If you are a compassionate, empathetic person, you may have considered a healthcare career. For those just starting in the workforce, or people who desire a career change, the role of medical assistant can be an excellent choice. The medical assistant program at Unitech Training Academy welcomes students throughout all our campuses in Louisiana with a hybrid training program, which incorporates convenient online and classroom learning with hands-on lab experiences. Find out how you can become a medical assistant.
Find the Right Training Program
The first step to becoming a medical assistant is to graduate from high school or earn a GED. That is the basic entry point for students who either want to pursue an educational program at a medical assistant school or those who desire to receive on-the-job training. Most medical assistants have completed a postsecondary program, such as the diploma program at Unitech Training Academy.
Our medical assistant program can be completed in as few as nine months and includes dedicated preparation classes to prepare for examinations and tests. In addition, most students find that our experienced instructors create a positive learning environment at Unitech Training Academy.
Employers often expect those applying for positions as medical assistants to have the knowledge and skills to perform basic tasks and duties. Medical assistants work under the direction of physicians and allied health professionals. Here are some of the courses offered in our medical assistant program:
- Anatomy and pathophysiology
- Patient education techniques
- Safety in the medical office
- Clinical duties, including administering EKGs and venipuncture techniques
- Administrative duties, including scheduling of patients
- Pharmacology
- Electronic health records
Externships and other Job-Related Resources
An exciting aspect of the medical assistant program at Unitech Training Academy is the required externship. This helps students get out in the real world and experience the day-to-day workings of a medical office or clinic. We help students find opportunities to work in an authorized medical facility in the local community. These experiences can be invaluable, providing networking opportunities, references for resume building, and the confidence to enter the workforce as a medical assistant. Working in a medical office can also help students understand their own preferences, as well as where their knowledge and skills can be improved.
Unitech Training Academy provides experienced instructors, fast-paced hands-on learning experiences, and well-constructed, accredited educational programs designed to help students find and maintain employment.
Plan Your Job Search
After successfully graduating from a postsecondary medical assistant program, you will be ready to engage in a full-scale job search. It is best to spend some time planning for this, and some of the groundwork can be accomplished while you are a student. Here are our recommendations for planning your job search:
- Interact with the instructors at your medical assistant school and discuss plans with them.
- If you have time, consider volunteer work in the medical field.
- Determine workplace location and other preferences as much as possible through class work and externship opportunities.
- Develop a resume that reflects your education, professional and personal references, and volunteer service.
- Practice your interview skills with friends, family, other students, and professionals if available.
- Follow up on submitted job applications whenever possible.
- Put together a wardrobe for interviewing that is professional, clean, and appropriate for the job.
- Smile and be confident during your interviews!
Take Advantage of Continuing Education Programs
A hallmark of the medical field is continuing education programs. These add heft to your resume and showcase your ability to learn and grow in your career. Sign up for classes and workshops that interest you, and be sure to add them to your resume, along with any certifications or other distinctions you’ve earned. If you become interested in a specific type of health or medical specialty, follow up with classes. Many are offered online and can fit into your work and school schedule. By continually learning new skills and gaining more medical knowledge, you will have a better chance of advancing in your career path.
Explore Our Medical Assistant School Today
Unitech Training Academy offers the medical assistant program at all six campus locations in Louisiana. As a hybrid program, roughly 20% of the course material is offered through our e-learning platform, and this can help students balance their school, work, and family obligations as they progress through the nine-month program. Financial aid is available for students who qualify. If you are ready to follow these steps to becoming a medical assistant, get started now.