Medical assistants complete clinical and administrative tasks within a medical organization. Their work supports doctors, nurses and other medical professionals, ensuring that the organization runs smoothly.

1. 3 Steps to Become a
Medical Assistant

2. What is a Medical Assistant?
Medical assistants complete clinical
and administrative tasks within a
medical organization. Their work
supports doctors, nurses and other
medical professionals, ensuring that the
organization runs smoothly.

3. What is a Medical Assistant?
Clinical tasks include:

Taking medical histories

Preparing patients for examination

Collecting laboratory specimens

Drawing blood

Removing sutures
Source: http://www.aama-ntl.org/medical-assisting/what-is-a-medical-assistant#.UukfBRBdWSp

4. What is a Medical Assistant?
Administrative tasks include:

Answering telephones

Greeting patients

Coding insurance forms

Arranging hospital admissions

Scheduling appointments

Updating patient records
Source: http://www.aama-ntl.org/medical-assisting/what-is-a-medical-assistant#.UukfBRBdWSp

5. Become a Medical Assistant
1.
2.
3.
Complete Your Education
Get Certified
Specialize in an Area

6. Complete Your Education
Many higher education institutions offer
diploma or associate degree
programs in medical assisting.
Many employers require a postsecondary degree in the form of a
diploma or associate degree.

7. Complete Your Education
Medical Assistant Diploma
Some community colleges, technical
colleges and vocational schools will
offer medical assistant diplomas.
Depending on the institution, these
programs generally take approximately
one year to complete.
Source: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm#tab-4

8. Complete Your Education
Medical Assistant Associate Degree
Colleges that offer an associate degree
in medical assisting usually include
additional courses with a focus on
general education curriculum in
addition to the clinical classes students
complete.
Source: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm#tab-4

9. Get Certified
Although medical assistants are not
required to be certified, many employers
prefer to hire those who are.
The process for certification varies
depending on the organization, though
many require a certain amount of field
experience and an examination.
Source: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm#tab-4

10. Get Certified
Medical Assistant Certifications:

Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)

Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)

National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)

Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
Source: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm#tab-4

11. Specialize in an Area
Medical assistants who specialize in a
particular area are able to differentiate
themselves from others in the field.
Medical assistant specialization is usually
achieved through externships or as part
of on-the-job training.

12. Specialize in an Area
Sample Medical Assistant Specialties:

Optometry

Podiatry

Orthopedics

Pediatrics

Cardiology

Family medicine

Geriatrics

13. Get More Information
For more information about the
medical assistant degree program
at Minnesota School of
Business, call 1-877-655-7676 or
request information here.