Becoming a Medical Assistant: A Short Guide

Becoming a Medical Assistant: A Short Guide

Becoming a medical assistant puts you on a path to a fulfilling career in which you provide services that have a positive impact on all aspects of the medical profession.  In this article we will provide you with the information you need to get started on your medical assistant career journey, including education, certification requirements and employment prospects. 

How can I become a medical assistant?

To become a medical assistant, one should first have a high school diploma or GED.  The next step is to complete a reputable medical assistant training program.

This program should prepare students for both direct patient care duties, such as prepping patients for exams and performing procedures like taking vital signs and administering injections, and administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments and maintaining medical records

Hybrid Online Medical Assistant Classes

If you are currently working or have family responsibilities that take up a large portion of your time, you may have a difficult time finding a program to fit your schedule.

Your solution: a hybrid medical assistant training program. This program, like the one offered by Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology, might offer the flexibility you need. 

The hybrid program at Cambridge allows you to complete the lecture and theory portions of your training online so you can balance your studies around work or family obligations. Students only need to come to the campus once or twice a week for lab sessions that prepare them for the hands-on aspects of the job. 

Do I need a certification to become a medical assistant?

While professional certification is not necessarily mandatory for getting a job as a medical assistant, becoming certified will increase job prospects and earning potential. 

The two most popular certifications are the CMA (Certified Medical Assistant), which is administered by the (AAMA) American Association of Medical Assistants, and the RMA (Registered Medical Assistant) from the American Medical Technologists agency.  Other certifications available include National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA).

Medical Assistant Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of medical assistants is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations due to an aging population with increased healthcare concerns.

Hybrid Medical Assistant Programs are available in Orlando, Miami and Atlanta

Becoming a medical assistant not only offers a stable and rewarding career path, but it also puts you at the heart of healthcare, making a real difference in people’s lives. If this appeals to you, but you’re also navigating a bustling schedule, Cambridge’s hybrid online medical assistant classes might be the solution. 

This blend of online theoretical study and hands-on practical instruction gives you the best of both worlds—flexibility to fit into your life as it is now with the high-quality training you need to build the future you’re dreaming of. Contact us today for more information!