A Comprehensive Guide to Medical Assistant Training and Certification

Working in the healthcare field can be incredibly rewarding, both financially and emotionally. However, a lot of healthcare jobs require several years of education and training. Fortunately, not every position is like this. For example, you can get the education and training you need to become a medical assistant in less than a year.

What Does a Medical Assistant Do?

Medical Assistants have a lot of responsibilities. They can help with administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, filling out insurance forms, and billing patients for services. They may also record patient medical histories, help doctors with examinations and treatments, and collect laboratory specimens. Many medical assistants can even perform basic medical care, such as giving injections.

Why Should You Become a Medical Assistant?

Becoming a medical assistant can be a great career choice for those looking to enter the medical field. Medical assistants are often paid well and have excellent job security, as many medical offices need their help. They also get to work closely with patients and doctors and gain hands-on experience in the medical field. This often allows them to move up into more specialized medical roles in the future.

There are a lot of opportunities for growth and career advancement, especially when you consider that medical assistants can find employment in a variety of settings, from hospitals to private practices.

Besides the financial and career benefits, medical assistants get to make a real difference in people's lives. They are responsible for providing the care that patients need to stay healthy and comfortable, as well as helping doctors perform treatments. This means they get to work closely with patients and help them feel better about their health and wellbeing. As a result, many medical assistants find fulfillment in their work and are fueled by the difference they make in people's lives.

How Do You Become a Medical Assistant?

If you are interested in becoming a medical assistant, the first step is to acquire the necessary training. This usually involves taking classes and completing an accredited training program, which can vary depending on the state in which you live. Most programs require students to complete a certain number of hours of classroom and clinical training and may include topics such as anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, medical office procedures, and patient care.

Once you complete your training, you can become certified. Fortunately, one of the perks of becoming a medical assistant is that it doesn't take a long time to become certified. Most medical assistant programs can be completed in less than a year, which is much less time than is required for other healthcare professions.

Our Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) Program

Our CMA program at Athena Career Academy consists of 800 hours of study that can be completed within a 7.5-month period in addition to a six-week externship. Broken down, you'll spend around 640 hours in the classroom and lab, and 160 hours in an externship learning from experienced medical professionals.

Our program encompasses all aspects of medical assisting, from medical terminology and pharmacology to patient care and administrative duties. During the program, you'll learn the skills and knowledge necessary to become a successful medical assistant.

Once you've completed our CMA program, you'll receive a certificate of completion and earn eligibility to take the National Certification Exam, which is the final step in becoming a certified medical assistant.

Enroll in Our CMA Program Today

At Athena Career Academy, we offer one of the most comprehensive medical assistant programs in Ohio. Our hands-on approach to learning ensures that our students are well-prepared for their new roles as medical assistants. For more information about enrolling in our CMA program, contact Athena Career Academy today.