Be the First in Line to Assist Patients in Medical Clinics & OfficesMedical assistants help physicians, other healthcare personnel and patients. They are often the first person patients see behind the counter or the first person they encounter when it's time to take their vital signs and start their medical evaluation. Learning how to become a medical assistant is the first step toward this rewarding career. This guide focuses on what aspiring medical assistants can expect from the various programs available, potential jobs after graduation and more. Show
5 Steps to Becoming a Medical AssistantAlthough it's possible to become a medical assistant with only a high-school diploma or GED, most employers prefer their employees to have official medical assistant training or a certification from an accredited program. Medical assistant programs can last anywhere from six weeks to three months. In this guide we will walk you through the five steps to becoming a medical assistant - choosing the proper program, figuring out how to pay for it, and getting the training required for a career in the medical assisting field.
AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. Top Online ProgramsExplore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level. Choosing a Medical Assistant Certificate or Associate ProgramLearning how to become a medical assistant starts with the education, either the certificate of completion or the associate degree. Those who graduate from either one are qualified to work as a medical assistant; however, there are some differences in the programs, such as the time required, classes taken, amount of credits and more. Here's what to expect from each. CertificateTime InvestedEarning the certificate usually takes one year or less. Class FocusThe certificate program is designed to allow students to move into the workforce quickly, and so gets right down to brass tacks. Courses have very targeted focus in medical billing, office operations, clinical component, laboratory procedures and medical terminology. Credits EarnedStudents can typically expect to earn 35 credits, which is equal to about one year of full-time study. Learning FormatThe certificate can be earned through vocational or technical schools, through online means, a hybrid education or in a traditional classroom setting. There is often a hands-on component, which must be completed in person. Online schools coordinate with local employers in order to help students obtain this necessary education. Why Choose It?The certificate program is often the fastest way to earn the necessary education and get into the workforce. Since most programs take less than a year, there is also the time and cost savings to consider. Associate DegreeTime InvestedThe associate degree requires two years of full-time study, though accelerated courses might drop that time to 18 months. Class FocusThough students who complete the associate degree are well-prepared to move into the workforce, their education might include both targeted courses and some general education courses, which form the foundation for the potential bachelor's degree later along in their career. Credits EarnedStudents who complete the associate degree can expect to earn around 90 credits, or the equivalent of two years of full-time study. Learning FormatMany associate degree programs are offered through community colleges, which are set up to handle online, hybrid or traditional education. The hands-on component must be completed for most programs at the school itself or through coordination with local employers. Why Choose It?The associate degree takes two years, but it provides graduates with one distinct advantage: Credits earned might be suitable for the foundation of a bachelor's degree if they choose to further their education at some point down the road. Skills and Abilities Required to Become a Medical AssistantThe U.S. Department of Labor (U.S. DOL) classifies medical assisting as a “job zone three,” which means that medium preparation is needed for the career. Most jobs in this category require vocational school training, on-the-job training or an associate degree. Sixty-five percent of medical assistants have a post-secondary certificate, 18 percent have an associate degree, and 10% have a high school diploma or equivalent. The U.S. DOL reports this job involves using specialized communication and organizational skills, abilities and knowledge, including: Skills
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One Step Beyond:Medical Assistant-Related Programs and Degrees in ActionThe careers below illustrate just a few of the diversified career paths and specializations that some medical assistants choose to follow either while they work as a medical assistant, or after they've gained experience as one. PhlebotomistJob DutiesWorks closely with patients to draw blood for various medical purposes, such as laboratory testing and blood donations. They are also expected to prepare medical equipment for blood drawing, clean equipment and the medical area, enter patient information into healthcare records, and conduct billing and other administrative tasks. Desired SkillsPhlebotomists often work with those who are afraid of needles, so they must have a great deal of patience and compassion; someone who is able to soothe the nerves and make their patients happier will likely find success. Other skills needed include attention to fine detail, working well under pressure, and having a strong bedside manner. Education and TrainingA certificate or diploma from a post-secondary school is required and takes about a year to complete. Part of the education and training includes medical terminology, human anatomy and proper management of blood samples. CertificationAlthough not required in most states, certification is strongly recommended and is offered by a variety of organizations, many of which also offer certifications for medical assistants. Annual Median Wage (2014)$30,670 2014-2024 Job Growth25% Did you know?Phlebotomy can trace its historic roots back to the ancient medical practice of blood-letting. Ophthalmic AssistantJob DutiesWorks directly with patients and patient records in an ophthalmic office under the direction of an ophthalmologists. Tests patients' vision with high- and low-tech tools, administers medication in the eye, records patients' medical history, and operates sophisticated medical equipment. Desired SkillsThose in this position should be able to establish a good rapport with patients while listening carefully and speaking clearly. Education and TrainingCompleting a clinical training program, certification, on-the-job training. CertificationNot required by most states, but employers may require it. The Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) offers several certifications, including Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA), Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) and Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT). To be certified, candidates must pass an exam and complete either an accredited formal clinical training program (no work experience), an accredited formal training program with specific work experience, or an online study course with specified work experience. Average Hourly Wage (2016)COA: $16.38; Not certified: $14.62 2012-2022 Job Growth29.8% Did You Know?Sonography and ultrasound can be performed on the eye, and certification is available from JCAHPO. Sources: JCAHPO, ONet Online, Payscale, Projections Central Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN)Job DutiesWorking under the supervision of doctors and registered nurses, LPN/LVNs provide medical care to patients, including providing medications and bedside care, assisting patients with everyday activities, monitoring and recording vital signs and updating a patient's medical information. Desired SkillsThese nurses are very hands-on and work with patients every day, so they must have excellent communication skills. They must be able to not only speak with the patient and the patient's family, but also convey important information to other member of the medial team. Compassion and attention to detail also matter. Education and TrainingA certificate, diploma or degree from an approved LPN/LVN program is required. These programs last one to two years and cover subjects such as pharmacology, biology, nursing and hands-on clinical training. CertificationCertification usually isn't required, but licensing is. This generally consists of submitting an application to the applicable state nursing board, passing the NCLEX-PN and graduating from an approved LPN/LVN program. Annual Median Wage (2014)$42,490 2014-2024 Job Growth16% Did You Know?According to payscale.com, LPN/LVNs report a high level of job satisfaction. From the ExpertPadmini Hamrajh discusses her work as a certified medical assistant. Q. Tell us about a bit about what your day-to-day work is like as a medical assistant.The first thing I do when I enter the office is turn on the computer and sign into the EMR (electronic medical records) system. I then proceed to check all of the exam rooms, equipment, and machines to make sure they are stocked and fully functioning. At this point I would also do a quick scan of our inventory to see if supplies need to be ordered. Afterwards, I would go through the list of patients to be seen for the day and put in notes for those who need to update their information. Then our patients would start to arrive. Throughout the day, I help answer phones, make appointments, do call backs, get patients registered, load them into the exam room, do their intake, and assist the physicians with the appropriate treatment they are providing. This includes helping with prescription preparation and/or changes, assisting with medical and cosmetic procedures, cleaning up the patients and exam rooms, giving wound care instructions, and directing them to schedule a follow-up appointment. At the end of day, we make sure all of the required and appropriate paperwork is completed, exam rooms are clean, instruments are put to sterilize, and specimens prepared to be sent out. Finally, before I leave the office, I do a quick run through to make sure everything is in its appropriate place and all the machines are turned off. Q. Tell us about your certifications.I am a certified medical assistant. I have my medical assistant certification, which includes EKG (electrocardiogram) and phlebotomy (drawing of blood). I have my first aid and CPR certification as well. Having these certifications has helped me to assist the physicians that I have worked with and are currently working with. They have also prepared me to be ready for the unexpected to occur. Q. What advice would you offer to students who are considering becoming a medical assistant?There are a lot of steps involved in becoming a medical assistant, but don't let this discourage you. Becoming a medical assistant requires months to years of classes and clinical training, depending on the level of certification you are trying to obtain. You learn a lot information along the way and some interesting clinical procedures, which can seem to be challenging at times. When things seem to be challenging, don't give up. Studying, practicing, and repetition are the key factors you need to become a successful medical assistant. It is also good to ask questions and try to keep up to date with new medical education that is discovered throughout the years to come. You will also learn a lot of things along the way when you obtain a career in the medical field. A medical assistant can find a job in many of the specialties in the field of medicine. What is the main purpose of the American Association of Medical Assistants?AAMA Mission | The mission of the American Association of Medical Assistants® is to provide the medical assistant professional with education, certification, credential acknowledgment, networking opportunities, scope-of-practice protection, and advocacy for quality patient-centered health care.
Why is it important to attend an accredited college quizlet?Accreditation ensures that a school meets established criteria. It is important to understand that schools and programs are accredited—people are not. Degree programs vary widely in length. Courses of study can range from as little as eight months to approximately two years.
What is the term for the process by which programs such as medical assisting?Confirmation by an organization that an individual is qualified to perform a job to professional standards is known as ____. certification. What is the term for the process by which programs such as medical assisting are officially authorized? Externship.
What are the benefits of becoming a member of the AAMA quizlet?What are the benefits of becoming a member of the AAMA?. AAMA legal counsel represents medical assistants across the US to fight for the rights of medical assistant practice and stays abreast of federal and state laws regarding medical assisting.. Membership shows a level of seriousness about your chosen profession.. |