A medical assistant is a trained professional who works alongside physicians to assist with a number of duties. Medical Assistants may perform administrative duties such as managing medical records and scheduling appointments and clinical duties such as collecting vital signs and preparing patients, and collecting and preparing laboratory specimens. Medical assistants typically work in physicians offices with a variety of health care practitioners.

Medical Assistant Training Requirements To Obtain A Medical Assistant License

Generally, a Medical Assistant training program involves on-site hands on education training through a one to two year course of training at vocational technical schools, a community college or hospital. Some schools offer online courses for classroom study. Classroom study teaches anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and also bookkeeping, typing, transcription, and insurance processing.

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Medical Assistant Training and Certification Programs

The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) accredit programs in medical assisting. There are currently over 500 accredited available programs. Physicians prefer medical assistants who have attended one of these programs, though some medical assistants may receive on the job training. Medical Assistant training programs focus on simple medical procedures that assist physicians during examination, as well as administrative procedures that help to manage physicians offices.

Medical Assistants are not required to be certified in all states, however, it is preferred by most physicians. Graduates from an accredited medical assistant training program who have passed the national examination are eligible for certification by the American Association of Medical Assistants. It is best to attend a training program and take specific courses which prepare you for this exam. Upon completion of this exam, assistants are given the title of Certified Medical Assistant (CMA).

Medical Assistant Prerequisites

Though the prerequisites of Medical Assistant training programs throughout the United States will vary, most will require a high school diploma or equivalent with course work in mathematics, health, biology, bookkeeping, and office skills. Volunteer experience in the healthcare field is also beneficial. Various schools and colleges offer flexible course schedules that range from day, night and weekend classes and training sessions. HealthCare-TrainingCenter.com offers free, no obligation assistance as you are searching for courses to meet your Medical Assistant prerequisites. Simply use the search feature above to get started.

Medical Assistant Continuing Education

Medical Assistants may increase their scope of duties by taking additional training courses in subjects such as podiatry. Medical assistants may also be required to take continued education courses to renew certification. Search HealthCare-TrainingCenter.com to find continued education courses for Medical Assistants.