Certified medical assistants have both patient facing responsibilities and administrative duties working as a certified medical assistant will give you the chance to use your communication and organizational skills to assist patients undergoing medical procedures and support members of the medical team in carrying out their duties. How to become a certified medical assistant a step by step guide step 1 earn a high school diploma or ged this is the first step for pretty much every career earning your high school step 2 complete a medical assistant program medical assistant programs are offered through many different . A certified medical assistant is an individual who has been awarded a certification credential by a professional organization job description generally certified medical assistants work a standard 40 hour week although some work part time evenings or weekends. According to the bls certification isnt a requirement for medical assistants but it is highly recommended employers tend to hire certified medical assistants cma and pay more to job candidates who have been certified each state may require a minimum age of 18 and completion of an accredited program with practical externships