Related: How to List Education on a Resume. The quickest medical assistant program is six weeks long but most medical assistant training is three months or longer. Each of these designations are accredited by the NCCA. It's a fast-paced, frequently-changing career that can be very exciting and rewarding for those who are passionate about helping people and enjoy a challenge. On average, an accredited medical assistant program consists of a 2 year associates degree that takes 24 months to complete. Fulfilling the prerequisites to become a medical assistant will take somewhere between nine months and two years. Contact an admissions counselor or currently enrolled students can contact Prof. Joel Bacon, Program Director, 717-221-1326. Institutions that provide specific medical assisting programs can be as short as nine months because they focus exclusively on preparing you for the tasks you'll be doing as a medical assistant. They perform routine procedures and tasks such as collecting and preparing body fluid tissues and fluids for laboratory testing, handling and preparing medical supplies and instruments, recording information in medical systems of record-keeping, administering injections and medications and measuring patients vital signs. Their job involves a combination of medical and administrative tasks including collecting lab specimens, drawing blood, answering phones, scheduling appointments and explaining treatments to patients. They also need to be excellent multitaskers and able to adapt to a job that can change from day to day depending on what tasks need to be done. The information on this site is provided as a courtesy. Guide to Being a Medical Assistant. Hourly Pay: What Are the Differences? Medical assistants may work in full-time or part-time positions and are typically paid an hourly wage. The CMA is a 200-question exam covering a broad range of topics related to health care delivery and the various responsibilities of a medical assistant. Be selective, organized and efficient when you're searching for a job. If your college does not offer a specific medical assistant program, an Associate Degree in Health Science, Health Administration or a similar field will also be accepted by most employers. Before deciding on a program, be sure to weigh the benefits of both education types to see what best fits your needs and lifestyle. The AAMA’s certification is considered by many to be the standard for the industry. There are some medical assistant certificate programs that will take you less than a year to complete. The AAMA requires you to recertify every 60 months to keep your certification. situations are not black and white and can be somewhat misleading The salary of a medical assistant may vary based on their level of education and certification, experience, geographic location and the type of medical facility they work for. Nationally, the average salary for a medical assistant is around $33,610. How Long is Medical Assistant Training? It usually takes between 18 and 24 months to study for an Associate’s Degree program, as this involves a higher level of education. The CMA certification is offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) as a way for medical assistants to demonstrate their skill and knowledge in the field. Medical assistants perform routine tasks and procedures in a medical clinic. Beyond your high school diploma or GRE and the medical assistant training, there are no specific credentials or licenses needed to become a medical assistant. 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