Medical Assistants are just as important as any other healthcare role. Becoming a Medical Assistant (MA) allows you to help patients in a fast-paced environment. This post will guide you in learning how to become a Medical Assistant. You will find information about the education requirements, job outlook, and salary of Medical Assistants.

The steps to becoming a Medical Assistant

To become an MA, you need to follow a series of steps. Here are the general steps involved in becoming a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA):

1. Obtain education - You first need a high school diploma or an equivalent certificate. This is the minimum educational requirement for pursuing a career as a Medical Assistant.

2. Enroll in an accredited program - Once you have your HS diploma or GED along with the other requirements, start looking for medical assistant certification classes near you. Enroll in an accredited medical assisting program. These programs offer diploma, certificate, or associate degree options.

There can be online coursework with in-person externships. The program duration is between 9 months to 2 years, and the cost ranges from $1,000 to $3,000. Dreambound works with state-accredited schools offering MA programs.

3. Complete your coursework - You must complete coursework that covers various topics, including medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, clinical procedures, medical office management, and medical ethics.

4. Attend your clinical training - You also need to complete clinicals as part of the training program. This provides hands-on experience in a healthcare setting. Otherwise, you may take part in an externship or volunteer in a medical facility, where you work under the supervision of medical professionals.

5. Pass the certification exam - After completing an accredited program, you are eligible to take the certification exam. The CMA certification may be from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). The exam assesses knowledge and skills in areas such as patient care, medical procedures, administrative tasks, and professionalism.

6. Consider continuing your education - Once certified, you must maintain your credentials by completing continuing education requirements. This ensures that you stay up-to-date on advancements and changes in the medical field.

It's important to note that the specific requirements and steps may vary depending on the state and the certifying organization. It is best to refer to reputable sources such as the AAMA or the official websites of accredited MA programs for the most accurate and latest information.

FAQs

What is a Medical Assistant?

A Medical Assistant (MA) performs administrative and clinical tasks in a medical setting. They provide direct patient care and perform various clinical functions, such as:

• ECG
• Phlebotomy
• Medication administration
• Managing patient safety
• Maintaining strict confidentiality

Their job duties vary with the location, specialty, and experience. Heres what an MA usually does:

• Taking patients' medical histories and recording vital signs;
• Assisting physicians with patient examinations and procedures;
• Preparing and giving medications as directed by physicians;
• Scheduling appointments and maintaining patient records;
• Billing and coding for insurance purposes, and
• Communicating with patients and their families

What's great about being an MA is that it allows you to help people and make a difference in their lives. You bring a positive impact on the lives of many people.

What are the requirements to become a Medical Assistant?

The requirements for MA certification vary by state in the United States. Some states do not require certification to work as an MA, but employers may require you to have it. Other states have specific requirements for certification or registration. Here are some examples:

1. Educational Requirements - There are no formal education requirements for becoming an MA in most states. However, most employers prefer to hire MAs who graduate from the following programs:

• Diploma or Certificate: You can become an MA through a diploma or certificate program. This is the most common route to becoming an MA. These programs take 9 to 12 months to complete. They cover medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical office procedures, and clinical skills.
• Associate Degree: Some community colleges offer 2-year programs which lead to an associates degree. You can choose to pursue this if you want a more comprehensive education.

No time or resources to enroll? You can learn the duties of an MA on the job as long as you have a HS diploma or equivalent. If you're a high school student interested in this career, you should take courses in biology, chemistry, and anatomy. Business and computer courses will also be helpful.

2. Certification Requirements - Certification to work as an MA is not a requirement in most states. However, employers may prefer to hire certified MAs. Here are some certifying organizations that the National Commission for Certifying Agencies accredits:

Certified Medical Assistant (offered By AAMA):

• Exam Format: 200 multiple-choice questions
• Exam Cost: $125 for AAMA members, $250 for non-AAMA members

Registered Medical Assistant (offered By AMT):

• Exam Format: 210 multiple-choice questions and a practical exam
• Exam Cost: $135 for AMT

National Certified Medical Assistant (offered By NCCT):

• Exam Format: 150 multiple-choice questions
• Exam Cost: $90 for NCCT

Some states may require you to complete an accredited program, pass a national certification exam, or work as an MA. California, Washington, and Louisiana are some of these states. It's always a good idea to research the requirements in your specific state or region. You can also check with the certifying agencies for information on certification requirements and resources.

3. Other requirements - Some training providers and employers may require you to pass or present requirements, which include:

• Background check: Many employers require MAs to undergo a background check.
• Drug screening: Your employer may also require you to undergo drug screening.
• Immunizations: You may need to provide proof of certain immunizations, such as Hepatitis B.

Requirements vary depending on the program, school, employer, or location. It is always best to check the specific requirements that you need to provide.

Where do Medical Assistants work?

You can work as an MA in various healthcare settings, including:

• Clinics,
• Hospitals,
• Outpatient Care Centers,
• Urgent Care Centers,
• Nursing Homes or Assisted Living Facilities,
• Medical Laboratories, and
• Academic Institutions.

It's important to note that the specific work settings for you may vary based on factors such as your location, employer preferences, and the scope of practice allowed by local regulations.

How much do MAs make? What is the job outlook for MAs?

MAs had a mean annual wage of $42,000, with a mean hourly wage of $20.19 in May 2023. There is a 14 percent increase in employment of MAs from 2022 to 2032, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is about 105,900 job openings each year, on average. Discover valuable information about Medical Assistant Salary by exploring one of our articles.

Career Advancement

In addition to the potential fjob growth and salary, you also have opportunities for career advancement as a Medical Assistant. With additional education and certification, you can move into roles such as:

Electronic Health Records Specialist:

• Manage and maintain electronic patient records.
• Ensure accuracy, security, and compliance with legal requirements.
• Facilitate the efficient retrieval of patient data for healthcare providers.
• May assist in training staff on EHR systems.

Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner:

• Diagnose and treat patients.
• Prescribe medications and perform procedures.
• Provide comprehensive medical care under the supervision of a physician.
• Collaborate with physicians to deliver primary or specialized healthcare services.

Registered Nurse (RN):

• Give direct patient care.
• Administer medications.
• Monitor patients' conditions.
• Coordinate healthcare interventions.
• May specialize in specific areas such as pediatrics, critical care, or oncology.

Final Thoughts

Embarking on the journey to becoming a Medical Assistant opens up a world of opportunities in the healthcare field. Whether you're drawn to the administrative side or the clinical aspect, the path to becoming an MA is with growth and potential. So leap, follow your passion, and begin your exciting journey to become a valued member of the healthcare team as an MA. Start your journey now with Dreambound! Hear from one of our students' reviews about their firsthand experience and insights.

"Dreambound gave me many many many opportunities and choices to look through. It helped me obtain very important information to help me with a decision on a course and schedule. I am very confident that with the help of Dreambound, I am going to find something and go through with my career. Thank you." Amani Crawford

Dreambound has written dozens of in-depth guides on how to get started in this field, with information specific to your city. If you're located somewhere else or thinking about moving, check out some other guides we've written:

• Medical Assistant schools near me in Memphis

Searching for online courses that fit your schedule? Try these resources:

• Online Phlebotomy classes
• Online Patient Care Technician classes
• Online Pharmacy Technician classes
• Online EKG classes
• Online Surgical Technician classes