Medical Assistant Qualifications

Medical Assistant Qualifications

In an ever-shifting job environment, one constant is the healthcare industry. People are increasingly becoming aware of the importance of preventive medicine and as the overall age and life expectancy of Americans increases, the demand for qualified healthcare workers is likely to increase. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is one medical profession that is expected “to grow 14 percent from 2022 to 2032”, with an additional 114,600 new jobs being added each year.

What is a Medical Assistant

A Medical Assistant may be involved in almost any aspect of providing health care services. Just a few of the duties they might be expected to undertake could include:

  • Administrative or clinical duties
  • Answering phones and scheduling appointments
  • Asking a patient medical history questions
  • Assisting patients preparing for examinations
  • Collecting medical samples
  • Completing and submitting insurance paperwork
  • Helping patients schedule additional services, such as laboratory work
  • Maintaining and filing patient records
  • Operating medical devices and machines
  • Outlining treatment process for patients
  • Recording financial data for bookkeeping and posting bills
  • Recording patient data in their files
  • Removing stitches and bandages
  • Welcoming patients to the healthcare office

Requirements to be a Medical Assistant

Legal requirements to become a medical assistant can vary from state to state. However, most medical facilities and physician’s offices will require a minimum of a GED or high school diploma. Candidates will also be expected to be literate, good with numbers, and have excellent people and organizational skills.

In most areas, those wanting to become a medical assistant will be expected to acquire a Medical Assistant Certification through a combination of classwork, practical experience, and certification exams.

Hybrid Classes for Medical Assistant Training

The most flexible means for acquiring Medical Assistant training is through a hybrid medical assistant program. These programs let you do some of your class studies online while allowing you to develop your practical skills and gain first-hand knowledge in on-campus labs.

If you are interested in becoming a Certified Medical Assistant, PCI Health Training Center is here to help. We offer Hybrid Medical Assistant programs that can be completed in as little as nine months. Contact us today to learn more about our Hybrid Medical Assistant Classes!