What is a Medical Assistant?
Medical assistants are healthcare workers who help physicians or other healthcare practitioners care for patients.
While medical assistants may have a broad range of responsibilities, depending on the clinical setting and specific facility, common duties include recording patient history, measuring vital signs, and scheduling appointments.
Seventy-five percent of medical assistants work in physician's offices or hospitals, while the remaining 25% work alongside other types of healthcare practitioners in public and private contexts.
Degree Required for Medical Assistants
Medical assistant education requirements do not typically include a degree, a high school diploma and graduation from an accredited training program are typically necessary.
An associate or medical assisting bachelor's degree in medicine, biology, or anatomy and physiology may also provide a useful background, but it is not considered essential in most cases.
Students interested in becoming medical assistants should consider enrolling in one of several accredited training programs to gain a key qualification.
Certification Requirements for Medical Assistants
One of the most common qualifications required by employers is the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certificate offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants.
Other accredited certification programs include:
- Registered Medical Assistant
- National Certified Medical Assistant
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
- Certified Administrative Medical Assistant
Medical assistants work directly with patients, so these training programs ensure that graduates are able to maintain professional standards of care, honor confidentiality, and record important details accurately.
Important abilities for medical assistants include attention to detail, listening skills, organizational skills, and a grasp of the relevant medical terminology.
Steps to Becoming a Medical Assistant
Individuals interested in becoming medical assistants should consider their skills, interests, and career goals to determine which certification is right for them.
For example, individuals with strong organizational and clerical skills may choose to focus on administrative roles and earn a qualification such as the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant.
Individuals more interested in physiology and clinical practice may opt for a qualification such as Certified Clinical Medical Assistant.
The most important step to becoming a medical assistant is attaining an accredited certification such as the CMA.
Not only is an medical assisting accredited certification required by many employers, but it will also prepare graduates for the day-to-day demands of the job.
Most certification programs take about one year to complete. Some training programs may also offer job placement programs that help students gain initial experience.
Many clinical facilities that employ medical assistants will also offer additional training on the job. Gaining clinical experience as a medical assistant is also an important step in building a career in the field.
Career Advancement
Medical assistants gain valuable experience working with patients, understanding medical terminology, and working with healthcare technology. Due to these qualifications, some medical assistants may be well-positioned to advance into other healthcare occupations.
Some medical assistants continue their education to become qualified as registered nurses, physician assistants, or even medical doctors.
FAQs About Becoming a Medical Assistant
Here are some commonly asked questions about medical assistants.
How Much Do Medical Assistants Make?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual income for medical assistants is $37,190. The top 10% earn more than $48,170 and the bottom 10% earn less than $29,070.
Are Medical Assistants in Demand?
Yes, medical assistants are in high demand due to an increasing number of medical facilities. The employment of medical assistants is expected to increase by 16% over the next decade, making it a rapidly growing field.
Is Becoming a Medical Assistant Hard?
While becoming a medical assistant requires training and professional skills, the qualification process is typically shorter and more accessible than other healthcare professions.
Medical assistants do not need to attend lengthy and costly medical school programs, and the educational requirements are less than those required for medical doctors or registered nurses.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Medical Assistant?
Because medical assistants are not typically required to have a bachelor's degree, the qualification process is somewhat shorter than in many other fields.
Most accredited certification programs take between one and two years to complete.
Is Medical Assistant a Good Career Choice?
Yes, becoming a medical assistant is good career choice for individuals who enjoy working in healthcare contexts, caring for others, or attending to administrative details.
Additionally, medical assistants are in high demand and the qualification process may be more accessible than in some other healthcare professions.
Earn a Qualification Now to Get your Medical Assistant Career Started
Becoming a medical assistant can be a great way to start a rewarding career in healthcare. While an advanced degree is typically not required, finding the right certification program is the first step to becoming a medical assistant.
Find the best medical assistant program for your skills, interests, and career goals today.
