MA Training Avenues

Training Avenues

Medical assistant training is either provided through a vocational training program, or under the direct supervision of a medical doctor. 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.

Medical Assistant Types of Job Training

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.

Medical Assistant 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 applicnats with formal training and a diploma. Often they also prefer those who are certified (*Source: US Dept. of Labor; Medical Assistant).

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.

Medical Assistant Supervision

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 years of experience, or having done the same task many times before. Supervision means initial and ongoing direction, procedural guidance, observation, and evaluation.