How To Become a Medical Assistant in 2025

Medical assistants play a vital role in healthcare by supporting physicians and helping patients. If you're looking for a fast entry into the medical field, this career offers a practical path with minimal barriers to entry.

Below, we'll discuss how to become a medical assistant, including the education, certification, and training requirements, along with helpful comparisons, the career outlook for medical assistants, and tips on selecting the right medical assistant program. Continue reading to start planning your healthcare career.

What Is a Medical Assistant?

A medical assistant is a healthcare professional who supports doctors and nurses by performing both administrative and clinical tasks. They might perform duties such as:

• greeting customers at the front desk
• scheduling appointments
• taking patient vital signs and medical histories
• preparing patients for exams
• drawing blood
• assisting in basic medical procedures

As a medical assistant, you may be employed in settings such as hospitals, clinics, private practices, and other healthcare facilities. Medical assistants support both patients and physicians by keeping healthcare facilities running smoothly, making them an important part of any facility's care team. This role offers a fast entry into the healthcare field.

Steps To Become a Medical Assistant

Before starting a career in this field, it's important to understand the key medical assistant requirements. These include medical assistant educational requirements, hands-on training, certification preparation, and certification examinations.

Whether you're just finishing high school or returning to school as an adult learner, the path to becoming a medical assistant is outlined below in clear, actionable steps that build both knowledge and hands-on skills needed for success in healthcare settings.

Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma or GED

The foundational requirement for aspiring medical assistants is a high school diploma or GED. This credential is essential for enrollment in accredited medical assistant programs. During high school, focusing on courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and health sciences can provide a solid groundwork for future medical studies. Additionally, developing strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills will be beneficial in the healthcare workplace.

Step 2: Find a Medical Assistant Program

The next step is to find a medical assistant program, typically available through community colleges, vocational schools, and online platforms. You can either earn your certificate or associate degree and learn subjects such as anatomy, medical terminology, and healthcare ethics.

It's important to seek out programs that have earned accreditation from organizations like the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) to ensure that the program meets industry standards and prepares graduates for certification exams.

Learn More: Free Medical Assistant Training

Step 3: Complete an Internship To Gain Experience

Completing an internship offering practical experience in real healthcare settings is a crucial step in becoming a medical assistant. Internships typically involve 100 to 180 hours of supervised clinical practice where students apply classroom knowledge to tasks such as taking vital signs, assisting with examinations, and managing patient records. This hands-on training not only enhances clinical skills but also builds confidence and professionalism to prepare you for the demands of the healthcare environment.

Step 4: Take Certification Exam

After completing an accredited program and internship, candidates are eligible to sit for certification exams. You can take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) Certification Exam through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam provided by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

These exams will assess your knowledge and competencies in areas such as clinical procedures, administrative tasks, and patient care and confidentiality. A few great ways to prepare for this exam include seeking practical experience, using study guides, and taking practice tests.

Step 5: Earn Medical Assistant Certification

The title of certified medical assistant is earned after you've successfully passed a certification exam. While not all states require certification, and licensing requirements vary, the vast majority of employers prefer or mandate it, so earning this credential can significantly enhance your job prospects.

To maintain your certification, you may consider continuing education or occasional re-examinations to help ensure you stay current and competent in the medical field.

Certified Medical Assistant vs. Registered Medical Assistant

Certified medical assistant (CMA) and registered medical assistant (RMA) might sound the same, but they're distinct roles. While both roles support doctors and nurses with clinical and administrative tasks, how the title is earned makes a difference.

CMAs are certified by the AAMA and must complete an accredited program before passing a national exam. RMAs are credentialed through the American Medical Technologists (AMT), which offers more flexible eligibility, accepting clinical experience, military training, or graduation from an approved program.

CMAs and RMAs often do the same work: taking vital signs, preparing patients for exams, handling lab samples, and managing records. Some employers prefer one certification over the other, depending on their internal policies or location.

Both paths offer solid job prospects. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for medical assistants is growing.

How To Choose the Right Medical Assistant Program

When selecting a medical assistant program, start by checking for accreditation through agencies like the CAAHEP or the ABHES, as this ensures eligibility for certification exams.

You should also consider a program length that works for your lifestyle; for example, certificate programs often take less than a year, while associate degrees typically take up to two years to complete. The path you choose, along with the time requirements needed for a certification versus a degree, can affect your total cost. While there are no free medical assistant certifications, you can explore free introductory courses and lessons online to help you start this process.

Finally, look for programs with hands-on training opportunities and flexible scheduling if you're balancing work or family.

Medical Assistant Career Outlook

Medical assistants are in high demand, with employment expected to grow 15% from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by an aging population of medical assistants who will soon retire.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for full-time medical assistants was $44,200 in May of 2024. And while this role will allow you to work in a variety of healthcare settings, the highest-paying jobs are usually in outpatient clinics and private medical offices.

Learn More: Medical Assistant Job Outlook

FAQs About Certified Medical Assistant Programs

If you're considering a career as a medical assistant, it's helpful to understand the education timeline, training options, and certification process. Below are answers to common questions about how long it takes to become a medical assistant, the fastest routes into the field, and where to take the certification exam.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Medical Assistant?

Most medical assistant programs take about nine months to one year to complete for a certificate or diploma. Earning an associate degree takes closer to two years but may offer broader job opportunities and transfer credit for future education.

What Is the Quickest Way To Become a Medical Assistant?

The quickest way to become a medical assistant is to enroll in an accredited certificate or diploma program, which can be completed in under a year. Some schools offer accelerated options or online coursework, allowing students to train quickly and enter the workforce sooner. While faster, this path does not always yield the broadest job opportunities.

Where Can I Take the Certified Medical Assistant Exam?

The certified medical assistant exam is administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants. Prospective medical assistants can schedule and take the exam at designated testing centers nationwide. As of now, the AAMA does not offer remote proctoring for the CMA exam; it must be taken in person.

Explore Accredited Healthcare Programs Online

Becoming a medical assistant is a practical and achievable path into the healthcare field. With growing demand, now is a great time to explore your options. Visit Learn.org to discover accredited healthcare programs that can help launch your career today.