How to Become a Medical Assistant in Indiana – IN

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: January, 26 2010

Find the right school for you

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In Indiana, many career colleges offer study programs for medical assisting. To qualify, you need to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. There are two educational paths for medical assisting. You can enroll for either a one-year or two-year post secondary program. You will be given a certificate upon graduation. The course structure for medical assistants will include administrative skills, medical terminology, science, mathematics, and more. You also must complete a practicum, which is part of the program. A practicum is a period of training that serves somewhat as a dress rehearsal, where the student performs the tasks required of a medical assistant under the supervision and guidance of an instructor.

Upon completion of your medical assisting training in Indiana, many schools will offer the opportunity for a professional externship. Externships allow you to work with health care professionals and patients in a real office setting. This is a valuable experience for anyone interested in medical assisting. Many higher quality schools also provide placement services to help you reach out and market your skills to prospective employers. If you’re planning for a medical assisting career in a specific healthcare setting (for example dental office or dialysis center) you may need specialized training to acquire the necessary skills. Be pro-active in your search for a school to suit your needs. The internet is a good place to start your search for the college that’s right for you.

As an alternative credential, you may choose the title of Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) instead. In this case the governing body is the American Medical Technologists agency. AMT has its own rules, exams, and revalidation requirements that may differ from those of the AAMA. Make yourself familiar with both organizations before choosing to pursue your chosen credential. Below are links to the organizations websites.