Some medical assistants are trained on the job, but many complete 1- or
2-year programs. Almost all medical assistants have at least a high school
diploma, although there are no formal education or training requirements.
Education and training. Medical assisting
programs are offered in vocational-technical high schools, postsecondary
vocational schools, and community and junior colleges. Postsecondary 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 keyboarding, 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 two accrediting bodies
that accredit medical assisting programs. Accredited programs often include an
internship that provides practical experience in physicians' offices or other
healthcare facilities.
Formal training in medical assisting, while generally preferred, is not
required. Many medical assistants are trained on the job, and usually only need
to have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Recommended high school courses
include mathematics, health, biology, keyboarding, bookkeeping, computers, and
office skills. Volunteer experience in the healthcare 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 or taking x rays, after passing a test or taking a
course.
Other qualifications. 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.
Certification and advancement. Although
not required, certification indicates that a medical assistant meets certain
standards of knowledge. It may also help to distinguish an experienced or
formally trained assistant from an entry-level assistant, which may lead to a
higher salary or more employment opportunities. There are various
associations—such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and
Association of Medical Technologists (AMT)—that award certification credentials
to medical assistants. The certification process varies by association. It is
also possible to become certified in a specialty, such as podiatry, optometry,
or ophthalmology.
Medical assistants may also 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 healthcare
workers. Administrative medical assistants may advance to office managers, or
qualify for a variety of administrative support occupations.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,
Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition
Find related resources below:
Medical Assistant Employment
Medical Assistant Training
Medical Assistant Job Outlook
Medical Assistant Income