What Are the Requirements to Become a Medical Assistant?

A medical assistant plays a vital role in the day-to-day operations of a medical facility. Learn the requirements to become a medical assistant

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Educational requirements

To become a medical assistant you will need to complete a medical assisting program that has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Once you have completed an accredited program, you will then need to pass the Certified medical assistant (CMA) exam administered by the American Association of Medical assistants (AAMA).

Certification

Medical Assistants can become certified through an accredited medical assisting program. These programs are usually offered at community colleges, technical schools, and vocational schools. To be eligible for certification, students must complete an accredited program and pass a certification exam.

Clinical training

Most medical assistants have postsecondary education such as a certificate. However, some states allow licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or registered nurses (RNs) to work as medical assistants after completing a short medical assisting program.

Medical assistants must complete an accredited medical assisting program to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam administered by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To maintain certification, CMAs must complete 60 credits of continuing education every 5 years. Some states have additional certification requirements.

Medical assistants should be detail oriented and able to follow instructions. They should also be able to work well under pressure, multi-task, and have good people skills since they often interact with patients.

Job outlook

In order to become a medical assistant, one must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Although not required, many employers prefer to hire those with some postsecondary education, such as a certificate from a medical assistant program. Many community colleges, technical colleges, and career schools offer formal training programs for medical assistants. Most programs last about 1 year and lead to a certificate or diploma. Some colleges offer 2-year associate’s degree programs in medical assisting. These programs prepare students for more advanced positions in the field and typically include courses in physiology, pharmacology, and other sciences, in addition to medical assisting topics.

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 $25,560, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $49,630.

Advancement opportunities

Becoming a medical assistant is a great way to get started in the medical field, and there are many advancement opportunities available to those who want to further their career. Most medical assistants start out working in a doctor’s office, but there are many other places where they can work, such as hospitals, clinics, and even research laboratories.

Key skills

Most medical assistants have postsecondary education such as a certificate. Many programs can be completed in less than a year and some medical assistants become certified. Employers typically prefer candidates who are certified, although certification is not always required.

The majority of medical assistants have a certificate from an accredited program; some have completed postsecondary education such as an associate degree in medical assisting. A small number have received on-the-job training. Programs typically last from 9 months to a year and are available from community colleges, technical schools, and career schools.

Employers often prefer to hire candidates who have completed an accredited program and who are certified. Although certification is not always required, it may give jobseekers a competitive advantage. Certification demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of a medical assistant.

Personality traits

Medical assistants must have certain personality traits to excel in their roles. Many of these traits are necessary to deal with the tasks they are required to do on a daily basis. They must be able to work well under pressure, as they will often be required to complete tasks within a certain time frame. They must also be able to multitask and prioritize their work, as they will often have several tasks that need to be completed at the same time. They must also be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, as they will need to communicate with patients, doctors, and other medical staff on a daily basis.

Physical requirements

To become a medical assistant, there are certain physical requirements you must meet.

You must have the ability to:
• Stand for long periods of time
• Sit for long periods of time
• Bend
• Kneel
• Crouch or stoop
• Reach with your arms

Working conditions

Medical assistants work in all areas of the medical field, from hospitals to private practices and everything in between. They usually work full time, although some may work part time or even weekends depending on the needs of their employer. Night shifts are not common for medical assistants, but they may be required in some settings, such as hospitals. Many medical assistants work in environment that is both fast-paced and emotionally demanding.