How to Become a Medical Assistant in Massachusetts – MA

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

Once you have made the choice to become a medical office assistant you will want to start deciding what pathway towards the profession you will take. As a high school student you can begin early in preparing for this career choice by enrolling in courses such as biology, health and computer skills. As well, volunteering in a variety of medical environments can help you determine the places where you will feel most comfortable once your career has begun.

Outlined below are the steps to becoming a medical office assistant.

Enroll in an accredited medical assistant program in Massachusetts. Previously, those looking to become a medical assistant could be trained for the position “on-the-job” in Massachusetts. With the increasing load of work in medical offices this type of training is going by the wayside in favor of a formal approach. Gaining a formal education as a medical assistant makes you more marketable and lucrative to potential employers.
Whether you decide to become a certified medical assistant (CMA) or registered medical assistant (RMA) will determine your specific course of study. A certification can often be gained in a shorter time period where as RMA designation will be obtained through an Associates degree program and a more intensive approach to clinical experiences.
Courses training you as a medical assistant will include health and biology as well as office and clerical units. It is important to realize that medical assistants have dual roles within a medical office and will need to be well versed in both the medical and clerical sides of the profession.
Massachusetts medical assistant programs also want you to gain job-related experience while completing your education. From working as a paid employee in a medical office to job shadowing, some form of hands-on experience will make you more marketable to future employers after completing your training. An accredited medical assistant training program usually includes at least 160 hours of experiential training.
prove your ability to work in this fast-paced and exciting career.

Massachusetts Medical Assistant Association

Massachusetts Society of Medical Assistants is an organization that has been established to promote the medical assisting profession. Serving its members and the more broad medical community the MSMA has a dual focus: enabling and enhancing the professionals in this career and promoting the knowledge, professionalism and skills to the community of potential employers and patients. www.medicalassistant.org