A medical assistant is a healthcare professional who works in a medical office or clinic and provides administrative and clinical support to physicians and other healthcare professionals. They may perform a variety of duties, such as taking patient vital signs, recording medical histories, assisting with medical examinations, administering medications, preparing lab specimens, performing EKGs, scheduling appointments, and handling medical records.
Medical assistants may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, and other healthcare facilities. They play a vital role in ensuring that patients receive high-quality care and that medical offices run smoothly.
To become a medical assistant, you typically need to complete a postsecondary certificate or diploma program in medical assisting, which can typically be completed in 1-2 years. Some states also require medical assistants to be certified or registered, which usually involves passing an exam. Additionally, some employers may require prior experience or training in medical assisting.
To become a medical assistant, you typically need to follow these steps:
- Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent: Most medical assistant programs require a high school diploma or GED.
- Complete a postsecondary program: You’ll need to complete a medical assisting program that’s accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). These programs typically take 1-2 years to complete and may lead to a certificate or diploma.
- Consider certification: While certification isn’t always required to work as a medical assistant, it can help demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers. You can become certified by passing an exam offered by organizations such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
- Gain experience: Many employers prefer to hire medical assistants with some prior experience in the field. You can gain experience by completing an externship as part of your medical assisting program, volunteering, or working in a related healthcare field.
- Update your skills and knowledge: Medical assistants need to stay up-to-date on the latest medical technology and procedures. You can stay current by attending continuing education courses and workshops, or by pursuing additional certifications in specialized areas such as phlebotomy or EKG.
By following these steps, you can become a qualified medical assistant and begin a rewarding career in healthcare.
There are a number of online medical assistant programs available. Here are a few options to consider:
- Penn Foster Career School: Offers an online Medical Assistant program that can be completed in as little as 10 months. The program is self-paced and includes courses in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, clinical procedures, and more.
- Purdue University Global: Offers an online Medical Assistant Certificate program that can be completed in as little as nine months. The program includes courses in medical office procedures, medical coding and billing, pharmacology, and more.
- Herzing University: Offers an online Medical Assisting degree program that can be completed in as little as 16 months. The program includes courses in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, medical office management, and more.
- Kaplan University: Offers an online Medical Assisting Certificate program that can be completed in as little as nine months. The program includes courses in medical terminology, clinical procedures, pharmacology, and more.
- Ultimate Medical Academy: Offers an online Medical Assistant program that can be completed in as little as 11 months. The program includes courses in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, clinical procedures, and more.
It’s important to research and compare programs to find one that best suits your needs and career goals. Additionally, make sure to check that the program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) to ensure that it meets industry standards.