Medical assistants play a pivotal role in healthcare, acting as the first person a patient sees upon entering a medical facility. In both clinics and offices, medical assistants can be found welcoming patients, preparing examination rooms, taking medical histories, and helping the practice run smoothly.
The beauty of medical assisting is that it is a field you can break into fast—and have an immediate impact—without a large investment in school. In fact, there are no formal education requirements to become a medical assistant today. While most employers look for candidates with some level of training or experience, these requirements are not universal. And most aspiring medical assistants can launch a career within one to two short years.
However, if you are considering this career path, you may not know exactly where to begin. With no official requirements outlined for medical assistants, you may be wondering the best way to launch your career. And with so many job descriptions calling for medical assistants with experience, how can you ever qualify for a job?
Let’s explore how you can get medical assistant experience and kickstart your career below.
Becoming a medical assistant
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are a few possible pathways you can take to become a medical assistant today. These include:
- Complete your high school diploma or GED, and learn medical assisting through job experience/on-the-job training
- Earn your high school diploma or GED, and pursue an apprenticeship in medical assisting
- Obtain a postsecondary certificate, diploma, or degree program in medical assisting
While all pathways are viable options, the BLS emphasizes that postsecondary education is the most typical and preferred pathway for medical assisting candidates. Fortunately, these programs can be completed in just a year or two. At Goodwin University, medical assistants can complete their certificate in as few as 12 months, or earn an advanced associate degree in under 20 months.
No matter which of the above pathways you take, there is valuable experience to be gained. Of course, if you take the shortest pathway and do not pursue a collegiate program, acquiring job experience will likely be much harder. This is because most employers will choose candidates with previous training and experience (such as through a medical assisting program) over those without any prior practice.
Download our free guide to Becoming a Medical Assistant!
5 ways to get experience in medical assisting
So you want to apply for a medical assistant position but do not meet the experiential requirements listed. Where can you turn to gain the experience that employers are looking for? As noted above, you have a few options as a prospective medical assistant.
1. Complete a postsecondary medical assisting program.
One of the best ways to get medical assistant experience is to enroll in a postsecondary program that prioritizes hands-on learning. While the idea of school may sound intimidating, it can give you a competitive edge in a fast-flooding job market. Medical assistant programs take only one or two years to complete, and cover important topics in medical terminology, medical office management, anatomy, and more. At Goodwin, students are also required to complete an internship in a supervised clinical setting.
Medical assisting training programs should always combine practical experiences with classroom learning. The best programs will ensure all medical assisting students participate in an in-field internship prior to graduation, to put their learned skills to practice in a real, working medical environment.
2. Fulfill an apprenticeship program.
To meet the growing demand for medical professionals, some healthcare facilities offer apprenticeship programs for aspiring medical assistants. These programs combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction and can be an excellent way to gain hands-on experience while earning a wage. While these apprenticeship programs are not super common, take time to research and apply for any opportunities in your area. These programs often require a commitment to work for the employer for a certain period after completion.
3. Apply for entry-level roles in healthcare settings.
While you may not qualify for that medical assistant position without experience, you might qualify for an entry-level job as a receptionist, phlebotomist, or other support role in the healthcare field. These positions, while not medical assisting, can still provide valuable experience in a medical setting and prepare you for the bustle of this career. Entry-level healthcare positions like these can help you gain a foothold in the medical field and build relevant skills. And because medical assistants complete both administrative and clinical duties, any and all experiences are welcome in these settings.
4. Volunteer at local healthcare clinics and agencies.
Whether or not you complete a medical assisting education, one way to advance your knowledge, practice your skills, and gain experience is through volunteer work. Volunteering at hospitals, clinics, or healthcare facilities can provide valuable experience and networking opportunities. This pathway also demonstrates your commitment to the field.
5. Network, network, network.
While networking might sound intimidating, it can be extremely valuable for you to make connections within the field. Networking allows you to meet with other like-minded professionals and can put you top-of-mind for many providers looking to hire. Here are a couple of ways you might network:
- Explore professional networks like the AAMA or AMT to find job openings, connect with others in the field, and to get in touch with prospective employers.
- Join medical assisting groups online, such as forums and social media discussions. Participation in these groups allows you to connect with peers, seek advice, and stay informed about job opportunities.
Get medical assistant experience at Goodwin University
Gaining experience in medical assisting involves a combination of education, hands-on training, and practical work experience. If you are looking to become a medical assistant but are looking to fulfill experiential requirements first, consider enrolling in a postsecondary training program.
At Goodwin University, the medical assistant programs can be completed in a matter of months. You can complete a certificate in Medical Assisting in as few as 12 months, or position yourself for career growth by obtaining an associate degree in Medical Assisting, taking 16 to 20 months to complete.
Both programs culminate in a practical internship, which consists of 160 hours of hands-on training and career-related experience at a clinical site in Connecticut. Medical assisting students may opt to intern in a physician’s office, outpatient clinic, hospital, long-term center, or other healthcare setting. There, students can put their knowledge to practical use and enhance their technical skillsets.
Not only do internships offer experience in medical assisting, they also help build connections. Through an internship program, and a collegiate program more generally, you will have the unique opportunity to connect with other medical assisting professionals and healthcare employers. This can streamline the job search and application process, when the time comes.
Goodwin University is a leader in healthcare education in Connecticut. We have partnerships with medical facilities and employers throughout the state who are in need of caring and skillful professionals. Get experience through our programs, and get started in a career you love.