How to Become a Medical Assistant

Have you ever wanted to join the recession-proof Medical Field? One great career step is to become a Medical Assistant.

The Career Opportunities

Medical assisting is one of the most popular career choices in healthcare, offering tremendous employment opportunities, great salary potential and benefits, and some of the best job security around. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nearly 155,000 new jobs are expected to become available to medical assistants in the US between 2018 and 2028.

The BLS also reports an average hourly wage for medical assistants of around $16 per hour, which can be substantially higher depending upon location and experience. Especially in areas like Long Island, Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens and Hauppauge.

In addition to salary pay, Medical Assistants also may get other benefits like vacation pay, health and dental insurance, retirement benefits, and more.

A career in Medical Assisting may not be for everyone, but if you love to care for others, like to serve and are dedicated and professional, it’s a great career option for you.

Step 1 – Studying to Become a Medical Assistant

First and foremost, most employers will not employ you as a Medical Assistant unless you have quality training from an approved educator.

While it is possible to become a medical assistant with no more than a high school diploma or GED, employers more often select applicants that have received medical assistant training and certification through a properly approved program. In addition, when you are certified, you have much more marketability.

For example, upon graduation of Ideal School of Allied Health Care’s Medical Assistant program, graduates will become Certified Clinic Medical Assistant (CCMA). Many employers love seeing this additional credential.

Step 2 – Choosing Your School Type

For the most part, medical assistant training programs are predominately conducted on-campus and not online. There are many distinct advantages for doing on-campus training.

Advantages of on-campus training:

1. Face to face interaction with your instructors
2. Opportunities to collaborate with other students and staff
3. Highly structured learning environment and tons of support
4. Access to campus resources and staff assistance
5. Hands-on and real-world training opportunities
6. Opportunity to work closely with the career services staff so they can help you prepare for and get a job
7. School pride and student comradery
8. Various class sessions (day, evening, weekend, etc.)
9. You can typically complete you program quickly since you have instructors and staff motivating and supporting you

Disadvantages of online training:

1. Lack of structure
2. Requires the student to be self-motivating and organized
3. Little interpersonal interaction
4. Less support from instructors
5. Still must schedule an externship and meet other on-site requirements
6. Some programs are “go at your own pace” meaning it could take you longer to complete the program if you’re not self-motivated

Step 3 – Graduate & Get Certified

Ideal School’s administrators strongly recommend that each graduate becomes CCMA certified. The reason being because this will indicate to future employers of your credibility to your skill level.

One extremely huge benefit of Ideal School’s Medical Assistant program is that you are trained to successful earn your Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certificate.

Step 4 – Find a Job

It’s crucial to start considering your employment before you graduate from your Medical Assistant program. It’s even recommended from Ideal School’s administrators to start considering which employers you want to interview with along with preparing your resume and interview practicing.

One amazing benefit of Ideal School is they offer Lifetime Job Placement Assistance.

Something that Ideal School prides itself on is it’s immense connection with area employers. Ideal School has placed graduates at most of the areas medical institutions and continues to work with employers to keep a great relationship.

If you decide to become a Medical Assistant and train at Ideal School of Allied Health Care, it’s strongly recommended that you take full advantage of their job placement services and vast network of employers.

Step 5 – Get Started Now

We hope you learned some helpful things in this article.

And if you’re interested in learning about becoming a Medical Assistant or want to start training immediately, Ideal School has classes starting regularly.

Contact an admissions representative by calling (631) 509-5602 or click here to Schedule a Campus Tour.

You can also start your Application here.