How to Become a Medical Assistant

Medical assistants are trained in a diverse range of tasks that include both medical as well as administrative tasks. The extent of their job may differ based on where they work in the industry though.

While clinical medical assistants working in smaller practices may be required to help out with some administrative tasks, those working in larger medical facilities work closely with patients and physicians in administering medical treatments.

On any given day, clinical medical assistants perform a wide range of duties such as:

• Scheduling medical procedures
• Drawing blood
• Taking patient medical histories
• Updating patient medical files
• Taking blood pressure and body temperatures
• Instructing patients on the proper usage of medications
• Scheduling hospital admissions
• Phoning in prescriptions to various pharmacies
• Changing the dressing on wounds and even removing sutures
• Collecting lab specimens
• Sterilizing medical instruments
• Preparing patients for X-rays or other medical examinations
• Answering calls and setting up appointments
• Maintaining correspondence, bookkeeping, and billing
• Filing as well as updating patient medical records
• Handling computer systems and applications

So, imagine you are a clinical medical assistant working in an urgent care clinic and someone comes in complaining of nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or any other medical condition.

After helping them fill out the necessary paperwork, you would send them to one of the exam rooms. There you would take their blood pressure and temperature, as well as their medical history. You would write all of this information down in their chart for the attending physician. This initial examination and record creation is one of the most important steps in patient treatment.

Later, after the physician has examined the patient, he or she determines the patient has food poisoning. They ask you to phone in an anti-nausea medication to a local pharmacy as well as go over some important information with the patient before they leave (i.e. be sure to rest, stay hydrated, and call with any concerns).

By taking care of all of these details, you allow the physician to take care of the next patient. Apart from that, here’s a look at the top medical assistant skills that are required by employers.

Without question, clinical medical assistants are recognized as one of the most important and versatile members of any medical practice.

Their contribution has become even more prominent during the pandemic and the medical emergencies that continue to affect people, around the world. No wonder demand for these professionals is increasing more and more! (Read More: Medical Assistant Job Duties)

1. No Prior Experience Necessary

You are not required to have any prior experience or a degree to begin your certification program. To enroll in a Clinical Medical Assistant program, students can start fresh without needing any medical-related education.

Similarly, once enrolled students could start their career journey in the medical industry in just six short months. The entire journey from start to finish is quite smooth.

2. You Touch Other’s Lives in a Meaningful Way

This career provides immense personal satisfaction from helping people in need. Whether you are administering medication, collecting information, calming a patient’s nerves before a procedure, or simply assisting doctors in their duties, you’ll feel great at the end of every day!

3. You Could Complete Training in Under 6 Months

Not everyone has the money or schedule to be able to go to college for four or more years. Luckily, you can still become a valued medical professional by getting your certification without having to spend these many years.

Many accredited universities offer training, which can often be completed in less than one year. (And even more luckily – we can connect you to those very universities! So keep reading to find out how)

4. You Have Numerous Career Options

Clinical medical assistants have the choice of working in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, private practices, rehab centers, laboratories, and nursing homes.

In addition, it’s one of the few healthcare careers that give you the option of keeping traditional 9-5 hours as well as having the flexibility to work around your personal schedule, depending on your family needs or personal preferences.

 5. It Can be a Stepping Stone to Other Careers

Certified Clinical Medical Assistant is an entry-level healthcare job that provides an individual with a unique look into two different worlds. Because many assistants will perform both administrative and clinical duties, they obtain a beneficial overview of the different roles within the medical field.

Once this experience is gained, you can focus on the job aspects that suit your preferences and skillset best. For instance, if you like the administrative side of things, you may want to pursue a career as an office manager. Then again, if you like working directly with patients, you may eventually want to pursue a career in nursing. The choice is entirely up to you!

6. No Two Days are Alike

If the idea of sitting in a cubicle doing the same old thing every day doesn’t appeal to you, and you prefer to move around and interact with people, then you’ll love a career as a clinical medical assistant. No two days are alike, no two patients are alike and the variety of duties you will perform are so varied, you simply can never get bored!

 7. A Better Work/Life Balance

Many careers in the medical profession are demanding of your time. You often have to work odd hours including nights and weekends.

This can make it difficult if you are raising a young family or hope to have any kind of social life. But that doesn’t always have to be the case. Because clinical medical assistants can choose to work in 9-5 positions, they can experience a better work/life balance and be there for their families as well.

Our quiz could help you save time and money on a certification program from an authorized school or accredited university – and it takes less than a couple minutes to complete.

5 Things to Look for In A Clinical Medical Assistant Certification Program

1. Find an online program from an authorized school or accredited university

The most important step you can take toward your dream career is to gain the right training.

Not only will a certification program provide the knowledge and skills you’ll need in this profession, a chance of breaking into the healthcare industry but you also have a certificate to hang on your wall!

2 Look for a discount and a low monthly payment plan

Easier said than done! We found very few programs that offer these financial resources, which is why we have made it our mission to help adult learners get huge discounts toward their certification!

And we also realize that it is important for families, especially as we’ve seen one economic crisis after another, with people struggling to find financial stability.

3. Make sure an externship placement is included

Nothing prepares you for the real world like practical hands-on experience, with the chance to practice newly learned skills. This is what will set you apart from other candidates to land that job!

4. Look for an online, mentor-supported course you can take at your own pace

If you are an adult student, an online education will provide you will flexible coursework you can complete at your OWN pace and schedule. This ensures you don’t disrupt family and other responsibilities as you approach this exciting career.

5. Find out if textbooks are included in the cost of the program

Textbooks for a CMA program can be majorly expensive! Make sure to find a program that doesn’t charge extra for books. It’s important to look out for ways that help save money.

Unsure about which training program to go for? Here’s our guide on the best medical assistant programs for 2023.

6. (Bonus!) Use our free quiz to find a certification program that meets all of these criteria 

We’ve gone ahead and saved you some time by researching accredited universities for you! By taking our short healthcare quiz, you can get matched up to the best certification program for your goals and life circumstances.

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The median annual wage for medical assistants was $37,190 per year or $17.88 per hour, in May 2021. Salaries in this field vary depending on a variety of factors.

For instance, clinical medical assistants in top industries can earn a bit higher median annual wage:

• Outpatient care centers – $38,270
• Hospitals – $37,800
• Physicians’ office – $37,150

Most medical assistants work full-time. Some work evenings, weekends, or holidays to cover shifts in medical facilities that are always open, but can tailor their schedule to their needs.

For an in-depth guide on salary, check out – Certified Medical Assistant Salary.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of clinical medical assistants is projected to grow 16% from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than average for all other occupations.

While all medical assistants are expected to have good job prospects, according to the BLS, those with certification may have better job prospects.

Overall, becoming a CMA include good pay will not only ensure job stability, but a good work-life balance and the opportunity to make a positive impact on patients’ lives.

Luckily we can connect you with schools that offer this training!

Next, you’ll need to take some time to determine what medical environment you’d enjoy working in the most, and don’t worry, there are quite a lot of options.

For instance, some medical assistants like the fast pace of a surgical ward, ER, or trauma center. Others may like the calmer atmosphere of a private practice. And still, others may enjoy working in a lab or nursing home.

Some other facilities to consider:

• Outpatient Clinics
• Ophthalmology Clinics
• Clinical Labs
• Chiropractic Unit
• Obstetrics and Gynecology Facility
• EKG/Cardiology Facility
• Palliative Care Facility
• Orthopedic Clinics
• Psychiatric & Behavioral Health
• Radiation Oncology Center

And this isn’t even an extensive list! So spend some time thinking about where you might like to work. Then, think about what job aspects appeal to you the most. In smaller settings, you will most likely handle both clinical and administrative duties.

Whereas in larger practices or in a hospital setting, you will focus on clinical duties, interacting closely with doctors and patients.

Here’s a detailed guide on where can medical assistants work.

Once you’ve determined your preferred work environment, your next step is to gain some critical hands-on experience before starting your job search.

The good news is a quality certification program will include an externship so you can gain some hands-on experience!

Q: What Does a Clinical Medical Assistant Do Every Day?

A: Clinical medical assistants provide important services to both patients and medical professionals. They may perform basic tests in a lab, sterilize medical equipment, and administer prescribed medications and treatments.

They may sometimes be called upon to collect samples and prepare patients for x-rays. The duties vary from day to day and no two days are ever alike!

Q: What is a Clinical Medical Assistant Certification?

A: A clinical medical certification is a valuable asset to have because it shows prospective employers that you have been trained and understand the fundamentals of the job. Certification will definitely help you stand out from other candidates. Now you might wonder, which medical assistant certification is the best?

This depends on where you live, but if you’re just starting out, getting certified as a CCMA from NHA is recommended. Alternatively, if you want to be a medical administrative assistant, you can take the CMAA exam. To know the difference between the two, check out CMAA Vs CCMA.

Q: What Skills Will I Learn in Clinical Medical Assistant Training?

A: You will learn medical terminology, including those related to human anatomy, disease, medical instruments, and medications.

You will also become familiar with certain healthcare software that is commonly used as well as other technologies like blood pressure measurement equipment.

Q: What Are the Prerequisites for Enrollment in a Certificate Program?

A: The only requirement for enrollment in these programs is a high school diploma or equivalent.

So here’s what we recommend you do to get started: Take this quiz to see if you qualify for an online certification program from an authorized school or accredited university.

Take the Quiz! >

A clinical medical assistant certification is preferred by most employers and required by some. Plus, taking a certification program could be the best way to get your foot in the door, build your network, get training, and work experience.

Take this quiz to see if you qualify for:

• 10% Off A Certification Program
  
• An Externship For Real Work Experience
• Affordable Programs and Low Monthly Payments
• A FREE Laptop To Take The Course If You Don’t Have One
• No Extra Cost For Textbooks – All Included and Shipped To Your Door
• Online, Mentor Supported Courses You Can Take 24/7 At Your Own Pace

If you are ready to get started on an exciting and rewarding career in healthcare, then take this short quiz to get started toward your dream!