Are you looking for a way to jumpstart your career in the medical field? Becoming a Medical Assistant (MA) is a great option for those who want to get into the healthcare industry and provide direct care to patients. But what does it take to become an MA? In this article, we’ll discuss the steps on how to become a Medical Assistant in just 12-weeks.
You will learn about the educational requirements, skills, and certifications necessary to become an MA, as well as other important information such as job outlook and salary expectations. So if you’re ready to explore this exciting career path, then let’s get started!
Know the Role
Assuming you have no prior experience in the medical field, there are a few things you should know before becoming a medical assistant. First and foremost, it is important to understand the role of a medical assistant. Medical assistants generally perform both clerical and clinical tasks in a healthcare setting.
Clerical duties may include answering phones, scheduling appointments, and handling billing and insurance paperwork. Clinical duties may include taking patient vital signs, administering injections, and assisting with minor surgical procedures.
Although the specific duties of a medical assistant may vary depending on the state in which they work, most states require that medical assistants complete an accredited training program before becoming certified.
Is It Right For You?
If you have any interest in the medical field and are looking for a new career, you may be wondering if becoming a medical assistant is right for you. With so many different types of healthcare careers available, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. Here are a few things to consider when deciding if becoming a medical assistant is the right career choice for you. Do you have an interest in medicine? If you are interested in working in the medical field but don’t want to go through years of schooling to become a doctor or nurse, then becoming a medical assistant may be the perfect career choice for you. Medical assistants play an important role in healthcare, working alongside doctors and nurses to provide patient care. Are you good with people? Medical assistants must be able to communicate effectively with patients and their families. They also need to be able to work well as part of a team, as they will be working closely with other healthcare professionals. If you enjoy working with people and are good at communication, then becoming a medical assistant could be the right career for you. Do you have good organizational skills? Medical assistants must be organized and detail-oriented, as they will be responsible for keeping track of patients’ records and scheduling appointments. If you are good at staying organized and keeping track of details, then becoming a medical assistant could be the perfect career choice for you.
Get Educated
There are numerous ways to get educated and become a medical assistant in a short amount of time. You can attend a traditional brick-and-mortar school, take online courses, or even get on-the-job training from a healthcare facility. No matter which route you choose, you'll need to make sure that you're getting the proper education and certification before beginning your career. If you choose to attend a brick-and-mortar school, there are many options available. You can find medical assistant programs at community colleges, vocational schools, and even some hospitals. Many of these programs can be completed in as little as two years, and will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this career. If you prefer the flexibility of online learning, there are many accredited online programs that offer medical assistant training. These programs can be completed at your own pace, and typically take about two years to finish. In addition to the convenience of online learning, many of these programs are less expensive than traditional schools. Finally, if you want to get started in your career as quickly as possible, you may want to consider on-the-job training. Many healthcare facilities offer medical assistant training programs that can be completed in just a few weeks. While on-the-job training won't give you the same level of education as a formal program, it will provide you with the hands-on experience needed to start working immediately.
Earn Experience
There are a few ways to earn experience as a medical assistant. One way is to volunteer at a hospital or clinic. This will give you a chance to see what medical assistants do on a daily basis and learn some of the basics. Another way to earn experience is to take a course or two in medical assisting.
These courses will teach you the basics of the job and help you get started in your career. Finally, you can also earn experience by working as an intern or extern in a medical office. This will give you a chance to learn the ropes and get some real-world experience under your belt.
Get Certified
There are many medical assistant certification programs available, so it is important to do your research to find the one that best fits your needs. At K&G Career Academy, you can earn your certification in 12-weeks. Once you have chosen a program, you will need to complete an application and submit any required transcripts or other documentation.
Once your application has been processed, you will be scheduled for an exam. After successfully passing the exam, you will be awarded your medical assistant certification.
Advance Your Career
Medical assistants are in high demand and the career outlook is very positive. There are many reasons to become a medical assistant, but advancing your career is a great reason to start your training today. As a medical assistant, you will have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and physician’s offices. You will also be able to choose from a variety of roles, such as working as a front office receptionist or back office medical billing specialist. Medical assistants are an important part of the healthcare team and play a vital role in providing quality patient care. As a medical assistant, you will be responsible for handling administrative duties, such as scheduling appointments and maintaining medical records. You will also be responsible for clinical duties, such as taking patient vital signs and assisting with examinations and diagnostic tests. The job outlook for medical assistants is very positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of medical assistants will grow 23 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. The aging baby-boomer population and the consequent increase in the number of older adults who need health care services are the main drivers of this growth.
Final Thoughts
There are a few things to keep in mind as you begin your new career as a medical assistant. First, you will need to be comfortable working with patients of all ages and backgrounds. You will also need to be able to effectively communicate with both patients and medical staff. Additionally, you must be able to maintain a high level of confidentiality and follow all HIPAA regulations. Finally, it is important to be organized and detail-oriented in order to succeed in this fast-paced field.