Medical assisting is one of the fastest growing occupations. That growth will continue due to advancements in medical technology and the aging population. Ever physician's office, laboratory, clinical and research facility needs at least one medical assistant and usually more than one. No formal training is necessary in order to become a medical assistant, but it is a good idea to take a one or two year course in order to get certified. There are several programs available. Vocational high schools, colleges and vocational schools all offer courses that can lead to a degree or a certificate.

The coursework included in these programs is split between office training and medical training. A medical assistant should have an understanding of the anatomy, medical terminology, psychology and physiology. Recording keeping, accounting, insurance processing and computer skills, are included in the office training aspect of the courses. Future medical assistants learn clinical procedures, first aid, how to administer medications and become familiar with laboratory work. Other courses include law, patient interaction skills and ethics. Once the program is completed a CMA certificate or associates degree is awarded and then the fun and the work begin.

Most physician offices and hospitals want to see some sort of certification in today’s competitive market. It shows them that there has been an investment made and that there is a level of competence achieved by the applicant. Some states require that a medical assistant obtain a license to perform certain medical procedures. License requirements vary from state to state, because there is no national license needed to become a medical assistant. If a license is required, a test is given that pertains to the specific medical procedure involved. Once the license is issued it is usually good for two years depending on the state and the procedure.

There are a couple of different agencies that award certificates for medical assisting. A group called the American Association of Medical Assistants offers a Certified Medical Assistant certificate and the American Medical Technologists awards a Registered Medical Assistant certificate. There are several other certificates that can be awarded to medical assistants depending on the area of expertise chosen by the individual. There are certificates for ophthalmology, dentistry and a plethora of other medical assisting functions.

Another way to obtain a medical assistant certificate is to take online courses. There are several nationally accredited medical assistant programs available online. Some of these programs can be completed in eight weeks and some take longer depending on your schedule and what area of medical assisting you want to study. Medical assistants will continue to be in demand across the country. If you invest some time and do your homework, you’ll find it to be an extremely rewarding career.