How to Get Medical Assistant Certification in Chicago

If you’re looking to become a certified medical assistant in Chicago, you’ll need to complete an accredited training program and pass a national exam. Here’s everything you need to know to get started.

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Introduction

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the medical assistant profession is expected to grow by 29% from 2019 to 2029. This is much faster than the average for all occupations. As the baby-boomer population ages and healthcare services become more accessible, there will be an increased demand for Medical assistants

Medical assistants perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks to support the work of physicians and other health professionals. They are often the first point of contact with patients and play a vital role in maintaining a smooth running practice.

If you’re thinking about becoming a medical assistant you’ll need to complete an accredited training program and pass a certified medical assistant exam. In most states, certification is not required, but it will give you an edge in the job market.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to get medical assistant certification in Chicago. We’ll also provide information on training programs, exam prep, and job outlook in the city.

What is a medical assistant?

A medical assistant is a member of the healthcare team who performs administrative and clinical tasks to support the work of physicians and other health professionals. Medical Assistants work in a variety of settings, including outpatient clinics, physician’s offices, and hospitals.

The duties of medical assistants vary by state and by employer, but they typically include taking medical histories and recording vital signs,preparing patients for examination, assisting with office procedures, scheduling appointments, handling correspondence, billing, and coding for insurance purposes. In some states, medical assistants may also be allowed to perform limited duties such as drawing blood or administering medications under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional.

What are the duties of a medical assistant?

Medical assistants perform a variety of 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 there are some common tasks that are usually included in the job description, such as:

-Answering phones and scheduling appointments
-Greeting patients and updating their medical records
-Collecting patient information and taking vitals
-Assisting with minor medical procedures
-Administering injections and removing sutures
-Applying casts and splints
-Since medical assistants work so closely with patients, it is important that they be able to build rapport and put patients at ease. They should also be able to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain a high level of confidentiality.

What are the educational requirements for medical assistants?

In order to become certified, medical assistants must complete an accredited educational program and pass a certification exam. There are many medical assistant certification programs available in Chicago. Some of these programs can be completed in as little as six weeks, while others may take up to a year.

Most medical assistant certification programs include both classroom and clinical instruction. Classroom instruction covers topics such as Medical Terminology anatomy and physiology, and medical office procedures. Clinical instruction provides students with hands-on experience in a healthcare setting. During their clinical rotation, students may work in a hospital or doctor’s office under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional.

After completing an accredited medical assistant certification program, candidates must pass the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) Exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). The CMA Exam is a computer-based exam consisting of 200 multiple-choice questions. Candidates are given two hours to complete the exam.

What are the certification requirements for medical assistants in Chicago?

To work as a medical assistant in Chicago, you must have a certification from an accredited institution. The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) accredits the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), which offers the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential. To be eligible for the AAMA’s CMA credential, candidates must:

-Have graduated from a medical assisting program that has been accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
-Or have completed a medical assisting program that did not seek accreditation but meets certain educational requirements, including coursework in anatomy and physiology, chemistry, medical terminology, alphanumeric filing, transcription, and office procedures
-OR have at least five years of work experience as a medical assistant

After meeting one of these eligibility requirements, candidates must then pass the CMA Exam administered by the AAMA. Once you have passed the exam and been credentialed as a CMA by the AAMA, you will need to renew your credential every 60 months by either retaking the CMA Exam or completing 60 continuing education credits.

How to become a certified medical assistant in Chicago?

In order to become a certified medical assistant in Chicago, you will need to complete an accredited medical assistant program and pass the certified medical assistant exam. There are many accredited medical assistant programs available in Chicago, so you should be able to find one that fits your needs and schedule. Once you have completed an accredited medical assistant program, you will then be eligible to take the certified medical assistant exam.

What are the benefits of becoming a certified medical assistant in Chicago?

There are many benefits to becoming a certified medical assistant in Chicago. The first is that it will make you more employable. Many employers prefer to hire certified medical assistants because they have gone through an accredited program and have passed a rigorous exam. This demonstrates that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to perform the job well.

Another benefit of becoming a certified medical assistant in Chicago is that it can help you earn more money. Certified medical assistants tend to earn higher salaries than those who are not certified. In addition, becoming certified may open up opportunities for advancement and higher-paying positions.

Finally, becoming a certified medical assistant in Chicago can give you a sense of pride and accomplishment. It can be a great way to show your dedication to your career and your commitment to providing quality healthcare.

What are the medical assistant certification exams?

The Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) offers the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential. To qualify to take the CMA exam, candidates must have completed an accredited medical assisting education program within the past five years, or have worked for five years as a medical assistant within the past 10 years. Candidates must also submit an application to the AAMA and pay a fee.

The CMA exam is a computer-based test consisting of 200 multiple-choice questions covering five major content areas: general principles; administrative procedures; clinical procedures; infection control; and medical knowledge. Candidates are given four hours to complete the exam, and must achieve a score of at least 450 out of 800 points to pass.

The AAMA also offers the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential for medical assistants who choose not to take the CMA exam or who do not meet the eligibility requirements. To qualify for the RMA credential, candidates must either have completed an accredited medical assisting education program or have worked as a medical assistant for at least five years. Candidates must also submit an application to the AAMA and pay a fee.

What are the top medical assistant programs in Chicago?

All medical assistant programs in Chicago must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in order to be eligible for certification. There are many programs to choose from, but the following medical assistant programs in Chicago are among the top-rated in the city:

-Loyola University Chicago’s School of Nursing and Health Sciences offers a Certificate Program in Medical Assisting that can be completed in as little as five months.
-The Medical Assistant program at Harold Washington College is a one-year certificate program that prepares students for both administrative and clinical medical assisting roles.
– Morton College’s Medical Assistant program is a two-year associate degree program that provides students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through externships.

Conclusion

You can become a certified medical assistant in as little as eight weeks by completing an accredited program and passing the certification exam. With certification, you will be able to work in a variety of medical settings, including hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices.