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Gaining Medical Assistant Skills

A surprising number of medical assistants are still being trained on the job, although this is becoming less and less common. An every increasing number of medical assistants 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.

What kind of medical assistant training did you get?

It is important to understant that certain medical assisting 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 in a safe, supervised setting assures that the medical assistant student will be well prepared for the REAL job.

Recommended High School Courses

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.