Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Medical Assistant

Are you thinking of becoming a medical assistant (MA)? You are not alone.

Medical assisting is an ideal career for people who want to help others. They work in a variety of healthcare settings assisting doctors and nurses in providing quality care to patients. Becoming a medical assistant is also perfect for those who want to work in healthcare but don’t want to spend several years in college obtaining a medical or nursing degree. You can become a medical assistant in less than a year. Jumpstarting your new career quickly isn’t the only benefit of becoming a medical assistant. This exciting fast-paced career is packed with positives.

In-Demand Career 

Medical assisting is a great career path for those seeking job security. The demand for medical assistants is projected to increase 16 percent from 2021 to 2031. Over 100,000 job openings for MAs are projected each year over the next decade, with no signs of slowing down in the future. Many of these job openings are a result of needing to replace workers retiring, and a greater need for MAs as the baby boomer generation ages and continues to rely on more medical services. 

Stable Income 

Working as a medical assistant will provide you with a stable income. Knowing you will receive a steady paycheck each month means you can relax knowing your bills are covered. Medical assisting is a great choice for those who want to earn a good salary with minimal secondary education. In addition to good pay, MAs are typically offered a benefits package that can amount to as much as 30% of their salary. Benefits packages usually include paid vacation, sick leave, health, life, and disability insurance. 

Predictable Schedule

Predictable hours may sound impossible in the medical field, but many MAs work in physician offices or clinics. Working in a clinic means you only work when the clinic is open, which typically operates during standard business hours. Having a predictable schedule is helpful in maintaining a healthy work life balance. It also means you’re much less likely to miss your child’s sporting event or wonder when you might get called in to work next. If you’ve ever worked a job with a variable schedule, having a predictable schedule can be life changing. 

Advancement Opportunities 

Medical assisting offers plenty of room to grow in your career. You can find career advancement opportunities as a clinical team leader, lead medical assistant, medical office manager, medical assistant instructor, and more. Another opportunity for career advancement within the field of medical assisting is choosing a medical specialty, like cardiology, oncology, pediatrics, etc. Medical specialties may require additional knowledge or skills, but result in higher pay. 

How to Become a Medical Assistant

The first step towards becoming a medical assistant is enrolling in an accredited program. Athena Career Academy offers training as a Clinical Medical Assistant. The Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) Program is designed to teach students the skills needed for employment in a modern medical facility, and it doesn’t take several years to complete either. The full-time CMA program at Athena takes 7.5 months to complete, plus a 6-week externship. Upon successful completion of this course, students receive a certificate of completion and are eligible to take the National Certification Exam.

Courses at Athena Career Academy include the fundamentals of medical assisting, anatomy and physiology, psychological aspect of patient care, medical terminology, CPR, first aid, and emergency care. New classes start approximately every 6 weeks with no wait-list to enroll, so contact the Athena Career Academy admissions office today to learn more about this exciting opportunity.