Some medical assistants are trained on the job, but many complete 1-year or
2-year programs.Education and training. Postsecondary
medical assisting programs are offered in vocational-technical high schools,
postsecondary vocational schools, and community and junior colleges.
Programs usually last either 1 year and result in a certificate or diploma,
or 2 years and result in an associate degree. Courses cover anatomy,
physiology, and medical terminology, as well as typing, transcription,
recordkeeping, accounting, and insurance processing. Students learn
laboratory techniques, clinical and diagnostic procedures, pharmaceutical
principles, the administration of medications, and first aid. They study
office practices, patient relations, medical law, and ethics. There are
various organizations that accredit medical assisting programs. Accredited
programs often include an internship that provides practical experience in
physicians’ offices, hospitals, or other health care facilities.
Formal training in medical assisting, while generally preferred, is not
always required. Some medical assistants are trained on the job, although
this practice is less common than in the past. Applicants usually need a
high school diploma or the equivalent. Recommended high school courses
include mathematics, health, biology, typing, bookkeeping, computers, and
office skills. Volunteer experience in the health care field also is
helpful. Medical assistants who are trained on the job usually spend their
first few months attending training sessions and working closely with more
experienced workers.
Some States allow medical assistants to perform more advanced procedures,
such as giving injections, after passing a test or taking a course.
Certification and other qualifications. Employers prefer to
hire experienced workers or those who are certified. Although not required,
certification indicates that a medical assistant meets certain standards of
competence. There are various associations—some listed in the sources of
information below—that award certification credentials to medical
assistants, and the certification process varies. It also is possible to
become certified in a specialty, such as podiatry, optometry, or
ophthalmology.
Medical assistants deal with the public; therefore, they must be neat and
well groomed and have a courteous, pleasant manner and they must be able to
put patients at ease and explain physicians’ instructions. They must respect
the confidential nature of medical information. Clinical duties require a
reasonable level of manual dexterity and visual acuity.
Advancement. Medical assistants may advance to other
occupations through experience or additional training. For example, some may
go on to teach medical assisting, and others pursue additional education to
become nurses or other health care workers. Administrative medical
assistants may advance to office manager, or qualify for a variety of
administrative support occupations.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,
Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition
Find related resources below:
Medical Assistant Employment
Medical Assistant Training
Medical Assistant Job Outlook
Medical Assistant Income