---
title: "Becoming a Medical Assistant: A Checklist"
url: "https://arizonacollege.edu/blog/becoming-a-medical-assistant-a-checklist/"
type: post
date_published: 2015-12-01
date_modified: 2015-12-01
schema:
  @type: Article
language: en-US
word_count: 890
reading_time: 5 min
canonical: "https://arizonacollege.edu/blog/becoming-a-medical-assistant-a-checklist/"
categories:
  - AZC Healthcare Programs
topic:
  - Medical Assisting
---

# Becoming a Medical Assistant: A Checklist

Those seeking a career in a growing industry would do well pursuing a career in
medical assisting.
[The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports](http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm)
that over 160,000 new jobs will be created in the next seven years. But before
you envision completing your first week on the job, it’s important to understand
what
[becoming a medical assistant](https://www.arizonacollege.edu/all-programs/medical-assisting/become-medical-assistant/)
means, and what it’s like to be one.

Read on for a personal checklist in becoming a medical assistant:

**1: Know what the Career Entails**

The first step in becoming a medical assistant is to understand the soft skills
required to be successful. Medical assistants have to be people-friendly due to
their constant dealings with patients and doctors. They must also be dedicated
to their craft, as working in the healthcare industry requires constant focus
and a love for helping people. The last trait to possess is flexibility. Due to
the varying nature of the hours, you’ll work, those dead set on the 9-to-5
probably aren’t suited for a career in healthcare.

**2: Research Your Available Paths**

There isn’t one exact way in becoming a medical assistant. Those fortunate
enough gain experience through on-the-job training, while others learn a
combination of theory and hands-on techniques through online programs.  It is
possible to become a medical assistant without anything more than GED and some
training. The most surefire path would be to attend an accredited medical
assistant training program like Arizona College and then go on to receive the
proper certification.

**3: Pursue Your Desired Path**

If on-the-job training is your choice, you must find a doctor willing to take
you in and teach you the ropes. If attending a formal training program through a
school like Arizona College feels like the route for you, then deciding on your
desired program length is the next step. You can usually earn a diploma within a
year while an associate’s degree takes anywhere from a year and a half to two
years. If you do choose the associate degree path, such as Arizona College’s,
you’ll receive a well-rounded curriculum offering clinical laboratory work,
computer courses, and healthcare fundamentals followed by a 5-week clinical
externship.

**4: Get Certified **

Even though becoming a certified medical assistant is not required, we certainly
recommend it to further your skills and boost your resume. Each of our graduates
can seek certification either as a
[Registered Medical Assistant](http://www.americanmedtech.org) (RMA) or a
[Certified Medical Assistant](http://www.aama-ntl.org) (CMA) by completing the
required steps. RMA certification carries a $100 application fee, while a CMA
will run you $125. You can look on both of these websites for study outlines and
practice examinations. From there you can schedule the exam, and upon passing,
will be sent your certificate and membership info in the mail.

**5: Spruce Up Your Resume/Experience**

You’ve finished your program and/or certification, and now you’re all set in
becoming a medical assistant. All that’s left is to polish up that resume! Keep
your resume concise and craft a succinct cover letter that you can alter
depending on the organization you’re applying to. Utilize career services at
your school to get extra sets of eyes on it.

**6: Look for Jobs**

Again, utilize the career services program at the school you attended to aid you
in your job search. They’ll ask you questions about your ideal work environment,
desired pay, preferred work schedule, size of company, and all sorts of other
questions to identify potential companies and situations you’d be happy working
in. It’s best to find a company that will continue your education and provide
ample room for growth.

**7: Prepare to Nail the Interview**

While no two interviews are exactly alike, there are some typical questions you
should be prepared for heading into the interview. These questions range from
questions about your actual hands-on medical assistant skills to culture fit
questions that will be unique to the organization you’re interviewing with.
There will also be the basic background questions asked.

As said above, most or all programs offering medical assistant diplomas or
associates degrees will have a career services department that should be able to
prepare you to answer the various types of question specific to the education
you’ve received.

**8: Start your New Career**

Congrats! You’ve landed the job and have a bright, stable future ahead of you.
Now eat a solid breakfast and pack a good lunch. You don’t want to be on your
feet all day with an empty stomach, do you?

A career as a medical assistant is one that you can be proud of.  On a daily
basis, medical assistants provide much needed care to patients and work
side-by-side with other healthcare professionals.  If you are looking for
information on how to
[become a medical assistant](https://www.arizonacollege.edu/all-programs/medical-assisting/become-medical-assistant/)
; the first step is to find an accredited school, like Arizona College.  If you
would like to start your medical assisting journey with us, we would love to
have you.  Learn more today!

---

_Information in this blog post is accurate as of December 1, 2015._

**Categories:** AZC Healthcare Programs