When considering a career as a medical assistant, one of the most common questions people have is how long it takes to become certified. The answer to this question can vary depending on a few factors, but generally, it takes around one to two years to complete the necessary training and certification.

What is a Medical Assistant?

Before we dive into the details of how long it takes to become a medical assistant, let's first understand what a medical assistant actually is. A medical assistant is a healthcare professional who performs both administrative and clinical tasks to support the work of physicians and other healthcare professionals.

Medical assistants are an essential part of any healthcare team, as they help ensure that medical offices and clinics run smoothly. They perform tasks such as taking patient histories, preparing patients for examinations, assisting with minor procedures, administering medications, and scheduling appointments.

What does a Medical Assistant actually do?

As mentioned earlier, medical assistants perform a wide range of tasks to support healthcare professionals. Here are some of the primary responsibilities of a medical assistant:

• Taking patient histories and vital signs
• Assisting with patient examinations and minor surgical procedures
• Administering medications as directed by physicians
• Performing basic laboratory tests and collecting specimens
• Preparing and maintaining examination rooms
• Scheduling appointments and managing patient records
• Billing and coding for insurance purposes
• Providing patient education and instruction

Medical assistants work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They interact with patients on a daily basis and play a vital role in providing quality healthcare.

How long does it take to become a Medical Assistant?

Now that we have a clear understanding of what a medical assistant does let's explore the time it takes to become certified as a medical assistant. The duration of medical assistant training can vary depending on the program and the type of certification pursued. Here are the common pathways to becoming a certified medical assistant:

• Certificate Program: A certificate program typically takes around nine to twelve months to complete. These programs focus solely on medical assistant training and provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to start their careers quickly.

• Associate Degree Program: An associate degree program in medical assisting usually takes around one to two years to complete. These programs offer a more comprehensive curriculum, covering not only medical assistant training but also general education courses.

It's important to note that while certification is not required to work as a medical assistant, most employers prefer to hire certified individuals. Certification demonstrates a higher level of competency and can lead to better job prospects and higher salaries.

Where can I find certification classes?

If you're interested in pursuing a career as a medical assistant and want to find certification classes, Dreambound is the largest platform for students to find and compare vocational training programs. Dreambound offers a wide range of medical assistant certification programs from accredited institutions.

Dreambound allows you to search for programs based on your location, budget, and specific requirements. You can read reviews, compare program details, and even connect with admissions officers to get more information. Whether you're looking for a certificate program or an associate degree program, Dreambound has you covered.

Medical Assistant training requirements

To become a medical assistant, you must meet certain training requirements. Here are the general requirements for medical assistant training:

• High School Diploma or GED: Most medical assistant training programs require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.

• Accredited Program: It's important to choose a medical assistant training program that is accredited by a recognized accrediting body. Accreditation ensures that the program meets certain quality standards and that your certification will be recognized by employers.

• Clinical Externship: Many medical assistant training programs require students to complete a clinical externship as part of their training. During the externship, students gain hands-on experience in a healthcare setting, working under the supervision of experienced medical professionals.

• Certification Exam: After completing your medical assistant training, you will need to pass a certification exam to become a certified medical assistant. The most widely recognized certification for medical assistants is the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential, offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

How to get a job after classes

Once you have completed your medical assistant training and obtained your certification, it's time to start looking for a job. Here are some steps you can take to increase your chances of getting hired:

• Update your resume: Highlight your medical assistant training, certification, and any relevant experience or skills. Tailor your resume to the specific job you're applying for.

• Network: Reach out to friends, family, and colleagues in the healthcare industry. Attend career fairs and professional networking events to make connections and learn about job openings.

• Apply online: Utilize job search websites, such as Indeed or LinkedIn, to search for medical assistant job openings. Upload your resume and cover letter to these platforms to increase your visibility to potential employers.

• Prepare for interviews: Research common interview questions for medical assistant positions and practice your responses. Dress professionally and be prepared to demonstrate your knowledge and skills during the interview.

• Follow up: After an interview, send a thank-you note to the interviewer to express your appreciation for their time and reiterate your interest in the position.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a medical assistant can be a rewarding career choice for those interested in healthcare and helping others. While the time it takes to become certified can vary, with dedication and the right training program, you can start your career as a medical assistant in as little as nine months.

If you're considering a career as a medical assistant, take the time to research different training programs and find one that fits your needs. Dreambound is an excellent resource for finding and comparing medical assistant certification programs, ensuring that you make an informed decision about your education.

Remember, becoming a medical assistant is just the beginning of your journey. With experience and continued education, you can advance in your career and explore opportunities for further specialization in areas such as phlebotomy, EKG technology, or medical office management.

Dreambound has put together numerous guides to help you navigate the certification process in this field, tailored for various locations. For insights into the process or requirements in different states, see some of our additional guides below.

• How to Become a Medical Assistant in Florida
• How to Become a Medical Assistant in Illinois
• How to Become a Medical Assistant in Minnesota
• How to Become a Medical Assistant in Oklahoma
• How to Become a Medical Assistant in West Virginia

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