How to become a Medical Assistant
To work as a medical assistant you either need on-the-job training or medical assistant training course. Many states don't require a medical assistant to be qualified, but training will be helpful when applying for jobs.
A great medical assistant is a highly organized person who has good communication skills, especially listening skills in order to understand and correct record patient information. Medical assistants need a good working knowledge of medical terminology, basic procedures and anatomy. Administrative tasks require a medical assistant to be skillful and comfortable at using a computer. Patients often choose their doctor based on the quality of service and care, so treating patients with respect and kindness is a vital skill.
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Typical qualifications for a Medical Assistant
Certificates and licenses
About Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification
A certification awarded by an organization or association such as the American Heart Association or the Red Cross, upon completing a three hour CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) class.
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About Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Certification
Certification awarded after completion of training in conjunction with CPR training by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
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Skills employers are looking for
About Hospital experience
Skill or experience working in a hospital in an administrative or clinical capacity.
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About Intake
Experience with intake assessments, including obtaining and reviewing prior medical records, performing patient intake interviews, and managing new patient forms.
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About Physiology knowledge
Experience with or knowledge of physiology, the study of how living systems work.
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About ICD coding
Skill or experience using the ICD (International Classification of Diseases) coding system to classify any disease or health problem.
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About Medication administration
Skill or experience giving medication to patients, observing patient response, and completing any needed documentation.
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Medical Assistant jobs in United States
Career progression for Medical Assistant
Education levels for Medical Assistants
| required level of education | percent of job openings |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or GED | 60.5% |
| Associate's degree | 25.8% |
| Bachelor's degree | 11.1% |
| Master's degree | 1.9% |
| Doctoral degree | 0.6% |
| Middle school education | 0.1% |
Expected salary by experience
| Years of experience | Annual salary in USD |
|---|---|
| 0 - 4 | $26,600 |
| 4 - 8 | $28,600 |
| 8 - 12 | $29,900 |
| 12 - 16 | $30,700 |
| 16 - 20 | $31,100 |
| 20 - 24 | $31,000 |
Common questions about career advices for a Medical Assistant
How fast can you become a medical assistant?
Medical assistant courses vary from a total of five days to two years. Programs that only take a few months or less will provide you with a certificate, whereas the courses that take roughly two years to complete allow you to earn an associate’s degree. Depending on your preference, you can choose the right medical assisting course to pursue.
What are the strengths of a medical assistant?
The following are considered to be the strengths of a medical assistant:
- Communication skills
- Outgoing
- Good listener
- Compassionate
- Nonjudgmental
- Self-controlled
- Organized
- Adaptable
Is it hard to become a medical assistant?
Medical assistants need to work hard to earn their certifications, which require additional learning and a test. This makes it somewhat hard to become a medical assistant but should not be a problem for those who study and are fully prepared.
