How to Become a Medical Assistant
Amit Kothiyal
June 21, 2011
Do you want to learn how to become a medical assistant? Keep reading, and you should have a good idea of where to get started on the path to this rewarding career in the medical field. Many people become medical assistants because they want to work in the healthcare field, but they don´t want to go to school for at least four years to become a nurse or as many as 12 years to become a doctor. In fact, you can be finished with your schooling in as little as one year and working in a healthcare facility before you know it, if you choose a career as a medical assistant.
Education and Training
Medical assistants aren´t necessarily required to be certified, but most employers would prefer if you are a Certified Medical Assistant—that means you have a diploma or associate´s degree from a school that has been accredited and that you have passed the certification exam from the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants. For a list of accredited schools, contact the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
Medical assistants may finish a diploma program at a vocational school in about one year, or they may complete an associate´s degree at a community college in about two years. It may sound better to go with the shorter diploma program, but remember that some employers may prefer an associate´s degree. Additionally, the general education credits will count towards a higher degree if you return to college later on. Your education and training will include coursework on administrative subjects, clinical skills, ethics, law and medical terminology. You will also probably be required to complete externships for hands-on experience.
The Future of the Job
The medical field is growing faster than many other professions, and it is expected to increase by 35 percent by 2016. There are plenty of job openings for medical assistants at hospitals, clinics, doctor´s offices, schools, assisted living facilities and other places around the country. The median base salary for medical assistants is $26,500 to $29,700 in the US, but that is just the entry level wage. The salary can range from $23,000 to $34,000, and there is potential to make more with experience and merit. If this sounds like a promising career, you can begin training soon and be working in no time.
Browse detailed information about top allied health schools which offer medical assistant programs and degree courses at HealthDegreesU.com. Choose the best allied health school for you and start your path to a rewarding career.
Education and Training
Medical assistants aren´t necessarily required to be certified, but most employers would prefer if you are a Certified Medical Assistant—that means you have a diploma or associate´s degree from a school that has been accredited and that you have passed the certification exam from the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants. For a list of accredited schools, contact the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
Medical assistants may finish a diploma program at a vocational school in about one year, or they may complete an associate´s degree at a community college in about two years. It may sound better to go with the shorter diploma program, but remember that some employers may prefer an associate´s degree. Additionally, the general education credits will count towards a higher degree if you return to college later on. Your education and training will include coursework on administrative subjects, clinical skills, ethics, law and medical terminology. You will also probably be required to complete externships for hands-on experience.
The Future of the Job
The medical field is growing faster than many other professions, and it is expected to increase by 35 percent by 2016. There are plenty of job openings for medical assistants at hospitals, clinics, doctor´s offices, schools, assisted living facilities and other places around the country. The median base salary for medical assistants is $26,500 to $29,700 in the US, but that is just the entry level wage. The salary can range from $23,000 to $34,000, and there is potential to make more with experience and merit. If this sounds like a promising career, you can begin training soon and be working in no time.
Browse detailed information about top allied health schools which offer medical assistant programs and degree courses at HealthDegreesU.com. Choose the best allied health school for you and start your path to a rewarding career.
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