Medical Assisting Links and Resources

Welcome to MedicalAssistantSchools.com! We aim to provide you with all the information you need to find out to how to become a medical assistant. Some of the most important work in healthcare is performed by people just like you, in medical offices across the country. Whether you are looking for schools nearby where you can start your education or if you are just wondering “What is a medical assistant” we can help.

We can provide you with valuable medical assistant educational resources, degree program lists, certificate options, and a thorough database of medical assistant information including salary and job growth statistics.

To use our site most effectively, we suggest you select the state, career path or degree type that you are looking for from the options at the top of the page. You can read about the many different types of medical assistants as well as find schools. Once you have found the programs that interest you, be sure to request medical assisting information from all of the schools you find. By taking time to compare the programs that are available, you will be better able to make a smart decision about what type of medical assistant program is right for you.

There are a number of useful websites focused on different aspects of medical assisting. Below is a short list of some of the most respected professional organizations in the field. You may be able to find job listings, scholarship opportunities and most importantly, information about accreditation and certifications, on the websites listed below.

Accrediting Agencies and Professional Associations

• AAMA – American Association of Medical Assistants
• ABHES – Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
• CAAHEP – Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
• ADAA – American Dental Assistants Association
• NNCNA – National Network of Career Nursing Assistants
• ARRT – American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
• ASRT – American Society of Radiologic Technologists
• AAPT – American Association of Pharmacy Technicians
• NCCT- National Center for Competency Testing
• AST- Association of Surgical Technologists

The AAMA is going to be your first stop if you are studying for the medical assistant certification exam. They have a wealth of medical assistant information on their site that can help you prepare, including practice tests, a curriculum outline, and other handy items. Of course, you will need to be sure your program checks out with CAAHEP before you enroll. But your ability to gain a professional edge doesn’t end with the education and policy driven organizations. Medical assistants also need to make sure their professional skills are well represented. This means having a solid resume and online profile. Networking and social opportunities are important to pursue as well.

That’s why we recommend reviewing the following tips and medical assistant resources that can keep your ear to the ground, and your best foot forward in your medical assistant career…

Additional Resources & Tips for Medical Assistants

Here are some additional things you should consider about your medical assistant career, and resources to get you going. Sure, it’s important to understand the major associations and organizations in your field – no matter what industry you work in. But many medical assistants don’t consider the benefits of other professional tactics that can help you catch the eye of employers.

First of all, create a LinkedIn profile. This social network for professionals is a great way to keep your resume handy at all times. Make sure to take a good picture for your profile, and be sure to proofread your work to avoid distracting errors. Additionally, you should join groups on LinkedIn that are dedicated to medical assistants, nurses, or topics in the field related to your work. They even have job listings that you can compare to other career and education resources.

If you’re struggling with writing your resume, don’t fret. There are plenty of online resources and medical assistant websites with examples for you to look at. For students who are currently in school, make sure you bring up this topic with your career advisor before graduation. They will have additional insight about local employers or the interview process you will go through. And no matter how much of a pro you think you are, always brush up on your interview skills before meeting any potential employer. Go through the usual questions, and prepare for the curveballs as well. And don’t forget to let your references know they might hear from your potential employers.

Looking for ways to network in your professional community can happen in many forms. You might make friends while taking a continuing education course, or you might find networking opportunities within your hospital or healthcare setting. Just remember, this is a wide-open field with tons of potential for students.

For students still trying to find the right training, put this on your list of things to discuss when you contact medical assistant schools near you.