Medical practice assistant (Federal VET Diploma)  (Region Zentralschweiz):
1 Provider

The medical practice assistant is a central interface between patients, doctors and the administration. In contrast to nurses, they work mainly in outpatient facilities such as doctors' surgeries or outpatient clinics. While nursing professions are more focused on inpatient care, medical practice assistants take on many organizational and technical tasks. These include laboratory tests, assisting with minor procedures and coordinating processes in the practice. The profession requires basic medical knowledge, administrative skills and strong communication skills. Due to their broad training, it is possible to work in various medical specialties. It is an attractive career choice for those with organizational skills and an interest in medicine.

MPA retraining is particularly suitable for adults who have already completed vocational training in another field and would like to reorient themselves professionally. This retraining makes it possible to learn the profession of medical practice assistant in a shorter period of time. The prerequisite is usually a Federal Diploma of Vocational Education and Training (VET Diploma) in a recognized profession, often supplemented by professional experience in the healthcare sector or an affinity for medical topics. Depending on the provider, MPA retraining is offered as full-time or part-time training. The focus is on topics such as patient care, administrative processes and medical assistance. Retraining is particularly suitable for people who work in a structured, empathetic and responsible manner. A personal consultation can help you to find the right form of retraining for you.

A medical practice assistant is responsible for both medical and administrative tasks in a doctor's surgery. They look after patients before, during and after treatment and carry out simple medical procedures under supervision. This includes taking blood samples, laboratory analyses, ECGs and administering injections. The medical practice assistant is also responsible for scheduling appointments, billing health insurance companies and keeping patient records. Organizational talent, accuracy and empathy are particularly in demand in this profession. The job is varied and offers insights into various medical specialties. The range of tasks can also be specifically expanded through continuing education, further training.

The MPA apprenticeship is designed as a dual education system that combines school education and practical experience in a medical practice. Apprentices regularly attend vocational school for three years and at the same time complete their practical training in the practice. The MPA training includes topics such as anatomy, medical documentation, laboratory technology and patient consultations. A large part of the work takes place in direct contact with people, which requires empathy and organizational skills. Additional inter-company courses specifically promote specialist skills. Upon successful completion, the Federal Diploma of Vocational Education and Training is obtained. Anyone who chooses this profession should enjoy medical topics and administrative tasks.

Practice assistant training for adults differs primarily in terms of time structure and entry requirements. While the classic apprenticeship lasts three years, shortened or modular training models are often offered for adults. Practice assistant training can be structured flexibly depending on previous education and professional experience. Professional experience in a medical environment is often credited, which significantly reduces the training period. However, content such as laboratory work, administrative tasks and medical assistance remain identical. Even with shortened models, the qualification is a Federal Diploma of Vocational Education and Training. It is worth clarifying the individual requirements in detail before starting training.

The continuing education, further training MPA opens up a wide range of options for professional development within or outside the medical practice. Popular specializations include practice coordination, medical secretarial management and diagnostic assistance. Many continuing education, further training courses are designed to be taken part-time, allowing for flexible planning. Specific courses in areas such as billing, emergency management or vaccination assistance are also part of continuing education, further training for MPAs. Depending on the goal, federally recognized degrees or certificate courses can be obtained. The step into a managerial position is also supported by specific qualifications. Continuing education, further training is particularly suitable for those who want to deepen their existing skills and actively shape their career.

MPA training for adults covers topics such as practice secretarial work, consultation assistance, practice laboratory, radiation protection and X-ray technology. With the MPA training for lateral entry as a career changer to MPA or MPA, you can obtain a certificate or diploma from the school (in some cases with BAG-recognized X-ray authorization).

An MPA lateral entry is also possible for people without previous medical knowledge, provided they meet certain requirements. These generally include a completed Federal VET Diploma and a high level of motivation to familiarize themselves with a new specialist field. MPA lateral entry usually takes the form of shortened training or practical training courses with intensive supervision. The content includes both theoretical basics such as anatomy and pathology as well as practical skills in patient care. Administrative tasks, such as organizing appointments and billing, are also part of the training. Previous work experience in the commercial or social sector can be advantageous. Sound advice will show which paths are best suited to the individual.

MPA is usually a vocational education and training (VET) in the sense of an apprenticeship. Secondary MPA training can also be completed via the dual route. For this purpose, continuing education, further training as an MPA must be completed either through a company and vocational school or purely at a private school. Both ways of continuing education, further education and training lead to a Federal Diploma of Vocational Education and Training upon successful completion.