There are several pathways and options open to any candidate interested in becoming a medical assistant.
Post secondary training is the most popular route with programs available in a variety of settings including vocational schools, community colleges, universities, and technical schools and can be completed in as little as 9 months. Alternatively many institutions offer accredited online medical assistant programs as a viable option for people requiring flexibility.
Whilst a post secondary qualification is the most popular route, an apprenticeship or on-the-job training can provide an alternative pathway for those who do not wish to pursue a post secondary qualification and will enable you to get started in the workforce straight away. However only a small proportion of potential employers will have the resources to provide you with the necessary training.
For the purpose of this guide, we will focus on formal post-secondary training as the most popular pathway.
High School Education and Requirements
The minimum level of qualification required to become a medical assistant is a high school diploma.
At high school you should look to take as many of the following classes as possible: biology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, computer science, English, and mathematics. Aside from providing care to patients and assisting physicians, medical assistants are also required to use electronic health records, communicate with patients and their families, and perform drug dosage calculations.
We recommend that you research medical assistant programs in your area to learn more about their entry requirements.
High school students interested in becoming a medical assistant should also consider pursuing the following certifications and courses during high school or after graduation to improve their qualifications and entry into the career;
- Medical Terminology: It is essential to become proficient in medical terminology to communicate successfully in a healthcare setting.
- CPR Certification: Medical assistants must learn CPR as they may be required to help during emergencies.
- First Aid Training: First aid training prepares medical assistants for offering assistance in medical emergencies.
- Foreign Languages: Medical assistants who want to work with diverse communities should learn a second language to communicate effectively with patients and their families.
Click here for a list of online courses covering the above topics.
Graduate from an Accredited Program
If you want to ensure that you are a prime candidate for medical assisting roles then you should seek to attend an accredited medical assistant program.
An accredited program is one which adheres to the best practices in medical training and education. Furthermore, it is important to graduate from an accredited program to be eligible to take the national certification exams. You should choose an accredited program which has been approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
Programs consist of courses on anatomy, medical terminology, pharmacology, regulations, healthcare laws, clinical and administrative procedures, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification. Moreover, these programs teach in-class skills, such as appointment setting, medical record handling, scheduling, and medical billing. Furthermore, they require the students to work under supervision, such as an internship or a practicum.
Basic requirements for entry into an accredited program are a high school diploma. Upon completion of the program you will typically earn either a certificate or associate degree as part of your training. Associate degrees are best suited to those who may want to continue their education and obtain a bachelor’s degree, while certificate programs help in securing entry-level positions.
A certificate program can normally be completed within 9-12 months and an associate degree will take 2 years.
National Certification Requirements and Credentials
Although not mandatory it is common practice for medical assistants to obtain certification once they have graduated from an accredited program and completed the necessary work experience. Medical assistants with a national certification are considered competitive candidates. A national certification showcases dedication to continuing professional development and the delivery of top-notch care. A national certification requires the completion of an accredited medical assistant program, in addition to hands-on training and a certain number of hours in clinical practice.
The most commonly recognized credentials are as follows:
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) – The American Association of Medical Assistants provides the CMA certification. Graduates from a medical assistant program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES are eligible for this examination. It consists of 200 multiple choice questions on safety, infection control, healthcare information management, and healthcare delivery – divided into four, 40-minute segments. The certification is valid for 5 years. The exam costs $125.
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) – The American Medical Technologists provides the RMA certification. Eligibility criteria include: accredited medical assisting program graduate, or US Armed Forces medical assisting program graduate, or medical assistant work experience for 5 years. The exam comprises 210 multiple choice questions on general, administrative, and clinical medical assisting. This certification is valid for 3 years, and the exam costs $120.
- National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) – The National Center for Competency Testing provides this certification. The eligibility criteria are as follows: graduate from an NCCT-approved medical assistant program in the last 5 years, or currently enrolled in an NCCT approved medical assistant program, or with 2 years of full-time medical assistant experience in the last 5 years or completed medical assistant training in the military in the last 5 years. The exam comprises 150 questions on medical procedures, phlebotomy, pharmacology, office procedures, ECG, medical office management, and laws. The exam costs $135 and the certification must be renewed annually by paying a recertification fee.
- Clinical Medical Assistant Certification (CCMA)– Offered by the National Healthcareer Association, the eligibility criteria for this certification are as follows: high school diploma or GED, or complete college or a medical assistant training program, or 1 year of medical assisting experience. It comprises 30 unscored and 150 scored multiple-choice questions on foundational knowledge, clinical patient care, care coordination, communication, anatomy and physiology, administrative assisting, and medical law. The exam costs $155, and the certification should be renewed every 2 years.
Licensing Requirements
Currently, a general licensure has not been issued by most states for medical assistants.
Medical assistants in only Washington State must hold a certification and license. They are required to apply with the Washington State Department of Health for their license.
Nonetheless, certain states have compulsory experiential and/or educational prerequisites for specific duties, such as venipuncture, injections, and radiography. For example, New Jersey requires medical assistants to be certified to administer injections. Medical assistants in South Dakota should register with the South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners.
Continuing Professional Development and Career Advancement
CPD requirements usually vary across employers and states. If you have obtained certification then completing a specified number of continuing education units is a prerequisite to recertification. CPD training might include classes in patient privacy regulations, electronic health records, EKG technology, program management, phlebotomy, etc. Even where CPD may not be required, those who want to remain in-demand for higher paying positions will be proactive in their pursuit of continuing education.
Additionally medical assistants can advance their career by taking training in specializations such as family practice, cardiology, ophthalmology, geriatrics, etc. With a medical assistant qualification, you could choose to pursue a nursing education with an associate degree in nursing (ADNs) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).
Active participation in a professional association such as the American Association of Medical Assistants and American Medical Technologists is not a requirement but it may help to advance your career. Membership of professional organisations can help expand your knowledge, credentials, and networking with other professionals in the healthcare industry.