The steps to get hired as a medical assistant
- Get what you need to start: a postsecondary certificate or award. Free medical assistant training lists programs that cost nothing.
- Check what your state and employers require, like a license or a certification (below).
- Write a resume for the job: the medical assistant resume has a full sample and the skills employers look for.
- Practice the interview: Medical assistant interview questions.
- Apply to openings near you: medical assistant jobs near me.
| Medical assistant | |
|---|---|
| Median pay | $45,690 a year (median, May 2025) |
| Education to start | A postsecondary certificate or award |
| Training on the job | None after the program |
| Job outlook | 13 percent growth from 2025 to 2035, about 109,700 openings each year |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, page last updated August 27, 2026.
What it takes to become a medical assistant
Medical assistant programs, a certificate or an associate's degree, take about 1 to 2 years and usually include a practicum or internship.
Most states do not require certification, but employers may prefer or require it. Some ask for Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Without a program, on-the-job training can take several months.
Apply to jobs near you
Pick the job and your ZIP code to see openings near you. Capstone Careers writes your resume for each one from what you give it and fills in the application.
The guides and tools for this job are together on the medical assistant page.