Medical Assistant Training Program

A medical assistant program at ACHT prepares individuals to be able to:

• Communicate and correspond with the public
• Put patients at ease by explaining the physician’s or health practitioner’s instructions
• Assume office manager responsibilities and duties
• Maintain patient confidentiality
• Become familiar with the physician’s goals
• Understand basic pharmaceutical principles
• Learn about medical law and adhere to ethical standards

One major task for a Medical Assistant is to assist in ensuring smooth operations throughout the office. However, this differs significantly from a physician assistant or nursing role. Instead, a Medical Assistant works alongside nurses and others on the health care team, treating all types of patients, from newborns to senior citizens. Many students exploring healthcare careers also compare traditional classroom training with online medical assistant courses when researching the best educational path for their schedule and career goals.

Clinical duties performed by medical assistants may vary according to state law. Medical assistants perform any combination of the following duties under the direction of physician, in order to assist in the examination and treatment of patients:

• Calling medical facilities to schedule patients for tests
• Cleaning and sterilizing instruments
• Completing insurance forms
• Computing and mailing monthly statements to patients, including receipt of money for bills
• Draping patients with covering and position instruments and equipment
• Entering financial transactions into bookkeeping ledgers
• Explaining treatment procedures to patients
• Giving injections or treatments to patients
• Handing instruments and materials to the doctor as directed
• Interviewing patients
• Inventorying and ordering / re-ordering medical supplies and materials
• Keeping x-ray and other billing and medical records
• Measuring vital signs, such as pulse rate, temperature, blood pressure, weight and height, and record information on patients’ charts
• Operating x-ray electrocardiograph (EKG) and other equipment to administer routine diagnostic tests
• Performing routine laboratory tests
• Performing secretarial tasks, including keying data into the computer to maintain office and patient records
• Preparing treatment rooms for examination of patients
• Scheduling appointments

The demand for Medical Assistants has grown significantly in recent years, and employment prospects look promising. The high rate of health care services being provided is the main reason for the need of skilled professionals in this area. As the health care industry expands due to technological advances in medicine, as well as the aging and growth of the population, there will continue be an increasing need for health care workers. Students researching career opportunities often also compare factors such as training length, hands-on experience, and medical assistant tuition cost before choosing the right program.

More than 60 percent of medical assistants are employed at physicians’ offices. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment of medical assistants is expected to grow at a much faster rate than other occupations, to 34 percent from 2010 to 2020.

Graduates of ACHT’s Medical Assistant program can choose to work in a variety of locations, including (but not limited to):

• Ambulatory health care service
• Chiropractic offices
• Group practices
• Hospitals
• Medical laboratories
• Nursing care facilities
• Outpatient care centers
• Physician offices
• Public and private education services
• State and local government health care agencies

In California, Medical Assistant graduates earn an annual mean wage of $27,420 to $31,980, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, May 2012. Earnings may vary depending on the skill level and experience of the Medical Assistant, as well as the specific location. Medical assistants can advance in their career by working in a particular health care field, by specializing, or by moving into office manager positions and other positions with increased responsibility.

Medical Assistants may be required to meet state-specific training, licensing, or credential requirements depending on the type of healthcare facility and job responsibilities. Many employers prefer candidates who have completed a Medical Assistant program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

Students interested in advancing their career opportunities may also pursue a medical assistant certification after completing an accredited training program.

Common professional pathways include:

• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA): Offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Eligibility typically requires graduation from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited Medical Assistant program. Continuing education or periodic exams may be required to maintain active status.
• Registered Medical Assistant (RMA): Offered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT). Eligibility may be obtained through completion of an accredited medical assisting program or qualifying work experience.

Additional specialized credentials are available in areas such as ophthalmology and podiatry.

Graduates of a Medical Assistant program may also apply for state-specific licenses or additional training depending on local healthcare regulations. Certain responsibilities, such as operating x-ray equipment or performing advanced clinical procedures, may require extra coursework or state approval.

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