How to Become a Medical Assistant in Massachusetts

Doctor's office

Working as a medial assistant in Massachusetts may be a career choice, or merely a stepping stone to another job in the health-care field. The medical assistant typically works in a doctor's office or in a hospital and performs clerical tasks. Health-care jobs are abundant in Massachusetts.

Things You'll Need

• CPR training and certification
• Time and money to complete a one or two-year educational program

Instructions

Prepare at the High School Level

1. Prepare for a medical assistant career in Massachusetts while you are in high school. Skip to Section Two if you are a high school graduate.

2. Consider attending a vocational high school in Massachusetts if you are about to enter high school. Research the available programs at the vocational schools in your locale with Massvocassoc.org. Or call the Massachusetts Vocational Association directly at [phone].

3. For those already in high school, consider transferring to a Massachusetts vocational school in order to jump-start a medical assistant career. A vocational high school education in allied health care is a strong stepping stone into the growing health-care field in Massachusetts.

4. Enroll in high school courses that cover clerical jobs. Learn how to organize, file and sort information. Take computer courses that include use of basic databases, billing software, typing skills and scheduling.

5. Sign up for any paid internships or work for credit jobs at local hospitals or in medical facilities to further prepare you for a medical assistant career in Massachusetts.

Enroll in a Certificate Program in Massachusetts

1. Enroll in a one-year medical assisting certificate program. Choosing a certificate program is the quickest and most inexpensive way to get into this field.

2. Enroll in a Massachusetts medical assistant certificate program that has been certified by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, Caahep.org, or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, Abhes.org.

3. Register at Bristol Community College for a medical assistant certificate if are in Southeastern Massachusetts. Drop off a registration form at the Enrollment Center, Bristol Community College, 777 Elsbree St., in Fall River, Mass., 02719. Or fill one out at its website for the next available semester.

4. Enroll in Cape Cod Community College if you live on the Cape and are interested in becoming a medical assistant. Cape Cod Community College is at 2240 Lyannough Road in West Barnstable, Mass., 02668-1599. Apply at its website or read the specific certificate requirements.

5. Consider another Eastern Massachusetts medical assisting program, at American International College in Braintree, Massachusetts. They may be reached at Aictrain.com or [phone].

Increase Your Employment Options in Massachusetts

1. Consider an education program that offers both certificates and degree programs in Massachusetts. These educational facilities allow the student the option of continuing past a certificate program without the inconvenience of transferring to another school.

2. Apply for the medical assistant program at Massasoit Community College (Canton), North Shore Community College (Danvers), Porter and Chester Institute (Chicopee), or Quinsigamond Community College (Worcester). These schools offer both certificates and associate's degrees in medical assisting.

3. Commit to a longer education in health care and medical assisting in Massachusetts by earning a two-year associate's degree. Apply to Springfield Technical Community College, Mount Wachusett Community College (Gardner), or Middlesex Community College (Lowell).

4. Maintain CPR certification through the Red Cross. Locate a certification class by using the local Red Cross chapter website.

5. Apply to become a certified medical assistant by applying for the test administered by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Pass the test, which earns you national certification as a medical assistant. While it is not required to work in the state of Massachusetts, it will greatly increase your chances of finding employment.

Tips & Warnings

• National certification will increase your chances of employment in Massachusetts.

• Verify the certificate or degree program is currently accredited.

• CPR certification needs to be kept current in order to maintain certification as a medical assistant in Massachusetts.

• Re-certification every six years will be required to keep national certification.

• No separate certification is required in Massachusetts to work as a medical assistant.

• Do not waste time or money on a nonaccredited medical assistant program.

Resources

• Massachusetts Society of Medical Assistants, Inc.
• American Association of Medical Assistants
• ABHES Accredited Schools in Massachusetts
• Accredited Programs in Massachusetts