Medical assistants play a vital role in the healthcare industry, performing both clinical and administrative tasks that help healthcare facilities run smoothly. With growing demand, a solid starting salary, and the ability to enter the healthcare field without committing to years of schooling, becoming a medical assistant is an excellent career choice for many. So let’s explore how to become a medical assistant in 2024.
Why Become a Medical Assistant?
The healthcare industry continues to expand, and the demand for medical assistants is no exception. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job market for medical assistants is expected to grow much faster than average, making it a stable and promising career path. Additionally, medical assistants enjoy competitive starting salaries and the opportunity to make a positive impact in patients’ lives without the need for a lengthy or expensive degree program.
If you’re considering a career as a medical assistant, you’re in the right place. Let’s walk through the six essential steps you need to take to start your career in 2024.
Step 1: Get the Right Training
Before you can become a medical assistant, you’ll need to complete a formal medical assistant training program. Unlike some entry-level jobs that offer on-the-job training, healthcare roles require specific educational preparation before you can enter the field.
You might be wondering if you need a lengthy or expensive degree program to become a medical assistant. Fortunately, the answer is no. You don’t need to invest in a multi-year program or rack up substantial student debt. Instead, you should focus on a certification program that is:
- Accredited by a recognized institution or organization.
- Offered online for flexibility and convenience.
- Includes an externship for hands-on experience.
- Completed in months, not years.
- Affordable, so you can avoid student loan debt.
There are numerous programs that meet these criteria, and it’s crucial to choose one that best fits your needs and schedule. By enrolling in the right program, you’ll be on your way to medical assistant certification and eventual employment in a healthcare setting.
Step 2: Prepare for Your Certification Exam
Once you’ve completed your training, the next step is to prepare for and pass a certification exam. The most common certification for medical assistants is the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential, offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
This exam is designed to test your knowledge of the skills and competencies required to work effectively as a medical assistant. It covers areas such as patient care, clinical procedures, and administrative tasks. The certification serves as a key indicator to employers that you meet industry standards.
One of the best parts about choosing a quality training program is that it will typically prepare you for the certification exam as part of the course. This means that as long as you’ve been diligent with your studies, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about additional preparation. The exam will feel like a natural extension of the training you’ve completed, and many students are able to pass on their first try.
Step 3: Get Certified by the NHA
After successfully passing your certification exam, you’ll officially be a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). This credential allows you to add “CCMA” to your name, which can be a major asset when applying for jobs.
The certification shows hospitals, clinics, and medical practices that you’ve met national standards for medical assisting, which significantly boosts your marketability as a job candidate. Employers want to know they are hiring professionals who are ready to hit the ground running, and your CCMA certification will give them that confidence.
Step 4: Gain Hands-On Experience Through an Externship
Certification is essential, but it’s not the only thing that will help you land a job. Employers often look for candidates who have practical experience in a healthcare setting. This is where an externship comes in handy.
An externship is a structured, supervised experience where you work with a local healthcare provider to apply the skills you’ve learned in your training. It’s an invaluable way to gain hands-on experience, boost your confidence, and enhance your resume. Many top training programs include externships as part of their curriculum, so it’s important to choose one that offers this opportunity.
Not only does an externship allow you to apply what you’ve learned in a real-world environment, but it also provides you with valuable networking opportunities. Many students are even offered full-time positions at the healthcare facilities where they complete their externships.
Step 5: Sharpen Your Communication Skills
Medical assistants interact with a variety of people in a healthcare setting, including patients, doctors, nurses, and other administrative staff. Strong communication skills are essential in this role, as you’ll need to relay information clearly and effectively to ensure smooth operations within the practice.
Patients, in particular, rely on medical assistants to provide explanations about procedures, appointments, and other medical matters. Your ability to communicate calmly and compassionately can help ease their concerns and improve their overall healthcare experience.
In addition to patient interactions, you’ll also need to communicate regularly with other members of the healthcare team. Whether you’re conveying instructions from a doctor or coordinating patient care with a nurse, being able to articulate information accurately is critical.
Step 6: Apply for Your First Job
With your medical assistant certification, externship experience, and communication skills polished, you’re now ready to apply for your first job as a medical assistant. The job market for medical assistants is competitive, but if you’ve followed all of the steps outlined above, you should be in an excellent position to land your dream role.
Your resume will stand out because you’ve not only completed a recognized certification program, but you also have hands-on experience from your externship. Plus, with your communication skills and professionalism, you’ll be able to present yourself confidently during interviews.
When applying for jobs, don’t hesitate to leverage the connections you made during your externship or through your training program. Many medical assistant programs have relationships with healthcare facilities, which can give you a leg up in finding job opportunities.
Conclusion
Becoming a medical assistant in 2024 is an achievable and rewarding goal that can set you up for a fulfilling career in healthcare. By following these six steps—completing a training program, preparing for certification, getting certified, gaining experience through an externship, refining your communication skills, and applying for jobs—you can position yourself for success in this fast-growing field.
With the right approach, you can become a certified medical assistant in just a few months, avoiding the financial burden of student loans and embarking on a career that offers stability, growth, and the chance to make a difference in people’s lives. So take the first step today, and before you know it, you’ll be on your way to a bright future as a medical assistant.
Preppy’s Medical Assistant Training Program
Overview
Preppy’s Medical Assistant Training Program is entirely online and self-paced, making it ideal for students who need flexibility. Preppy’s program is offered in partnership with Auburn University, providing a reputable university certificate upon completion.
Program Highlights
- Mode of Delivery: 100% online and self-paced.
- Program Duration: 4 to 6 months, with access for up to a year.
- Tuition Cost: $1,599, which includes training materials.
- Certification: Prepares students for the CCMA certification exam.
- Practical Experience: Includes an externship opportunity at a local healthcare facility.
- Additional Benefits: Offers job placement services for eligible graduates and a free laptop if you pay the tuition in full.
Also read: How To Get Certified as a Medical Assistant
About:
Preppy was founded by higher education expert, Grant Aldrich, who’s work on college affordability and accessibility has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, Business Insider, American Express, AOL, MSN, Thrive Global, Reader’s Digest, Inside Higher Ed, Evolllution, EducationDive, and nearly 100 radio shows and podcasts.
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