How to Become a Medical Assistant
By: Valerie Smith, RN
August 2023
A medical assistant works in outpatient medical offices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities to perform scheduling, administrative and billing tasks, rooming patients, and basic medical procedures, such as vital signs, injection and vaccine administration, blood draws, lab tests, wound care, and specimen collection. A medical assistant helps aid the work of physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
Education and Training
A prospective medical assistant must have a high school diploma or equivalent. To become a medical assistant, individuals must receive a diploma, certificate, or associate degree in medical assisting. Medical assisting programs range from ten months to two years. In addition to the formal medical assisting program, students should review their computer skills and receive training on computer programs that medical assistants will likely use, such as Microsoft Office. Most medical assisting programs require students to complete an externship or internship to gain valuable clinical skills. Choosing a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) is critical.
Certification
A medical assistant must take a multiple choice question certification exam through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) within 30 days of graduation to become a certified medical assistant (CMA). Medical assistants must recertify every 60 months. The certification is nationwide and does not require recertification if moving out of state. Some states or employers may not require certification, but a medical assistant should consider adding it to their resume to become more marketable and possibly receive a higher salary. A medical assistant must maintain their certification by completing continuing education credits. In addition, a medical assistant may become certified in specific office programs, phlebotomy, medication administration, or medical billing and coding. Employers may also require a medical assistant to become CPR-certified.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists potential medical assisting certifications and is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, including:
- Certified Medical Assistant from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from American Medical Technologists (AMT)
- National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
- Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
Next Steps
After completing a medical assisting program and becoming certified, a medical assistant must organize their resume with their new skills, education, and certification. Then, the medical assistant must apply and interview for jobs. Once finding a medical assisting position, the healthcare facility will provide training and orientation to help guide the medical assistant with their policies and procedures.
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