Medical Assistant Externship: What It Is & How To Find One

What Is a Medical Assistant Externship?

If you’re pursuing a medical assistant career, you’ve probably come across the term “externship.” But what exactly is a medical assistant externship, and why is it important?

A medical assistant externship is a hands-on learning experience where you shadow healthcare professionals in real-world medical settings. You’ll observe experienced medical assistants as they interact with patients, complete administrative tasks, and assist with clinical procedures. In many cases, you may even get to practice your skills under supervision.

Most accredited medical assistant programs include an externship component—and for good reason. Externships are a valuable way to:

• Gain real-world experience

• Apply what you’ve learned in class

• Discover whether medical assisting is the right path for you

What to Expect in a Medical Assistant Externship

Externships can vary in length and structure, but they’re all designed to give you exposure to the daily life of a medical assistant. Let’s look at some key aspects.

Duration & Time Commitment

Externships usually require 100 to 160 hours of experience, spread over several weeks. On average, they take about 2 months to complete if you work 12–15 hours per week.

• Certificate programs: Often include a 100-hour externship.

• Community college programs: May require a semester-long externship with a set weekly schedule.

Some programs let you complete your externship while taking classes, while others place you afterward.

Common Externship Responsibilities

As an extern, you’ll primarily observe and assist. Here are a few typical responsibilities:

• Helping medical assistants with both clinical and administrative tasks

• Asking questions to better understand procedures and workflows

• Completing the required hours of on-site training

Professional Expectations

Externships are held in real healthcare environments with real patients. That means you’ll need to maintain a high level of professionalism. You should be:

• Punctual and dependable

• Well-groomed and appropriately dressed

• Respectful of patient privacy and clinic policies

• Eager to learn and ask questions

Are Medical Assistant Externships Required?

Externships are not legally required to become a medical assistant. However, most medical assistant programs require one to graduate, and many employers strongly prefer candidates who have real-world experience.

Completing an externship can significantly improve your chances of getting hired, and in some cases, may even lead to a job offer from the externship site.

Are Medical Assistant Externships Paid?

In most cases, externships are unpaid. While there are a few paid opportunities, they are rare and may offer varying levels of compensation. The primary value of an externship is the experience and networking opportunities it provides—not a paycheck.

How to Find a Medical Assistant Externship

If you're enrolled in a training program, it will likely help place you in an externship with a partnered healthcare facility. Online programs like Stepful's include externship placement as part of their curriculum, working with local providers in your area.

Here are other ways to find externship opportunities:

• Contact local hospitals, clinics, or private practices directly

• Reach out to community colleges or vocational schools offering MA programs

• Connect with local or national medical assistant associations

• Search for opportunities in the setting or specialty you’re most interested in (e.g., pediatrics, urgent care, geriatrics)

Benefits of a Medical Assistant Externship

Externships offer many advantages beyond just satisfying program requirements:

Explore Different Career Paths

Externships help you determine whether you prefer clinical or administrative work, and what type of facility fits you best (hospital, private practice, etc.).

Build Essential Skills

They give you the chance to apply your knowledge in real situations, practice patient communication, and develop soft skills like time management and professionalism.

Network with Healthcare Professionals

You’ll interact with medical assistants, nurses, doctors, and office staff—connections that could lead to job opportunities or mentorship.

Gain Resume-Boosting Experience

Employers love seeing hands-on experience. An externship makes your application more competitive and gives you stories to tell in interviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many hours are required for a medical assistant externship? Typically, 100–160 hours.

2. How long does an externship last? Usually around 2 months, depending on your schedule and program.

3. Do you need certification to do an externship? No, certification is not required to start an externship.

4. Is an externship paid? Most externships are unpaid.

5. Is it hard to find a medical assistant externship? Not usually—especially if you're enrolled in a program. Some initiative may be needed if you're not in school.

6. Will an externship help me get hired? Yes! Many employers prefer candidates with externship experience, and some students are even hired by their externship site.

7. What’s the dress code? Expect to wear clinic-appropriate attire, usually scrubs. Your school or externship site will give specific guidelines.

Ready to Start Your Externship?

If you're looking to jumpstart your medical assistant career, enrolling in a program that includes an externship—like Easy Draw's Online Medical Assistant Program—is a great option. You'll get comprehensive training, real-world experience, and personalized supportevery step of the way.