Reviewed by:
Former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine
Reviewed: 5/31/24
Let’s talk about how to become a medical assistant!
Entering the field of medical assisting offers a fulfilling career where you can contribute to healthcare and impact people's lives. As a medical assistant, you'll handle various administrative and clinical duties to aid physicians and healthcare teams.
This guide covers everything you need to begin your path in medical assisting, including educational needs, certification choices, and future career opportunities.
Let’s get started!
The steps vary depending on the state you live in and the type of employer you are seeking to work for, but generally, the steps are as follows:
Medical assistants typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent certification to begin their training.
You will need to complete a medical assisting program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). These programs typically take around nine to twelve months to complete.
You can also choose to earn an associate degree rather than a certification. Completing an associate degree in medical assisting is a great way to prepare for a career as a medical assistant while keeping your options open. An associate degree program typically takes two years to complete and provides students with a more in-depth education in the field of medical assisting.
These programs often cover a wider range of topics than certificate programs and provide students with more hands-on experience through clinical rotations. An associate degree program will give you the knowledge and skills you need to perform both administrative and clinical tasks.
Additionally, some employers may prefer to hire medical assistants who have completed an associate degree. These programs typically take around nine to twelve months to complete, though there are some online medical assistant programs that only take as little as four months.
Medical assistants have the option to become certified through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) or the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Certification is not always required, but it can increase your chances of getting hired and getting higher pay.
After completing your medical assisting program, you will need to start looking for work as a medical assistant. Many employers will require some level of experience before they will hire you. Remember, medical assistants have a wide variety of responsibilities, so you’ll need to build up your qualifications in several fields, such as:
If you aren’t able to secure work experience as a medical assistant right after certification, focus on securing positions in which you can practice the above skills and keep trying.
Medical assistants are usually required to renew their certification every few years.
It is important to note that regulations and requirements vary from state to state, so it's a good idea to check with your state's medical board to make sure you meet all the necessary requirements to work as a medical assistant in your state.
A better question might be, “what don’t medical assistants do?” Medical assistants have a wide range of responsibilities that require both administrative and clinical skills. They are responsible for taking patient vitals, preparing patients for exams, and assisting physicians during exams.
Medical assistants also perform administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, and billing and coding insurance claims. As if that weren’t enough hats to wear, they also handle laboratory tasks, such as preparing and handling lab specimens and administering medications as directed by a physician.
The responsibilities of a medical assistant can vary depending on the type of healthcare facility or practice in which they are employed, but they are always an integral part of the healthcare team. Here are a few typical medical assistant responsibilities according to an Indeed report:
Have we piqued your interest? Read on to learn more, as well as what to expect in terms of a career outlook.
According to a recent Indeed job report, the average pay for medical assistants in the United States is $42,000 per year, with the top earners making closer to $65,000. Factors contributing to this number's variation include location, years of experience, and employer.
The top-earning state for Medical assistants is Washington, with an average annual salary of $47,320. It is followed by the District of Columbia at $46,690, Alaska at $46,390, California at $44,780, and Massachusetts at $44,200. These states offer Medical Assistants salaries that are substantially higher than the national average.
Here is a table of the average salary of a medical assistant in each state.
Medical assistants are in high demand.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 14% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average occupation. This is partly due to the increasing number of physicians and other healthcare professionals choosing to employ medical assistants to help them manage their practices.
Not only are medical assistants in high demand, but they are also a valuable part of the healthcare structure. They are a vital link between patients and physicians and help ensure that the healthcare system runs smoothly and efficiently.
With the demand for healthcare expected to increase in the future, the need for medical assistants will only continue to rise, making it a smart choice for those looking for a career in healthcare.
Here are our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
The amount of time it takes to pursue a career as a medical assistant can vary depending on the educational program and the type of certification or licensing required in your state. Generally, it can take anywhere from several months to a year to complete a medical assisting program.
Typically, the cost of a medical assistant certificate or diploma program can range from $2,000 to $15,000. The cost of an associate degree program can be higher, ranging from $15,000 to $30,000 or more.
Being a medical assistant can be an excellent stepping stone for any student who is interested in going to medical school. Medical assisting can provide valuable experience in a healthcare setting and help you develop important skills such as patient care, communication, and time management.
However, it should be noted that medical assisting is not a prerequisite for medical school, and it can be a time-consuming addition to a medical school CV. Medical school admissions committees look at a wide range of factors when evaluating applicants, including academic performance, extracurricular activities, and personal characteristics.
Being a medical assistant and being a nurse are two different roles that require different levels of education and responsibilities. Medical assistants have less education and training than nurses, and their responsibilities are typically more limited in scope.
Becoming a medical assistant can be a valuable and rewarding career choice for those who are interested in healthcare and want to join the workforce sooner than later. The demand for medical assistants is high, and the role is becoming more and more integral to the healthcare system.
Medical assistant programs can range from a few months to two years, depending on the level of education you choose to pursue.
With a high demand for medical assistants, and the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of patients, it is a career path worth considering.
Good luck!
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