How to Become a Medical Assistant in Maine – ME

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: January, 18 2010

Medical Assistants in Maine are not required to have any state certification for this career but would prove beneficial in obtaining employment in the future. Aspiring medical assistants must have a high school diploma or GED before applying to a medical assistant program in Maine, and should be prepared to be taking mathematics, biology, bookkeeping and basic office procedures.

Those interested in gaining formal education and training should participate in a program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Maine medical assistant training lasts a year resulting in a certificate or diploma, while the two-year programs earn you an Associates Degree. Students will then move on into an internship that provides hands-on experience working in a health care facility. Those interested in gaining certification will need to pass the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam, which is highly recognized in the industry, through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

Medical assistant prerequisites vary quite a bit but most all will require you to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. While in high school take classes in basic office skills, health, mathematics, bookkeeping and biology. Participate in a volunteer program within the healthcare industry.