New Jersey Medical Assistant Programs

New graduates celebrate with their families at their nursing commencement ceremony.



How to Become a Medical Assistant in New Jersey and Medical Assistant Programs in New Jersey

Medical assistants are important parts of the modern American medical world. Their duties can extend into many areas of medical care. To learn how to become a medical assistant in New Jersey, this is just the start. Most medical assistants work in doctors' offices. However, they can find work in other medical facilities as well. Some medical assistants work solely on the administrative side while others work exclusively on the clinical side. For most, their duties can span both sides, especially in small doctors' offices. Their duties are a bit different, depending on which side of the office they work. You need to know more to understand this profession.

Doctors rely on the skills provided by medical assistants. The administrative medical assistant keeps the office running smoothly. They handle everything from answering phone calls to scheduling appointments and dealing with billing issues. Many doctors need the services of more than one medical assistant to keep up with all the paperwork involved with the medical world today. Clinical medical assistants work more with the doctor/patient side of the office. They are in charge of organizing exam rooms, taking patient vital signs, sterilizing instruments, and disposing of medical waste. Many medical assistants find they work both the administrative and the clinical side of the job almost equally. You should learn more on how to become a medical assistant in New Jersey.

Getting the education required to be a medical assistant in New Jersey is actually pretty easy. There are over 20 programs available within the state. A good example of this is the program at Bergen Community College. This Associate in Applied Science degree is a two year program designed to give the student a definite boost in their career. They take classes in topics such as medical terminology, pharmacology, medical economics, diagnostic coding, clinical office practice, and clinical lab technology. As a part of the program, students take internships to experience the real world of being a medical assistant.

Students who complete this program are ready to site for the exam offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants. While the law does not indicate whether a medical assistant in New Jersey needs this certification, employers expect it from professional medical assistants. They can find work in doctor's offices, hospitals, laboratories, outpatient facilities, family planning centers, and in medical care programs. This line of study can develop into a satisfying career. It is also a good stepping stone into future careers in medicine.

New Jersey Board of Nursing
P.O. Box 45010
124 Halsey Street, 6th Floor
Newark, NJ 07101
Phone: (973) 504-6586
Fax: (973) 648-3481

New Jersey State Nurses Association

• New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services