Medical Assistant Requirements: What You Need to Start Your MA Career
- Elnaz Sarabchian
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Becoming a Medical Assistant is one of the fastest and most affordable paths into healthcare — but what exactly are the requirements?This guide explains the education, training, skills, certification, and externship requirements to become a Medical Assistant.
Do You Need a Degree to Become a Medical Assistant?
No degree required.
The minimum requirements are:
High school diploma or GED
Completion of a Medical Assistant training program
Passing a national certification exam (recommended)
This makes MA training one of the most accessible healthcare careers.
Education Requirements to Start a Medical Assistant Program
To begin an MA program, you typically need:
✔ High school diploma or GED
✔ Government-issued ID
✔ Ability to complete coursework online or in person
No healthcare background is needed.
Medical Assistant Training Requirements
Most employers prefer candidates who completed formal MA training including:
Anatomy & physiology
Medical terminology
Infection control
Clinical procedures
EKG
Phlebotomy basics
EHR documentation
Billing & insurance basics
Online training makes this faster and flexible.
Medical Assistant Certification Requirements
The most recognized credential is:
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
Issued by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
Eligibility requires:
Completion of a Medical Assistant training program
Exam registration
Required identification
Completion of all coursework
Certification increases job opportunities and salary.
Skills You Need to Become a Medical Assistant
Clinical Skills
Taking vital signs
Performing EKGs
Drawing blood
Administering injections
Assisting with procedures
Performing lab tests
Administrative Skills
Scheduling patients
Updating charts
Insurance verification
Billing basics
Phone triage
All of these are learned during MA training and externship.
Externship Requirements for Medical Assistants
An externship allows you to practice clinical skills in a real clinic.
Externship requirements:
✔ Professional behavior
✔ Accuracy with procedures
✔ Patient communication
✔ Safety protocols
Externships often lead directly to job offers.
How Long It Takes to Become a Medical Assistant
Time to complete MA training:
3–6 months (online accelerated programs)
9–12 months (traditional in-person programs)
Clinical Skills Institute allows completion in as little as 3 months.
How Much It Costs to Become a Medical Assistant
Most programs cost $2,000–$20,000, but Clinical Skills Institute offers:
💲$900 Total Tuition
Includes:
✔ eBooks and study materials
✔ 100% online training
✔ NHA exam fee
✔ 6 NHA practice exams
✔ Externship assistance
✔ Job support
No hidden fees.
Meet All MA Requirements With One Affordable Online Program
Clinical Skills Institute provides everything you need:
Accredited online training
NHA CCMA exam included
Flexible self-paced curriculum
Externship support
Job placement support
Only $900 total tuition
👉 Start your Medical Assistant career today.
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