So you want to become a medical assistant do you? If yes then you have chosen a solid and stable career path for yourself. Read on for the five essential steps required to become a medical assistant (MA).
Step One- Familiarize Yourself with the Medical Assisting Field
It is an excellent time to break into this profession as MAs are very much in demand. It has been anticipated that as many as 200,000 medical assistants will be required by the time the year 2016 rolls around. In fact this is one of the fastest growing occupations throughout the country. In the next eight years the projected employment is for 565,000 workers in this field. Take the time to do as much research as you can. You need to be as familiar with everything connected to becoming a medical assistant and working as one as you possibly can.
Step Two- Enroll in School
Having the right education to do the work of a MA is essential. The majority of medical assistants attend a two year program at a community college or vocational school. Another option available to most individuals is studying online medical assistant courses through an online accredited school.
Step Three- Do the Work Required and Graduate
Now it is time to dig in your heels, roll up your sleeves and get to work! In order to become a medical assistant you must attend your classes and do all of the assignments that you are instructed to do. You cannot become a medical assistant, much less a certified medical assistant (CMA) until you pass all of your courses and then graduate. This is the case regardless of whether you are a full-time student, a part-time student or an online student.
Step Four- Get Your Certification
Not all employers deem it compulsory for their medical assistants to be certified. However most MAs choose to take the necessary examinations to do so because being certified shows that you meet the highest standards of competence and that you are very well-qualified to do your job. Once the main certification is obtained there is also the option to become certified in any number of medical specialties including optometry, massage therapy, podiatry, etc.
To learn more about the certified medical assistant exam which is offered three times a year in January, June and October visit the AAMA website. Please note, as of 2009 the test is done exclusively online.
If you would like to become a registered medical assistant then you are in luck because the American Medical Technologists offer certification to those who graduated from an accredited MA program and have had five years of job experience. To learn more visit their website.
Step Five- Find a Job
You have graduated and become certified. You should be very proud of your accomplishment. Now it is time to put together the best resume you can muster and start looking for a place of employment for your first medical assistant job. Work can be found in clinics, hospitals, group practices and doctors’ offices large and small. Before you begin your search for work, make sure you know what your expectations are as well as what will be expected of you once you secure employment.
