How to Become a National Certified Medical Assistant

This blog will provide tips on how to become a national certified medical assistant

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Introduction

The National Certified medical assistant (NCMA) credential is the highest level of certification that a medical assistant can achieve. To earn the NCMA credential, candidates must satisfactorily complete a written examination administered by the National Healthcare Association (NHA). Candidates who pass the NCMA examination are then required to maintain their certification through continuing education and recertification every four years.

What is a medical assistant?

A medical assistant is a multi-skilled health professional who supports the work of physicians and other health care providers. Medical assistants perform many administrative and clinical tasks in physician offices, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. With the expansion of healthcare services and the increasing use of technology, Medical Assistants are assuming greater responsibility for patient care and performing a wider range of clinical tasks. The scope of medical assisting has expanded as the health care system has become increasingly complex. The field now includes a variety of subspecialties, such as ophthalmic medical assisting, surgical medical assisting, and dermatology medical assisting.

Duties of a medical assistant

A medical assistant has both clinical and administrative duties. Most medical assistants work in physician offices, hospitals, or clinics.

Clinical duties may include taking and recording patients’ vital signs, such as blood pressure and weight, and measuring patients’ heights and weights. Medical assistants also prepare patients for examinations, assist physicians during examinations, and collect and prepare laboratory specimens. They may also perform basic laboratory tests onsite, dispose of contaminated supplies, authorize prescription refills, schedule appointments, and instruct patients about medications.

Administrative duties may include answering telephones, greeting patients, updating and filing patients’ medical records completing insurance forms, coding patients’ diagnoses for insurance reimbursement purposes, handling correspondence, scheduling appointments, arranging hospital admissions and laboratory services, and handling bills and accounts receivable.

Qualifications to become a medical assistant

in order to become a medical assistant, you must complete an accredited medical assisting program and pass a certification exam.

How to become a medical assistant

A medical assistant’s job is one of the most important in the medical field. Medical assistants are responsible for patient care, administrative duties, and clinical tasks in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They are vital members of the healthcare team and provide essential support to physicians and other medical staff.

To become a medical assistant, you will need to complete an accredited Medical Assistant program. Alternatively, some states require certification from an accredited organization such as the National Healthcare Association or American Medical Technologists.

Once you have completed your training or certification, you will need to take and pass the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). After passing the CMA exam, you will be a nationally certified medical assistant and will be able to work in any state in the US.

The medical assistant certification process

Many people choose to enter the medical field as a way to help others and make a good living. One of the ways you can do this is by becoming a certified medical assistant. A medical assistant is a person who helps licensed physicians with their work in outpatient or ambulatory settings. They work in clinics, doctor’s offices, and other healthcare facilities.

There are several ways to become a certified medical assistant, but the most common way is to graduate from an accredited institution with a certificate or diploma in medical assisting. Once you have completed your training, you must then pass a national certification exam administered by either the American Medical Technologists (AMT) or the National Health Career Association (NHA).

The certification process for medical assistants can vary depending on which organization you choose to take your exam through. However, both AMT and NHA require that you have completed an accredited training program before taking their exams. Additionally, both organizations offer study guides and practice tests to help you prepare for your certification exam.

Once you have passed your national certification exam, you will be required to renew your certification every few years. This typically involves completing continuing education courses and passing a recertification exam. By renewing your certification, you will ensure that you remain up-to-date on the latest changes in the medical field and that you are able to provide quality care to your patients.

The medical assistant certification exam

The Medical Assistant Certification Exam is administered by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To be eligible to take the exam, candidates must have completed an accredited medical assisting program and have graduated from high school or earned a GED.

The examination consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover the following five content areas:
-General knowledge
-Administrative procedures
-Clinical procedures
-Infection control
-Safety measures

Candidates are given four hours to complete the exam. A passing score is 300 out of 400, or 75%.

Renewing your medical assistant certification

National certified medical assistants (NCMAs) have to renew their certification every four years to remain certified. The National Board of Medical Examiners offers an online renewal process for those who meet the following eligibility requirements:

-You must have been previously certified by the NBME and your certification must be current or within one year of expiration
-You must have worked as a medical assistant for at least five of the past ten years
-You must complete at least 50 continuing education credits (CECs) in medical assisting courses every four years
-You must complete a recertification application and pay a recertification fee

If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can begin the online renewal process by logging in to your account on the NBME website. After you log in, you will be prompted to update your contact information and confirm your employment history. Once you have updated your information, you will be able to select the courses you have taken that qualify for continuing education credits. After you have selected your courses, you will be asked to pay the recertification fee and submit your application for review.

Continuing education for medical assistants

Most medical assistants are required to take continuing education courses to keep their certification current. The number of continuing education credits required and the topics covered vary by state.

In order to take advantage of the increasing demand for certified medical assistants, many community colleges and technical schools offer training programs that can be completed in as little as one semester. Some programs may require prerequisites, such as courses in anatomy and physiology, Medical Terminology and office skills.

After completing a training program, medical assistants can sit for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To be eligible for the CMA exam, candidates must have graduated from an accredited program or have equivalent work experience. Candidates who successfully complete the exam earn the CMA credential.

Some states have additional certification requirements for medical assistants. For example, California requires medical assistants to pass an approved course in infection control and submit proof of completion of a Board-approved Medical Assistant Program before they can earn the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential.

Why become a certified medical assistant?

There are many reasons to become a certified medical assistant. The most important reason is that it will allow you to provide better patient care. As a certified medical assistant, you will have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform tasks such as taking medical histories, measuring vital signs, and administering medications. You will also be able to effectively communicate with patients and their families.