Medical Assistant Training Requirements: What You Need to Know

Considering a career in medical assisting? Here’s what you need to know about the training requirements to get started.

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Introduction

Medical assistants are in high demand, and the job outlook is bright. If you’re thinking of becoming a medical assistant you’re probably wondering what kind of training you need.

In this article, we’ll give you an overview of medical assistant training requirements, including education, certification, and licensure. We’ll also provide some tips on choosing the right training program to fit your needs.

Education
There are two main educational paths to becoming a medical assistant postsecondary certificate programs and associate’s degree programs.

Certificate programs typically take one year or less to complete, while associate’s degree programs take two years. Both types of programs offer courses in Medical Terminology anatomy and physiology, and office procedures. Associate’s degree programs also include general education courses, such as English composition and math.

While there are advantages to both types of programs, many employers prefer to hire candidates with at least an associate’s degree. That’s because candidates with an associate’s degree have a broader range of knowledge and skills than those with just a certificate.

Certification
Although certification is not required in all states, many employers prefer to hire Medical Assistants who are certified. Certification shows that you have the knowledge and skills to perform the duties of a medical assistant.

There are several certifying organizations for medical assistants, including the National Healthcare Association (NHA) and the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To be eligible for certification, you must graduate from an accredited medical assisting program and pass a credentialing exam.

Once you’re certified, you need to renew your credential every few years by completing continuing education units (CEUs). CEUs can be earned through attending conferences or taking online courses.

What is a medical assistant?

A medical assistant is a person who has been trained to perform certain administrative tasks in a doctor’s office or other medical facility. In most cases, medical assistants are not required to have any specific qualifications beyond a high school diploma, although some employers may prefer to hire candidates who have completed a medical assistant training program.

The duties of a medical assistant vary depending on the specific job, but they generally involve performing administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, handling insurance paperwork, and maintaining patient records. Medical assistants may also be responsible for more clinical tasks such as taking patient vital signs or providing basic patient care.

While medical assistants are not required to be licensed or certified, many choose to pursue voluntary certification through organizations such as the American Association of Medical Assistants or the National Healthcare Association. Certification can demonstrate competence and commitment to employers and patients alike, and it may help medical assistants qualify for higher-paying positions.

Duties of a medical assistant

Duties of a medical assistant vary from office to office and state to state. In a small office, a medical assistant may do everything from answer the telephone and schedule appointments to taking X-rays and measuring blood pressure. Larger offices or clinics may have medical assistants with specific duties. For example, one medical assistant may schedule patients while another may work primarily in the business office, handling insurance claims and billing.

In every office, however, medical assistants perform many routine tasks such as:

Measuring patients’ vital signs, such as blood pressure
Weighing patients
Drawing blood and giving injections
Documenting patients’ medical histories
Answering patient questions
Preparing laboratory samples for testing
Performing basic laboratory tests
Cleaning and sterilizing equipment
Ordering supplies

Education and training requirements

Medical assistants are in high demand and there is a growing need for qualified professionals to fill this important role in the healthcare industry. If you’re thinking of becoming a medical assistant, it’s important to understand the education and training requirements.

Most medical assistant positions will require at least a certificate or diploma from an accredited program. While there are some on-the-job training opportunities, most employers prefer candidates who have completed an accredited medical assistant program. These programs typically take around 12 months to complete and include coursework in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical office procedures, and clinical skills.

In addition to completing an accredited medical assistant program, some states also require medical assistants to be licensed or certified. Licensing requirements vary by state but typically involve passing an examination. Certification is voluntary but may give candidates a competitive edge when applying for jobs. The American Association of Medical Assistants offers the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential, which requires candidates to pass a standardized exam.

Medical assistants play a vital role in healthcare organizations and the demand for qualified professionals is high. With the right education and training, you can start your career in this rewarding field.

Certification

In order to become a certified medical assistant, you will need to complete an accredited medical assistant training program. These programs are typically offered at community colleges, technical schools, and online schools. After completing a medical assistant training program, you will then need to pass the certification exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

Salary

The median annual wage for medical assistants was $34,800 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 $25,770, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $48,720.

Job outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistant employment is expected to grow 29 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. The increasing use of team-based care models is expected to continue to increase the need for support staff such as medical assistants.

Pros and cons of being a medical assistant

There are many reasons to consider a career in medical assisting. Medical assistants enjoy a high degree of job satisfaction, good job security, and above-average salaries. States are projected to experience substantial growth in the number of medical assistant jobs in the coming years.

However, there are also some drawbacks to consider before embarking on a career as a medical assistant. The job can be physically and emotionally demanding, and medical assistants may be exposed to infectious diseases. In addition, training requirements can be strict, and aspiring medical assistants must complete an accredited program before they can sit for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam.

Is medical assisting a good career for you?

Medical assisting is a good career for those who want to work in the medical field but don’t want to go through the rigors of becoming a doctor or nurse. Medical assistants perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks to support the work of doctors and nurses.

If you’re thinking about becoming a medical assistant, it’s important to know that most states do not have specific training requirements for this occupation. However, many employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed an accredited medical assistant training program. These programs typically last about 1 year and lead to a certificate or diploma. Some community colleges offer 2-year associate degree programs in medical assisting.

While not required, completing an accredited medical assistant training program can give you the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this career. In these programs, you’ll learn about topics such as medical office procedures, anatomy and physiology, and medical billing and coding. You’ll also get hands-on experience with clinical tasks such as taking blood pressure, measuring blood sugar levels, and preparing patients for examinations.

Conclusion

Medical assistant training requirements vary by state, but most states require you to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. You’ll also need to complete a medical assisting 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). Once you’ve completed your training, you’ll need to pass a certification exam, such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam, to earn your credential.