What Training is Needed to Become a Medical Assistant?

The role of a medical assistant is vital as they perform critical administrative and clinical duties that help keep a medical facility running smoothly. Medical assistants typically work in ambulatory clinics or physician offices and are expected to handle a large amount of responsibilities and tasks, making them an important member of the health care team.

If you are wondering how you can become a certified medical assistant, it’s important to look into the minimum requirements for your state. The minimum education required to become a medical assistant is a high school diploma or equivalent, but many employers look for MA’s that have formal training and certification. That’s why it’s highly recommended to select a school or study program that allows you to pass the certifying exam after completion of the program. Many medical assisting programs can be completed in a year or less, which is an appealing option for those students looking to get started in a new career quickly.

Job Requirements

The type of job requirements for medical assistants varies, especially depending on the type of practice or facility they work in. MA’s are usually expected to handle a number of administrative duties, such as appointment scheduling, medical correspondence, medical billing and coding, medical transcription, and managing electronic records. They also perform clinical duties, such as assessing and interviewing patients, recording vital signs, performing basic in-office procedures, administering immunizations, and sterilizing medical supplies and instruments among other things.

Part of what makes a medical assistant so valuable is the wide multitude of skills and tasks they are able to perform.

Certification

Although national certification may not be required for every medical assistant, many find that taking the extra step to become certified greatly expands their career options. Some states or employers require that medical assistants who perform specific medical tasks must be certified in order to obtain employment.

National certification enables certified medical assistants the opportunity to demonstrate advanced knowledge and expertise in the field of medical assisting while also showing how committed they are in the profession.

State Requirements

Depending on the state you live in, medical assistants are sometimes required to undergo training to learn specific duties, such as administer medication by injections, or perform any venipuncture.

Some states also prohibit certain tasks or duties from being performed by medical assistants. For example, in Montana, MA’s are not allowed to perform any invasive procedures, including injections, unless they are under the direct supervision of a physician.

Medical assistants are prohibited in all states from performing certain invasive procedures such as placing the needle or starting and disconnecting an infusion tube for an IV.

Education

The minimum requirement to begin a medical assisting program is a high school diploma or equivalent, and many programs have specific requirements or prerequisites that must be met before students can officially enroll in or start the program.

There are a number of certified medical assisting programs available. Some of these programs offer more clinical practice training, while others focus more on laboratory or even administrative duties, such as medical billing and coding. Due to the variation in the programs, it’s important to look into the differences and do your research before selecting the program that is right for you.

Athena Career Academy offers training as a certified medical assistant and their program is designed to teach students the specific skills necessary to obtain employment in a modern medical facility. Contact us today for more information.