Guide to Becoming a Medical Assistant

Joe Cockrell

Joe Cockrell

| Update: July 25, 2024

Medical Assistants play a vital role in ensuring a positive experience for patients visiting a health clinic, hospital or doctor's office. They are trained professionals who help with clinical and administrative tasks, from drawing blood and checking vitals to greeting patients and managing patient records.

Becoming a medical assistant is the perfect way to begin a career in the medical field as the training covers all the basics you need to know to work in a healthcare facility, and the skills gained will translate well into more advanced positions. The best part is the training to become a medical assistant is quick and can be completed in less than a year.

If you've always wanted to work in the medical field and you are curious about how a career as a medical assistant could benefit you, read on to see how UEI's Medical Assisting program can prepare you for an entry-level position in this field in as little as 10 months.

If you're interested in becoming a Medical Assistant, consider enrolling in UEI College's Medical Assistant Program. Our program allows you to earn your Medical Assistant Diploma in as little as 10 months, placing you on track to becoming a medical assistant quickly.

What is a Medical Assistant?

Medical Assistants are trained professionals who work directly with doctors and nurses to ensure each patient receives the care they need. They may work in a doctor's office, medical clinic, outpatient clinic, hospital, chiropractor's office, or any other healthcare facility.

The role of a medical assistant may vary from one office to the next depending on the size and scope of the office, but they are trained to handle both administrative and clinical tasks. When performed well, these tasks free up the doctor's time, allowing them to pay more attention to each patient they visit and have reliable health information they can use to provide a diagnosis and treatment. Medical assistants often act as a liaison between the doctors, nurses, and patients as they are usually the first person a patient encounters when they enter the exam room.

A Medical Assistant may be assigned to do mostly administrative tasks like answering phones, scheduling appointments, greeting patients, managing inventory, verifying insurance coverage, and preparing the exam room.

On the clinical side, medical assistants may help with tasks like recording patient vitals, drawing blood, performing diagnostic tests, administering vaccines, or assisting the physician with a routine exam.

Medical assistants are trained to offer support in all areas of the office, making them a vital part of the team. They work closely with everyone in the office, from doctors and nurses to office managers, billing professionals, and of course, the patients.

How to Become a Medical Assistant?

Given how much medical assistants do around the office, it's important that they have the best training possible. The good news is the training can be completed quickly, and a career as a medical assistant is an excellent stepping stone to getting further into the medical field. The steps to becoming a medical assistant include:

Step 1: Earn Your High School Diploma

The first step to enrolling in the Medical Assistant Program is to earn a high school diploma or equivalent. To learn more about the Medical Assistant Program, consider enrolling in UEI College's Medical Assistant Program. The Medical Assistant Program is short-term where students can earn a Medical Assistant Diploma in as few as 10 Months!

Step 2: Explore Post-Secondary Training Programs

There is no formal education required to become a medical assistant, but most employers like to know you have some official training, and some states require training through an accredited program.

There are a number of medical assisting programs out there, so choosing the right one may be difficult. When making this decision, you might take into account the length of the program, the cost, the availability of financial aid, and the opportunities for hands-on practice. You should also make sure the program is accredited.

At UEI College, we encourage each prospective student to come in for a tour of our campus. During the tour, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions, meet instructors and see the labs where our students practice their clinical skills. We also encourage students to sit down with our Financial Aid team to apply for financial aid that may help cover the cost of their education. Scholarships, grants, and financial aid are available to those who qualify.

Step 3: Complete a Medical Assistant Training Program

Once you have explored a few programs and feel confident with your choice, the next step is to complete the training. New classes begin monthly at UEI College, so you don't have to wait to get started. Our programs are designed to prepare you for an entry-level career, so we focus on building skills through hands-on labs and learning concepts through online lectures and assignments.

There's no need to be nervous about going back to school. Our experienced instructors will walk you through each step of the program and provide opportunities for you to experience what it's like to be a medical assistant before you graduate. We offer tutoring and open lab time for any students who need extra support.

Step 4: Put Your Knowledge into Practice During an Externship

The best way to practice new skills is by doing. That's why an externship is so valuable for a medical assistant student. During this 180-hour externship, you'll work in a real healthcare facility, doing the job of a medical assistant under the supervision of a physician or another medical assistant.

This real-world experience is not only valuable for practicing skills, but it also provides students with contacts in the field and experience that can be listed on a resume. At the conclusion of the externship, students should feel confident that they have the skills and knowledge necessary for any entry-level medical assistant position. Sometimes students are even hired by their externship site for full-time employment following their externship.

Step 5: Become a Certified Medical Assistant

Most states do not require a formal certification to work as a medical assistant, so you can begin your job search right away, but when you are entering a competitive job market, many employers like to see that you are officially certified. Certification proves that you have the skills and knowledge to become a valuable asset to a medical office and may provide opportunities for quick advancement as well.

Step 6: Apply for Open Positions

Once you graduate from a training program, you should be prepared to enter the job field. Our Career Services department at UEI College provides students with all the resources and guidance necessary to find a full-time job. We can help review your resume and ensure it's up to date with externship information and references. We keep track of open medical assisting positions in the area and will even help you arrange for interviews and practice your interviewing skills.

What Skills Do You Need to Become a Medical Assistant?

Medical assistants work on a wide variety of tasks and interact with every person within a healthcare facility. That's why the job requires a good mix of hard and soft skills. Hard skills are the day-to-day field-specific skills that are necessary to do the job. Soft skills are the personal characteristics that make you a good fit for the position.

Medical assistants working in the front office must be able to:

  • Schedule appointments

  • Send prescriptions to the pharmacy

  • Track medical supply inventory

  • Update and maintain patient records

  • Complete tasks on a computer

 

Medical assistants in the back office need to know how to:

  • Draw blood

  • Record patient vitals

  • Assist with medical exams

  • Sterilize medical equipment

  • Collect lab specimens like urine or saliva

  • Remove stitches and dress wounds

  • Administer vaccines

  • Perform ECGs

  • Follow up on lab results

The soft skills that are important for the front office or back office include:

  • Excellent verbal and written communication. This includes being able to listen attentively. Medical Assistants work directly with patients, and communicating a patient's needs to a physician or vice versa can be a matter of life and death. It's important for a medical assistant to speak clearly over the phone or in person, take diligent notes, and be compassionate when delivering directions or explanations.

  • No one is prepared for a medical emergency, and when it happens, it can be very emotional. It is important for anyone working in a physician's office to have empathy with those they are treating.

  • Medical assistants provide a great amount of help around the office, and that often requires juggling several tasks at one time. It's important for medical assistants to be able to roll with whatever happens and jump in where needed.

  • Attention to Detail. Medical assistants are often responsible for updating records and may also help with some minor coding for billing purposes. Small mistakes in these areas can have a major impact on the patient, so it's important to work carefully.

  • Medical assistants work as part of a larger team. It's important for team members to be able to rely on the professionalism of a medical assistant.

  • There is never a reason to be bored as a medical assistant. Each day brings new challenges and new opportunities to learn and grow. In some situations, it may be up to the medical assistant to offer their assistance and show their eagerness to gain new skills.

While some of these soft skills may sound like something you're born with, or you're not, they can all be taught. A good medical assistant training program will provide opportunities to practice not only the clinical skills but the soft skills as well before you head out into the field.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Medical Assistant?

Becoming a medical assistant is a great way to begin a career in the medical field because the training is quick and easy to complete. You can become a Medical Assistant by graduating from UEI College's Medical Assistant Program in as little as 10 months. So, in less than a year, you can be working in an entry-level position as a medical assistant, helping a physician provide care to patients. That said, the exact amount of time it takes to become a medical assistant depends on the training program you enroll in. UEI College's Program can be completed in as little as 10 months. Upon completion of the Medical Assistant Program, you will be awarded your Medical Assistant Diploma.

Should You Become a Medical Assistant?

If you have always dreamed of working in the medical field and caring for patients but have ever felt unsure about where to start, becoming a medical assistant is a great option. This exciting position allows you to work closely with a physician and provide direct assistance to patients when they come into the office. If you're still unsure about a career in medical assisting here are some things to consider:

There is a Great Need for Medical Assistants

Medical assistants do so much in a healthcare facility, and the need for professionals with their skillset is growing. As baby boomers age and medical technology changes, there will be an even higher demand in the medical field. There is no better time to get started than now.

Medical Assisting is a Great Steppingstone into Healthcare

Unlike becoming a nurse or a doctor, the training to become a medical assistant is relatively quick and accessible, even for people who have less than traditional history with education. Once you are trained and begin working in the field, you will have the opportunity to see firsthand how a medical facility runs and the skills of a medical assistant translate well into becoming a nurse or physician. One of the most exciting things about a career in the medical field is the wide variety of ways to grow and specialize to build a career you can be proud of.

"Anyone can be a great MA! Even if you have a fear of needles," said Delila Castillo, an MA Instructor at UEI. "There are so many positions you are able to work in after MA training. I enjoy working hand in hand with doctors and learning new things daily as I am helping my patients."

Training to Become a Medical Assistant is Quick.

As explained above, many positions in the medical field require years of schooling and studying. The training to become a medical assistant is quick and hands-on. However, if you're serious about a job in this field, most employers will not consider your resume without some training listed. The field can be competitive and employers looking to hire medical assistants like to know you're ready to get started on day one.

What Are the Benefits of Becoming a Medical Assistant?

Becoming a medical assistant allows you to provide compassionate care to patients and build a long-term career in the medical field that you can be proud of for years to come.

 

Medical assisting is a great stepping stone into the medical field for anyone who has always wanted to work in a doctor's office but was unsure where to start. In a medical assisting role, you'll be exposed to all the different roles in a medical facility and gain valuable training that is used in just about every healthcare facility.

 

"Medical assisting is a rewarding career because you are able to help people in need on a daily basis," said MA Instructor Delila Castillo.

 

Other benefits of being a medical assistant include:

  • Never a boring day. Medical assistants are responsible for a variety of tasks and spend much of the day on their feet, preparing exam rooms or taking patient vitals. This can make the workday fly by, and if you have a passion for learning about the human body, you will always find something new to keep you interested.

  • Plenty of job opportunities. Medical assistants are needed in a variety of healthcare facilities, from doctor's offices and hospitals to pediatrician's offices, chiropractors, OB-GYNs, geriatrics, psychiatric and more. These facilities exist in all parts of the country, meaning there could be an opportunity to find work as a medical assistant in any state and any part of the state.

  • Provide direct service to patients. Medical assistants work directly with patients, checking vitals, scheduling appointments, and preparing them for their exams with a physician. They are often the first listening ear that a patient encounters and may therefore become a liaison between the physician and the patient.

  • Consistent schedule. Many medical facilities may be open odd or long hours, so medical assistants may be asked to work on weekends or holidays. Still, there are also many medical assisting positions that are typical business hours. Depending on where you work, you may be able to arrange for a consistent schedule from week to week that allows for a good work-life balance.

  • Training is quick. Becoming a medical assistant isn't necessarily easy, but the training can be completed quickly. If you're eager to get started in a new career quickly, medical assisting is a great option.

  • Make a difference. At the end of the day, medical assistants can sleep well knowing they are providing a valuable service to the patients and healthcare professionals they interact with.

Do Medical Assistants Need a License in my State?

In general, a medical assistant is an unlicensed position. Different states may have different requirements for certifications.

Arizona

Arizona does not require medical assistants to be licensed, but the state does require that employers check, before hiring, that an applicant has completed an accredited training program. If an applicant has not completed a training program, they can also qualify by passing a certification exam.

California

The state of California does not require medical assistants to be licensed or registered, but most employers like to know that employees are certified before being hired. The California Certifying Board for Medical Assistants provides state-specific certification for medical assistants.

Georgia, Nevada, Texas

Georgia, Nevada, and Texas do not require medical assistants to be certified, but those who are certified will have an edge over their competition when it comes time to hire. National certification is recommended.

Washington

The state of Washington requires all medical assistants to be licensed and certified. Applicants for a medical assisting license in Washington must provide proof of completion of an accredited program and pass a certifying exam. If a person has completed a training program but has not passed a certifying exam, they may qualify for an interim certificate for one year or until they pass the exam. For more information, visit the Washington State Department of Health Website.

Do Medical Assistants Perform Hands-on Training?

While some medical assistant training programs may be purely online, at UEI College, we believe the best way to learn is through practice. That's why our programs offer hands-on opportunities from day one. Throughout the course of the program, students will practice giving injections, drawing blood, recording vitals, and performing diagnostic tests like an ECG.

"My students enjoy giving injections and blood draws the most," said Delila Castillo, an MA Instructor. "These skills are building their confidence, knowing that they will succeed in the medical field. They also enjoy sheep or cow heart dissection projects during our cardiovascular module."

How to Apply to UEI College's Medical Assistant Program?

If you're serious about becoming a medical assistant and want to attend UEI College for your training, simply give us a call or fill out our online form. Our admissions representatives will give you a tour of the campus and walk you through the application process. Each person's background and experience are different, but our goal is to make sure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision about your education.

Does UEI College Offer Financial Aid for the Medical Assistant Program?

Yes, UEI College does offer financial aid to those who qualify. You may find grants, scholarships, or loans that can help cover some of the cost of the program. Our Financial Aid department will help you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and see what options may be available to you.

Why Choose UEI College to Become a Medical Assistant?

UEI College's hybrid approach and our obsession with student success are unique. From the moment you express an interest in our programs, our team will walk with you to ensure you have the support you need to build a career you can be proud of.

We invite you to take a tour of our campus and see for yourself the equipment that is used by students to learn new skills and put their knowledge to the test. Our ongoing enrollment makes it possible for students to enroll on the same day and begin classes on the next start date.

Our hybrid schedule allows for flexibility. Students attend in-person lectures and labs twice a week and continue learning with online assignments and discussions that can be completed on any device from anywhere.

Tutoring, one-on-one instruction, and extra lab time are available for any students who need extra support. In addition, our ambassador program helps students create a community among their fellow classmates.

The bread and butter of our programs is the ability to put your skills to the test through hands-on practice. Not only do students practice throughout the program, but they also end their training at a 180-hour externship in a medical facility in your area. During this time, they perform the duties of a medical assistant under the direction of a physician or a more experienced medical assistant. By the time you graduate, you'll be prepared to do all the tasks of a medical assistant and feel confident applying for an entry-level position.

Many students get hired by their extern sites, while some may take a little longer to find the right job. The good news is out Career Services department is here to help. We're always on the hunt for new listings in your area and can help update your resume and prepare for the interview. Our goal is to ensure each graduate finds full-time employment in their field.

If you are eager to start a career in the medical field-don't wait! You can get started at UEI College right away and, in less than a year, be prepared for an entry-level position. A career as a medical assistant is waiting. Reach out today!

Joe Cockrell

Joe Cockrell

Joseph Cockrell is a seasoned strategic communications leader with over 25 years of experience, coupled with a distinguished graduate-level education. A former professional journalist, Joseph excels in media relations, crisis communications, corporate reputation management, strategic communications planning, and marketing. Renowned for his proficiency as an expert storyteller, Joseph possesses a unique ability to craft compelling written and video content of the highest caliber. With an extensive background in navigating complex communication landscapes, he brings unparalleled insight and skill to elevate brands and effectively convey impactful narratives.

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