How To Become A Medical Assistant

How to Become a Medical Assistant in the US

If you love nurturing and caring about other individuals, the career of Medical assistant is for you. If you would like to learn more about how to become a medical assistant, then read on to find out.

The healthcare industry is growing leaps and bound with changing times. This is because the lifespan of the average person is going up. In fact, the demand for those who wish to become medical assistants is increasing. But, in the wild race to achieve a big sum, each one is missing out on their health, both mental and physical. In such time of need, one has to find a medical assistant who can provide them with help in managing their health.

If you have a keen interest in securing people’s health, you can seek a job in medical fields.

Search on how to become a psychiatrist or a physical therapist.

Overview of a Medical Attendant’s Job in the US

A medical assistant (MA) or a certified medical assistant (CMA)works as a part of the medical team in doctors’ offices, clinics and hospitals. Their prime role is to assist doctors and nurses in the selection of medical as well as administrative duties. The major time they do clerical work with the physician. The tasks of a medical assistant include sorting paperwork, medical billing, and insurance coding. After becoming a medical attendant, they take vital signs and notes in medical charts. A job in this field is quite versatile as one can work in any medical specialities as per their wish.

Educational Requirements

One must hold a valid graduation degree to become a medical assistant and attend a medical assistant training school. There are two kinds of educational, medical programs for those wishing to work in this field. Some schools for medical assistants offer a one-year certificate program. The other option is to take a two-year program which will provide you with an associate’s degree at the end.

While looking for medical assisting colleges, be aware of enrolling in an accredited college. Accreditation means that the school has a stamp of approval by a higher organization on it. In this case, it is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). It is CAAHEP that does the accreditation of colleges for Allied Health. For becoming a medical assistant, you have to get the proper education from the best medical assisting college. So, always make accreditation a top priority when you are researching medical assistant schools to attend!

A medical assistant takes several courses that are mathematics and science-oriented. These prime courses include medical terminology, medical billing, first-aid, etc.

Once you have completed the MA program, you can then apply for the certification examination, which will give you the designation of CMA. The American Association of Medical Assistants conducts the exam thrice in a year. Once you receive your certification, you have to get it renewed on a five-year basis. While some employers will not deem it for the certification of medical assistants, others will provide greater employment opportunities.

Things to Know Before You Become a Medical Assistant

If you are wondering how to become a medical assistant, then the answers you seek are as close as your fingertips. Peruse the net for information about online medical assistant schools to get pertinent data. Taking online medical assistant courses is a way to get the training and education you need but in a flexible manner. It is particularly beneficial for single mothers and home nannies who do not have the time to take classes at a brick and mortar school.

Before you embark on the training necessary to become a medical assistant, there are certain things that you must be aware of. The field makes it possible for you to work in a challenging and nurturing field. Still, it does not cause the years of training that other medical professionals must undergo.

This is a smart choice right now as the demand for medical assistants in the healthcare industry is increasing in time to come. Becoming a medical assistant makes you very employable. The opportunities are many, and if you wish to specialize, you can do that too.

Requirements to Become a Medical Attendant

You must be 18 years of age or older to apply for the training to become a medical assistant. You need to have either a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Both your mental as well as physical health, must be ideal. Once you have registered for a training program or an internship as a MA, you need to get certain vaccinations if you’ve not had them already. These shots follow the guidelines set down by the Center for Disease Control.

It is wise to make sure that you have a very stable insurance plan. The plan needs to cover both illnesses as well as any injuries you might suffer on the job. You will need this when it is time for you to take part in the clinical phase of the MA training.

Be aware too that there are physical demands for this type of job. You will be on your feet for long periods, both in a standing and walking capacity. You must be able to lift at least 50 to 60 pounds, if not more at any one time.

A person who wishes to become a medical assistant is one who has excellent problem-solving and organizational skills. The need to be an effective communicator is not emphasized as much as it should be when it comes to this kind of occupation. You need to know how to talk to people and calm them to the best of your ability.

You may encounter any number of situations where you will need to offer help in whatever manner. As you will be talking as a MA so will you also be listening? An individual who is well suited for this position is someone who is a kind and compassionate listener. In short, a medical assistant should aim at the patients’ well-being.

Steps to Becoming a Medical Assistant

So you want to become a medical assistant, do you? If yes, then you have chosen a solid and stable career path for yourself. Read on for the five essential steps required to become a medical assistant (MA).

Step 1: Familiarize Yourself with the Medical Assisting Field

It is an excellent time to break into this profession as MAs are very much in demand. It has been anticipated that as many as 200,000 will be the need of medical assistants as the year 2021 rolls around. In fact, this is one of the fastest-growing occupations throughout the country. In the next eight years, the projected employment is for 565,000 workers in this field. Take the time to do as much research as you can. You need to be as familiar with everything connected to becoming a medical assistant and working as one as you can.

Step 2: Enroll in School

Having the right education to do the work of a MA is essential. The majority of medical assistants attend a two-year program at a community college or vocational school. Another option available to most individuals is taking online medical assistant courses via an accredited school.

Step 3: Do the Work Required and Graduate

Now it is time to dig in your heels, roll up your sleeves and get to work! To become a medical assistant, you must attend your classes and do all the assignments as per the instructions. You cannot become a medical assistant, much less a certified medical assistant (CMA) until you pass all your courses and then graduate. This is the case regardless of whether you are a full-time student, a part-time student or an online student

Step 4: Get Your Certification

Not all employers deem it compulsory for their medical assistants to be certified. Yet, most MAs choose to take the necessary examinations to do so because that shows that you meet the highest standards of competence to do your job. On obtaining the certification, there will be options to become certified in any number of medical specialties, including optometry, massage therapy, podiatry, etc. 

To learn more about the certified medical assistant exam, which is offered three times a year in January, June, and October, visit the AAMA website. Please note, as of 2021, as the tests take place online.

If you would like to become a registered medical assistant, then you are in luck because the American Medical Technologists offer certification to those who graduated from an accredited MA program and have had five years of job experience. To learn more visit their website.

Step 5: Find a Job

You have graduated and become certified. You should be very proud of your accomplishment. Now it is time to put together the best resume you can muster and start looking for a place of employment for your first medical assistant job. As per PayScale, the average median salary of a Medical assistant in the US is about $44,635. Isn’t that a great sum for caring about other humans?  You can find a job in clinics, hospitals, group practices, and doctors’ offices large and small. Before you begin your search for work, make sure you know what your expectations are as well as what your higher officials will expect of you. 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *