High school diploma or GED

• What you need: Having this common educational foundation shows your academic readiness for the coursework involved in a medical assistant education.  

• How to get it: If you have a high school diploma or GED (high school equivalency diploma), request official transcripts two to three weeks before they’re needed. Processing can involve delays, especially at busy times in the academic year like the start or end of a semester.

Placement tests in math, reading and/or writing

• What you need: School-administered placement tests determine your readiness for a medical assistant education or if you need refresher courses before starting your medical assistant coursework. While some schools use their own placement exams, many rely on standardized tests that include:
  
  • ACCUPLACER subject-specific tests on subjects including reading, writing and math
  • ALEKS math placement test
    
• How to get it: Find out the specific placement tests required for your program and whether you have the option to take them online versus on-site. Plan for two to three weeks for scheduling and getting results.

Immunization records

• What you need:  Immunizations protect you, patients and coworkers during clinical practice. They are typically required to participate in externships and other clinical-based learning experiences. Specific immunizations can vary by state and/or school.
  
  Most medical assistant education programs require proof of the following immunizations:
  
  • MMR (measles, mumps and rubella)
  • Varicella (chickenpox)
  • Hepatitis B series
  • Meningococcal
  • Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis)
  • Tuberculosis (TB) skin or blood test
  • Influenza (flu)
  • COVID-19
    
• How to get it: Immunization records from your healthcare provider and/or your state department of health can provide acceptable proof of past vaccines. If you require boosters or multiple-dose vaccines like hepatitis B, completing immunization requirements can take one to six months.

Background check

• What you need: A background check ensures patient safety before you enter clinical settings as a student. Since medical assistant students may have access to confidential patient records and stored medications, clinical healthcare organizations require these checks to protect their patients and comply with regulatory or accreditation requirements. Background checks can include:
  
  • Child abuse history clearance
  • FBI check
  • State police criminal record check
    
• How to get it: A criminal history background check, sometimes accompanied by a fingerprint check, is a common prerequisite for healthcare workers. To avoid wasting time and money, check with your school’s admissions office to ensure you get the kind of background check required from a vendor they accept.

Drug screening

• What you need: A drug screening test for the presence of illicit drugs, controlled substances and certain prescription drugs confirms you’re fit to work in a healthcare environment. The most common method of drug screening uses a urine sample for one of the following tests:
  
  • 5-panel drug test for the following illegal drugs:
    • Amphetamines
    • Cocaine
    • Marijuana
    • Opiates
    • PCP
  • 10-panel drug test for the following illegal and prescription drugs:
    • All illegal drugs in the 5-panel drug test, plus the following prescription drug families:
    • Barbiturates
    • Benzodiazepines
    • Methadone
    • Methaqualone
    • Propoxyphene
      
• How to get it: A drug screening is usually required at program entry, though you may also need to have another one performed one to two weeks before a clinical placement. Check with your school’s admissions office to find out the type of test required and approved laboratories.

BLS certification

• What you need: Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is the standard life-saving credential required for healthcare professionals. It involves taking a comprehensive course that teaches you how to perform adult, child and infant CPR, relieve choking, use an automated external defibrillator (AED) and apply a variety of life-saving skills for emergencies in both hospitals and outpatient settings.
  
• How to get it: Look for professional-level classes offered by the American Heart Association (AHA) or the American Red Cross that provide the “BLS Training for Healthcare Providers” course. Taking the initial course requires about four to five hours. Some courses combine online coursework with a shorter in-person session for convenience.

Missing high school diploma or GED:

• Contact your high school or local adult education center for GED prep and testing options.
• You can typically complete a GED in a few months, though timing can vary based on the amount of high school education you have, your study methods, test scheduling and the need for retakes.

Failing grade in placement test:

• A failed placement test can be remedied. Most schools offer remedial courses or retesting options.
• Don’t attempt to retake a failed test without additional studying or tutoring.

No immunization records:

• Ask your healthcare provider or local health department for a copy of your immunization records to show proof that you are current in your vaccinations.
• If records are unavailable, find out whether your school will accept the results of a titer test. This is a blood test that checks for immunity by measuring the levels of antibodies in your blood.
• If you can’t prove immunization or immunity, you will have to schedule missing vaccines.

Issues with background check or drug test:

• Contact the medical assistant program’s admissions office to ensure you get the types of tests required. Some schools have preferred vendors.
• Be honest on your application. Minor offenses may not disqualify you if you disclose them.

Missing BLS certification:

• Contact the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association for classes in your local area.
• Ensure you get the right type of certification, typically BLS, and proof of completion.

Six to 12 months before application:

• Earn your high school diploma or GED and request official transcripts.
• Identify several accredited medical assistant programs to compare tuition, length and format. Look for programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) to ensure a quality education that helps you qualify for certification and licensure.
• Review application requirements for your chosen program, since these criteria can vary.
• Gather immunization records and identify those you’re missing.
• Locate and schedule a BLS course so that it will be current at the time of application.

Two to three months before application:

• Schedule missing immunizations, especially those that require multiple doses like hepatitis B.
• Complete a background check and drug screen as required by your selected school.
• Complete a BLS course.

One to two months before application:

• Schedule missing immunizations, especially those that require multiple doses like hepatitis B.
• Complete a background check and drug screen as required by your selected school.
• Complete a BLS course.

One month or less before application:

• Confirm that all your submitted documentation was accepted and fill in any gaps.
• Contact the admissions office of your selected schools and ensure you’ve met all requirements before applying and paying the application fee.