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Olga
Student
Snohomish, Washington
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What steps would you recommend I take to prepare for Medical Assistant to enter this field?
I'm a student. I'm looking for the information to inform my career choice. #healthcare
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Juliet Jaye LoPresti
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Hammonton, New Jersey
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Juliet Jaye’s Answer
Here in NJ we have specialized Medical Assistant technical schools. The course is usually 2 months long with optional classes that you can take. You also need your BLS/CPR certification. The optional classes have to do with Microsoft Office and Billing/Coding. If you plan on working in a private Doctor's office, it's a good idea to add these to your certifications. Being a Medical Assistant can qualify you for several other career paths. I am a Critical Care Technician on a Med/Surg floor. Many of our techs continue on to nursing school. Good luck with your future endeavors!
David Avezov
Client Senior Pre-Sales Systems Engineer
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New York, New York
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David’s Answer
Paths on Studying to Becoming a Medical Assistant
There are several options available if you wish to enter the medical assisting field: unofficial on-the-job training, on campus training, online training, and hybrid programs.
While it is possible to become a medical assistant with no more than a high school diploma or GED along with on-the-job-training, employers more often select applicants that have received medical assistant training and certification through a properly accredited program. As such, it is advisable to train through a program that has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
Option 1 – On-the-Job Training and Education
Choosing to become a medical assistant through on-the-job training is the fastest way to enter the field since it allows you to begin working and earn money while learning. However, choosing this path requires a great deal of persistence because it can be difficult to find a doctor that is willing to hire an untrained applicant.
If you choose this path, here is what you need to do:
Have a high school diploma or GED. The minimum educational requirement for medical assistants is a high school diploma or equivalency degree. If you do not already have this level of education, the first step is to take a GED prep class and to pass the examination.
Find a doctor who will provide training. Although most employers now prefer medical assistants with a formal education, there are some who will provide on-site training. Arrange to meet with several doctors and express your passion for medical assisting and your desire to become a medical assistant. If accepted, you will receive intensive hands-on training under the direction of doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals.
Option 2 – Formal Training Through Accredited Programs
There are many colleges, universities, and technical schools that offer medical assistant training programs. Depending upon your preferences, you may choose to earn a certificate or diploma in as little as 9-12 months, or an associate’s degree in 18-24 months. These programs typically include classroom and laboratory training as well as an externship assignment.
You can choose from schools that offer classroom instruction on campus, online programs, or a hybrid of the two. If you want to become a Certified Medical Assistant after graduation, be sure to choose a program that is CAAHEP or ABHES accredited.
There are several options available if you wish to enter the medical assisting field: unofficial on-the-job training, on campus training, online training, and hybrid programs.
While it is possible to become a medical assistant with no more than a high school diploma or GED along with on-the-job-training, employers more often select applicants that have received medical assistant training and certification through a properly accredited program. As such, it is advisable to train through a program that has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
Option 1 – On-the-Job Training and Education
Choosing to become a medical assistant through on-the-job training is the fastest way to enter the field since it allows you to begin working and earn money while learning. However, choosing this path requires a great deal of persistence because it can be difficult to find a doctor that is willing to hire an untrained applicant.
If you choose this path, here is what you need to do:
Have a high school diploma or GED. The minimum educational requirement for medical assistants is a high school diploma or equivalency degree. If you do not already have this level of education, the first step is to take a GED prep class and to pass the examination.
Find a doctor who will provide training. Although most employers now prefer medical assistants with a formal education, there are some who will provide on-site training. Arrange to meet with several doctors and express your passion for medical assisting and your desire to become a medical assistant. If accepted, you will receive intensive hands-on training under the direction of doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals.
Option 2 – Formal Training Through Accredited Programs
There are many colleges, universities, and technical schools that offer medical assistant training programs. Depending upon your preferences, you may choose to earn a certificate or diploma in as little as 9-12 months, or an associate’s degree in 18-24 months. These programs typically include classroom and laboratory training as well as an externship assignment.
You can choose from schools that offer classroom instruction on campus, online programs, or a hybrid of the two. If you want to become a Certified Medical Assistant after graduation, be sure to choose a program that is CAAHEP or ABHES accredited.