How can I become a Medical Assistant?
Asked by Joel's Mommy!
I see ads all of the time for schools to become a medical assistant. What are the basic responsibilities of a medical assistant? What kind of training is involved? How long does it take to become one?

Best Answer:
Becoming A Medical Assistant: Those who want to become a medical assistant usually need at least a high school diploma, or the equivalent and should have excelled in high school courses that include mathematics, health, biology, typing, bookkeeping, computers and office skills, such as answering phones. Medical Assisting As A Career: Scores of people have made medical assisting their lifelong career and are successful at it. Although the medical assistant's salary remains modest compared to those in the nursing professions, it is a rewarding occupation one can be proud of. It frequently involves communicating with people from all walks of life, and helping people in their community, from the very young to the very old. Educational Requirements: Those seeking formal career training in medical assisting need to have a high school diploma or the equivalent GED. High school courses that will prove helpful during medical assisting career training include mathematics, health and social studies, biology, typing, bookkeeping, accounting, computer applications and general office skills. Medical Assistant's Function: The medical assistant allows physicians and nursing staff to focus directly on their patient's health issues and direct patient care. Not having to deal with the clinical and administrative aspects of the daily office routine frees doctors and licensed healthcare professionals under which they work to focus on procedures that involve patient's health care and recovery. Daily Routine: Even though one can never really predict what may happen next in a busy office or clinic, one thing is for sure: whether working with physicians and patients in the front or back office, in healthcare there hardly ever is such a thing as a typical day! It is the medical assistant's responsibility to keep the work flow going in all areas of the medical office, whether in an administrative or clinical capacity. This allows physicians and nursing staff to focus on their vital work directly with patients. The medical assistant's work days usually are very busy. Medical Assistant's Responsibilites: Medical assistants, whether working in the reception area, administrative office, or back areas of the medical practice have responsibilities which overlap. They must both be leaders, recognice needs, keep the workflow going, understand human personalities, and be aware of differences in people's abilities. Medical Assistants are expected to: Follow directions well Read, write and calculate well Recognize problems and find solutions Finish a job quickly without sacrificing quality Be honest and dependable Take the lead and work hard Communicate clearly and get along well with other people Dress properly and practice good grooming Have a positive attitude and be cooperative Knowledge of laws and regulations defining scope of practice Knowledge of examination, diagnostic and treatment room procedures Knowledge of medical equipment and instruments Further Duties: Knowledge of organizational policies and procedures Knowledge of CLIA, OSHA and JCAHO regulations Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions Skill in assisting in a variety of treatments and medications as directed Skill in maintaining records and recording test results Skill in developing and maintaining department quality assurance Ability to maintain quality control standards Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations Ability to interpret, adapt and apply guidelines and procedures Ability to respond calmly and effectively in emergency situations Knowledge of procedures for referring patients Knowledge of billing guidelines and batching procedures
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_assistant http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Become-a-Medical-Assistant&id=1227830 http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/medical_careers/become_a_medical_assistant
Answered by isaac_leibnitz

use google and dont waste our time
Answered by ROYALBUMBACLOD

It depends, are you cute? If so, I doubt the requirements are onerous. If not, you have some work to do :)
Answered by bratwizard

a Great School to go to is Bryant and Stratton. and it only takes 2 years.
Answered by Lori S

at itt tech or heald it takes about a year to complete. you do 10 months in school and 2 months training . you take pulses, give shots. you will have to know all of the vital signs
Answered by ItalianGirl

There are alot of different programs, just make sure you pick a state certified one. You can find a school that you can either go during the day or at night. It usually takes a year to be a MA. Why not go another 6 months and be a LPN with much better pay. Good Luck:)
Answered by realnurse_69

My daughter has been a CMA for two yrs. She trained at a business school. The course took 9mos. She rooms patients, takes history and vitals, draws blood, gives injections and administers basic, in office tests(vision, ekg etc) Her starting pay was $14hr. She now makes $18. We live in Houston. The cost of living here is among the lowest in the nation. Starting pay would be higher elsewhere! Hope this helps. P.S. She loves her job and now intends to pursue nursing, which her employer will subsidize!!
Answered by SherryFalcon F

Take a Medical assisting training course. Or request information froma school in your area...they will tell you all you ned to know.
Answered by MACprincess♥