Updated April 2025

Do I need certification to become a medical assistant?

Certification isn’t legally required to be a medical assistant, but it makes you much more employable. Most employers will only hire certified MAs. Getting your medical assistant certification shows employers your competency and commitment to the career. Completing a medical assistant training program equips you with the essential skills and confidence to excel in the role. Additionally, having a college degree or passing the Medical Assistant National Exam can lead to a higher starting salary. Overall, completing a medical assistant training program significantly enhances your skills, employability, job security, and career opportunities.

How long does medical assistant school take?

At Milwaukee Career College, you can complete our Medical Assistant program in about 9 months. You’ll get classroom instruction, hands-on training, and real-world experience through an externship. The program is designed to prepare you to take the Medical Assistant National Certification Exam.

What will I learn in medical assistant training?

Our Medical Assistant program prepares students for both the administrative and clinical sides of the role. The administrative coursework consists of office management, medical ethics, insurance billing, bookkeeping, computer skills, and more. Clinical coursework covers anatomy, medical terminology, exam techniques, procedures, pharmacology, CPR, and nursing skills. Instructors emphasize patient interviews, diagnostic testing, and lab work to ensure students are prepared for real-world challenges. The program concludes with an externship in a clinic, where students apply their skills in a real-world healthcare setting.

Is medical assistant training full-time?

Every training program is different, but at MCC, we offer flexible options to fit your schedule. Our daytime classes run from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. For those balancing work, childcare, or other commitments, we also offer evening classes from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Can I get financial aid for career college?

Yes! Government financial aid is available to those who complete the FAFSA and meet the qualification requirements. Milwaukee Career College accepts several aid programs, including the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, and Direct PLUS Loans for parents. Veterans may also qualify for the Veterans Education Reimbursement Grant or education benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

What do medical assistants do?

Medical assistants are responsible for both clinical and administrative tasks. This balance depends on the facility where you work. Some administrative tasks include scheduling, billing, updating medical records, and coordinating with pharmacies and laboratories. On the patient-facing side, you will take vitals, administer vaccines, draw blood, remove sutures, apply bandages, run EKGs, and discuss medical history and treatment plans with patients. Depending on the facility, you may have additional responsibilities beyond what is listed here.

What fields can MAs go into?

Medical assistants work in nearly every healthcare setting! They work in hospitals, surgical centers, ERs, outpatient clinics, radiology and dialysis centers, and blood banks. They also work in long-term care settings, such as nursing homes, hospice care, addiction recovery programs, and mental health facilities. Once you find an area of healthcare that you’re most passionate about, you can be a medical assistant in that specific field.

How much money do medical assistants make?

Pay will vary depending on the state and setting in which you work. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that medical assistants can make up to this much money a year.

Interested in becoming a medical assistant? If this feels like the right path for you and you’ve got questions about getting training, we’re here to help! Contact our admissions team today to learn more!