Medical Assistant Training

Medical Assistants (MAs) take on a wide variety of tasks depending on the office or clinic in which they work. Often, MAs are responsible for completing initial patient assessments. This might involve checking a patient’s blood pressure, pulse, breathing rate, and temperature. Medical Assistants may also perform a physical exam and note the patient’s height and weight. In addition, doctors and nurses rely on Medical Assistants to gather a patient’s medical history, asking questions about their current and past conditions. Medical Assistants often draw blood when a doctor orders lab work. Other common job duties include maintaining patients’ files, scheduling appointments, assisting with forms, cleaning medical equipment, stocking exam rooms, and a host of other responsibilities.

Medical Assistants often work for physicians in a variety of settings, from medical offices and clinics to hospitals and other health care facilities.

While it is possible to get a job as a Medical Assistant with a high school diploma, more and more employers are looking for individuals with quality training from an accredited institution. Completing the Medical Assistant Program at North-West College would give you the skills and knowledge you need to hit the ground running in the World of Work in less than a year.

While Medical Assisting is one of the fastest growing careers in health care, the most desirable positions can be competitive. For this reason, many individuals are choosing to become certified as a Medical Assistant. This certification is the highest training a Medical Assistant can achieve and shows potential employers that the individual has the skills and knowledge they need to succeed as a Medical Assistant.

After completing a Medical Assistant Program at an accredited institution, such as North-West College, an individual can sign up to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam, which is offered in January, June, and October of each year. Once the individual passes the exam, he or she is considered a Certified Medical Assistant.

No. The requirements for licensure are different for a Medical Assistant and a Certified Nursing Assistant. CNAs must undergo additional specialized training to receive their certification. CNAs act as a liaison between patients and Registered Nurses. Medical Assistants, on the other hand, often report to a doctor or office manager and handle a variety of administrative tasks, along with some direct patient care.

Vocational Nurses have to complete at least one year of education, which is designed to prepare them to deliver bedside care. As part of their additional training, Vocational Nurses are tasked with a larger scope of patient care, including starting IV lines and inserting catheters. Upon graduating, Vocational Nurses must take the NCLEX licensing exam in the state in which they hope to work. Once licensed, they must renew their license every two years. Medical Assistants, on the other hand, do not have to be certified to work in a physician’s office, although it is highly recommended and preferred by many employers. Once certified, MAs must re-certify every five years by taking the CMA exam.

North-West College has locations throughout Southern California, so there is likely one close to you! The Medical Assistant Program is available at the following NWC campuses: West Covina, Pomona, Glendale, Riverside, Santa Ana, Long Beach, and Van Nuys.