If you obtained your secondary school diploma abroad, it is recommended to have a comparability statement with the ENIC-NARIC France centre even if it is not always required.

This certificate allows you to prove you have completed level 4 of secondary education.

Read the Refugees.info fact sheet: " Getting a foreign diploma recognized in France (ENIC-NARIC) "

Indeed, the application is free for refugees, beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, and asylum seekers. Please note that the response can take up to 4 months.

Prepare in particular:

• your high school diploma and the ENIC-NARIC comparability statement;
• your higher education diplomas;
• your transcripts, if you have them;
• your CV;
• documents about your professional experience;
• a cover letter;
• an identity document (residence permit, passport...);
• as soon as possible: a letter of commitment or recommendation from the doctor who agrees to take you in a job-study program;
• French translations of the requested documents.

Read the Refugees.info fact sheet: " Requesting an official translation of a document "

The training prepares students for the CQP Medical Assistant qualification.

Start by searching for an organization that offers this training to find out:

• the upcoming start dates;
• the admission requirements for persons holding foreign diplomas;
• the requested documents;
• the application procedure;
• the training schedule.

You can search for training courses preparing for the CQP Medical Assistant qualification on the France Travail website.

In the search bar, type " CQP medical assistant " rather than simply "medical assistant". You can then specify your city or region and filter by current training programs.

The job adaptation training (FAE) is aimed at people who have certain French qualifications, for example the State diploma of nurse, nursing assistant or childcare assistant, and who wish to become medical assistants.

Medical assistant training is done through an alternating schedule .
Therefore, you must work for an employer while undergoing training.

You can look for a job with:

• of a doctor's office;
• from a group of doctors;
• from a health center.

You can search for offers on the France Travail website .

For example, use the keywords: "medical assistant", "medical assistant apprenticeship" or "medical assistant in training".

Explain to the employer that you have found a training organization and that you can take the training after your recruitment.

Before looking for an employer, ask the training organization what type of contract is possible in your situation and what assistance can be requested.

You can start working before obtaining the CQP

You can be recruited as a medical assistant before obtaining the CQP Medical Assistant qualification.

You must then obtain this qualification within two years of being hire.

This opportunity allows you to start working and gain experience in the French healthcare system before or during your training.

However, it is recommended that you enroll in training as soon as you are hired in order to quickly acquire the necessary skills.

The training currently comprises 279 hours and generally takes place over 10 to 12 months.

It allows you to develop skills to:

• welcome and help patients;
• prepare for the consultation;
• assist the doctor with certain procedures;
• organize the care pathway;
• perform certain administrative tasks;
• apply hygiene and confidentiality rules.

You are an employee throughout your professional career.

Before signing your contract, check with the employer and the training organization:

• the type of employment contract;
• your salary;
• your schedule;
• training periods;
• the cost of training;
• the procedures for coverage.

The Health Insurance provides financial assistance to certain doctors who recruit a medical assistant .

Once you have obtained the required qualification, you can work as a medical assistant for a doctor, particularly in:

• a doctor's office;
• a practice bringing together several doctors;
• a health center.

This experience can also be a stepping stone before continuing your journey towards your initial profession.