2 answers
Kyla
Student
Yuma, Arizona
2
Questions
Asked
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How long does it take to become a medical assistant?
Medical assistant
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2 answers
Debbie Morton
Business Consulting
68
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Debbie’s Answer
Hello Kyla!
Let's talk about education. If you're a high school student keen on becoming a medical assistant, it's a great idea to focus on science subjects like biology and chemistry. While some employers might lean towards hiring those with more advanced education, there are also opportunities for medical assistants who only have a high school diploma, as they can learn the necessary skills while on the job.
Typically, medical assistants go through a postsecondary program, such as a medical assistant certificate or an associate’s degree. These programs can be found in community colleges, vocational schools, technical schools, and universities, and usually take about 1 or 2 years to complete. They cover important topics like medical terminology, anatomy, and pharmacology. Plus, they usually include hands-on experience like a practicum or an internship.
Now, let's touch on training. If you don't have postsecondary education, you can still learn the skills needed for this job through on-the-job training or an apprenticeship. Experienced physicians or medical assistants can teach you tasks like taking vital signs and interacting with patients. Depending on the facility, it may take a few months to complete this training.
When it comes to licenses, certifications, and registrations, some states require that medical assistants graduate from an accredited program, be licensed or certified, or meet other prerequisites to practice. You can get more information from your state licensing agency.
Even though it's not a requirement in most states, some employers may prefer or require that medical assistants be certified. You can get certification from various organizations, including the American Association of Medical Assistants, the American Medical Certification Association, National Center for Competency Testing, and the National Health career Association.
Lastly, some employers may require medical assistants to have other qualifications, such as Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. So, there are many paths to becoming a medical assistant, and with dedication and hard work, you can achieve your career goals!
Let's talk about education. If you're a high school student keen on becoming a medical assistant, it's a great idea to focus on science subjects like biology and chemistry. While some employers might lean towards hiring those with more advanced education, there are also opportunities for medical assistants who only have a high school diploma, as they can learn the necessary skills while on the job.
Typically, medical assistants go through a postsecondary program, such as a medical assistant certificate or an associate’s degree. These programs can be found in community colleges, vocational schools, technical schools, and universities, and usually take about 1 or 2 years to complete. They cover important topics like medical terminology, anatomy, and pharmacology. Plus, they usually include hands-on experience like a practicum or an internship.
Now, let's touch on training. If you don't have postsecondary education, you can still learn the skills needed for this job through on-the-job training or an apprenticeship. Experienced physicians or medical assistants can teach you tasks like taking vital signs and interacting with patients. Depending on the facility, it may take a few months to complete this training.
When it comes to licenses, certifications, and registrations, some states require that medical assistants graduate from an accredited program, be licensed or certified, or meet other prerequisites to practice. You can get more information from your state licensing agency.
Even though it's not a requirement in most states, some employers may prefer or require that medical assistants be certified. You can get certification from various organizations, including the American Association of Medical Assistants, the American Medical Certification Association, National Center for Competency Testing, and the National Health career Association.
Lastly, some employers may require medical assistants to have other qualifications, such as Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. So, there are many paths to becoming a medical assistant, and with dedication and hard work, you can achieve your career goals!
Godfrey Magawe
Clinical officer nephrology
114
Answers
Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
Updated
Godfrey’s Answer
I think MA takes between 4months to 1 or 2years to complete.there are different levels with the least being 4months to complete a medical assistant certificate course,but you can upgrade to an associate degree in MA