Medical Assistant Training: Advice on Preparing for a Career as a Medical Assistant and Getting Hired
The first thing you should look for when choosing a medical assistant training school is accreditation. You must select a training program that is approved by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs in order to obtain that crucial certification as a medical assistant (MA) (CAAHEP). You are ready to travel if the medical assistant training program is accredited, and you can later obtain the necessary certification.
Why should you even think about a profession as a medical assistant or administrator? Well, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 34% increase in employment for medical administrators and assistants through 2018. From 2008 through 2018, it is anticipated to be in the top 10 fastest-growing professions in the US.
Overview of Medical Assistant Training
Most medical administrators and assistants (MAs) have attended one or two-year MA training programs, however some have only a high school diploma and were trained on the job.
These courses are provided by technical institutes, junior colleges, community colleges, online educational institutions, and vocational schools. While two-year programs lead to an associate degree, one-year programs result in a certificate or diploma.
The aim of medical assistant training is to prepare the student to manage both clinical and administrative duties. Students gain knowledge of first aid, laboratory processes, clinical practices, pharmaceutical principles, and patient medication administration. They also study things like patient relations, medical legislation, and medical office procedures.
A student’s opportunity to complete an internship as part of an accredited assistant medical training program can be highly beneficial in allowing them to acquire experience in a real healthcare setting.
A student can obtain a certification or credential by passing an exam administered by a professional association for medical administrators and assistants after finishing a training program. Professional certification or registration is entirely optional, and employment as a medical assistant is still feasible without it. A fresh graduate will, however, have additional opportunities and may earn more money if they have a certificate.
How to Pick the Best Medical Assistant Training Program for You
The length of the program, your commute to school, the cost of tuition and other fees, and the flexibility of your class schedule are all things to think about after you have confirmed that the assistant medical training program is accredited. Your particular scenario will determine if a program is right for you or not.
Prospective students can take tours of many educational establishments. This is a fantastic way to get to know the professors and tour the campus facilities.
Asking people you know who work in the healthcare industry might also help you decide which medical administrator and assistant training program to enroll in. Ask the MAs at the doctor’s office where and how they received their training the next time you or a member of your family visits. You will gain an insider’s perspective on the assistant medical training program if they received their training locally.
Benefits of Medical Assistant Training
The fact that medical administration and aiding is one of the fastest-growing professions in the U.S. today explains the popularity of medical assistant training programs. It’s crucial to pick an accredited medical assistant training school. Although voluntary, certification or registration is a helpful way to demonstrate that an MA have a high level of knowledge and ability. Finally, though it is not technically necessary, obtaining medical assistant training and certification can help you get a better medical assistant position with a higher compensation.
