical assisting certification exam. Certification exams are offered by several organizations, including the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and the National Healthcare Association (NHA).

Q: What are the duties of a medical assistant?

A: Medical assistants perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks to support the work of physicians and other health care professionals. Their duties may include scheduling appointments, taking patient histories and vital signs, preparing patients for examination, assisting with procedures, and providing patient education.