Can I Become a Medical Assistant Without Healthcare Experience?

With commitment and a passion for helping others, anyone can become a medical assistant (MA). While it may be possible to become a medical assistant without going to school, you will be at a significant disadvantage in the job search. Most employers prefer to hire medical assistants that have completed formal training and earned their certification. Formal training also influences your ability to become certified. To be eligible to take the certification exam, you must complete a medical assisting training program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

Certifications are the key to getting the best jobs in almost any industry. Since being certified reflects the quality of your training and vouches for your knowledge and skills, certified medical assistants receive better benefits and pay, and more opportunities for advancement. 

While going to school to become a medical assistant is highly recommended, don’t let the need to obtain formal training deter you. The path to becoming a medical assistant is quick and accessible compared to other healthcare careers. It is possible to complete your training in one year or less, making it an affordable and realistic option for full-time working students or those with families. You won’t find many other healthcare careers offering high-quality comprehensive training for such a sm

all investment of time and money like medical assisting. 

Benefits of Becoming a Medical Assistant 

The ability to earn your certification isn’t the only benefit of becoming a medical assistant. Here are some other reasons to consider enrolling in a quality training program now: 

You’ll Be in Demand 

The demand for qualified medical assistants continues to rise at a rate much faster than the national average for all other occupations. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics employment of medical assistants is projected to grow by 16% from 2021 to 2031. What this means for you is excellent job security. 

You’ll Make a Difference 

Your career as a medical assistant centers around providing quality patient care and helping others. One of the many reasons medical assistants report high job satisfaction is the ability to help others and make a difference. Medical assistants often act as a liaison between the patient and physician. Patients look to medical assistants to help them understand the tests and procedures they receive, and that helps to put them at ease. Whether you’re helping a patient schedule an appointment, drawing blood, or performing an EKG, what you do matters.

You’ll Have Variety 

Some healthcare jobs are limited to one setting, like hospitals, but that’s not the case for an MA. After becoming a medical assistant, you may find yourself working in a general practice, hospital, urgent care clinic, long term care facility, prison, hospice, specialty clinic, or chiropractic clinic. Medical assistants have a significant variety of work settings to explore, in addition to performing a wide range of clinical and administrative duties daily.

You’ll Be Part of a Team 

Medical assistants are a vital member of the healthcare team and frequently work alongside physicians and nurses. This means you not only get to ask questions and consult, but they’ll rely on you too. As an essential member of the team, you will grow your own skills from other qualified professionals. 

Are You Up for the Challenge? 

Athena Career Academy is fully committed to helping students achieve their career goals and aspirations. If you’re ready to become a medical assistant, contact our admissions team to get the process started.