How to Become a Medical Assistant in North Carolina – NC

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: January, 4 2010

There are a number of ways to enter into the medical assistant profession but since certification is required in this state, it is very important that you closely examine North Carolina medical assistant programs to understand your ability to work and future marketability as a medical assisting professional. Gaining required certification is not a burden as a resident of the state, as you have a better opportunity to stand out among your peers both in the state and across the country, having completed a formal education program. You can choose to be a certified medical assistant (CMA) or registered medical assistant (RMA) depending on the specific educational and training pathway chosen.

Medical assistants must have the ability to work in a variety of computer systems and be proficient in all of their computer skills. Medical assistants can help to unburden the overworked nurses and doctors in the medical field leading to the reason why this profession is in such high demand all over the country. North Carolina is one of a handful of states where a medical assistant is required to be certified through a nationally recognized certifying organization in order to be part of the workforce in this profession.

A self-starter wishing to pursue this career will understand that the basis to this profession requires a strong high school educational career including the important foundational coursework in biology, health and computer/office skills. Volunteering in a medical setting as a student will help you to gain practical experience and understanding of a complex profession. As well, time spent volunteering will be resume building and allow you the opportunity to network with medical professionals, gaining valuable contacts for your future as a medical assistant professional. The following provides the most comprehensive route to which you can become a medical assistant.

1. Have a complete understanding of any formal training program available to you in order to become a medical assistant. Not all programs are created equally and finding an accredited educational program is of utmost importance.
2. Training to become a medical assistant can include a short (one year) course of study or a longer term 2-year associates degree program. You have the opportunity to gain different levels of designation as a medical assistant such as certification (CMA) or registered medical assistant (RMA) depending on your specific choices for education and hands on training. Taking the time to understand all the intricacies of either designation will help you to choose a training program that will best fit your desired outcome.
3. Classroom work will include topics in health, biology and clerical courses. Another important skill to hone and develop is a proficient use of a variety of computer software programs, including word processing and databases. Medical assistants in practice work on a dual-role capacity, so having the ability to handle medical and clerical job duties is key.
4. Clinical experience in required in order to sit for the certification exams and such training will allow you the opportunity to be immersed in the practices of the medical assistants profession. In North Carolina as a regulated state for medical assistants you will be required, as part of your educational course to complete 160 hours of clinical training before gaining eligibility to certify.