How To Qualify For Medical Assistant Jobs

Introduction

You see advertisements everywhere for medical assistant training. Anyone can take the classes needed, if they so desire. But qualifying for medical assistant jobs require a little bit more than just taking some classes.

Step 1

Decide your reasons for becoming a medical assistant. Some people decide to look into medical assistant jobs simply because they are looking for work. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but the field of medical assistants is not for everyone. This industry is known for its high-turnover rate. People leave this work everyday due to the low-pay, hard work, difficult patients or co-workers and many other reasons. If your desire is to truly help people who are sick or unable to care for themselves, then this field is for you. If you plan to become a nurse in the future, then this field is for you. The best individual for this line of work is someone who is patient, compassionate and able to do grueling work - often without a thank you.

Step 2

Research the medical assistant field in your area. Medical assistant jobs tend to be the same everywhere, but there are a few things that vary by state. First, there is job availability. If there are no available jobs in your area, you may have to move to another town or deal with a long daily commute just to get work. If you have a criminal background, you must first see if you are even eligible to work as medical assistant under your state's law. There is also the case of additional training in some states. If your state requires you to have an additional license or certification, in addition to your medical assistant license, you must factor in the time and cost in your decision. Then there is the issue of pay. Some states pay their medical assistants a decent wage, while other states pay the assistants a very low wage. Depending on your circumstances, you might find it would benefit you to move where you can receive a higher hourly wage.

Step 3

Go for training. There are two ways to do this. You can receive education at a vo-tech, community college or university program. The longer the program, the more the program costs. Longer programs can be beneficial, because you will receive additional training, which will help you transition smoothly into the field of medical assistant. If you have become curious and searched for medical assistant jobs, you might have found some nursing homes that provide paid-training to people who wish to become a medical assistant. However, finding these types of medical assistant job listings is becoming rare. But if you do find one, you might find getting paid while you learn is the best route to take.

Step 4

Complete the state exam. After you complete all of your training, the next step before you can qualify for medical assistant jobs is to take the test to receive your license. At this time, you should be prepared through your medical assistant program and through your own individual study. Without passing this test, you will not be allowed to work as a medical assistant. If you don't pass the first time, don't be discouraged. You can always take the test again until you pass.

Step 5

Take any vaccination shots or final tests needed. Since your primary role will be working with the sick and vulnerable, the last step in qualifying for medical assistance jobs is making sure you are healthy. Depending on the state, you might have to take a TB shot, as well as drug test.

Tips

Once you are qualified, do your research on any facility you might wish to apply to. Unfortunately, not all medical assistant jobs are created equally. If you hear about a facility that keeps their employees and/or patients in unsafe conditions, has irresponsible management, or is a toxic workplace - save yourself the future headache by avoiding these centers. It's very, very rare that a new employee can change the culture of work environment for the better. What usually happens is the employee quits out of frustration, or they get fired due to those who do not wish to change the status quo.

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