Medical Assisting Training

What type of education is needed to pursue a job in this field?

The preference of most employers is to hire graduates of formal medical assistant training programs. Some medical assisting programs are two-year associate’s degrees whereas others are yearlong certificate programs. Many types of schools offer medical assisting programs; from community colleges to technical and online schools.

In this profession, even with formal training being preferred, on-the-job training is fairly common. However, most employers are moving away from on-the-job training and prefer hiring Medical Assistant Training

those who have graduated from a formal training program. It can save the office money because they do not have to spend the resources to train the individual and they are likely more skilled at their duties which means less room for error and more efficiency.

Learn more about how to become a medical assistant.

Is it important to enroll in an accredited degree program?

There are three organizations that accredit medical assisting programs: the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), and the Committee on Accreditation for Ophthalmic Medical Personnel. In 2008, amongst the three accrediting organizations, there were over 800 accredited programs. By choosing to attend an accredited program, you are ensuring it meets the standards to best prepare you for a job in this profession as well as for the medical assistant certification exams.

What courses are included in a medical assisting program?

Common courses include the following:

Anatomy and physiology
Medical terminology
Human Disease
Medical transcription/typing
Medical coding and Insurance processing
Accounting
Record keeping
Lab techniques
Principles of Radiography
Medicine administration
Clinical and diagnostic procedures
Pharmaceutical principles
First aid
Medical law and ethics
Patient relations
Office practices

Is a practicum or any form of practical experience required?

Some accredited associate’s degree for medical assistants or medical assistant certification programs require a practicum or externship for students to gain practical experience in doctors’ offices, hospitals, podiatrists’ office, or ophthalmologists’ offices. Most practicums are unpaid and require approximately 160 contact hours of supervised practice in a doctor’s office or other ambulatory healthcare setting. In addition to an externship, volunteer experience is also a great way for individuals who are on the track to become medical assistants to gain experience and build solid references.