Becoming a medical assistant (MA) means you have an opportunity to work one-on-one with medical professionals, such physicians, nurses and specialists. As a professional yourself, you will conduct hands-on care on patients, such as drawing their blood, administering certain medications and injections, and checking the patient’s vital signs. Your job also consists of paperwork and certain office duties depending on the location where you work. Before you can have a chance to partake in helping others through being an MA, you must first undergo the proper training.

Step 1

Before you can even start searching for medical assistance training, you must first earn your high school diploma or your GED. Take courses in science and computers to prepare you for your secondary education. After you complete your high school education or obtain the equivalent of one, decide if becoming an MA is really what you want. Factor in whether you enjoy working with people, because if you’re not caring and compassionate or don’t enjoy being around people for long periods of time, this is not the field for you. You will encounter bodily functions, so if you’re the slightest bit squeamish, you want to reconsider entering into this profession.

Step 2

Search for medical assistant programs in at your local technical school, MA schools and colleges for either a medical assistant certification program, which generally lasts a year or a two-year program that provides you with an associate’s degree. Throughout the duration of either program, you can expect to take courses related to anatomy and physiology. Other required courses are in regards to subjects like medical terminology, drug administration techniques, health laws and lab work. Pharmacology, first aid, CPR and diagnostic testing will also be part of the curriculum.

Step 3

Compare the schools based upon the following criteria: price, commute and accreditation. Check for schools facilities that offer online course, if you’re unable to attend a traditional school setting. The entire program may be completed online; however, you must check accreditation especially when you apply to online schools, since many options are fraudulent. Make your final decision on the school you want to attend and fill out the necessary paperwork to complete the program. Most schools supply potential students with the option to apply online. Follow your adviser’s instructions for filling out financial aid forms after you’ve been accepted.

Step 4

When your in school, you’ll need certain pieces of medical equipment, such as stethoscope and a blood pressure cuff. Typically, the school provides these items for you as part of your tuition. While you’re attending a school to become a medical assistant, you may have to undergo training comprised of hands-on activities. These activities are the actual tasks you must do when you’re on the job. Some technical schools and colleges require their students enrolled in an MA program to complete an internship, in order to gain valuable knowledge and real life experience in the profession. When you’re part of a program, you generally have to wear scrubs, especially during the hands-on training portion. Some schools give you a scrub uniform, usually with their name on it, but others deem it necessary that you supply your own uniform. This is also the portion of your education where jewelery and heavily scented perfume is not allowed.

Step 5

After graduation and your internship, if you must attend one, you have the option to become a certified MA. Although certification is not necessary, most establishments prefer that their employees possess a certification. To obtain your certification, you should review the information provided to you by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Located here is a list of prerequisites you must have before you are able to take the examination. When you register for the exam, there’s a fee of $125 for members of the CAAHEP, the ABHES or the AAMA. Nonmembers must pay $250 for the examination. No matter how much is owed for the test, a check, money order or credit card must be used.

Step 6

Schedule the exam online and go to take your test on the scheduled day. Study for the test, so you pass and earn your certification. After you’re certified, make sure you keep your licensure current, by taking the renewal test every 60 months.