A medical assisting degree is generally required in order to obtain a position as a medical assistant.  Many vocational schools, junior colleges, and community colleges offer programs for those interested in medical assisting.  It generally takes one  year to complete a post-secondary program, which earns the student a diploma or certificate.  In order to receive an associate level medical assisting degree, it is usually necessary to complete a two year program.  

Coursework required while pursuing a medical assisting degree includes course covering physiology, anatomy, and medical terminology.  Other areas covered include transcription, typing, accounting, record keeping, and insurance processing.  While pursuing a medical assisting degree, students learn clinical and diagnostic procedures, laboratory techniques, administration of medication, pharmaceutical principles, and first aid.  Students also study patient relations, office practices, ethics, and medical law.  

Some medical assistants are trained while on the job.  This practice is less common today than it was in past years.  In this case, it is still required to have high school diploma.

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