3 Steps to Become a Medical Assistant
May 22, 2015
3 Steps to Become aMedical Assistant
What is a Medical Assistant?
Medical assistants complete clinical
and administrative tasks within a
medical organization. Their work
supports doctors, nurses and other
medical professionals, ensuring that the
organization runs smoothly.
What is a Medical Assistant?Clinical tasks include:
Taking medical histories
Preparing patients for examination
Collecting laboratory specimens
Drawing blood
Removing sutures
Source: http://www.aama-ntl.org/medical-assisting/what-is-a-medical-assistant#.UukfBRBdWSp
What is a Medical Assistant?Administrative tasks include:
Answering telephones
Greeting patients
Coding insurance forms
Arranging hospital admissions
Scheduling appointments
Updating patient records
Source: http://www.aama-ntl.org/medical-assisting/what-is-a-medical-assistant#.UukfBRBdWSp
Become a Medical Assistant
1. Complete Your Education
2. Get Certified
3. Specialize in an Area
Complete Your Education
1Many higher education institutions offer
diploma or associate degree
programs in medical assisting.
Many employers require a post-
secondary degree in the form of a
diploma or associate degree.
Complete Your Education
1Medical Assistant Diploma
Some community colleges, technical
colleges and vocational schools will
offer medical assistant diplomas.
Depending on the institution, these
programs generally take approximately
one year to complete.
Source: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm#tab-4
Complete Your Education
1Medical Assistant Associate Degree
Colleges that offer an associate degree
in medical assisting usually include
additional courses with a focus on
general education curriculum in
addition to the clinical classes students
complete.
Source: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm#tab-4
Get Certified
2Although medical assistants are not
required to be certified, many employers
prefer to hire those who are.
The process for certification varies
depending on the organization, though
many require a certain amount of field
experience and an examination.
Source: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm#tab-4
Get Certified
2Medical Assistant Certifications:
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
Source: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm#tab-4
Specialize in an Area
3Medical assistants who specialize in a
particular area are able to differentiate
themselves from others in the field.
Medical assistant specialization is usually
achieved through externships or as part
of on-the-job training.
Specialize in an Area
3Sample Medical Assistant Specialties:
Optometry
Podiatry
Orthopedics
Pediatrics
Cardiology
Family medicine
Geriatrics
Get More Information
For more information about the
medical assistant degree program
at Minnesota School of Business,
call 1-877-655-7676 or
request information here.