The medical assistant job market is projected to grow rapidly over the next decade. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market for these vital health care workers is expected to grow by 16% through 2031.
Do you enjoy dynamic environments and directly helping people? If so, you may be interested in learning how to become a medical assistant.
Education
What are the requirements to become a medical assistant? If you are looking to become a medical assistant, the first step is to gain the right form of education. From there, you can pursue gaining experience and training before earning your certification.
Because medical assistants are tasked with important responsibilities, they must have a high school diploma at a bare minimum for an entry-level job in this field.
Even though you may only need a high school diploma, earning an associate degree could improve your chances of obtaining the job you want. Start by exploring accredited postsecondary medical assistant programs. These are also found at vocational schools.
If you are able to earn an associate degree, you will be halfway to a bachelor’s degree. Then, look for a quality medical assisting program. Some community colleges combine these programs with two-year degrees.
As you decide between medical assisting programs, consider factors like how courses are delivered (in-person versus online) and commute time, among others. Look for a mix of hands-on experience and academic work.
Build Experience
Then, you will need to develop real-world experience in order to become a good medical assistant. You may gain some good experience in school, but the medical assistant field requires hands-on experience.
Consider doing rotations at a medical office, clinic, or hospital. These are usually offered during your medical assistant program. During rotations, medical assisting students learn how to collect samples, measure vital signs, administer tests, and manage front desk operations.
Earn Certification
The third and final step is to earn certification. Although some states do not require it, many employers prefer medical assistants who are certified. This step shows that the assistant has gained a solid base of knowledge in the field.
Common certification organizations include:
- The National Healthcare Association
- The American Association of Medical Assistants
- American Medical Technologists
- The National Center of Competency
There are many reasons to become a medical assistant. These steps may seem time-consuming, and you may be wondering, “How long does it take to become a medical assistant?”
But a career as a medical assistant is rewarding and a great stepping stone to other careers within the medical field. Many medical assistants go on to become nurses or other health care professionals.
Learn More Tips on How to Become a Medical Assistant
A career as a medical assistant provides you with a range of expertise, like technical skills, communication skills, and the ability to multitask. The sooner you begin the steps necessary to become a medical assistant, the sooner you can begin building your career in health care.
Now that we have explored how to become a medical assistant take the next step. Fill out our contact form, and someone from our team will respond promptly.