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Medical Assistant Career | What It Takes

Medical Assistant Career

Medical Assistant Career Can Be Rich and Rewarding

A Medical Assistant career is one of the fastest and most practical ways to enter the healthcare field. Medical Assistants work alongside physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, performing both clinical and administrative tasks in hospitals, clinics, and private practices.

If you’re looking for a stable, rewarding career in healthcare without spending years in medical school, this guide will walk you through the steps — and highlight some of the best schools to consider.

What Does a Medical Assistant Do?

Medical Assistants handle a mix of clinical and administrative responsibilities, including:

  • Taking patient vital signs
  • Assisting physicians during exams
  • Drawing blood and preparing lab specimens
  • Scheduling appointments
  • Updating patient records
  • Handling insurance forms and billing

They work in:

  • Hospitals
  • Outpatient clinics
  • Family practices
  • Specialty offices (cardiology, dermatology, pediatrics, etc.)

Step-by-Step: How to Become a Medical Assistant

1. Earn a High School Diploma or GED

This is the minimum educational requirement to begin training.

2. Complete an Accredited Medical Assistant Program

While some employers offer on-the-job training, most prefer candidates who complete a formal program. These programs typically take:

  • Certificate/Diploma: 9–12 months
  • Associate Degree: 18–24 months

Look for programs accredited by organizations such as:

  • Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
  • Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)

3. Get Certified (Strongly Recommended)

Certification improves job prospects and salary potential. The most recognized certifications include:

  • Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
  • Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from American Medical Technologists (AMT)

4. Gain Hands-On Experience

Most programs include externships or clinical rotations, which provide real-world experience and networking opportunities.

5. Apply for Jobs

Medical Assistants are in high demand, especially in primary care and outpatient settings.

Best Schools for Medical Assistant Programs

Here are some of the top-rated schools offering strong Medical Assistant programs:

1. Keiser University

  • Offers diploma and associate degree programs
  • Strong clinical training
  • Multiple Florida campuses and online options

2. Pima Medical Institute

3. Herzing University

  • Offers both on-campus and online programs
  • Focus on career placement support
  • Multiple U.S. campuses

4. San Joaquin Valley College

  • Accelerated programs (as short as 9 months)
  • Strong employer connections in California

5. Houston Community College

  • Affordable tuition
  • Accredited program
  • Strong clinical partnerships

6. Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences

  • Highly reputable healthcare training
  • Strong clinical immersion
  • Excellent networking opportunities

Online Medical Assistant Programs

If you need flexibility, many schools offer hybrid or fully online programs with in-person clinical components. Schools like:

  • Penn Foster Career School
  • Purdue University Global

offer flexible scheduling for working adults.

How to Choose the Best School

When selecting a program, consider:

  • Accreditation status
  • Certification exam pass rates
  • Job placement rates
  • Externship opportunities
  • Tuition and financial aid options
  • Location or online flexibility

Medical Assistant Career Salary and Job Outlook

Medical Assistants earn a median annual salary of around $38,000–$42,000, depending on experience and location. The job outlook is strong, with projected growth much faster than average due to increasing demand for healthcare services.

Is Medical Assisting Right for You?

This career may be ideal if you:

  • Enjoy working with people
  • Want to enter healthcare quickly
  • Prefer variety in daily tasks
  • Are organized and detail-oriented

Final Thoughts On a Medical Assistant Career

Becoming a Medical Assistant is a practical, affordable path into the healthcare field. With the right training and certification, you can start working in under two years and build a strong foundation for future advancement in nursing, healthcare administration, or other medical specialties.

If you’d like, I can also provide:

  • A comparison chart of programs
  • Salary breakdown by state
  • Steps to become certified in your specific state
  • Resume tips for new Medical Assistants

Other articles of interest can be found here.