What Does a Medical Assistant Do?

Medical assistants are trained to perform both clinical and administrative tasks in healthcare settings. They help physicians care for patients and ensure medical offices run efficiently.
 

Common medical assistant responsibilities include:

• Measuring vital signs such as blood pressure and temperature

• Preparing patients for medical examinations

• Performing electrocardiograms (EKGs)

• Assisting physicians during procedures

• Collecting laboratory samples

• Updating patient medical records

• Scheduling appointments

• Verifying insurance information
   

Because medical assistants perform both clinical and administrative duties, they are valuable members of the healthcare team.

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Step 1: Complete a Medical Assistant Training Program
 

The first step toward becoming a medical assistant is completing a medical assistant training program. These programs teach the skills required to work safely in a healthcare environment.
 

Training programs typically cover topics such as:
 

• medical terminology

• anatomy and physiology

• patient care procedures

• phlebotomy and specimen collection

• EKG testing

• infection control

• healthcare documentation

Many students choose online medical assistant programs because they offer flexibility and allow students to study at their own pace.
 

Programs like the Clinical Skills Institute Medical Assistant Program provide structured training designed to prepare students for certification and entry-level healthcare positions.

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Step 2: Prepare for Medical Assistant Certification

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Although certification is not legally required in every state, many employers prefer candidates who hold a national medical assistant certification. Certification demonstrates that a candidate has received professional training and passed an industry-recognized exam.
 

One of the most widely recognized certifications is the:

Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
 

Certification preparation typically includes:
 

• reviewing clinical procedures

• practicing exam questions

• studying medical terminology

• understanding patient care standards
   

Many training programs include practice exams and study materials to help students prepare for the certification test.

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Step 3: Pass the CCMA Certification Exam

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After completing a training program, students can take the CCMA certification exam administered by the National Healthcareer Association.
 

The exam evaluates knowledge in areas such as:
 

• clinical patient care

• infection control

• •healthcare regulations

• medical terminology

• administrative procedures
   

Passing the exam allows graduates to earn the CCMA credential, which signals to employers that they have the skills required to work in healthcare environments.

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Step 4: Gain Hands-On Experience

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Some medical assistants choose to gain hands-on experience through externships or entry-level healthcare positions.

Externships allow students to apply the skills they learned in training while working in a real clinical setting. Students may assist physicians, interact with patients, and observe medical procedures.

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Many training programs help students find externship opportunities with clinics near their location.

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Step 5: Start Your Medical Assistant Career
 

After completing training and certification, medical assistants can begin working in a variety of healthcare settings.

Common workplaces include:
 

• physician offices

• outpatient clinics

• urgent care centers

• specialty medical practices

• hospitals
   

Medical assisting is often the first step toward a long-term healthcare career, and many medical assistants later pursue careers in nursing, physician assistant programs, healthcare administration, or other medical fields.