If you are hired as a medical assistant without prior experience, you’ll receive substantial on-site training. As an added benefit, you’ll be paid to learn on the job!
Medical Assistant Certificate/Diploma. Choose this option if you’d like to complete your coursework in 9 months to a year. [9] X Research source Medical Assistant Associate Degree. Choose this option if you’d like more in-depth coursework and would like to study for 2 years.
Different certification providers have different eligibility requirements, costs, recertification requirements, and testing methods. [14] X Research source Nationally accredited certification exams include certifications by the AAMA, AMT, NHA, and NCCT. [15] X Trustworthy Source US Bureau of Labor Statistics U. S. government agency that collects and reports labor-related information Go to source Once you have enough work experience you may be eligible to take a nationally accredited certification exam without having to go back to school. Organizations like National Healthcareer Association, NCCT, and AMT offer some kind of work experience eligibility for their NCCA accredited MA exams. [16] X Research source
Make sure that your resume and cover letter are specifically tailored to each office to which you’re applying. For instance, if you’re applying to work at a pediatric office, emphasize why you’d be a good fit to work with children.
You can work part-time, full-time, during weekends, or night shifts. [26] X Trustworthy Source US Bureau of Labor Statistics U. S. government agency that collects and reports labor-related information Go to source
To become a CNA you likely do need state certification and a state-approved certificate program.
On average, MAs are paid $2 more per hour than CNAs. [29] X Research source
