[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Working as a medical assistant can be a good way to enter the healthcare field in a relatively quick timeline, with some programs taking as little as nine months to complete.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become a certified medical assistant, you must earn a high school diploma, complete a certificate or associate degree, and pass a certification exam.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical assistants earned a median annual salary of around $44,000 as of May 2024, with a 12% projected growth in the number of jobs available through 2034.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Are you ready to switch careers? Looking to break into the world of healthcare in as little as nine months? If so, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/medical-assistant/”]medical assistant[/hen-ui-link] field may be the right starting point for you.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical assistants are one of the first lines of assistance for patients, ensuring care and healthcare offices run smoothly.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re looking to upgrade your career with a job that blends patient care and administrative skills — and are seeking a relatively quick path to employment in the healthcare system — you can use this guide to learn how to get your medical assistant certification for this in-demand field.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]How Long to Become[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-4xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]9 months-2 Years[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Degree Required[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-4xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]Medical assistant certificate or associate degree[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Job Outlook[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-4xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]12% growth, 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is a Medical Assistant?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certified medical assistants or CMAs are key members of many healthcare teams. These multi-skilled professionals often work in outpatient settings, such as clinics, medical offices, and surgical centers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The key responsibilities of medical assistants include both administrative and clinical tasks. This can mean updating medical records, coordinating admissions, monitoring patient conditions, and assisting NPs or physicians during exams.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What Does a Medical Assistant Do?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical assistants handle clinical and administrative duties that are crucial to providing quality patient care. Their tasks vary depending on the care setting and location.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Administrative Duties[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Greeting and checking in patients for appointments[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Updating patients’ electronic health records (EHR)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Scheduling appointments[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Arranging hospital admissions and lab tests[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Filling out insurance paperwork[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Clinical Duties[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Measuring vital signs and recording medical histories[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Drawing blood for lab tests[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Explaining treatment procedures[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Assisting providers with examinations, procedures, and minor surgery[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Removing stitches and dressing wounds[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What Skills Do You Need to Become a Medical Assistant?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical assistants need both clinical and technical knowledge to perform patient care and administrative duties. Students [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/things-medical-assistants-learn-on-the-job/”]learn medical assisting skills[/hen-ui-link] during their programs. They also need people skills to succeed.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Hard Skills[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical billing and coding[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical terminology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Keyboarding and computer applications[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinical assessment and diagnostic skills[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]First aid and wound care[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Soft Skills[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Written communication[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Interpersonal skills[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Empathy[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Attention to detail[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Analytical skills[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Medical Assisting Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Medical Assistant[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become a medical assistant, you need to graduate from an accredited program and apply for medical assistant certification. You may also advance your career through specialization and further education.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Education and certification requirements vary by state and employer. Even if your state doesn’t require medical assistant certification, most organizations prefer to hire certified medical assistants because it demonstrates your knowledge and skills to employers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Earn a high school diploma or equivalent.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A high school diploma is the minimum education requirement to work as a medical assistant. High school classes in math and science can help you succeed in your [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/reasons-to-get-certified-in-medical-assisting/”]medical assistant certification[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Attend an accredited medical assistant program.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]During an accredited medical assistant program, you develop administrative and clinical skills. Coursework covers the basics of anatomy and physiology, along with CPR certification. You also receive coursework on the cardiovascular system and learn how to perform an electrocardiogram (EKG).[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students learn about medical record handling, appointment setting, scheduling, and billing. This includes the various types of insurance plans and companies, and how to use diagnosis and procedure codes.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical assistants may also handle business management for private practices, and most programs include a basic education in management. This includes hiring practices, disciplinary issues, managing people with different personalities, and medical risk management.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Apply for medical assistant certification.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.credentialingexcellence.org/Accreditation/Earn-Accreditation/NCCA” target=”_blank”]National Commission for Certifying Agencies[/hen-ui-link] (NCCA) accredits medical assistant certification organizations. There are five certification options for medical assistants based on eligibility and whether you prefer a clinical care or administrative focus. Aspiring professionals can pursue a certification credential through the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aama-ntl.org/” target=”_blank”]American Association of Medical Assistants[/hen-ui-link] or earn certification through another organization.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Pass the CMA exam.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The CMA exam includes 200 multiple-choice questions over four 40-minute test periods. Consider taking a review course and practice exams to improve your chances of [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/certified-medical-assistant-exam-guide/”]passing the CMA exam[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Find the right position for you[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical assistants typically work in outpatient settings, but can often find employment in clinics, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and laboratories. Some medical assistant programs work with local employers to help place students in roles within the facilities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Consider enrolling in an externship program or volunteering to get additional experience, which can boost your chances of finding a job. Medical assistants may also search online job boards for positions within private clinics, laboratories, and research centers. Many hospitals maintain lists of open positions on their websites.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Explore continued education[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical assistants work in entry-level positions within healthcare but can specialize their work and advance their careers. Certification as a clinical or administrative medical assistant demonstrates your advanced knowledge and skills in these areas.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Within clinical practice, medical assistants can specialize in cardiology, family practice, geriatrics, and ophthalmology, among other areas. They may also consider continuing their education in other healthcare subjects or professions. Some options include:[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/healthcare/physician-assistant/how-to-become/”]Physician assistant[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program management[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/healthcare/phlebotomist/how-to-become/”]Phlebotomy technician[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Surgical technician[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]EKG technician[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Certified Medical Assistant Schooling[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Candidates typically follow two paths to medical assistant certification: a CMA certificate or an associate degree in medical assisting. Students should choose an accredited program for medical assistants or an accredited associate degree.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A medical assistant program takes 9-12 months to complete, while associate degrees take two years and offer a stepping stone to nursing education programs, most notably the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/best-bsn-programs-online/”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Certificate Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A certificate program is an entry-level education pathway on your journey to becoming a medical assistant. The program suits individuals who need to begin working quickly, with most coursework available online. Graduates from accredited programs meet all the necessary requirements to pursue entry-level positions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, admission into the school if the certificate program is administered through a higher education institution[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Curriculum: Basic anatomy and physiology, clinical techniques, insurance coding, front office procedures, pharmacology, medical terminology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Time to Complete: 9-12 months[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Credits Earned: 30-40[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Skills Learned: Medical terminology, patient preparation, CPR, and insurance processing[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Associate Degree Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Associate degrees are best suited for medical assistants looking to advance their careers and perhaps ultimately complete a bachelor’s degree. The program takes about two years of full-time enrollment to cover general education classes and medical assistant program requirements.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent and an application[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Curriculum: Medical ethics, software application, composition, anatomy and physiology, math, applied communications, externship, and medical laboratory procedures[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Time to Complete: Two years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Credits Earned: 60-75[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Skills Learned: Laboratory sample preparation, basic insurance and billing, composition and communication, and computer application[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Medical Assistant Licensure and Certification[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical assistant certification demonstrates your knowledge, skills, and career commitment to potential employers. Most healthcare companies prefer medical assistants who have graduated from accredited programs and hold certification from one of the following certifying organizations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certified Medical Assistant ([hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aama-ntl.org/certification” target=”_blank”]American Association of Medical Assistants[/hen-ui-link]): This is the most common certification for new medical assistants to earn before specializing in clinical care or administrative duties.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Registered Medical Assistant ([hen-ui-link href=”https://americanmedtech.org/Medical-Assistant” target=”_blank”]American Medical Technologists[/hen-ui-link]): Candidates must be employed for at least three of the last seven years to qualify. The general national certification is recognized by most states.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]National Certified Medical Assistant ([hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncctinc.com/certifications/medical-assistant” target=”_blank”]National Center for Competency Testing[/hen-ui-link]): Candidates qualify for the exam if they have graduated from an accredited program, or if they possess two years of physician-supervised, full-time work experience.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (National Healthcareer Association): This certification demonstrates a specialized focus on clinical care, including vital signs, medications, EKGs, and phlebotomy.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (National Healthcareer Association): Certified medical assistants specialize in administrative duties, including operating computer systems, answering correspondence, coordinating operation reports, and scheduling appointments.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Medical Assistant Salary and Job Outlook[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical assistants benefit from a strong job outlook and median salaries similar to other healthcare support occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a median annual salary of $44,200 for medical assistants as of May 2024.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning potential depends on several factors, however, including location, work setting, and experience. For example, the states with the highest [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/medical-assistant/salary/”]medical assistant salaries[/hen-ui-link] are Washington, Alaska, Oregon, and Minnesota.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Job Outlook for Certified Medical Assistants[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The medical assistant field continues to grow quickly, with an aging population and an ongoing need for medical services driving demand for medical assistants.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]BLS projections indicate a 12% job growth rate from 2024-2034, substantially outpacing the projected growth rate for all occupations. That translates into nearly 101,200 medical assistant job openings in that time frame.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Medical Assistant Salary by Work Setting[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The earning potential for medical assistants varies depending on the work setting, as do their responsibilities. According to the BLS, 56% of medical assistants work in physicians’ offices, while 16% work in hospitals and 9% work in outpatient care centers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Outpatient Centers[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical assistants may measure vital signs, take medical histories and personal information, help providers with examinations, and schedule appointments in this setting.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Median wage (BLS, May 2024): $47,560[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Hospitals[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical assistants in hospitals may schedule appointments, update treatments, assist physicians with minor procedures, and track accurate medical information.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Median wage (BLS, May 2024): $45,930[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Physicians’ Offices[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In physicians’ offices, the professionals may give patients injections as permitted by state law, draw blood, take throat swabs, and enter EHRs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Median wage (BLS, May 2024): $43,880[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is it hard to become a medical assistant?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical assistants are in high demand, and you can become a medical assistant in under one year. Medical assistant programs take 9-24 months and cover clinical and administrative skills. Students gain hands-on experience through a practicum or externship. After completing a medical assistant program, graduates can pursue certification and apply for entry-level positions.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the fastest you can become a medical assistant?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can become a medical assistant in as little as nine months by enrolling in a certificate program. These programs cover medical office assistant and clinical medical assisting topics, with hands-on learning components. Graduates can sit for the CMA exam and apply for medical assistant jobs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much does it cost to get a medical assistant certificate?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The cost of a medical assistant certificate depends on the program. In general, in-state community colleges charge the lowest tuition rates, while private and for-profit colleges cost more. In addition to completing a certificate or associate degree, medical assistants need to budget for the cost of professional certification.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What does a medical assistant do?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical assistants perform clinical and administrative tasks in doctor’s offices and other healthcare settings. Their patient-focused duties include taking medical histories, measuring vital signs, and assisting healthcare providers during in-office procedures. Medical assistants may also schedule appointments, file insurance paperwork, and keep electronic records up to date.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]