• Become a medical assistant through an accredited program.medical team with nurse holding syringe getting ready for an inj image by asiana from Fotolia.com
  
  Educational backgrounds of medical assistants vary. Although many have obtained an Associates (or two year) degree, others are hired with only a certificate (that is six months to a year of training).
  
  Degree requirements for medical assistants tend to be based upon the responsibilities of the job and preference of the employer. More important than number of years of training is that the program is accredited, allowing you to become a CMA (certified medical assistant).
  
  

Six-Month Certificate Programs

• Many career and vocational schools offer short term medical assistant training programs. These programs take as little as six months to complete. The coursework requires a combination of both clinical and administrative training. Some required classes include medical terminology, medical billing, phlebotomy, computers and human anatomy.
  
  Following classroom training, most programs will require that students complete an internship or on-the-job training for a few weeks.
  
  

One-Year Certificate Programs

• A number of other medical assistant training programs take about a year to complete. These programs also lead to a certificate of completion but incorporate additional administrative and clinical training, as well as some general studies in their curriculum. Some standard classes might include English, computers, medical terminology, human anatomy, biology, pharmacology, medical insurance, transcription and medical office procedures.
  
  Similar to six-month programs, students are usually required to complete an approved internship at the end of their classroom training.
  
  

Associate Degree Programs

• Some medical assistants have completed two years of educational training. These individuals get a more general education being required to take an array of courses in the areas of language arts, social sciences, math and natural sciences. Additionally, the program incorporates a number of career specific classes such as radiography, pharmacology, laboratory procedures, medical transcription, medical terminology and billing.
  
  Internships or clinical practicum are also often required in associate degree programs. Depending upon the program, two internships might be required: one that is clinically related and one that is administrative.
  
  

Pre-Formal Training

• Most medical assistant programs require a high school diploma or GED (that is the high school equivalency) for admission.