Gaining Medical Assistant Skills

Medical assistants used to be trained on the job, however this practice is becoming less and less common. Most medical assistants now receive their training through community and junior colleges, and vocational, or military training institutions. Applicants to these vocational training institutions usually need to have a HS diploma/GED.

Your Certification is Important!

Aim for success! Success means progress. What if we told you that you might already qualify for the RMA medical assisting certification exam based on your vocational training, time on the job, or other certifications you already have... wouldn't you want to find out?

Your FREE medical assistant certification info kit is here. Get it now while it lasts!

Your free career info kit. 

Getting Your Medical Assistant Training

When it comes to medical assistant training it is important to understant that certain medical office skills, such as taking vital signs, drawing up injections, administering ear lavage or instilling drops, collecting specimens, preparing slides, setting up EKGs, incubating Petri-dishes, sterilizing instruments, changing wound dressings and wrapping bandages are best learned under the direct guidance of an experienced medical or healthcare instructor. The direct supervision and hands-on practice of skills in a safe and supervised setting assures that the medical assistant student is going to be well prepared for the "real" job. 

What kind of medical assistant training did you get?

 

As a medical assistant you are expected to act professionally with a can-do-attitude and friendly smile. While training methods and duties can vary greatly from office to office your main role is to assist the doctor with various clinical and administrative medical office routines, keep the patients safe, and the office running smoothly and efficiently.

DNA president Melodie Young stated in a practice management article published on DermQuest: "The best MAs are the ones who see themselves as professionals, who want to learn more and participate." Recommended high school courses include math, health, biology, typing, bookkeeping, computer, and office skills. Volunteer and health care related work experience, such as a nurse assistant, or home health aide usually is also very helpful. Upon graduation the student medical assistant receives a Medical Assisting diploma.