How to Become a Medical Assistant in Alaska
Medical Assistants play a vital role in patient care in Alaska. They help doctors, nurses, and other medical staff, and most importantly, they help patients! If you want a rewarding career in healthcare, here are the steps you can take to become a Medical Assistant in Alaska:
1. Enroll in an Alaskan Medical Assistant Training Program
Before you become an actual Medical Assistant in the State of Alaska, you need to learn how to perform the duties of the job. A training program can teach you how to provide excellent patient care, measure vital signs, draw blood, and assist a doctor during an exam. You learn how to help out in a medical emergency, what tools and equipment a doctor needs, and what you are and are not allowed to do as a Medical Assistant. You learn how to remain in compliance with state and federal laws, the importance of patient confidentiality, and how to sanitize patient areas before and after exams. Beyond direct patient care, there’s also insurance paperwork, billing and coding, electronic medical records, and front office administration. All these lessons help you prepare for a real-world setting.
2. Complete a Medical Assistant Externship in Alaska
Your training program should include an externship, which places you in a local doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital for additional training. Under the guidance of a doctor or nurse, you learn how to assist in the exam room and the front office. You may be able to shadow professional Medical Assistants to see how they care for patients and perform administrative work. Your observations help to build your technical and soft skills, including teamwork, communication, and organization. Your externship also gets you—and your resume—ready for your first Medical Assistant job in Alaska.
3. Take a National Certification Exam
The knowledge and skills you gain from your training program will prepare you to sit for a national exam such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or the National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA). These exams provide you with credentials that validate your knowledge and skills and are recognized across the industry. Although certification or licensure is not required in Alaska, it can help you qualify for additional positions and make you stand out from other candidates.
4. Create Your Medical Assistant Resume
To get a Medical Assistant job in Alaska, you need to show employers you’re qualified. And that starts with your resume. Build a resume that highlights your education, knowledge, and experience. Explain what you learned in class, during labs, and on your Externship. Be sure to include a cover letter that connects your unique skills to the job you want. For example, if you see a job posting for a Medical Assistant in a nursing home and you’ve worked with elderly patients, say so!
5. Apply for Medical Assistant Jobs in Alaska
With training and certification, you can qualify for a Medical Assistant job in Alaska. Visit area hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers to see if they are hiring. Look at job postings online and on facility websites—and apply. At the interview, put your best foot forward. Dress and act professionally and bring a printed copy of your resume. Answer questions honestly, calmly, and with sef-confidence. After all, with all your training and experience, you’ve got this!
If you’re ready to become a medical assistant in Alaska, take the first step and contact Charter College now. We offer a Certificate in Medical Assistant that will prepare you for entry-level Medical Assistant jobs in as few as 10 months. Classes are enrolling now. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.