How Hard is it to be a Medical Assistant?

“Medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks, such as scheduling appointments and taking patients’ vital signs.”

 U.S. Bureau of Labor

Is medical assistant training hard?

Medical assistant training does require dedication and time, but it's not necessarily a very challenging process. The duration of medical assistant programs varies, ranging from just a few months for a certificate to up to two years for an associate's degree.

While it requires commitment, those with a passion for the medical field and a desire to help others will find the effort rewarding. 

So, is being a medical assistant hard? It can be demanding, but if you're motivated to learn and passionate about healthcare, it’s an excellent career choice.

“Medical assistants play a vital role in the healthcare industry by providing direct patient care and supporting the work of physicians, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare professionals." American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)

What are the essential topics you’ll learn in medical assistant training programs?

• Medical terminology basics: Mastering the specialized language used in healthcare to ensure clear documentation and communication.
• Legal and ethical considerations: Understanding healthcare laws and ethical standards to maintain patient confidentiality and proper care.
• Human anatomy and physiology: Exploring the body’s structure and function to understand different organ systems and their interactions.
• Clinical skills and procedures: Developing practical skills like taking vitals, reviewing patient histories, and collecting lab samples.
• Administrative responsibilities: Acquiring skills in scheduling, managing patient records, and carrying out day-to-day office operations. 
• Pharmacology essentials: Learning about various medications, their effects on the body, how they are prescribed, and possible side effects.
• Medical billing and coding: Gaining knowledge on coding for procedures and services, as well as handling insurance claims and payments.

Responsibilities of a medical assistant

What are some of the responsibilities required by a certified medical assistant? Is being a medical assistant hard?

It's important to know what your typical day will look like in a medical assistant role. This is useful to know in order to determine if the job is suited to you and your preferences when applying for medical assistant jobs.

Responsibilities for the job include the following:

•  Recording medical histories and maintaining medical records.
•  Prepping patients for examinations
•  Explaining treatment procedures to patients.
•  Performing basic lab tests.
•  Instruct patients on medication and diets where necessary.
•  Assisting in physician's offices during examinations.
•  Collecting and prepping laboratory specimens.

Skills for a medical assistant

Now that you know the typical responsibilities expected of those looking to explore a career as a medical assistant, what medical assistant skills should you possess? Your skill set is important because it influences how effectively you'll succeed in the role and what medical assistant jobs you might be eligible for. These skills include:

•  Able to communicate
•  Organization of time and workload
•  Attention to detail
•  Knowledge of basic medical procedures
•  Administrative skills
•  Computer technology skills

These medical assistant skills will help you find the most success when applying for a job within this area of the medical field.

Explore our medical assistant program!

Picking the right medical assistant training program is essential. There are plenty of options out there but it's important to find one that caters to your needs and provides you with the best opportunity of securing a medical assisting job.

With that in mind, a medical assistant school like the FHCA is an excellent choice. Our medical assistants course is insightful and highly effective for many of the students who choose to take it.

Taking place over twelve weeks, the course is fast-paced. It offers theoretical and practice-based learning so that you've got everything you need to step into this role with ease.

Medical assistants work in many different environments and the course at FHCA is designed to help you adapt whether it's a doctor's office or a hospital.

When you're spending your money on any educational course, it's necessary to do your research and to know it's money well invested. What should you be looking for when it comes to choosing the right medical assistant school?

 How do you choose the right medical assistant school?

Medical professionals will likely recommend the following tips:

•  What type of accreditation is offered
•  The length of the course
•  Reputation of the school
•  Admission requirements
•  Remote/in-person flexibility

Look for the accreditation offered and what the course entails. Make sure it's one that covers all the basics so that you can gain a rich knowledge that's useful when you're performing administrative tasks and clinical duties on the job.

Consider whether or not you want to do the course remotely or in person. Some students might need more flexibility than others. To choose a medical assistant career, ensure the school ticks off all the of the above pointers.

How to prepare for medical assistant certification exams

Preparing for your medical certification exam is critical. All of the work and funding you put towards your career pays off when you pass that all-important exam. To do so, you want to do the following to prepare fully:

•  Make notes on everything that you learn during the course.
•  Understand the exam materials and memorize them fully.
•  Take practice tests
•  Get a good night's sleep before the exam and eat well.
•  Stay calm and practice mindfulness both before and during the examination.

Hopefully, these tips will be helpful when it comes to prepping for an exam. Not everyone has the best experience with examinations in general so having some useful tips can be beneficial. If you're asking yourself, is being a medical assistant hard, know that it's challenging but many have success in this career field.

How hard is it to be a medical assistant? FAQs

How challenging are medical assistant certification exams?

Medical assistant certification exams can be challenging, but they are manageable with proper preparation. The difficulty level varies from person to person based on their training and study habits. 

 What is the timeline to become a medical assistant?

At FHCA Orlando, you can complete your training quickly! Choose between a 12-week full-time program (Monday through Friday) or a 24-week Saturday-only schedule to fit your needs and start your career as a medical assistant in no time.

Request information about our programs!

 If you're curious about what opportunities our course programs can offer you within the medical career, then get in touch.

Becoming a medical assistant isn't easy but when you've picked the right course, you've got every chance of being successful in the healthcare sector as a medical professional. Use our contact page to get in touch. We'll be happy to answer any questions you might have about the medical assistant program.