Medical assistant instructors are employed by community colleges and trade schools to train and prepare students for a career in medical assisting. Because medical assistants are versatile (that is being able to work in either a clinical or administrative capacity) medical assistant instructors should be able to teach a variety of courses. Additionally, they should have formal training or education, and quality work experience.

Places of Employment

Although there are some opportunities available at colleges or universities, medical assistant instructors are most often employed by trade or vocational schools. Most programs last for one to two years and offer either a certificate or associate degree in medical assisting. Opportunities are also available for instructors to teach online.

Job Requirements

Requirements for medical assistant instructors vary depending upon the school. Nonetheless, most often, they are required to have formal medical assistant training. Additionally, experience in the field along with the RMA (registered medical assistant) or CMA (certified medical assistant) is preferred. RNs (registered nurses), LPNs (licensed practical nurses) and individuals with graduate training in allied health may be considered to teach clinically-related courses.

Supervisors

In a trade or vocational school, the medical assistant instructor may report to either the school or program director. When employed with a college, they will most often report to a department head or faculty dean.

Courses Taught

Some medical assistant instructors specialize in teaching one individual course or a number of courses in either clinical or administrative procedures. A few clinical courses included in medical assistant programs include phlebotomy, pharmacology, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology. Some administrative classes taught in medical assistant programs include medical office procedures, keyboarding, computer applications, medical billing and coding, accounting and medical transcription.

Teaching Duties/Responsibilities

As a part of their classroom responsibilities, medical assistant instructors must create a course outline and syllabus, present class lectures and educational demonstrations, prepare course benchmarks (such as quizzes and exams) and maintain student grades/attendance reports.

Other Duties/Responsibilities

In addition to educating medical assistant students, instructors may be required to fulfill other responsibilities. Depending upon the employer, medical assistant instructors may participate in school open houses, attend faculty/board meetings and participate in graduation ceremonies. When an internship or externship is required, the instructor may also evaluate and supervise students in the on-the-job training experience.