medical assistant holding notepad

Medical Assistant Pathway

Medical Assistant is one of the most in-demand job classifications in healthcare and is a great fit for those interested in moving to clinical work.

The Importance of Medical Assistants

Medical Assistants perform administrative and clinical duties under the direction of a physician.

  • Schedule appointments
  • Take and record vital signs and medical histories
  • Prepare patients for examination
  • Draw blood
  • Explain treatment procedures, medications, diets or physician instruction to patients
  • Prepare and maintain clean, orderly treatment rooms

Learn more about being a Medical Assistant, including employment trends, salary averages, and related skills at O*Net(opens in a new tab) or CareerOneStop(opens in a new tab).

Education or Training Requirements

  • Pass a criminal background check
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Attend an ABHES (Accrediting Bureau of Health Education) school
  • Program length varies from nine months to two years
    • Certificate program usually takes one year
    • Associates degrees can take two years
  • Depending on school: day, evening and hybrid options may be available

Accrediting Agencies

  • Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
  • Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)

Why accreditation is important: An accredited school has been reviewed by an industry organization to ensure that quality standards are met and maintained, providing some assurance of receiving a quality education. Some employers, licensing boards, and graduate schools will only accept credentials earned at an accredited school. Attending an accredited school will often increase your opportunities in the long run, as employers usually prefer to hire people who have graduated from accredited programs.

Certifications/Licensure

  • CCBMA (California Certifying Board for Medical Assistants)
  • Medical Board of California
  • National Healthcare Association
  • AAMA (American Association of Medical Assistants)

Please note: The above content is for informational purposes and is not intended to replace or provide any employer-specific requirements. Please be sure to check your employers’ job descriptions for specific requirements or consult your local HR department.

Featured Learner
Carmen McDowell(opens in a new tab)
With the help of the Education Fund, Carmen McDowell successfully completed the Medical Assistant pathway program through SFSU, expanding her skills and knowledge.
Read Carmen’s Story (opens in a new tab)

Interested?

Connect with a Career counselor via MyEdFund, our secure member portal.

We receive a tremendous response to our education and training programs. Availability is not guaranteed and varies based on demand, available spots, and our partnerships with educational providers.

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