Earn your high school diploma or its equivalent, either of which is preferred by employers. CollegeBoard.com suggests taking high school classes such as health science, precollege math, psychology, keyboarding, biology and business. These classes prepare you for a one-year certificate program or a two-year associate degree program in medical assisting, which will increase your employment opportunities in Indiana.
Enroll in a medical assisting program at a vocational-technical school or community college. International Business College offers medical assisting programs in Indianapolis and Fort Wayne. Kaplan College offers a program in Indianapolis. Harrison College offers programs in Elkhart and Muncie. Enroll only in programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools. Most programs require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Complete medical assisting courses in pharmacology, medical laboratory procedures, law/ethics, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology. Learn how to give injections, check vital signs, draw blood and assist in minor surgical procedures. Learn how to complete administrative tasks such as basic accounting and insurance duties.
Complete an externship, which typically lasts several weeks and provides hands-on experience. Completion of an externship usually is required for graduation from a medical assisting program. Work experience requirements can be completed at doctors' offices, hospitals, health maintenance organizations or local health clinics. Pass the Certified Medical Assistant examination administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants to become a certified medical assistant, which makes you more attractive in the job market. Certification must be renewed every five years, according to AllAlliedHealthSchools.com.
Seek medical assisting jobs in Indiana. Medical assistants in this state tend to migrate toward cities such as Gary, Michigan City and Muncie, where jobs opportunities are more common, according to CityTownInfo.com. A number of medical assisting job are also available in large cities, such as Indianapolis and Fort Wayne.