AllHealthcare

 My MA training was totally "on the job". I had previously worked as a CNA, Nanny, Home Health Aide and Phlebotomist. I happened upon an ad in the local paper for a MA and took a chance. I have now been at the doctors office for 3yrs now.

I would suggest anyone who is not certified or on their way to being so, to do so.  I would suggest that whatever field that one has chosen, to take it as high as the scope will allow.  We are moving towards a workplace, especially in healthcare, that degrees and certifications are going to be a requirement.  Even for people who have worked for a Dr.'s office or organization for many years, healthcare is extremely dynamic in that businesses are closing, merging, or changing their whole structure in order to meet the demands of a high-paced, demading society.  I fear for the people who have worked somewhere for years and learned "their" job inside and out and what it takes to accomplish the objectives for that particular position, but when the business fails, merges or changes, this person may have to accquire education or training just to keep their jobs, or even worse, have to seek a new job, without the degree or credentials in their field.

My training was through a SCHEV accredited school in my state, where I received an Associates degree in both front and back office specialties, allowing me to not only work with the physician in a clinical setting, but also in an administrative one as well.  The training encompassed 16 months broken into 5 week segments covering Anatomy I, II, II, Billing & Coding, Phlebotomy, EKG, Medication administration/Pharmacology, MS-Office 2003, Medical office procedures, Laboratory, CPR, Human Relations, Psychology 1 & II, Medical Transcription, Medical Law & Ethics.

At the end of your training, you do up to 200 hours in an externship program, mine I completed in a Chiropractors office, which allowed me to work and learn additional medical equipment such as taking and developing X-rays, using a Cold Laser, Ultrasonic therapy, Percussion devices.

Upon completion of training you take your national certification, of which I have just finished my first year certified.  The Exam is really no big issue, especially coming after 16 months of classroom/practical training.

Sousana,

             As far as Illinois, most MA's that work in smaller offices do not get insurance benefits. I do not feel being certified is a invitation to be well trained. It just means you had enough common sense to pass your tests. Please do not cut short those of us that have worked our way up through learning on the job. I guarentee I can perform all tasks from front office to exam rooms to my lab duties. Some offices still believe in training their staff from the ground up to the offices specifications. I am not taking away anyone education claims, I am just tired of some BA or Associate degree people thinking they are better than others.