How Long Does It Take to Become a Medical Assistant?

Introduction

A medical assistant is an integral part of a health care team. They provide administrative and clinical support to doctors, nurses and other health care professionals. Becoming a medical assistant is one of the fastest growing fields in healthcare and can be an attractive career choice for those looking for a job with flexibility and good pay. But how long does it take to become a medical assistant?

How Long Does It Take to Become a Medical Assistant?

The amount of time it takes to become a medical assistant depends on several factors, such as the type of program you choose, the number of credits you need to complete, and whether or not you have any prior experience. Most medical assistant programs can be completed in one year or less, while some may take up to two years.

Some medical assistant programs require students to complete a certain number of credits, which can range from 45 to 90 depending on the program. Some programs also require students to complete an internship or externship in order to gain hands-on experience in the field. This can also add to the length of time it takes to become a medical assistant.

In addition to the length of the program, there are also certification requirements that must be met in order to become a medical assistant. While some states do not require certification, many employers prefer to hire certified medical assistants. Certification can take up to six months to obtain, depending on the program.

What is the Difference Between a Medical Assistant and a Certified Medical Assistant?

The main difference between a medical assistant and a certified medical assistant is the level of education and training required. A medical assistant typically only requires a high school diploma or GED, whereas a certified medical assistant must complete both a formal educational program and pass a national certification exam.

Certified medical assistants are also more likely to receive higher salaries than non-certified medical assistants. According to the American Association of Medical Assistants, certified medical assistants earn an average of $17.31 per hour, while non-certified medical assistants earn an average of $13.78 per hour.

In addition, many medical assistant programs offer online courses and degree programs, which can make it easier to fit the program into your schedule. These online programs are often shorter than traditional programs and can be completed in as little as 6 months.

What Skills Do You Need to Succeed as a Medical Assistant?

In order to be successful as a medical assistant, you must possess strong communication and interpersonal skills. As a medical assistant, you will be interacting with patients on a daily basis, so it is important to have excellent customer service skills. You must also be able to understand and follow instructions from doctors and nurses, as well as maintain patient confidentiality.

In addition to interpersonal skills, medical assistants must also have technical knowledge and computer skills. Medical assistants must be knowledgeable about medical terminology, anatomy, and pharmacology, as well as be proficient in the use of computers and software. Medical assistants must also be organized and have strong time management skills, as they must be able to manage multiple tasks at once.

Conclusion

Becoming a medical assistant is an attractive career choice for those looking for a job with flexibility and good pay. The amount of time it takes to become a medical assistant depends on the type of program you choose, the number of credits needed, and if you have prior experience. Most programs can be completed within one year, while certification can take up to six months. Certified medical assistants are more likely to have higher salaries than non-certified medical assistants. To succeed as a medical assistant, you must possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, technical knowledge, computer skills, and organizational and time management skills.