In the United States, the medical assistant salary is around $20.03 per hour on average.
The medical field is growing every year as new technologies emerge. This means new opportunities for professionals who are ready for a change. One of the most in-demand positions is that of a medical assistant.
As this profession grows, it seems like an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys helping others and working with people. If you’re considering a career in medicine, becoming a medical assistant is a terrific way to learn the ropes.
Want to know how to become a medical assistant? Keep reading to learn more!
Get a High School Diploma
Medical assistants are in high demand, and the job outlook is excellent. If you’ve been thinking about how to change careers, then going for a medical assistant job can be the best option for you.
If you want to become a medical assistant, you will first need to get a high school diploma. You can do this by attending a public or private high school or by completing a GED program. You can also use paid medical surveys -Sermo to get to know what knowledge is being acquired by the patients.
Students need to focus on math and science courses at this stage. These will help them prepare for the CMA career. The courses may include algebra, statistics, chemistry, biology, physics, and other related studies.
Moreover, it is a great idea that you volunteer at the physician’s office or local clinic to gain experience. Also, this allows you to be familiar with the kind of working environment you will have in the future.
Complete the Medical Assistant Program
The next thing to accomplish to become a medical assistant is to complete a medical assistant program. There are many medical assistant programs to choose from, so you will need to research to find the one that is right for you.
A medical assistant program can be completed in as little as one semester, although many programs last between two and four semesters. Students in medical assistant programs take classes such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and clinical procedures. Many programs also include an externship, which gives you the opportunity to work in a medical office or hospital under the supervision of a licensed medical professional.
Pass CMA Examination
Medical assistants are essential members of the healthcare team. They provide direct patient care and perform administrative and clinical tasks.
After you have completed an accredited medical assisting program, you will then need to pass the CMA exam. The CMA exam is administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To be eligible to take the exam, you must have completed an accredited medical assisting program and have a minimum of six months of full-time work experience as a medical assistant.
Once you have passed the CMA exam, you will be a certified medical assistant. You will then be able to find employment in a medical office or clinic.
Maintain the AAMA Credential
The AAMA or CMA certification is valid for 60 months. To maintain the AAMA credential, medical assistants must complete continuing education (CE) every year and submit a recertification application every five years. For continuing education, you need to make sure that your credential hasn’t expired for over three months so that you may recertify.
Obtain Other Certifications
There are a few other certifications that medical assistants can obtain that may help them further their careers. These include becoming a registered medical assistant (RMA) or a certified clinical medical assistant (CCMA).
Each of these certifications requires different amounts of experience and education, but all show that a medical assistant is competent in their field. CMAs and RMAs are both nationally recognized credentials, while the CCMA is specific to California. Becoming certified or registered may help medical assistants find jobs or advance in their careers.
Apply and Ace the Interview
The next step is to find a job and apply for positions that fit your skills and goals. Be sure to research the company and the specific job opening. The final step is to ace the interview and land the medical assistant job.
When applying for a medical assistant job, it is important to be prepared for the interview process. Prepare for the interview by rehearsing answers to common questions and by highlighting your strengths and qualifications.
During the interview, be courteous and professional, and be sure to emphasize your customer service skills and your ability to work well under pressure. Medical assistant candidates should brush up on their customer service skills, as they will be interacting with patients on a daily basis.
They should also be prepared to discuss their clinical skills and experience, as well as their educational background. Finally, they should be prepared to answer questions about their motivation for pursuing a career in medical assisting.
Get that New Career by Knowing How to Become a Medical Assistant
Unlike many other medical professions, becoming a medical assistant does not require years of schooling. You also don’t need to accumulate hundreds of thousands of dollars in student loans.
In as little as nine months, you could be working in a doctor’s office, hospital, or other healthcare facilities. Also, you could be making a real difference in the lives of patients.
If you’re interested in a career in healthcare, but don’t want to spend years in school, then a career as a medical assistant may be right for you. Follow the steps on how to become a medical assistant to have that fantastic career you’ve been dreaming of.
We hope you enjoyed our guide on getting a career as a medical assistant! For more helpful articles and information, make sure to check out the rest of our blog.
