Finding a Medical Assistant Job with No Experience
Posted On May 24,2018
Medical assisting is one of the hottest careers in healthcare.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 160,000 new jobs are expected to become available to medical assistants by 2022.
The BLS also reports an average hourly wage for medical assistants of around $14 per hour. With such a positive career outlook, many people considering a medical assisting career wonder if they can find a medical assistant job without experience. The answer is, yes. BUT it will be much harder to find than jobs requiring experience.
Start your CMAGet Credentials
It is not required at this time for MA to complete a medical assisting training course to work in the field. But, you will need some credentials to even get your foot in the door. For starters, you will need at high school diploma or GED. Some employers may require CPR training through the Red Cross or the American Heart Association. Basic Life Support certification is also helpful. You will want to work hard on your resume to tailor it to the healthcare field and medical assisting.
On-The-Job Training
Choosing to become a medical assistant through on-the-job training is the fastest way to enter the field since it allows you to begin working and earn money while learning. However, choosing this path requires a great deal of persistence because it can be difficult to find a doctor that is willing to hire an untrained applicant. Arrange to meet with several doctors and express your passion for medical assisting and your desire to become a medical assistant. If accepted, you will receive intensive hands-on training under the direction of doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals.
Take an Entry Level Job
You may need to find a related, entry-level job in the medical field before landing your desired MA position. If you can gain somewhat relevant work experience, such as working in an assisted living home, health clinic, or working in an administrative position for any service business – then you will have some of the skills required for any medical assistant jobs you find. Some employers also choose to promote their MA’s from within from existing entry-level staff. These positions include working in the front of the office or as an assistant to experienced MA in the back where patient care and treatment occurs. After working at the entry-level position for a certain amount of time you may be given the opportunity to advance a medical assistant position
Find an Externship
An externship is basically an unpaid internship that is designed to train medical assistants while potentially grooming them for a full-time position with the employer giving the externship. This will help you learn skills and gain clinical experience as an MA. You will want to contact local hospitals, clinics and doctors’ offices to find a location willing to allow individuals to work with their medical assistance as an externship.
While the successful completion of an accredited medical assisting program is not required by most states, it is extremely helpful in finding your first MA job. Most employers do prefer to hire those with experience. Athena Career Academy can help you get an advantage over the competition for your first MA position. To find out more about our Clinical Medical Assistant Program visit www.athenacareers.edu, or call 419-329-4075 today.
