If you’re wondering how to become a medical assistant, you’re in the perfect place. Medical assistants are often an essential part of the healthcare field, and a career may be relatively quick to prepare for.
Step 1: Learn, What is a Medical Assistant?
A medical assistant is often someone who works in a medical office doing administrative or clinical tasks supporting physicians and other health professionals. They may do this by interacting with patients, managing office records, preparing blood work, recording vital signs, taking medical histories, preparing patients for examination, or administering medication as directed by a physician.
Because medical assistants typically work with people all day, it is no surprise that ONET reports knowledge of customer service is one of the most important items for a MA to possess. This may include the ability to assess what a patient needs and then performing the tasks needed to help these patients become satisfied. Coming in second may be knowledge of information needed to treat human injuries. This tends to include understanding symptoms of illnesses, treatments as well as drug properties and integrations.
Earnings for MAs vary by state, but according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2020 median annual wage for medical assistants was $35,850. Given that our population is living longer, it may come as no surprise that more healthcare workers could be needed to support this demand. There are a predicted 139,200 new jobs expected from 2019 thru 2019, that is a growth rate of 19%! That is MUCH faster than average compared to other jobs.
Deciding that you want to have a medical assisting career is one thing. Figuring out what type of MA you want to pursue is another.
Step 2: Learn, What Does a Medical Assistant Do?
Clinical vs Administrative
Depending on your interests, you could pursue a career as a Clinical or Administrative Medical Assistant. You could also become Certified or Registered. Clinical MAs and administrative MAs perform different duties.
As a Clinical Medical Assistant you could have varying responsibilities depending on your work environment. Generally, you may sterilize medical instruments, talk to patients about their medications, and draw blood. Your work tends to be hands-on. Other tasks may include:
- Operating technology such as blood pressure measuring equipment
- Conducting sample analysis
- Disposing of contaminated supplies
- Logging blood specimens
- Keeping up-to-date technically
- Providing prescription information to pharmacies
- Showing patients to examination rooms
- Exercising critical thinking
As a Administrative Medical Assistant you may focus more on the business side of the healthcare office. Administrative Medical Assistants often code patients’ medical information, fill out insurance forms, buy office supplies, and answer phones.
- Managing patient records
- Transcribing in written or electronic form
- Scheduling appointments
- Purchasing office equipment and supplies
- Completing insurance forms
- Using business software applications
- Knowledge of customer service
- Meeting quality standards for service
Course Examples for Medical Assisting
In many instances a medical assistant needs a high school diploma. They may choose to pursue a certification in the field. These could be obtained through technical or trade schools. Community colleges may also offer these types of certification. A certification exam may be necessary as well. If this is a career that one wants to pursue it is recommended that students take the following courses in high school:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Anatomy
- Computer courses
- Business courses
These classes in addition to the completion of a certificate program may provide the education necessary to have a career in this field. Other degrees one may earn are as follows:
- Medical Assistant Certificate
- AA in Med Assisting
- AS in Med Assisting
- BA in Med Assisting
- AS in Health Science
- BS in Health Sciences
- BS in Healthcare Administration
- BA in Healthcare Administration
- MS in Healthcare Management
When going for a degree beyond a certificate some class examples may include the following:
- Medical Terminology
- Health Promotion
- CPR
- Ethics
- Clinical procedures
Students may learn a great deal in this type of program. That could include things like how to create and update medical records. They may learn administrative duties including using electronic health records. They may learn how to perform some tests. That often includes an EKG. Many students could also learn patient care skills. The courses they take often relate to topics like these.
Step 3: Learn About the Educational Requirements
You’ve taken the first step and decided this is the career path you’d like to pursue. But do you need a degree to become a medical assistant? The simple answer is NO – you may not need a degree or certification. In fact, according to ONET, 10% of medical assistants have earned only a high school diploma or equivalent GED and learn their specific duties on the job. However, 65% have earned some sort of post secondary certificate, and another 18% has earned an associates degree. However, there are several things you should be aware of when making a choice about pursuing degree or certification and whether or not you choose to become certified.
In some circumstances, an employer may provide on-the-job training to familiarize new hires with commonly used instruments, terminology, and other important knowledge that would otherwise be learned through a medical assisting program. Medical assistant training may happen in an externship as well if you have completed formal education. Other times, physicians’ offices and healthcare facilities may simply teach you what they need you to do. Many may offer a training program in house. Not all do, though. Finding job openings may be easier if you have formal training completed. That way, you could help physicians right away.
It is typical that medical assistants graduate from one sort of postsecondary program or another, and employers may prefer to hire assistants who have completed some sort of medical assistant program or degree. In some circumstances, an employer may provide on-the-job training to familiarize new hires with commonly-used instruments, terminology, and other important knowledge that would otherwise be learned through a medical assisting program.
Last, some states may have stricter rules for medical assistants who perform duties like administering injections and taking x-rays.
How Long Does it Take To Become a Medical Assistant?
If you opt to pursue formal career education, typically a certificate or diploma medical assisting program may be completed in about a year of full time study. Alternatively, you could opt to earn an associate’s degree in medical assisting, which typically takes around two years. You may expect your program to include both classroom and lab work, and you’ll explore topics like human anatomy, medical terminology, first aid, billing and coding, and much more.
It’s also important to keep in mind that a degree may not be the only way to go. You could also choose to earn a certificate or diploma in medical assisting, which may take less time than an associate’s degree.
How Much Does it Cost?
The cost of a program may depend on if it is a diploma, certificate or associates program. Also an important factor may be the school’s in state or out of state tuition policy. According to NCES 2018 school data, the average in state tuition for schools with this program is $3,705. Out of state tuition may be as high as $18,021.
Step 4: Medical Assistant Certification: Why it’s important to become a Certified Medical Assistant
One question most people may ask is, do I need to be certified to become a medical assistant? The short answer is no. You may not need to be certified. BUT, some employers may prefer or require it. And, in some states you may obtain additional responsibilities if you are certified. Certification indicates you may have completed steps to prove you are knowledgeable in your field, like graduating from an accredited medical assisting program and/or passing an exam.
Keep in mind that various employers may have different criteria when it comes to seeking candidates. Medical assistants hoping to be more competitive for employment opportunities may wish to consider every means of distinguishing themselves in the field, and certification is just one possible step.
Though it may not be required by the particular state in which you live, certification is often preferred by employers and you may want to consider this as your next step following graduation from a medical assisting program. Your instructors may steer you towards the certification option preferred by your school. In most cases, you’ll need to pass an exam. Common certifications include Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) from the National Healthcareer Association. Obtaining certification may enhance your future medical assisting career. Two types of certificates are Registered Medical Assistants (RMAs) and Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs).
Registered Medical Assistant
Registered Medical Assistants (RMAs) often obtain their certification from a nonprofit agency called the American Medical Technologists (AMT). You must have at least five years of experience as a MA prior to taking the exam. A membership charge may be included as well as a testing fee. The exam tends to cover similar categories as the CMA exam like physiology, anatomy, medical laws, medical ethics, insurance, finance, and clinical medical assisting. While the CMA may be better known among some states, many employers may consider either the RMA or CMA credential. Check with your state regarding regulations prior to earning your certification for your medical assisting career.
Certified Medical Assistant
CMAs are licensed through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Certification must be renewed every five years to ensure that CMAs state up to date on the latest skills. The CMA exam often requires a fee which may vary, depending on if you are a member of an accrediting organization. Exam subject areas may include clinical and administrative procedures, anatomy and physiology, legal regulations, lab procedures, and medical terminology and prepares you fully for any medical assisting career. Other than the AAMA, there could be other organizations that also offer certification. Most of the time, applicants must be at least 18 years old prior to applying for certification. There are three different forms of CMA certification:
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) – from AAMA
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) – from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
- National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) – from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
Keep learning!
Every employer is different, and medical assisting job requirements could range from basic office skills to bilingualism, depending on the needs of the hospital or medical center. While you cannot be sure what employers in your area will be looking for at the time you are ready to pursue job opportunities, earning good grades in your medical assisting program, gaining experience through volunteering in a healthcare setting, and joining one or more professional associations are just a few ideas for enhancing your career preparation.
If you’re interested in a medical assisting career, learning as much as you can before pursuing opportunities in this field may serve you well. Consider volunteering in a hospital to get a sense of the work environment you’ll be experiencing. If you know any healthcare workers, don’t be afraid to ask, “How do I pursue a career as a medical assistant?”
And don’t stop seeking knowledge. Medical and technological advances ensure that this field may be always changing for the better. Whether you earn a certificate, pursue your associate’s degree, or learn on the job, you could be sure that a career in medical assisting may be a lifelong education.
For those who wish to work in a doctor’s office providing patient care, a medical assistant job could be a good choice. This type of health care industry job may prepare you for other degree paths, too. Some may go on to study phlebotomy. This may help them perform laboratory procedures. Others may focus on administrative skills like bookkeeping.
Medical Assistant Salary and Job Outlook
According to the BLS, below are the 2020 Median Annual Salary and employment information for Medical Assistants by state:
Alabama
Annual salary: $29,950
Number of positions: 9,380
Percentage of jobs in state: 0.96
Alaska
Annual salary: $46,610
Number of positions: 2,500
Percentage of jobs in state: 1.65
Arizona
Annual salary: $35,670
Number of positions: 19,460
Percentage of jobs in state: 1.34
Arkansas
Annual salary: $31,530
Number of positions: 3,580
Percentage of jobs in state: 0.60
California
Annual salary: $42,900
Number of positions: 95,690
Percentage of jobs in state: 1.14
Colorado
Annual salary: $39,040
Number of positions: 12,010
Percentage of jobs in state: 0.91
Connecticut
Annual salary: $41,070
Number of positions: 8,420
Percentage of jobs in state: 1.07
Delaware
Annual salary: $34,750
Number of positions: 2,730
Percentage of jobs in state: 1.26
Florida
Annual salary: $34,800
Number of positions: 56,010
Percentage of jobs in state: 1.30
Georgia
Annual salary: $34,250
Number of positions: 25,820
Percentage of jobs in state: 1.17
Hawaii
Annual salary: $40,530
Number of positions: 4,190
Percentage of jobs in state: 1.43
Idaho
Annual salary: $36,760
Number of positions: 3,200
Percentage of jobs in state: 0.87
Illinois
Annual salary: $37,190
Number of positions: 22,030
Percentage of jobs in state: 0.77
Indiana
Annual salary: $34,790
Number of positions: 16,790
Percentage of jobs in state: 1.13
Iowa
Annual salary: $37,660
Number of positions: 5,290
Percentage of jobs in state: 0.70
Kansas
Annual salary: $32,030
Number of positions: 5,510
Percentage of jobs in state: 0.81
Kentucky
Annual salary: $33,450
Number of positions: 10,110
Percentage of jobs in state: 1.11
Louisiana
Annual salary: $31,110
Number of positions: 8,060
Percentage of jobs in state: 0.88
Maine
Annual salary: $37,820
Number of positions: 3,920
Percentage of jobs in state: 1.34
Maryland
Annual salary: $38,480
Number of positions: 12,660
Percentage of jobs in state: 0.98
Massachusetts
Annual salary: $43,090
Number of positions: 14,160
Percentage of jobs in state: 0.83
Michigan
Annual salary: $34,830
Number of positions: 22,750
Percentage of jobs in state: 1.14
Minnesota
Annual salary: $43,090
Number of positions: 9,320
Percentage of jobs in state: 0.67
Mississippi
Annual salary: $30,550
Number of positions: 3,670
Percentage of jobs in state: 0.67
Missouri
Annual salary: $33,540
Number of positions: 10,110
Percentage of jobs in state: 0.74
Montana
Annual salary: $36,980
Number of positions: 1,410
Percentage of jobs in state: 0.61
Nebraska
Annual salary: $35,810
Number of positions: 2,710
Percentage of jobs in state: 0.56
Nevada
Annual salary: $35,970
Number of positions: 7,190
Percentage of jobs in state: 1.13
New Hampshire
Annual salary: $38,860
Number of positions: 2,810
Percentage of jobs in state: 0.89
New Jersey
Annual salary: $37,920
Number of positions: 17,360
Percentage of jobs in state: 0.90
New Mexico
Annual salary: $32,340
Number of positions: 7,230
Percentage of jobs in state: 1.80
New York
Annual salary: $39,850
Number of positions: 25,490
Percentage of jobs in state: 0.57
North Carolina
Annual salary: $34,540
Number of positions: 20,240
Percentage of jobs in state: 0.92
North Dakota
Annual salary: $38,380
Number of positions: 340
Percentage of jobs in state: 0.16
Ohio
Annual salary: $34,270
Number of positions: 26,250
Percentage of jobs in state: 1.00
Oklahoma
Annual salary: $31,790
Number of positions: 8,960
Percentage of jobs in state: 1.12
Oregon
Annual salary: $41,700
Number of positions: 12,480
Percentage of jobs in state: 1.35
Pennsylvania
Annual salary: $34,670
Number of positions: 27,740
Percentage of jobs in state: 0.99
Rhode Island
Annual salary: $38,510
Number of positions: 2,750
Percentage of jobs in state: 1.22
South Carolina
Annual salary: $33,010
Number of positions: 11,840
Percentage of jobs in state: 1.15
South Dakota
Annual salary: $31,910
Number of positions: 920
Percentage of jobs in state: 0.44
Tennessee
Annual salary: $33,990
Number of positions: 15,900
Percentage of jobs in state: 1.07
Texas
Annual salary: $33,700
Number of positions: 72,640
Percentage of jobs in state: 1.18
Utah
Annual salary: $35,170
Number of positions: 7,990
Percentage of jobs in state: 1.05
Vermont
Annual salary: $37,190
Number of positions: 1,130
Percentage of jobs in state: 0.78
Virginia
Annual salary: $36,730
Number of positions: 14,330
Percentage of jobs in state: 0.76
Washington
Annual salary: $45,700
Number of positions: 15,870
Percentage of jobs in state: 0.97
West Virginia
Annual salary: $29,820
Number of positions: 3,280
Percentage of jobs in state: 0.99
Wisconsin
Annual salary: $38,800
Number of positions: 13,250
Percentage of jobs in state: 0.96
Wyoming
Annual salary: $35,660
Number of positions: 870
Percentage of jobs in state: 0.65
