I am 51 yrs old and recently graduated Medical Assisting/Clinical in the Los Angles area. I read you statement and I can honestly say that my instructor thinks the same way you do, as to what really needs to be taught to be a good back Medical Assistant. Included in the MA class were pharmacology and parenteral administration of medications this included some terminology plus 8 week extern at Kaiser Permante. I received a certificate in both. Then I took Medical Terminology this last summer and received a certificate in this also. I mainly just wanted to hello and to let you know that MY teacher, who I have so much respect for is apparently up on what most doctors want.

Your Professional Title/Credentials: MA

Are You Still In School? No

Hello it is me again. I have a couple questions for you, if you don't mind. (1) I was wondering if your practice is in California, if so, may I ask where is you practice located? (2) And by any chance are you looking for a new graduate MA? Just thought I would ask.

Your Professional Title/Credentials: MA

Are You Still In School? No

U need more than 6-8 wks of training . I work with alot of newbys and some i can't believe make such simply mistakes and I know what school they have gone to by the way they work NY

Your Professional Title/Credentials: ma new teacher

Are You Still In School? nope

Are You Working? yes

If Medical Assisting is ever going to be a respected profession, it has to have common educational standards, and a way of proving competency. There is no way on earth that a MA would be trained to cover all the things that we do in 6-8 weeks or through a correspondence-internet course. If we ever want to be able to be given more technical skills i.e. IV therapy etc., telling someone you went to school online 6-8 weeks (or that you never have gone to school) isn't going to make it happen and will ruin it for the students who spend 2 years working to earn a degree. How is a physician supposed to trust someone who has no education OR certification? Just by the way you look or act? Also, if you have never been formally trained or passed a certification exam, how can you expect to say "I deserve $15.00/hour" with no proof except your word or your past employer. This is the reason our wages stay low, because there are still so many untrained uncertified MA's out there competing for the same jobs as formally trained graduates.

Your Professional Title/Credentials: Network Dean of Medical Assisting

Are You Still In School? no

Are You Working? yes

I believe the Doctor is correct about most of what was written except nurses do make great program chairs if they listen to what is being said i have taken a program from 169 students to well over 389 in one year so to make such a broad statement is ridiculous about nurses being program chairs.

Your Professional Title/Credentials: medical assisting program chair C.E.N R.N CMA/RMA

Are You Still In School? yes working on M.S in nursing

Are You Working? yes

I want your advice, I was working as a CNA for three years and always spend weekend working, but my kids want to spend weekend with me, and I would like to start working as a Medical Assistant I took the course in a Communitity Adult School in Baldwin Park, that was three years ago, but now I want to change, any advice?
Thanks Clary

Your Professional Title/Credentials: CNA and MA

Are You Still In School? No

Are You Working? No

I also agree with Licensing for Medical Assistants
It will give us more respect as a medical professional
I teach at Everest college and want great rewards for those students. our program is on Module basis
approx. 9 months in length with clinical externships
I myself, am a Male Medical Assistant Instructor and Love what I do. Many of our students have great success stories as an Instructor the only thing left
is Licensing for these folks.

Your Professional Title/Credentials: RMA AHI Cpht CNT

Hi Everyone,

I appreciate reading "Teaches" posts, and providing her insight since I am looking into an ROP MA program (Ca.) to start in the next six weeks. This will help me and my family tremendously. I need to work, have children, and I know how to make sure I get the medication labels straight. I understand Lori's concerns, and they are valid yet, RN's are sued, doctors are sued, and MA's need to be competent too. This comes with common sense, an ablility prior to walking into the classroom. I had to pass an exam prior to my registration date. EMT's have less training than MAs. I have an MBA, and taken my RN prerequisites yet, moving to California where the clinicals are at 6:00 AM, I can not do that with children who start school at 8:00 AM. MA is my plan B to actually work in my field, and thanks again Lori for your post, and helping me understand the benefits about the MA ROP program. Affordable, fast, and efficient (for those who work hard and want to pass the exams) :).

Your Professional Title/Credentials: Working on something

Are You Still In School? y

Are You Working? n

Hi Kat. I think we are taking the same ROP course together and Im very happy with what we have learned thus far.

I have a BSW and AA and really couldnt imagine taking a 1 or 2 year MA course for such little pay. Futhermore, I only want to work back office. Front office I have no interest.

For those of us that are already formally educated a ROP course is ideal.

We paid 40 for registration fee. You cant beat that.

And agree with one of the replies above; some are making Medical Assistants seem more than it really is.

Are You Still In School? Yes

Are You Working? No

Hi sre, Good to hear you are taking ROP. I have started and absolutely love it. My teacher is awesome, nice, and smart. She is a nurse who also taught at a private college. Our classroom has all adults, who want to do well and work. Good Luck to you!!!!

Hmm, funny. You say to spell correctly, even in a forum yet you spelled the word tattoo incorrectly. I would never want to work for someone who could not accept me for me. I would never change who I am for a "job".

Your Professional Title/Credentials: P.M.A.C.

Are You Still In School? No

Are You Working? Yes- 4 years

Hello, could you by any chance suggest any places in the Antellope Vally area(Lancaster/Palmdale)where I can get my foot in the door as a MA? I graduated in July 2011 in IN. but had no such luck in CA.on finding a job at entry level.

Your Professional Title/Credentials: MA

Are You Still In School? NO

Are You Working? NO