A Medical Assistant Career: 10 FAQs

Q: Do I Need a License to Work as a Medical Assistant?

Licensing requirements vary by state, so check with yours. For example, in California and Alaska, you do not need a state license. But to become a Medical Assistant in Washington, you must register with the Department of Health after you complete your training. You’re required to submit your transcripts, provide answers to personal questions, and submit your national exam scores if you passed a state-approved, industry-sponsored Medical Assistant exam. If you have not passed a national exam, you may qualify for the state’s interim Medical Assistant license, which expires within one year and cannot be renewed. That means you need to sit for a national exam while you have your interim license. Once you pass, you qualify for the state’s certified Medical Assistant license.

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Are you interested in a Medical Assistant career? Then you probably have questions. At Charter College, we have answers, including how to prepare for this career path, where you might work, and what skills you need to succeed. Check out 10 frequently asked questions to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you and let us know if you have any others.

1. What Training Do I Need to Become a Medical Assistant?

To become a Medical Assistant, enroll in a training program that prepares you for your career. Your program should provide you with a foundation in patient care, medical billing and coding, electronic heath records, and the healthcare delivery system. You learn the ins and outs of the profession and how to perform the tasks of your job with compassion and empathy.

2. How Long Does It Take to Become a Medical Assistant?

You may be able to complete Medical Assistant training in less than a year. Depending on your state’s requirements, you may need to allow additional time to schedule and pass your certification exam and receive your credentials from the Department of Health.

3. Do I Need a License to Work as a Medical Assistant?

Licensing requirements vary by state so check with yours. For example, in California and Alaska, you do not need a state license. But to become a Medical Assistant in Washington, you must register with the Department of Health after you complete your training. You’re required to submit your transcripts, provide answers to personal questions, and submit your national exam scores if you passed a state-approved, industry-sponsored Medical Assistant exam. If you have not passed a national exam, you may qualify for the state’s interim Medical Assistant license, which expires within one year and cannot be renewed. That means you need to sit for a national exam while you have your interim license. Once you pass, you qualify for the state’s certified Medical Assistant license.

4. What Skills Will Help Me Succeed as a Medical Assistant?

It takes a variety of clinical, administrative, and soft skills to succeed as a Medical Assistant. You need to know how to perform basic wound care, measure vital signs, and assist the doctor during medical procedures. When you’re at the front desk, you need to be skilled in medical record maintenance, medical billing and coding, and appointment scheduling. All of these technical skills require a foundation of soft skills like communication, organization, attention to detail, and time management.

5. What’s a Typical Day Like as a Medical Assistant?

A day in the life of a medical assistant can vary depending on where you work. You might work in a major metropolitan hospital or a small private practice specializing in one kind of care. But you can expect a morning routine that includes checking emails, responding to voicemails, and setting the day’s schedule. You greet patients and prepare them for their exams. You take vitals and help the doctor with procedures. At the front of the office, you might do some medical billing, update patient medical records, and assess your inventory for restocking. And when an emergency arises, you are at hand to help in any way you can.

6. What Can and Can’t I Do as a Medical Assistant?

There is a very specific scope of practice for a Medical Assistant. For example, while you can take vital signs and provide medications under a doctor’s supervision, you cannot diagnose patients or prescribe treatment or medication. You also can’t perform triage, interpret test results, or perform invasive procedures.

7. Where Can I Work as a Medical Assistant?

Most Medical Assistants work in physicians’ offices. But you may also find work in hospital units, outpatient care, community clinics, nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Home health agencies may also employ Medical Assistants.

8. What’s the Typical Schedule for a Medical Assistant?

You can expect to work full-time as a Medical Assistant, with a typical schedule of 8:00 to 4:00. But your schedule and shifts will vary depending on the healthcare facility. For example, in a hospital setting, you may work nights and weekends. At a nursing home you might work overnight. And in a home healthcare setting, you might work several hours at a patient’s home before moving onto the next. You can also opt for part-time work.

9. Can I Specialize in a Particular Area of Medicine?

Yes, as a Medical Assistant you can specialize in a specific area of medicine. For example, you could work for a cardiologist and assist with stress tests and provide patient education on what constitutes good heart health. You could also work in podiatry, geriatrics, pediatrics, or oncology through private or group practices, or hospital units. Once you have some experience, you can look to specialize in an area that most appeals to you.

10. What Opportunities Are There to Advance My Career?

With a Medical Assistant background, you can transition to roles in medical office assisting, medical billing and coding, or become a lead medical assistant. With an associate degree, you can also continue your education and earn a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration. This degree can prepare you for advanced roles such as medical office manager, nursing home administrator, or compliance coordinator. Some Medical Assistants even go on to nursing school.

If you’re ready to begin a career in Medical Assisting, contact Charter College today. We offer a Certificate in Medical Assistant that can help you kickstart your career. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.

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