How to Become a Medical Assistant: A Roadmap for Success

When deciding what kind of career you want to pursue, there are generally a few important factors to consider, such as how financially rewarding it is, how much education and experience you need, and whether the work will be emotionally fulfilling. If you want to pursue a job in the healthcare field, you might be worried about the amount of education required (and its cost).

Fortunately, one way to enter the healthcare field without having to dedicate years and years to your education is to become a medical assistant. But how exactly do you go about becoming a medical assistant?

What Is a Medical Assistant?

Medical assistants are healthcare professionals who play an important role in helping to keep the practice running smoothly. They usually provide both administrative and clinical support to doctors and other healthcare staff members. Depending on the state they work in, medical assistants may also be allowed to perform certain tasks such as measuring vital signs, administering injections, drawing blood, preparing lab specimens, and scheduling appointments. Medical assistants can be found working in a variety of different settings- from private doctor’s offices to urgent care centers and hospitals.

Skills Required To Become a Medical Assistant

To become a medical assistant, you’ll need to have an excellent understanding of healthcare and medical terminology. You should be comfortable with using computers, as many of the tasks will involve the use of technology. Additionally, medical assistants should have strong people skills for interacting with patients and other staff members. They also need organization and time management skills to keep track of their various tasks. Good communication skills are also essential, as medical assistants may need to explain procedures or treatments to patients. Medical assistants must also be reliable and have a good work ethic, as they are responsible for providing important services to healthcare professionals.

Becoming a Medical Assistant

In addition to having a certain skill set (as mentioned above), there are a few steps you need to take if you want to become a medical assistant.

1. High School Diploma or GED: The first step is to have a high school diploma or GED. This will be necessary for most medical assistant positions, as they are usually entry-level jobs.
2. Certificate or Degree Program: You will also want to enroll in an accredited medical assistant program, which can typically be completed in about a year or two.
3. Certification: After you have earned your certificate or degree, you will usually need to become certified by taking an exam. It is important to note that certification requirements vary by state.

Our Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) Program

Our CMA program requires around 800 hours of study, with 640 hours dedicated to classroom and lab participation and the other 160 hours dedicated to externship experience. The classroom and lab portion of the program can be completed in about 7 1/2 months, while the externship (in which you'll practice learned skills in a real-life setting) will take six weeks.

Our program covers everything you'll need to know about medical assisting, including medical terminology, first aid and emergency care, CPR, anatomy and physiology, and the psychological aspects of patient care. Once you successfully complete our program, you'll receive a certificate of completion, which will make you eligible to take the National Certification Exam.

Start Your Journey To Becoming a Medical Assistant Today

If you’d like to make a difference in the lives of people and become part of an important healthcare team, then consider becoming a medical assistant. It’s a rewarding career choice that offers great job security and financial rewards. For more information about our medical assisting training program, contact Athena Career Academy today.