Step by Step Guide to Becoming a Medical Assistant

If you’re looking for a relatively quick pathway into a healthcare related career, then becoming a medical assistant (MA) might be the perfect fit for you. Medical assistants work under the supervision of a physician, performing both administrative and clinical duties. As one of the fastest growing occupations, it’s also an excellent career to pursue in terms of job growth and stability. 

If you’re wondering how you can join the ranks as a medical assistant, here is a step by guide to becoming a medical assistant:

1. Attend an Accredited Program

In order to become a certified medical assistant, it’s important that you attend a training program accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Many unsuspecting students don’t realize when they’re enrolling in a program that if they don’t graduate from one accredited by ABHES or CAAHEP, then they won’t be eligible to sit for the CMA exam issued by the American Association of Medical Assistants after completion. Finding an accredited program is of the utmost importance and should be a top priority in your path towards becoming a medical assistant.

2. Get Certified

While certification isn’t required in some states, the vast majority of employers will prefer to hire candidates who are certified. Making the decision to sit for the exam to become certified after completion of your medical assistant training program not only gives you a competitive edge over other job applicants, but it makes you much more employable. Your certification demonstrates your dedication and commitment to your new career as a medical assistant. Certification also gives your employer reassurance that you possess the necessary knowledge and skills to accurately perform your job. Earning a certification could result in better pay, higher job security, and more opportunities for advancement. Getting certified is a step you definitely don’t want to overlook.

3. Organize Your Skills

After completion of your medical assisting program, you should have a multitude of skills to showcase, including but not limited to:

· Medical terminology.

· Phlebotomy tasks.

· Customer care and patient etiquette.

· How to use electronic health records.

· How to perform both clinical and administrative duties.

These are skills you’ll definitely want to highlight on your resume, but don’t forget to include soft skills as they can be equally important to technical skills. Soft skills are those that you likely possessed prior to your training, but they become more developed as you gain experience. These are useful skills that you’ll carry with you long after becoming a medical assistant.

• Teamwork-A good medical assistant knows how to be a team player and collaborate with other healthcare professionals in order to benefit the patient.

• Communication-Strong, solid communication skills are an extremely important skill to possess, as an MA is required to routinely speak to patients, families, and co-workers.

• Confidence-Having confidence influences the way you communicate with patients and affects their experience.

4. Job Search

Here’s where the real fun begins, as now it’s time to start applying and interviewing for open medical assisting positions. As long as you have a solid resume in place, you rehearse and practice your interview skills, and remain proactive and motivated in your job searching, it shouldn’t be long before you land your first MA position.

Athena Career Academy is here to help you succeed. Our accredited medical assistant program led by our knowledgeable faculty will start you on the right path to a great new career. Contact our admissions team today for more information about our upcoming classes.