What is a CMA Medical Assistant?
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A CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) is a medical assistant who has been certified by the American Association of Medical assistants (AAMA). A CMA performs both clinical and administrative tasks in a medical office.
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What is a CMA?
A certified medical assistant (CMA) is a multi-skilled professional who has been trained to perform administrative, clinical, and laboratory tasks in a physician’s office or other outpatient health care facility.
The CMA credential is granted by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To be eligible for the credential, an individual must graduate from an accredited medical assisting program and pass a daunting exam. Once certified, medical assistants must fulfill continuing education requirements to maintain their credential.
What do CMAs do?
A CMA medical assistant is a person who has been certified by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) to perform certain medical tasks under the supervision of a licensed physician.
The duties of a CMA medical assistant can vary depending on the state in which they work, but generally includes taking patient histories and vital signs, preparing patients for examinations, assists during examinations, schedules follow-up visits, gives injections and provides laboratory services. In some states CMAs may also be allowed to perform basic x-rays and process prescription medications.
The duties of a CMA
Medical assistants (CMAs) are multi-skilled health professionals specifically trained to work in ambulatory care settings performing administrative and clinical duties. Medical assistants work side by side with physicians, other health care professionals, and office staff. Their responsibilities vary from taking medical histories and recording vital signs to performing basic laboratory tests and assisting in the administration of medications. Many medical assistants have additional training in phlebotomy (drawing blood). A CMA’s duties may also include scheduling appointments, verifying insurance coverage, handling correspondence, filing patient records, handling billing and coding information for insurance purposes, taking X-rays, instructing patients about medication regimes and special diets, and measuring patients’ progress.
The role of a CMA
A certified medical assistant (CMA) works under the supervision of a physician to support the delivery of quality health care to patients.
The specific duties vary depending on the size and type of medical practice, but may include taking patient medical histories and vital signs, preparing patients for examinations, assisting with minor surgical procedures, scheduling appointments, handling correspondence, and billing and coding. In some states, CMAs may also be allowed to give immunizations and injections under the supervision of a physician.
To become a CMA, one must graduate from an accredited medical assisting program and pass a national certification exam. Most states also require CMAs to complete continuing education requirements every few years to maintain their certification.
What skills do CMAs need?
A CMA, or certified medical assistant, is a vital member of any healthcare team. They perform both administrative and clinical tasks in doctors’ offices, clinics, and other medical settings. CMAs must be able to effectively communicate with patients and co-workers, maintain confidential patient records, schedule appointments, and complete a variety of other administrative duties. They must also be able to perform basic clinical tasks such as measuring vital signs, administering injections and vaccinations, and assisting with exams and procedures. In order to become a CMA, candidates must complete an accredited medical assisting program and pass the CMA Certification Exam.
How to become a CMA
To become a certified medical assistant, you will need to complete an accredited training program and pass a certification exam. Once you have earned your certification, you will need to renew it every few years to maintain your credential.
The education requirements of a CMA
A CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) is a medical assistant who has been certified by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To be eligible for certification, anindividual must:
-Successfully complete an accredited medical assisting program
-Pass the CMA Certification/Registration Exam
– Meet continuing education requirements
The certification requirements of a CMA
To become a certified medical assistant, you will need to complete an accredited program and pass an exam administered by either the American Association of Medical Assistants or the National Healthcare Association.
Once you have completed the program and passed the exam, you will need to maintain your certification by renewing it every few years and completing continuing education credits. Some states also have their own certification requirements.
The salary of a CMA
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for medical assistants was $34,800 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $25,810, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $49,200. Salaries vary depending on geographic location, experience, and type of employer. For example, medical assistants in physicians’ offices had a median wage of $33,750 per year, while those working in hospitals averaged $36,070 annually.
The job outlook for a CMA
As a medical assistant, you will perform routine administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians and other health practitioners running smoothly. The duties of medical assistants vary from office to office, but usually include advising patients on minor health problems, scheduling appointments, handling correspondence, bills and insurance claims. In addition, many medical assistants take on administrative duties such as stocking supplies and handling billing and bookkeeping. But most importantly, your job will be to make sure that the patients in your care receive the best possible treatment.
The job outlook for medical assistants is excellent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical assistants is expected to grow by 29 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is attributable to a number of factors, including an aging population (which will require more medical care) and a growing emphasis on preventive care (which will require more support staff such as medical assistants).
