How to Become a Medical Assistant

When you step into a hospital or clinic, the first friendly faces you meet are the medical assistants. Medical assistants are like superheroes behind the scenes, making sure everything runs smoothly. They’re not just welcoming smiles; they’re the ones who help with paperwork, check your vital signs, and make sure everything is in order. So, the next time you see a medical assistant, know that they’re the real MVPs keeping the healthcare world in harmony! 

Interested in unraveling the details of this profession? Read on for an in-depth exploration of a medical assistant’s job description, education, salary, and more. 

Medical assistants work alongside doctors; they take care of administrative and clinical tasks like greeting patients and checking their medical records. Medical assistants are often found in hospitals or medical clinics. 

While most medical assistants perform both clinical and administrative duties, there are some who only take care of clinical duties; these medical assistants go by the title of clinical medical assistants and gain more in-depth training.

Specialization is possible! You can tailor your medical assistant career to your interests, and there are multiple fields to choose from. For instance, if you’re interested in ophthalmology or cardiology, you can specialize in one of these areas. 

So, what does a medical assistant do? Medical assistant duties can vary depending on the specific healthcare setting, the size of the facility, and state regulations. Here are some of the common roles and responsibilities that come with this position:

Clinical Responsibilities:

1. Vital Signs Monitoring:

   – Measure and record patients’ blood pressure, pulse rate, temperature, and respiration rate.

2. Patient Examinations:

   – Assist healthcare providers during patient examinations and procedures.

3. Medication Administration:

   – Administer medications as directed by the physician or healthcare provider.

4. Specimen Collection:

   – Collect and prepare laboratory specimens for testing.

5. Basic Laboratory Tests:

   – Perform basic laboratory tests, such as drawing blood or conducting urinalysis.

6. Assisting with Minor Procedures:

   – Set up and prepare medical instruments and equipment for minor procedures.

   – Assist healthcare providers during minor medical procedures.

7. Infection Control:

   – Ensure proper sterilization of medical instruments.

   – Maintain a clean and sanitary clinical environment.

Administrative Responsibilities:

1. Appointment Scheduling:

   – Schedule patient appointments and manage the healthcare provider’s calendar.

2. Patient Records:

   – Maintain and update patient medical records, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.

3. Billing and Coding:

   – Handle billing and coding tasks, including processing insurance forms and claims.

4. Insurance Verification:

   – Verify patients’ insurance coverage.

   – Assist with insurance-related inquiries.

5. Front Desk Operations:

   – Greet patients, answer phones, and manage communication between patients and healthcare providers.

6. Clerical Duties:

   – File and organize paperwork, including patient records and administrative documents.

   – Manage inventory and order office and medical supplies.

7. Communication:

   – Relay messages between patients and healthcare providers.

   – Facilitate communication between different departments in the healthcare facility.

This is a very general medical assistant job description. Your duties as a medical assistant will vary depending on the rules set by the state, the policies of the healthcare facility, and the training you’ve received. Medical assistants work closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals to make sure everything runs smoothly and patients get good care. 

If you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant, you’re in luck. There is an increasing demand for medical assistants, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 14 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

You’re on your way to becoming a medical assistant, but first, think about the kind of medical assistant you would like to be and in which field you’d like to work. It could be helping kids (pediatrics), working in chiropractic medicine, focusing on heart health (cardiology), specializing in skin care (dermatology), dealing with bone and joint health (orthopedics), supporting cancer patients (oncology), and more. Each specialty has its own unique focus, so you can choose the one that aligns with your interests and career goals.

There are a few routes that can lead you to becoming a certified medical assistant:

1. You can complete your high school diploma or an equivalent and get trained on the job. The downside could be that employers prefer candidates with more training and an associate degree or certificate.

Note – You can’t take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam without completing an accredited program, but you can still take the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), and National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) exams that allow you to appear even without completing a program.

2. Earning a certification can increase your chances of landing a job as a medical assistant. Certificate programs can last anywhere from a few months to a year. This means that a certification program can help you get trained quickly and even give you good job prospects. The courses covered in medical assistant certification programs are similar to their associate degree counterparts; the difference is that associate degrees are more detailed and comprehensive. 

In order to become a certified medical assistant,  you will have to complete your program from an accredited institution. You will also need to complete an internship and training before appearing for the medical assistant certification exam.

3. A diploma in medical assisting is another option. A diploma course will be more detailed than a certificate course and can take a little longer to complete. Your diploma in medical assisting can take about a year or so to complete, after which you can complete an internship and sit for the medical assistant certificate exam.

4. Associate degrees in medical assisting are seen as more valuable than other certificates or diplomas. Associate degrees offer more job opportunities and an edge over other candidates. It will take you about two years of full-time  study to complete this degree. Associate degrees in medical assisting offer more in-depth knowledge and training. You can also consider doing your associate degree online. For example, South University offers an online associate of science in medical assisting program that includes an in-person practical training at the end.

Associate degree programs include courses like:

• Medical Terminology: Learn the language/jargon of medicine for effective communication in healthcare.
• Anatomy and Physiology: Study the structure and function of the human body.
• Medical Office Procedures: Cover administrative tasks like scheduling, billing, and records management.
• Clinical Procedures: Develop skills in patient care, including vital signs, examinations, and minor medical procedures.
• Pharmacology: Gain an introduction to medications, dosage calculations, and an understanding of drug interactions.
• Medical Law and Ethics: Explore legal and ethical issues in healthcare.

The next step would be to apply for an internship, after which you will be eligible to sit for the medical certification exam.

You can also choose to complete your medical assistant program online. Make sure to select an accredited online program that meets the necessary standards for medical assistant education. Online programs often include virtual labs, interactive coursework, and opportunities for hands-on experience through local clinical placements. Check with the specific online program for details on admission requirements, course structure, and any in-person components, such as clinical externships, that may be necessary for completion.

The time it will take you to complete your study and become a medical assistant depends on many factors, like the specific program you choose, your individual pace of learning, and any prior education or experience you may have. Typically, an associate degree program in medical assisting can take around two years to complete. However, some programs may offer accelerated options, allowing you to finish more quickly, while part-time or online programs might extend the duration.

The duration of certificate or diploma programs for medical assisting typically ranges from 9 months to 18 months, depending on the specific program, institution, and whether you are studying on a full-time or part-time basis.

Medical assistants have a range of job options available to them, and their skills are in demand across various healthcare settings. Here are some common job options for medical assistants:

1. Clinical Medical Assistant: 

Work in clinical settings, assisting healthcare providers with patient care. This may include taking vital signs, preparing patients for examinations, and assisting with minor medical procedures.

2. Administrative Medical Assistant: 

Focus on the administrative side of healthcare, handling tasks such as scheduling appointments, managing medical records, and processing insurance claims.

3. Specialized Medical Assistant: 

Specialize in a specific area of healthcare, such as podiatry, ophthalmology, cardiology, or dermatology. Specialized medical assistants may have additional training to support the specific needs of their chosen field.

4. Phlebotomist: 

Specialize in drawing blood and collecting samples for laboratory testing. Some medical assistants may choose to become certified phlebotomists.

5. Home Health Medical Assistant: 

Provide medical assistance in patients’ homes, offering care and support to individuals who require healthcare services at home.

6. Urgent Care Medical Assistant: 

Work in urgent care centers, where medical assistants may handle a variety of clinical and administrative tasks to support the fast-paced environment.

These are just some options among many; the best choice for you depends on the level of education you wish to pursue, your passion, and your career goals.

Medical assistants play an important role in the effective functioning of a healthcare facility. It’s a popular choice among those who wish to join the healthcare profession without spending too much time studying. 

Now is a great time to hop into this profession because there is a great demand for medical assistants. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there is a growing demand for medical assistants. This role is going to see a projection of 14 percent growth from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all professions.  

To give you an idea of what kind of setting you would be employed in, we have taken a look at the BLS data recorded as of 2022, which said that the field of medical assistance saw a workforce of approximately 764,400 professionals. 

A majority of them found employment in the offices of physicians and hospitals; some worked in outpatient care centers, and the rest worked in the offices of other health practitioners. 

The salary you receive will depend on a variety of factors, like your qualifications, field of work, specialization, location, experience, and many other factors. As per BLS, the median annual wage for medical assistants was $38,270 in May 2022. There are some medical assistant specializations that ensure a higher than average salary; they include ophthalmology medical assistant, podiatry medical assistant, fertility medical assistant, cardiology medical assistant, and dermatology medical assistant, among others.

Medical assistants require a diverse set of skills to excel in their roles, combining both clinical and administrative abilities. Here are key skills for medical assistants:

1. Communication Skills:

Effectively communicate with patients, colleagues, and healthcare professionals, ensuring clear understanding and empathy.

2. Interpersonal Skills:

Build positive relationships with patients, making them feel comfortable and supported during medical procedures.

3. Organizational Skills:

Manage appointments, medical records, and administrative tasks efficiently to ensure a smooth workflow in a healthcare setting.

4. Attention to Detail:

Perform accurate and precise tasks, such as recording patient information, administering medications, and taking vital signs.

5. Multitasking:

Juggle various responsibilities, including administrative duties and patient care, in a fast-paced healthcare environment.

6. Technical Proficiency:

Use medical equipment, electronic health records (EHR), and office software proficiently to support both clinical and administrative tasks.

7. Clinical Skills:

Perform basic clinical procedures, including taking vital signs, collecting specimens, and assisting with examinations.

8. Adaptability:

Adjust to changes in schedules, patient conditions, or healthcare procedures with flexibility and a positive attitude.

9. Team Collaboration:

Work effectively within a healthcare team, collaborating with nurses, physicians, and administrative staff to provide comprehensive patient care.

10. Problem-Solving Skills:

Identify and address issues that may arise during patient care or administrative tasks, finding effective solutions.

Medical assistants with a well-rounded skill set contribute significantly to the overall efficiency and quality of patient care in healthcare settings. Continuous learning and staying updated on industry trends are crucial for maintaining and expanding these skills throughout a medical assistant’s career.

Medical assistants can enhance their career prospects and pursue better positions with higher education and specialized certifications. Pursuing an associate degree in medical assisting, a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, or related fields opens doors to leadership roles and increased responsibilities. Obtaining certifications in specialized areas such as phlebotomy, EKG technology, or medical coding can also boost skill sets and make individuals more competitive in the job market. 

Also, enrolling in online healthcare management or informatics programs allows flexibility for working professionals seeking career advancement. Higher education not only equips medical assistants with advanced knowledge but also positions them for better-paying opportunities and increased job satisfaction as they take on more specialized and leadership roles within the healthcare industry.

Becoming a medical assistant offers a fulfilling and dynamic career for several reasons. It provides a unique blend of clinical and administrative responsibilities, ensuring a diverse and interesting work routine. The direct interaction with patients allows you to make a positive impact on their lives, fostering strong interpersonal skills. 

The in-demand nature of healthcare guarantees job stability, and the profession offers opportunities for specialization, enabling you to align your career with your personal interests. With a relatively short training period, becoming a medical assistant provides a quick entry into the healthcare field. Contributing to patient care, job satisfaction, and the potential for career advancement make it an amazing and rewarding career choice.

Medical assistants get the opportunity to make a difference every day. You’ll be the one putting patients at ease, making them feel comfortable, and guiding them throughout. 

Your presence will be very valued in the healthcare setting you work in because you will be the person making sure that all operations run smoothly. 

With further specialization, you will be able to tailor your career to your specific interests. You will be able to handle more complex tasks and advance your career, landing better job options and a higher salary. 

If this career appeals to you, find out more about it, delve into the details, conduct thorough research, and chart your course toward a fulfilling and meaningful journey as a medical assistant.