Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement Medical assistants often are trained on the job. Applicants usually need a high school diploma or the equivalent. High school courses in mathematics, health, biology, typing, bookkeeping, computers, and office practices are helpful. Many medical assistants receive their training in formal programs offered in some high schools and, at the postsecondary level, by vocational-technical institutes, trade schools, community and junior colleges, and universities. The curriculum in these programs consists of courses in biology, anatomy and physiology, typing, transcription, accounting, records and recordkeeping, and medical terminology.
Many students receive instruction in computer skills as they apply to the medical office.
Students also receive supervised clinical experience and learn laboratory techniques, use of medical equipment, clinical procedures, and first-aid techniques. In addition, students receive instruction in administrative and office practices including communications skills, human relations, and medical law and ethics. There are no licensing requirements for medical assistants. Gaining credentials, which is voluntary, consists of certification offered by professional organizations upon successful completion of an examination. For medical assistants, advancement often means leaving the occupation, for career lines are short.