3 Steps to Become aMedical Assistant

What is a Medical Assistant?

Medical assistants complete clinical

and administrative tasks within a

medical organization. Their work

supports doctors, nurses and other

medical professionals, ensuring that the

organization runs smoothly.

What is a Medical Assistant?Clinical tasks include:

Taking medical histories

Preparing patients for examination

Collecting laboratory specimens

Drawing blood

Removing sutures

Source: http://www.aama-ntl.org/medical-assisting/what-is-a-medical-assistant#.UukfBRBdWSp

What is a Medical Assistant?Administrative tasks include:

Answering telephones

Greeting patients

Coding insurance forms

Arranging hospital admissions

Scheduling appointments

Updating patient records

Source: http://www.aama-ntl.org/medical-assisting/what-is-a-medical-assistant#.UukfBRBdWSp

Become a Medical Assistant

1. Complete Your Education

2. Get Certified

3. Specialize in an Area

Complete Your Education

1Many higher education institutions offer

diploma or associate degree

programs in medical assisting.

Many employers require a post-

secondary degree in the form of a

diploma or associate degree.

Complete Your Education

1Medical Assistant Diploma

Some community colleges, technical

colleges and vocational schools will

offer medical assistant diplomas.

Depending on the institution, these

programs generally take approximately

one year to complete.

Source: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm#tab-4

Complete Your Education

1Medical Assistant Associate Degree

Colleges that offer an associate degree

in medical assisting usually include

additional courses with a focus on

general education curriculum in

addition to the clinical classes students

complete.

Source: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm#tab-4

Get Certified

2Although medical assistants are not

required to be certified, many employers

prefer to hire those who are.

The process for certification varies

depending on the organization, though

many require a certain amount of field

experience and an examination.

Source: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm#tab-4

Get Certified

2Medical Assistant Certifications:

Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)

Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)

National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)

Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

Source: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm#tab-4

Specialize in an Area

3Medical assistants who specialize in a

particular area are able to differentiate

themselves from others in the field.

Medical assistant specialization is usually

achieved through externships or as part

of on-the-job training.

Specialize in an Area

3Sample Medical Assistant Specialties:

Optometry

Podiatry

Orthopedics

Pediatrics

Cardiology

Family medicine

Geriatrics

Get More Information

For more information about the

medical assistant degree program

at Minnesota School of Business,

call 1-877-655-7676 or

request information here.