Medical Assisting is one of the fastest, most affordable ways to start a real healthcare career, and no four-year or even two-year degree is required. If you are organized, caring, and want steady employment demand with room to grow, here is how to become a Medical Assistant, step by step.
What is a Medical Assistant?
A Medical Assistant is a versatile healthcare professional who supports physicians with both clinical tasks – vitals, blood draws, EKGs and assisting with exams – and administrative work such as scheduling, records and billing. They may work in doctors’ offices, clinics, urgent care, and hospitals.
Step 1 Finish high school or earn your GED
You will need a high school diploma or GED to enroll in our Medical Assistant Program. That is the main academic prerequisite.
Step 2 Complete a Medical Assistant Program
This is where you gain the clinical and administrative skills employers require. A quality program covers anatomy and medical terminology, Phlebotomy and EKG, clinical procedures, and medical office administration, and includes an internship so you graduate with real experience. The Medical Assistant program at MBS Career Institute (Merkaz Bnos) covers all of this, with instruction in English and support in Chinese and Russian. Financial aid may be available for eligible students in our longer, registered programs.
Step 3 Complete an Internship
Hands-on internship hours turn classroom learning into job-ready experience, and are often where students land their first job offer. The MBS program includes an internship in a real medical setting.
Step 4 Get certified
Most states do not require a specific license to work as a Medical Assistant, but national optional certification makes you far more hireable and can raise your pay. Certification exams are offered through organizations such as MedCA, and a good program prepares eligible students to sit for certification.
Step 5 Get hired and grow
With certification and internship experience, you can apply to clinics, hospitals, and private medical practices. From there, Medical Assistants often move into Medical Specialties, Medical Billing and Coding, Optional National Certification test by MedCA or Office Management.
FAQs
How long does it take to become a Medical Assistant?
It depends on the program’s length and schedule. Focused career programs can be completed in well under a year of full-time study, while part-time and ESL tracks may take longer. Contact MBS for the current calendar and start dates.
Medical assistant requirements (quick recap)
- High school diploma or GED
- Completion of a Medical Assistant Training Program with internship
- National certification (recommended; most states do not require a license)
Medical Assistant salary and outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants earn a median of roughly $44,200 per year – $21.25 per hour, with experienced, certified assistants and those in high-cost metros earning more, and demand projected to grow much faster than average.
Ready to Take Step 2?
The Medical Assistant program at MBS Career Institute (Merkaz Bnos) gives you hands-on training, an internship, certification prep, and financial aid for eligible students in our longer, registered programs.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a license to be a Medical Assistant?
Most states do not require a specific license to work as a Medical Assistant, but national optional certification is recommended and preferred by many employers. Requirements may vary by state.
How long does it take to become a Medical Assistant?
Focused career programs can be completed in under a year of full-time study, depending on schedule and if any ESL track is included.
Is Medical Assisting a good career?
Yes. It offers steady demand, fast entry, and clear paths to grow into billing, coding, medical specialties, or office management.
Can I become a Medical Assistant without prior experience?
Yes. Medical Assistant programs are designed for beginners; you need a high school diploma or GED and a willingness to learn.