How to Become a Medical Assistant in the Military

Veterans can receive training to become a medical assistant while still serving in the military. Learn about the requirements and process here.

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Introduction

Becoming a medical assistant in the military is a great way to serve your country and get training in a rewarding career. Although the process may seem daunting, it is actually relatively straightforward. In this article, we will outline the steps you need to take to become a medical assistant in the military.

The first step is to contact your local military recruiting office. There, you will undergo a initial screening process which will include a physical examination and drug test. If you pass these tests, you will be able to move on to the next stage of training.

The next step is to attend basic training. This will last for eight weeks and will teach you the basics of being a member of the military. After basic training, you will attend medical assistant school. This will last for four weeks and will teach you the specific skills you need to be a medical assistant.

Once you have completed medical assistant school, you will be assigned to a specific unit within the military. You will then serve in this unit for two years. After your two years are up, you may be eligible to re-enlist for another two-year term.

What is a medical assistant?

A medical assistant is a member of the healthcare team who performs clinical and administrative tasks in order to keep the offices of physicians and other health practitioners running smoothly. In the military, Medical assistants are an important part of the team who provide healthcare services to soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and their families.

Becoming a medical assistant in the military is a great way to serve your country while receiving training and experience in the medical field. There are many different paths that you can take to become a medical assistant in the military, but most will require you to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Once you have completed your high school education, you can explore the different options for medical assistant training programs that are available through the military.

If you are interested in becoming a medical assistant in the military, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. First, you will need to have a strong interest in helping others and providing quality healthcare. Second, you should be able to work well under pressure and be able to handle multiple tasks at one time. Finally, you should be willing to put in the time and effort required to complete a training program and become certified as a medical assistant.

Duties of a medical assistant

Medical assistants are in high demand in the military. They perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks to keep the medical facility running smoothly. As a medical assistant, you will be responsible for maintaining medical records scheduling appointments, and assisting the physician with patient exams. You will also be expected to handle basic laboratory procedures and administer medications.

Qualifications to become a medical assistant

Qualifications to become a medical assistant in the military are determined by the branch of service in which you wish to serve. The Army, for example, requires that you have a high school diploma or equivalent, although they prefer candidates with some post-secondary medical training. The Air Force requires that you have completed a medical assistant program that has been accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

The Navy and Marines both require that you have a high school diploma or equivalent, although the Navy will also consider candidates with post-secondary medical training. In addition, all branches require that you pass a physical examination and be able to meet the requirements of a security clearance. Once you have met these qualifications, you will need to submit an application to the branch of service in which you wish to serve.

How to become a medical assistant in the military

Individuals seeking to become medical assistants in the military must first meet the qualifications for enlistment into any one of the branches of the Armed Services.

After completing basic training and advanced individual training, medical assistants work in hospitals, clinics, and physician offices located on military bases around the world.

To be eligible to enlist in the United States Army, for example, applicants must be between the ages of 17 and 34, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and must pass a physical examination.

In addition, applicants must take and pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test. Those interested in becoming medical assistants in the military should focus on completing coursework in anatomy, physiology, Medical Terminology and first aid/CPR training.

The benefits of becoming a medical assistant in the military

Becoming a medical assistant in the military offers many benefits. In addition to receiving training and experience in the medical field, you will also enjoy a number of other perks, such as:

– Free or low-cost health care
– Free or low-cost housing
– A guaranteed salary
– Educational benefits
– Travel opportunities

The drawbacks of becoming a medical assistant in the military

While there are many benefits to becoming a medical assistant in the military, there are also some drawbacks. One of the biggest is that you may be deployed to a war zone. This can be dangerous and stressful, and it means you will be away from your family and friends for long periods of time. Another drawback is that you may have to work long hours, including weekends and holidays. And, because you will be working with patients who have a wide range of medical conditions, you will need to be able to deal with difficult situations and emotions.

The outlook for medical assistants in the military

There is a growing need for medical assistants in the military. As the population of active duty personnel and their families grows, so does the demand for qualified medical professionals.

The outlook for medical assistants in the military is good. The U.S. Department of Labor projects that employment of medical assistants will grow by 29 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.

FAQs about becoming a medical assistant in the military

Q: What specific skills do I need to become a medical assistant in the military?
A: You’ll need to be able to perform basic medical tasks, such as taking vital signs and administering injections. You should also be comfortable using medical equipment and have the ability to follow instructions carefully.

Q: How long does it take to become a medical assistant in the military?
A: The length of time it takes to complete training varies depending on your chosen branch of service. However, most programs can be completed in 12-18 months.

Q: What are some of the benefits of becoming a medical assistant in the military?
A: Some of the benefits of becoming a medical assistant in the military include receiving free housing and healthcare, receiving a regular salary, and having the opportunity to travel.

Conclusion

While there are many ways to become a medical assistant, the military offers a unique path that combines healthcare training with the opportunity to serve your country. If you’re interested in this career option, be sure to research the requirements and training options carefully. Once you’ve completed your training and certification, you’ll be ready to begin your career as a medical assistant in the military.