Medical Assistant Training Avenues

Training Avenues

Unfortunately, there is no universal answer to the wide range of questions concerning the medical assistant's training standards and rules since the profession remains widely unregulated.

Get this FREE  Career Information Kit As you already know, working medical assistants, as well as recent graduates from vocational training programs should seek certification as soon as possible to succeed!

Medical assistant training is either provided through a vocational training program, or under the direct supervision of a medical doctor. Medical assistant training can take place in one the of the following different types of settings:

 In a secondary, postsecondary, or adult education program offered at Communiy Colleges and postsecondary Vocational Training Institutions across the country. If the school is properly accredited and approved graduates may sit for the national certification exams.

 Under a licensed medical doctor, or in some instances under a registered nurse, licensed vocational nurse, or physician assistant (PA). The supervising licensed healthcare professional is directly responsible for determining the content of the training and the proficiency of the medical assistant in training. However, lacking formal documented training, these medical assistants trained in the medical office may not be able to sit for certification exams.

Training on the Job

Although a significant number of physicians still train their medical assistants right in their own office the majority of employers, especially hospitals, prefer to hire staff with formal training and a diploma. Often they prefer those who are certified in their field.

The Board of Medical Examiners has ruled that doctors who train medical assistants in their practice must be in reasonable proximity when they perform direct patient care and hands-on procedures, regardless of having years of experience, or having done the same task before.

The physician or licensed healthcare practitioner, or nurse manager in charge must determine the skill level and capabilities of each medical assistant they train. This rule protects the patient in that the physician can be quickly summoned to intervene should something unforeseen happen.

Supervision

Supervision means initial and ongoing direction, procedural guidance, observation, and evaluation.