Applying for Medical Assistant Certification
Contents
- Why get certified as a medical assistant?
- The benefits of certification
- How to become certified
- The different types of certification
- Why certification is important
- The difference between certification and licensure
- The process of becoming certified
- The benefits of being certified
- Why you should become certified
- How to maintain your certification
Applying for medical assistant certification can be a daunting task. There are many requirements and steps involved in the process. Here is a helpful guide to get you started on your journey to becoming a certified medical assistant
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Why get certified as a medical assistant?
There are several reasons to get certified as a medical assistant Many employers prefer or require certification. Certification may be required for career advancement. The National Healthcare Association (NCHA) provides the Certified medical assistant (CMA) credential. To earn the CMA, candidates must pass a certified medical assistant exam. The CMA credential is recognized nationwide and by many employers as the standard of excellence for Medical assistants
The benefits of certification
Many people choose to become certified Medical Assistants as the benefits of certification are numerous. Certified medical assistants often have an edge over non-certified medical assistants when it comes to getting jobs and promotions. In addition, certified medical assistants typically earn higher salaries than non-certified medical assistants.
There are many different organizations that offer certification for medical assistants, so it is important to do your research to find the right one for you. Once you have been certified, you will need to keep your certification up to date by renewing it every few years.
While becoming certified as a medical assistant does require some work, the benefits of certification are well worth the effort. If you are considering becoming a medical assistant, be sure to look into getting certified.
How to become certified
There are several ways to become a certified medical assistant. The most common way is to graduate from an accredited medical assistant program and then pass the certification exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
Other ways to become a certified medical assistant include:
– Graduating from an accredited military training program
– Passing a state-administered exam
– Graduating from a non-accredited training program and passing the AAMA’s certification exam
The different types of certification
The different types of certification for medical assistants include the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), and National certified Medical Assistant (NCMA). Each type of certification has different requirements. The CMA is offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants and requires completion of an accredited medical assistant program and passing an exam. The RMA is offered by the American Medical Technologists and also requires completion of an accredited medical assistant program and passing an exam. The NCMA is offered by the National Center for Competency Testing and only requires passing an exam.
Why certification is important
Applying for Medical Assistant Certification
Why certification is important
A medical assistant is a multi-skilled individual who works alongside doctors and other healthcare professionals to provide quality patient care. In order to be a certified medical assistant, you must pass an accredited certification exam. Certification examiners look for applicants who have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the job tasks of a medical assistant.
While some employers may hire individuals without certification, most prefer to hire those who have been certified by an accredited organization, such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). The AAMA offers the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential, which is nationally recognized.
There are many benefits to becoming a certified medical assistant, including:
-Increasing your employability
-Enhancing your professional credibility
-Earning a higher salary
-Increasing your job satisfaction
The difference between certification and licensure
There is often confusion between the terms certification and licensure. It is important to understand the difference because it will affect your job search. Certification is voluntary and granted by a professional organization after the candidate meets specific requirements, such as passing an exam. Licensure is required in some states for certain professions, such as medical assistants, and is granted by the state after the candidate meets specific requirements, such as passing an exam.
Generally, certification shows that you have the knowledge and skills to perform a job, while licensure shows that you meet the minimum requirements to practice in a particular state. In the medical assistant field, certification is not required, but having certification may give you an edge when applying for jobs. The most common type of certification for medical assistants is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), which offers the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential.
The process of becoming certified
There are a few steps involved in becoming certified as a medical assistant. The first step is to graduate from an accredited program. Once you have completed an accredited program, you will then need to pass an exam. After passing the exam, you will be able to apply for certification.
The benefits of being certified
The National Healthcare Association (NHA) offers a certification for medical assistants, which is a voluntary credential that can show employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform your job effectively. There are many benefits to becoming certified, including:
-Improved employability: In today’s competitive job market, any advantage you can give yourself will help you stand out from the crowd. Many employers prefer to hire candidates who are certified, so becoming certified may improve your chances of being hired or promoted.
-Increased earnings potential: Certification can also lead to higher earnings. A recent study by the American Association of Medical Assistants found that certified medical assistants earn, on average, 18% more than non-certified medical assistants.
-Greater job satisfaction: Certification can also lead to greater job satisfaction. A study by the National Center for Competency Testing found that 84% of certified medical assistants felt “very satisfied” with their jobs, compared to only 67% of non-certified medical assistants.
-Personal pride: Certification is a tangible way to show others (including yourself) that you have the knowledge and skills to be a competent medical assistant.
Why you should become certified
The importance of certification for medical assistants
As a medical assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting the work of doctors and other healthcare professionals. In order to be successful in this role, it is important to have the proper training and certification.
There are many reasons why you should seek out medical assistant certification. First and foremost, it will show potential employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to perform the job. In addition, certification can help you to advance in your career and earn more money. Finally, becoming certified sends a strong message that you are committed to your profession and are serious about providing quality care.
If you are interested in becoming a certified medical assistant, there are a few different options available to you. One option is to attend a formal training program at a community college or vocational school. Alternatively, many employers offer on-the-job training for medical assistants who are not yet certified. Once you have completed your training, you will need to pass an exam in order to receive your certification.
With proper training and certification, you can be well on your way to a rewarding career as a medical assistant.
How to maintain your certification
Once you have earned your medical assistant certification, it is important to keep up with your continuing education credits in order to maintain your certification and keep your job skills sharp. Most certification organizations require medical assistants to earn a certain number of continuing education credits every few years in order to remain certified. You can often take courses offered by your employer, local community colleges, or online providers to earn these credits. Below are some tips on how to make the most of your continuing education and maintain your certification:
-Choose courses that are interesting and applicable to your work as a medical assistant. There is no need to take courses that you will never use or that do not interest you.
-Look for courses that offer convenient online or evening options so that you can complete them around your work schedule.
-See if your employer will reimburse you for any continuing education courses that you take.
-Make sure the courses you take are approved by a medical assistant credentialing organization such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
Following these tips will help you maintain your hard-earned medical assistant certification and keep up with the ever-changing field of medicine.