I'm so confused... How do you get a medical assistant position without prior MA experience?

[tunaktunak]

Is it solely based on connections? I can't find a single place that trains you in practice, and I've looked through nearly every private practice nearby

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[Big Tall Doctor]

I would look into online or in person MA certification courses. They usually provide clinical experience while also preparing you for your state's licensing exam. They cost some money though so there is that, but what doesn't nowadays. If that doesn't fit your style I consider waiting out this pandemic before dipping your feet into healthcare. Most people take the private practice apprenticeship route, but I imagine lots of practices are boarding up due/ not actively during this pandemic. If you are in need of clinical experience, join the light side of caregiving! There is an extreme shortage of caregivers, at least in my area.

 

[sharpcheddar]

I am working as an MA with zero prior experience and the job listing said "1 year of experience preferred." If you have some sort of clinical background (shadowing, volunteering, clinical research, etc.) and an interest in healthcare, then you can get hired. Some states may differ, though. Apply anyways, even if it states they prefer MA experience!

 

[queenbeee]

The clinic where I worked as a MA specifically hired pre-health students from my university to train for the position. It's location dependent.

 

[lull]

In my state, smaller clinics would list scribe positions with MA duties with no certification required, so it might be easier to find in smaller private clinics.

 

[howdidienduphere]

If you live in a state that doesn't require MA certifications you can cold email private practices asking if they have any MA positions available, I've nabbed some job interviews by doing that. Additionally you could look for scribe positions in private practices or clinics, as a lot of facilities cross-train scribes to take on MA duties.

 

[ontiquicuo]

I was pretty lucky. I shadowed at a three doctor peds office. I played nicely with others and heard about an upcoming opening at another practice from the office manager.

 

[Lampy]

In my state, smaller clinics would list scribe positions with MA duties with no certification required, so it might be easier to find in smaller private clinics.

+1, this is what I did. I applied to like 50 ish MA jobs lol (couldn't take the CNA exam due to COVID and no scribe jobs were available within like an hour's drive). Just check indeed constantly and apply even if you don't meet all the qualifications.

 

[Cornfed101]

Try to think outside the box. Don’t just look for “MA”, but other specialty assistants too. I got a job as an ophthalmic assistant that I did for 2 years before starting med school that I didn’t have any experience for. Also as others have said, apply to jobs that ask for limited experience. You’d be surprised how flexible places can be (outpatient likely more so than hospitals)