Becoming a medical assistant — someone in a doctor’s office, hospital, or medical clinic who supports the work of physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other health professionals — can be a great career choice for many people. Think it might be the right one for you? The first stage is figuring out how to get trained. Below, we have some tips on how to start a medical assistant program, so you can take the next steps on the path toward your new career!
Learn more about the job
Before you dive right in and enroll in a medical assistant school, you’ll want to be sure that the career you’ll be training for is a good fit for you — after all, you don’t want to invest in a new job that you’re not compatible with! Do you enjoy interacting with patients and various medical professionals? Are you more suited to a role with a variety of responsibilities, as opposed to only a few? Do the expected salaries of your medical assistant job prospects match your financial goals? Ask questions about the field and the day-to-day work, as well as what you want for yourself, so you can be sure everything is aligned.
Research medical assistant schools
Once you know you’re on the right path, you’ll next want to find the best possible training to help you get certified. Check out all of the medical assistant programs in your area and examine each one to determine which are your top options. Read online reviews; compare course descriptions, schedules, and costs; and talk to instructors or administrators if possible. It’s also a good idea to check if they have relationships with hospitals or clinics, or if they offer any other career assistance for their students. This way, you can be confident you’re getting the biggest benefit out of the tuition cost.
Figure out how to pay for it
While it’s a good idea to pay upfront in full if possible, that’s not always a possibility for everyone. If you’ve found that it would be better for you to break up payments instead, check to see what alternative payment options are available for your program. You might be able to pay with a loan, a payment plan, or an ISA — there may even be scholarship, grant, or employer reimbursement opportunities!
Get excited for the next chapter in your life
Learning skills and embarking upon a whole new career can be daunting, but also exciting! Whether you’re taking the initial steps towards your very first career, or switching to healthcare from a different industry, now’s the time to enjoy the path you’re on and to get ready for great things in store.
