Medical Assistant Training Requirments
Most medical assistants complete 1- or 2-year training programs, but a small number receive on-the-job training. Certification is optional, but recommended for better job placement.
As advances in medical technology and the growth of an aging population expand the healthcare industry, more healthcare workers will be needed than in past years. Prevalent conditions, like diabetes and obesity, help raise the need for more healthcare services and medical assistants. As physicians use more medical assistants, there will be a high demand in this career field.
Because medical assistants can perform administrative and clinical duties, group practices, clinics, primary care physicians, and other healthcare facilities will also need a significant number of these support personnel on staff. Those medical assistants who seek formal training, certification, and experience are likely to find better employment opportunities.
Medical assistants deal with the public on a daily basis, and will be expected to have certain qualities:
- A neat appearance
- Well groomed on a daily basis
- Courteous, pleasant demeanor
- Ability to help patients be at ease
- Explain physicians’ instructions
- Respect confidential medical information
- Manual dexterity and visual acuity for clinical duties
Training Program Admission Requirements and Curriculum
Most employers choose applicants with formal training, but it is not required. Those medical assistants that receive on-the-job training will be required to have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Necessary high school courses are:
- Mathematics
- Health
- Biology
- Keyboarding
- Bookkeeping
- Computers
- Office skills
Volunteer experience in the healthcare field also is helpful. Medical assistants who are trained on the job usually spend their first few months attending training sessions and working closely with more experienced workers.
Vocational-technical high school programs, postsecondary vocational schools, community colleges, and junior colleges offer medical assistant training programs. Postsecondary programs typically cover 1 year. These students will receive a diploma or certificate. Some postsecondary programs cover two years, and students receive an associate degree. These courses include:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Medical terminology
- Keyboarding
- Transcription
- Record keeping
- Accounting
- Insurance processing
Postsecondary students can expect to learn:
- Laboratory techniques
- Clinical and diagnostic procedures
- Pharmaceutical principles
- Medication administration
- First aid
- Office practices
- Patient relations
- Medical law
- Ethics
Accredited medical assistant programs usually include an internship. The internship provides practical experience in a physician’s office or other healthcare facility.
Some states will allow medical assistants to give injections or take x rays, or other advanced procedures, after passing a test or taking a course.
Training Program Length and Cost
Training to become a medical assistant normally can attend a postsecondary vocation school, junior college, or community college. These programs typically take 12 to 24 months to complete, but program length can vary according to student selection criteria and educational objectives of individual programs. Those seeking training in a specialty area will take longer to complete their program.
An associates degree typically costs around $353 per credit hour. Meaning 48 credit hours will cost around $16,994. Tuition costs vary, so you should contact the school to find more information regarding tuition costs and making a final decision.