How to Become a Medical Assistant
| Update: September 5, 2025
Medical assistants play a vital role in ensuring a positive experience for patients visiting a health clinic, hospital, or doctor's office. They are trained professionals who help with clinical and administrative tasks, from drawing blood and checking vitals to greeting patients and managing patient records.
Becoming a medical assistant is a great way to begin a career in the medical field. The training covers all the basics you need to know to work in a healthcare facility, and the skills gained will translate well into more advanced positions. The best part is that the training to become a medical assistant is quick and can be completed in less than a year.
If you're interested in becoming a medical assistant, consider enrolling in UEI College's Medical Assistant Program. Our program allows you to earn your diploma in as little as ten months, placing you on track to becoming a medical assistant quickly.
Why Choose a Medical Assisting Career
If you’ve always dreamed of working in the medical field but feel unsure about where to start, becoming a medical assistant is a great option. This exciting position allows you to work closely with a physician and provide direct assistance to patients. If you're still unsure about a career in medical assisting, here are some things to consider.
Growing Demand
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical assistants is expected to grow by 12% by 2034. As the healthcare industry continues to expand, the need for skilled support staff grows with it. In addition, many medical assistants find opportunities to specialize or transition into other roles such as nursing, billing, or healthcare administration.
Role and Daily Responsibilities
Medical assistants keep healthcare moving forward. They’re often the friendly faces patients see first and the right hand that doctors rely on. From checking vitals and prepping exam rooms to assisting during procedures, managing patient records, and even handling appointment scheduling and basic lab work, they do it all. It’s a role that blends clinical care with office know-how, making every day different and fast-paced.
Fast Pathway to Healthcare
If you're looking to start a healthcare career quickly, medical assisting is a great option. UEI programs offer training that can typically be completed in under a year, allowing you to gain real-world skills and enter the workforce faster. At UEI, our student-first approach means you’ll receive hands-on instruction in a supportive environment.
6 Steps to Earn Your Medical Assistant Certification
If you're ready to begin a career in healthcare, earning your medical assistant certification is an achievable goal. Whether you're pursuing the CMA (Certified Medical Assistant), RMA (Registered Medical Assistant), or NCMA (National Certified Medical Assistant) credential, the path begins with the right training and support.
1. Meet Basic Administration Requirements
Your first step is connecting with UEI College to explore your options. To qualify for the medical assistant program, you’ll need to:
- Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent
- Complete a brief admissions interview
- Provide proof of identification and eligibility
Our admissions team is here to help walk you through the entire process. No application fee and monthly start dates make it easy to get started on your schedule.
2. Enroll in the Medical Assistant Program
No formal education is required to become a medical assistant, but most employers like to know you have some official training, and some states require training through a program at an accredited school
There are a number of healthcare programs out there, so choosing the right one may be difficult. When making this decision, you might take into account the length of the program, the cost, the availability of financial aid, and the opportunities for hands-on practice. You should also make sure the school is accredited.
At UEI College, we encourage prospective students to tour our campus. During the tour, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions, meet instructors, and see the labs where our students practice their clinical skills. We also encourage students to sit down with our financial aid team to apply for financial aid that may help cover the cost of their education. Scholarships, grants, and financial aid are available to those who qualify.
3. Complete Diploma Coursework
Once you have explored a few programs and feel confident with your choice, the next step is to complete the training. New classes begin monthly at UEI College, so you don't have to wait to get started. Our programs are designed to prepare you for an entry-level career, so we focus on building skills through hands-on labs and learning concepts through online lectures and assignments.
There's no need to be nervous about going back to school. Our experienced instructors will walk you through each step of the program and provide opportunities for you to experience what it's like to be a medical assistant before you graduate.
4. Participate in an Externship
The best way to practice new skills is by doing. That's why an externship is so valuable for a medical assistant student. During this 250-hour externship, you'll work in a real healthcare facility, doing the job of a medical assistant under the supervision of a physician or another medical assistant.
This real-world experience is not only valuable for practicing skills, but it also provides students with contacts in the field and experience that can be listed on a resume. At the conclusion of the externship, students should feel confident that they have the skills and knowledge necessary for any entry-level medical assistant position. Sometimes students are even hired by their externship site for full-time employment following their externship.
5. Prepare for and Take the Certification Exam
After completing your coursework and externship, you may be eligible to take a nationally recognized certification exam, such as the CMA, RMA, or NCMA.
Most states do not require a formal certification to work as a medical assistant, so you can begin your job search right away. Still, when you are entering a competitive job market, many employers like to see that you are officially certified. Certification proves that you have the skills and knowledge to become a valuable asset to a medical office and may provide opportunities for quick advancement as well.
6. Launch Your Career
Once you graduate from a training program, you should be prepared to enter the job field. Our Career Services department at UEI College provides students with all the resources and guidance necessary to find a position. We can help review your resume and ensure it's up to date with externship information and references. We keep track of open medical assisting positions in the area and will even help you arrange for interviews and practice your interviewing skills.
Admissions, Scheduling, Financial Aid, and Career Services
Are there weekend medical assistant classes? While UEI College doesn’t currently offer weekend classes, our day and evening schedules are designed to fit into your life, whether you’re balancing work, family, or both. We know that training for a new career is a big step, so we’ve built support systems to help you succeed from day one through graduation and beyond.
Day and Evening Class Options
At UEI College, flexibility matters. We offer morning and evening classes for our medical assistant program, making it easier for you to train around your current commitments. Our hybrid model, a mix of online learning and hands-on lab work, gives you the structure and balance you need.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Guidance
Paying for school doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Financial aid is availability for those who qualify. UEI’s Financial Aid Office is here to walk you through your options, including:
- Federal student aid (FAFSA®)
- Grants and loans for those who qualify
- Scholarship opportunities
- Installment payment plans
Our financial aid advisors are available to guide you one-on-one, so you can focus on your education, not the paperwork.
Career Placement and Lifetime Support
UEI College is committed to helping you not just train but also transition into a career. Our Career Services team offers:
- Resume writing and interview coaching
- Job search assistance
- Access to employer partners and job fairs
Frequently Asked Questions
The medical assistant program is designed for beginners and career changers, so no prior healthcare experience is required.
