How to become a medical assistant?

To become a medical assistant, you need a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers hire medical assistants with little or no experience in the health care industry and provide on-the-job training, but most employers now prefer candidates with a formal education in medical assisting. Vocational schools offer certificate programs that last about nine to twelve months. Or you may attend a community college and pursue an associate degree. These programs take about two years to complete and may be on-campus or online. They include a combination of classroom lessons and lab time and teach you about medical billing, first aid, and medical terminology. Medical assistants do not need to be certified to work, but earning the designation of Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) may make you stand out in the job market.