Can a college student be a medical assistant?
John Hall
Updated on April 03, 2026
Even though some student medical assistants have a college degree, it’s possible to become one with only a high school degree or GED. Meanwhile, many student medical assistants also have previous career experience in roles such as certified nursing assistant or customer service representative.
What is the fastest way to become a medical assistant?
Answer: The fastest way to become a medical assistant is to complete a certificate or diploma program. This kind of program can take from 6 weeks to a year to complete.
How many years of college do you need to become a medical assistant?
Although the exact amount of time can vary, it typically takes nine months to two years for most aspiring medical assistants. Becoming a medical assistant involves a number of steps, including graduating from high school, acquiring medical assistant training, and obtaining certifications.
Is medical assistant a major in college?
Answer: Most medical assistants often do not go to college and obtain a major. The other option is to earn a medical assistants’ certificate or diploma from a community college or a vocational school, which usually takes about one year to complete.
Is medical assistant hard?
The medical assistant workday also includes plenty of structure and routine so as not to be too overwhelming. Outside of the day-to-day responsibilities, the most difficult parts of being a medical assistant are related to the unexpected clinical and administrative “emergencies” that can arise during a shift.
Is a medical assistant degree worth it?
Medical assistant jobs have a great outlook in the coming years. Degree programs may allow you to learn more about a specialized area of healthcare, and your clinical internship can give you valuable experience and references to find a permanent job.
How to become a medical assistant in the US?
How to Become a Medical Assistant 1 Complete a Medical Assisting program at a community college, vocational school or technical school. Programs can take as little as one year and typically deliver a diploma or certificate. 2 Obtain a medical assistant certification. 3 Receive on-the-job training. …
How to get financial aid for medical assisting?
Please visit the Financial Aid web page or contact the Financial Aid office at 336-334-4822 Option 3. Additional scholarships are awarded to currently enrolled students completing their first two semesters in the Medical Assisting program.
Can a graduate of CAAHEP become a medical assistant?
Graduates of CAAHEP-accredited Medical Assisting programs may be eligible to sit for the American Association of Medical Assistants’ Certification Examination (MAERB) to become Certified Medical Assistants. Passing this exam is the only path to obtain the credential, CMA (AAMA).
What to consider when choosing a Medical Assisting program?
When choosing a medical assisting program, be sure to consider factors like alumni outcomes, program accreditation, how courses are delivered (online versus in-person), commute time, program costs and the hands-on training you’ll receive. Some of these factors may play a big role in your decision-making.