Medical Assisting FAQs
Many current and future medical assistants often have many questions about medical assisting. Our frequently asked question list can help guide you.
- Q.What must I do to get prepared to take Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) test.
- A.There are a number of regional registered and certified medical assistant test organizations. Most will require your school to be accredited. Your local campus representative will be able to assist you in determining which test your school's accreditation system will honor.
- Q.How long does a typical medical assistant training program take to complete?
- A. The length of time will depend on the course and school. Many programs can be completed in under a year. A school of interest can provide more information.
- Q. Can I expect to find a job after training?
- A. Employment depends on a number of things, such as your own work ethic, local economic conditions, experience and education. However, outpatient care centers and doctors' offices are several venues that look for qualified and well-trained candidates.
- Q. How important is a school’s support system?
- A. It is very important. The level of support a school offers can be the difference in successfully starting and finishing a program.
- Q. Will the school assist me in finding employment?
- A. Employment is never guaranteed, but a dedicated school can assist in helping you sharpen your interviewing skills along with presenting the best resume and cover letter. Some institutions also provide job leads for graduates.
- Q. Is the school I am interested in accredited?
- A. Accreditation is important, and indicates a school is well received with respect to curriculum and programs that meet stated industry requirements. Many employers respect the training received at an accredited learning institution.
- Q.Will my medical assisting diploma or degree be respected by the industry?
- A. A diploma or degree from an accredited school readily indicates your training and education meet the standards that can qualify you to seek entry-level employment in your field if you are just starting out.
- Q. What does a medical assistant do?
- A. Medical assistants are the professionals who attend patients and help with front and back end office support. In today's health care world, they are quite indispensable.
- Q. How much do medical assistants earn?
- A. A medical assistant salary may vary according to location, personal experience and education. A representative from a school of interest will have more information on the local salaries of medical assistants.
