7 Tips for New Students in a Medical Assistant Program

Posted On August 12,2021

Becoming a clinical medical assistant is a great way to enter the healthcare field. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants can expect job growth of 23 percent through 2024. However, there is a lot to learn and the training may be daunting for new students. 

Getting an education is an investment, so make sure you’re ready to put forth your best effort. You can feel more confident in getting the most out of your medical assisting education if you follow these seven tips.

Develop a Well-Planned Schedule

Life doesn’t stop when you are becoming a medical assistant. It can be hard to balance school, work, and family. Developing a schedule is a must. Set aside specific time to study and go to class. Cramming for tests just won’t cut it. Dedicating certain times for your education will ensure success.

Develop Good Study Habits

There are no cutting corners when it comes to becoming a certified medical assistant, but good study habits will make it easier. These include:

  • Take detailed notes in class.
  • Spacing out studying.
  • Eliminate distractions.
  • Take study breaks.
  • Find a study group.
  • Get plenty of sleep.

If you’ve had success with a particular study method in the past, sticking with it can help.

Consider Certification

Students who are serious about becoming a medical assistant should consider certification early in their education. Obtaining certification as a certified medical assistant makes you far more appealing to potential employers. After you complete your medical assisting program, you will be eligible to take an American Association of Medical Assistants certification exam.

Exams for certification can be difficult. They are intended to ensure that a person has a firm grasp of the knowledge and skills required of a medical assistant. As a result, passing the certification exam can be a difficult task, and studying for it can take a long time.

Don’t Stress About the Cost

It can be scary to think about how you will pay for your medical assisting education. Try not to stress out about it. Your focus should be on your studies. Your school should be able to guide you through the financial aid process and help you access available financial assistance. You’ll be able to finish paying off your education once you completed your program and land a medical assisting job.Schedule a call with admissions

Experience

Working part-time, volunteering, and interning in a medical office are all ways to gain experience while completing your education or looking for your first medical assistant job. Take in your surroundings and absorb as much information as possible. Offering to take on more responsibilities will impress your bosses and may help you advance faster when you’re ready.

Seek Specializations

When it comes to career advancement, specializing in a field is a wise decision. There are numerous medical specialties and sub-specialties to choose from. Certified medical assistants who pursue training in these specialties, such as obstetrics and gynecology, ophthalmology, or podiatry, are highly sought after by hiring managers in these fields.

Start your CMA

Consider Athena Career Academy

You’ll be more marketable if you have a certificate from an accredited medical assistant program. It gives you a significant advantage in a competitive job market. Many employers will only consider job candidates who have completed a reputable clinical medical assistant program and have a certain level of training.

Athena Career Academy can help you become a clinical medical assistant. Our CMA program is designed to prepare students with basic knowledge and skills to be competent and qualified for an entry-level position in the medical field as a front and/or back office medical assistant. 

If becoming a clinical medical assistant sounds interesting to you, contact Athena Career Academy. We can help you select the right program to get you on the road to an exciting career.