How Long Does It Take To Become A Medical Assistant?

How long does it take to become a medical assistant? That is the question. However, before we answer that, you should know the role of a medical assistant. Medical assistants are such a vital member of doctor’s offices. They handle waiting room, front office duties and they also assist doctors and physicians with various procedures ranging from administrative to hands-on care with a patient. Approximately, it will take you a year to become medical assistant but it can take longer if you have plans on specializing on a particular duty.

A lot of aspiring medical assistants always ask how long does it take to become a medical assistant, for you to be able to understand that, here is the step-by-step guide on how to become a medical assistant:

  1. Find a medical assistant program that is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
  2. Enroll and complete a medical assistant education.
  3. Complete the externship requirement.
  4. Pass the certification test if you plan to be a registered medical assistant.
  5. Apply for medical assistant positions in your state.

However, you should also keep in mind that certification, training and requirements for practicing as a medical assistant may vary from state to state, so you have to check on your state’s requirements before you begin any training courses.

There are some aspiring medical assistants who opt to specialize in a specific field like phlebotomy, opthamology and insurance. These classes are offered at community colleges and it can take you two years to complete everything. So, when it comes to how long does it take to become a medical assistant, it varies depending on the course you wish to take and at the same time, if you have some specializations that you wish to master.

Not every medical assistant aims to become a registered medical assistant, however, it is better if you prefer to be a registered one because this will enable you to have higher positions open for you and a higher salary. Aside from this, you will be exposed to more challenging tasks where you can use the knowledge that you learned in school. This way, everything will be put into good use.

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