Students who are interested in working with nurses and doctors and providing care to patients can find becoming a medical assistant to be ideal. Earning a medical assistant degree can be the first step toward a high demand career. The two year associate’s medical assistant degree will provide students with the skills that are needed to complete a number of administrative and clinical tasks, such as taking a patient’s vitals and medical history.
The associate’s degree program in medical assisting is available as an associate of applied science degree and is suited for individuals that are interested in finding a position immediately after graduating.
A student will learn about pharmacology, lab testing, exam room procedures, general office practices and medical transcription. These programs are typically offered at hospitals, vocational schools and community colleges.
To qualify for enrollment, an applicant will need to have their GED or high school diploma. A school can also require a student to earn CPR and first aid certification, provide immunization records and take a medical exam, prior to enrollment.
The curriculum will include coursework in medical office procedures, pharmacology, record keeping, computer applications and medical terminology. A student will receive supervised training through internships and labs. Other required classes can include lab procedures, allied health informatics, medical ethics, human body systems and medical accounting.
A graduate can seek immediate employment in a number of medical facilities, or they can choose to further their education. With additional experience and training, an individual can become a teacher or they can also further their training in health information technology or nursing, for career advancement and in order to learn a diverse blend of medical procedures and topics.
An MA will not have to obtain licensure or certification, however, they can choose to obtain voluntary certification. Obtaining certification can help an individual to stand out from the competition and can also increase their annual salary for this field.
The AAMA has reported that statistics show employers will often prefer to hire MAs that have obtained certification, as it shows a deeper knowledge and commitment to the profession. An individual can obtain certification from a number of credentialing organizations, which will offer different types of credentials for this profession, such as the specialty certified medical assistant. This will allow the medical assistant to specialize in a number of fields such as women’s health, pediatrics, oncology, internal medicine and cardiology. Each type of certification will require the assistant to earn a determined amount of continuing education hours each year.
Although attending one of the many accredited medical assistant programs is a great way to get started in healthcare, it's also possible to get your start without attending a formal program.
The ability to complete both administrative and clinical tasks makes the MA an asset in many medical facilities.