Are you interested in becoming a medical assistant? If so, you can start a career with an excellent education at Florida National University (FNU). Before you make your decision on which path you will take to becoming a medical assistant, this article will explain what a medical assistant does, how to become a medical assistant, the benefits of a medical assistant degree, and whether you should get certified. So, let us start with, “What does a medical assistant do?”
What Does a Medical Assistant Do?
A Medical Assistant plays an essential role in healthcare by supporting doctors and nurses with clinical and administrative duties to ensure efficient patient care and office management.
Clinical Duties of a Medical Assistant (Patient Care)
Medical Assistants assist doctors with various medical procedures and direct patient care. Their clinical responsibilities include:
- Taking and Recording Patient Vital Signs – Patient vital signs are taken at every visit. Medical assistants measure and record blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, height, and weight. They also assess and document pain levels and other symptoms and update electronic health records (EHRs) with patient vitals.
- Preparing Patients for Medical Exams and Procedures – Assist patients in preparing for examinations. They ensure patients are comfortable before and during procedures. They also provide gowns, drapes, and instructions as needed.
- Assisting Physicians During Examinations and Minor Procedures – Hand over medical instruments and supplies during patient exams. They support the physician by providing patient history and vital information. They also assist with suturing, wound care, and minor surgical procedures.
- Collecting and Processing Laboratory Specimens – Perform venipuncture (blood draws) for lab tests. They collect urine, stool, and sputum samples, preparing specimens for transport to diagnostic laboratories.
- Administering Medications and Injections – Give vaccinations, flu shots, or insulin injections under physician supervision. They explain medication instructions to patients and monitor patients for adverse reactions.
- Performing Diagnostic Tests – Conduct EKGs (electrocardiograms) to monitor heart activity. They administer vision tests and hearing screenings and conduct spirometry tests (lung function tests).
- Performing Basic Wound Care – Clean and dress wounds, cuts, or burns. They also remove stitches or staples and apply antiseptics and bandages.
- Educating Patients in Health and Wellness – Provide instructions on medication use and chronic disease management. They offer guidance on nutrition, exercise, and preventive care. They also provide instructions for pre-op and post-op care.
- Ensuring Infection Control and Safety Compliance – Must follow sterilization techniques to prevent infections. They will dispose of medical waste (needles, bandages, gloves) properly. Plus, they will clean and disinfect the exam rooms and medical equipment.
Administrative Duties of a Medical Assistant (Office and Clerical Work)
Medical Assistants also perform front-office tasks to ensure smooth healthcare operations.
- Patient Scheduling and Appointment Management – Schedule new and follow-up patient appointments. They coordinate physician availability with patient needs. They also manage cancellations and reschedule requests.
- Greeting and Checking in Patients – Welcoming patients and ensuring a positive experience. They verify insurance and identification and update patient contact and medical history information.
- Managing Medical Records and Electronic Health Records (EHR) – Enter and update patient information. They organize paper charts and electronic health records and ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations for patient confidentiality.
- Handling Billing, Insurance, and Medical Coding – Submit insurance claims and process payments. They handle co-pays, deductibles, and patient balances. They also use medical coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT codes.
- Communicating with Patients and Healthcare Teams – Answering phone calls and responding to patient inquiries. They relay messages between patients and physicians and call patients for appointment reminders and test results.
- Maintaining Office Supplies and Inventory – Order and restock medical supplies and equipment. They monitor the expiration dates of medications and vaccines. They also ensure the clinic is fully stocked for daily operations.
How Do You Become a Medical Assistant?
Becoming a medical assistant requires education, training, and, in some cases, certification. Below is a step-by-step guide to becoming a medical assistant:
Step 1: Complete High School or Obtain a GED
Before enrolling in a medical assistant program, you must have a high school diploma or GED. This part can be removed because mathematics and health science are not a part of the program’s general education courses. It can discourage applicants from entering the program. Strong subjects to focus on in high school include:
- Biology and Anatomy
- Mathematics
- Health Science
- Computer skills (for medical records and billing software)
Step 2: Enroll in a Medical Assistant Training Program
At FNU, you can choose from two educational pathways to become a medical assistant:
Diploma Program (8 months – 1 year)
- Focuses on essential clinical and administrative skills
- Typically faster and more affordable than a degree
- Offered by vocational schools, community colleges, and universities
Associate Degree in Medical Assisting (2 years)
- Provides a more in-depth education, including general education courses
- Includes training in clinical procedures, medical terminology, and ethics
- May offer better job opportunities and career advancement
- Offered by colleges and universities
Gaining Hands-On Experience Through an Externship
Most medical assistant programs include an externship (clinical training in a real healthcare setting), where students:
- Work in doctors’ offices, hospitals, or clinics
- Practice taking vitals, drawing blood, and assisting with exams
- Gain experience with medical records, scheduling, and billing
- Receive real-world training under supervision
Do I Need to Be Certified to Become a Medical Assistant?
While certification is not legally required to work as a Medical Assistant in Florida, becoming certified offers significant advantages for your career. Here are the key benefits:
Increased Job Opportunities
Many employers prefer or require certification when hiring medical assistants. Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs, RMAs, or other credentials) stand out from non-certified candidates in job applications. Plus, some hospitals and more extensive healthcare facilities only hire certified medical assistants.
Greater Job Security
As healthcare evolves, employers increasingly prefer certified professionals to ensure a higher standard of patient care. Certification demonstrates competency and dedication, making it less likely for employers to overlook you during the hiring process.
Increased Professional Credibility
Certification proves you have mastered essential medical and administrative skills. Physicians, nurses, and healthcare administrators view certified medical assistants as highly skilled professionals. Also, patients may feel more confident in the care provided by a certified medical assistant.
Eligibility to Work in Specialized Medical Fields
Some medical specialties, including cardiology, dermatology, orthopedics, and obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN), require certification for employment. Having a credential makes it easier to transition into higher-paying, specialized roles.
Competitive Edge in the Job Market
A certified medical assistant is more attractive to employers than a non-certified medical assistant. Certification can make the difference between getting hired quickly and struggling to find a job.
What Certifications Are There for Medical Assistants?
While most states do not require certification, many employers prefer to hire certified medical assistants. Popular certifications include:
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
Offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and requires graduation from an accredited medical assisting program like the one at FNU. It demonstrates proficiency in clinical and administrative duties, including patient care, medical procedures, and office management. CMAs are highly valued by employers and must renew certification every 5 years through continuing education or re-examination.
Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
Offered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT) and requires education or work experience to qualify. It validates expertise in clinical and administrative tasks and must be renewed every 3 years through continuing education.
National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)
Offered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) and requires training and work experience. It certifies proficiency in clinical and administrative duties and must be renewed annually with continuing education.
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
Offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), it focuses on clinical skills, including patient care, EKGs, phlebotomy, and assisting with procedures. Certification must be renewed every two years with continuing education.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Medical Assistant Diploma
Do I Need a Diploma to Become a Medical Assistant in Florida?
In Florida, a diploma isn’t legally required to work as a medical assistant. However, earning a Medical Assistant Diploma from an accredited institution like FNU can make you more competitive, help you qualify for certification exams, and increase your chances of securing higher-paying jobs and advancing in healthcare.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Medical Assistant Diploma?
Most Medical Assistant Diploma programs take around 8 months to 1 year to complete, depending on your school and whether you attend full-time or part-time. At FNU, the program is designed to quickly prepare you for both clinical and administrative roles in healthcare settings.
What Jobs Can I Get With a Medical Assistant Diploma?
With a Medical Assistant Diploma, you can work in doctors’ offices, clinics, hospitals, labs, and outpatient centers. Job titles include Clinical Medical Assistant, Administrative Medical Assistant, Phlebotomist, EKG Technician, and Medical Office Assistant. A diploma can also help you specialize in fields like cardiology, dermatology, or OB/GYN.
Is a Medical Assistant Diploma the Same as Certification?
No. A diploma is a credential you earn from an educational program, while certification is a professional credential you obtain by passing an exam. Although Florida does not legally require certification, becoming certified, such as a CMA (Certified Medical Assistant), can improve your job prospects and earning potential.
What’s the Difference Between a Diploma and a Degree in Medical Assisting?
A diploma program focuses on practical skills and typically takes less than a year. An associate’s degree takes about two years and includes general education courses alongside medical assisting training. While both can help you start your career, a degree may open doors to more advanced roles and higher salaries in the future.
Eager to Learn More?
The Medical Assistant Technology Degree program prepares you for entry-level employment as a medical assisting technologist in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, medical laboratories, diagnostic centers, and medical offices. The Medical Assistant Technology training program includes a 15-credit-hour component of general education and liberal arts courses. The student is prepared to challenge the CMA (Certified Medical Assistant), the RMA (Registered Medical Assistant) certification examinations, and the Phlebotomy National Certification exam. Florida National University awards an Associate of Science Degree upon program completion.
This Medical Assistant Diploma program aims to prepare students to be multi-skilled medical assistants. This is achieved by acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to work in clinical and administrative settings, including hospitals, clinics, medical laboratories, diagnostic centers, and doctors’ offices. Additionally, the program provides opportunities for entry-level positions, including front-office and back-office procedures, as well as other tasks. Florida National University students can apply for the American Registry for Medical Assistants (ARMA) registry.
If you are interested in healthcare programs, let Florida National University answer any questions. Contact us today to learn more about our degree and diploma programs.
