Medical Assistant is One of the Fastest Growing Occupations

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics medical assistant is expected to grow 34 percent from 2008 to 2018, much faster than the average for all occupations. The U.S. Census Bureau emphasizes that current job market trends, regulations and cost control in healthcare have made medical assisting and related occupations some of the hottest careers in today's job market. This trend also strongly influences how doctors hire their medical office staff; it is clear that soon there will be at least three medical assistants for every doctor and other practicing clinicians in the medical field.

Where Can I Get My Medical Assistant Training?

Medical assistant training, education and certification programs vary. Many vocational training institutions and community colleges offer accelerated programs that lead to a medical assistant diploma in 9-11 months, or 1- or 2-year medical training programs ending with an Associates Degree in Medical Assisting.

The minimum requirement to enter most medical assistant vocational training programs is a high school diploma and being at least 18 years old. Most schools run their programs via morning, day and evening classes. Once the students graduate and land their first job they will be further trained on the job under the supervision of the doctor for whom they work to meet the office's specific needs.

What Is Typically Covered in Medical Assistant Class?

The medical assistant curriculum usually include medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, keyboarding, medical transcription, record keeping, accounting, medical billing and medical coding and insurance processing. There are hands on laboratory requirement techniques with diagnostic and clinical procedures and administration of medications, CPR and first aid. Most medical assistant programs also include advanced procedures like giving injections, blood collection, automated analyzing and specimen screening techniques. Some include IV-therapy and radiology into their medical assistant curriculum. Therefore it is very important that you find out what is required and included and what doctors and hospitals who hire medical assistants in your area expect before signing up for any specific medical assistant vocational training program.

Completely Free Job Training for Medical Assistants

Even better, many can get their medical assistant training COMPLETELY free by getting trained right on the job under the direction of a doctor, or almost free by enrolling into completely free state and government sponsored vocational training programs such as Job Corps, regional programs such as ROP, or vocational rehab programs for the unemployed.