Certified Medical Assistant Online – Accredited

Our online Certified medical assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

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Introduction to Certified Medical Assistants

Medical assistants are important members of the healthcare team who perform a variety of clinical and clerical tasks to keep doctors’ offices, clinics, and other healthcare facilities running smoothly. In as little as 10-12 weeks, you can be trained and ready to work in this high-demand profession!

The medical assistant profession is growing much faster than average—expected to increase by 29% from 2019 to 2029 according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This growth is driven by our aging population’s need for more medical care as well as an overall increase in the number of people who have access to health insurance

In order to become a certified medical assistant (CMA), you must complete an accredited Medical Assistant program and pass a national exam administered by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). We offer an online CMA training program that can be completed in as little as 10-12 weeks so you can get started in your new career as soon as possible!

The Importance of Being an Accredited Medical Assistant

The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) offers a national certification for medical assistants. Licensed medical assistants must complete an accredited medical assistant program and pass the AAMA Certification Exam.

Earning your CMA credential demonstrates your professional commitment to your chosen career, and employers are more likely to hire candidates who have earned their credential. In addition, many states require licensure for medical assistants, and the AAMA credential can help you meet those requirements.

The AAMA credential is recognized by all major accrediting organizations for medical assistant education programs, including the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

The Various Roles of a Medical Assistant

Medical assistants are important members of the healthcare team. They perform a variety of tasks to support the work of doctors and other medical professionals.

Most medical assistants have a postsecondary certificate or diploma from an accredited institution. Some states have certification programs for medical assistants, but it is not required in all states.

Medical assistants typically perform the following duties:

Answering phone calls and scheduling appointments
Taking patient medical histories and vital signs
Preparing patients for examination
Assisting with procedures
Drawing blood and performing laboratory tests
Instructing patients on taking medications and other treatments
Maintaining patients’ medical records
          
Some medical assistants also perform administrative duties, such as billing insurance companies and stocking supplies.

The Duties of a Medical Assistant

Medical assistants are multi-skilled health care professionals specifically trained to work in outpatient settings such as medical offices and clinics. They perform a variety of administrative and clinical duties. The duties of medical assistants vary from state to state, but usually include the following:

Taking and recording patients’ medical history
Checking patients’ vital signs
Administering medications or treatments as directed by a physician
Assisting with minor office surgical procedures, such as removing sutures
Arranging laboratory tests and X-rays
Preparing patients for examination
Collecting blood and tissue samples for laboratory analysis
Instructing patients on taking medication or collecting specimens
Maintaining examination rooms and equipment
Filing insurance forms
Answering telephones
Scheduling appointments
Greeting patients

The Education and Training Required to Become a Medical Assistant

Medical assistants are a vital part of the healthcare team, providing support to doctors and other medical professionals in outpatient settings. If you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant, you may be wondering what education and training is required.

Most medical assistants have at least a certificate or associate degree from an accredited program, although some have completed formal medical assisting training without obtaining a degree. In some states, certification may be required in order to work as a medical assistant.

The length of medical assistant programs can vary, but most take between one and two years to complete. Programs typically include coursework in subjects such as Medical Terminology anatomy and physiology, transcription, insurance billing and coding, and office procedures. Many programs also include an externship component that gives students the opportunity to gain real-world experience before entering the workforce.

Once you have completed your education or training program, you may choose to pursue voluntary certification through organizations such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Although certification is not required to work as a medical assistant, it can show potential employers that you have made a commitment to your career and have the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the role.

The Certification Process for Medical Assistants

Earning your certification as a medical assistant demonstrates to potential employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of the job. Certification is not required in all states, but it may give you an edge when competing for positions. Employers often prefer or require certification, and some states have specific regulations regarding certification.

There are two main organizations that offer certification for medical assistants: the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Both organizations offer exams that test your knowledge of medical assisting. To be eligible to take the AAMA exam, you must have completed an accredited medical assistant program. There is no such requirement for the NHA exam, although completion of an accredited program may help you prepare for the exam.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive a certificate from either organization indicating that you are a certified medical assistant. You will need to renew your certification every few years, and there may be additional requirements for renewal, such as continuing education credits.

The Benefits of Being a Certified Medical Assistant

Since the medical assistant profession is expected to grow by 29% from 2016 to 2026*, now is a great time to enter the field. those who have completed an accredited medical assisting program and have passed the CMA (AAMA) Exam have several advantages over those who have not. Here are just a few of the benefits:

1. More Job Opportunities – Because they have gone through an accredited medical assistant program and have passed the CMA (AAMA) Exam, those with certification will have more job opportunities available to them. Employers often prefer or require certification as proof that potential employees have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of a medical assistant effectively.

2. Higher Salaries – According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, certified medical assistants earned a median salary of $15.61 per hour in 2016, which was $32,480 per year**. This is higher than the median salary for all occupations, which was $37,040 per year in 2016. In addition, many employers offer raises and other incentives to employees who become certified.

3. Increased Opportunities for Advancement – Medical assistants who are certified often have increased opportunities for advancement within their organizations. They may be promoted to positions with more responsibility or given the opportunity to specialize in a certain area of medicine such as pediatrics or geriatrics. Certified medical assistants may also choose to pursue additional education and training to become a registered nurse or another type of healthcare provider.

4. Better Job Satisfaction – Because they know they are qualified for their positions and are appreciated by their employers, certified medical assistants tend to experience higher levels of job satisfaction than those without certification. This can lead to increased motivation on the job and reduced turnover rates for employers.

5. Enhanced Patient Care – When patients know that their medical assistant is certified, they often feel more confident in his or her abilities and assume that he or she has the knowledge and skills necessary to provide them with high-quality care.

The Disadvantages of Being a Certified Medical Assistant

There are a few disadvantages to being a certified medical assistant. One is that the job can be repetitive and boring. Many medical assistants are responsible for tasks such as taking patients’ vital signs, updating medical records and scheduling appointments. Although these tasks are important, they can be repetitive and sometimes monotonous.

Another disadvantage is that medical assistants often work long hours. Many clinics and doctors’ offices are open late into the evening, and medical assistants may be required to work these hours as well. This can make it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Finally, certified medical assistants may find it difficult to advance in their careers. Although becoming a certified medical assistant generally requires completing an accredited training program, many positions do not require certification. This means that certified medical assistants may have difficulty competing for jobs against candidates who do not have certification.

The Future of Certified Medical Assistants

The medical field is always evolving and growing. With the recent advances in technology, the certified medical assistant (CMA) is increasingly in demand in today’s healthcare industry. A CMA is a medical professional who has completed a certified accredited program and has passed a national or state examination.

The CMA scope of practice includes performing basic clinical tasks, such as taking vital signs and patient histories, assisting with exams and procedures, and providing patient education. CMAs are an important part of the healthcare team, often serving as a liaison between the patient and physician.

With the aging Baby Boomer population and the implementation of the Affordable Care Act there is a growing demand for qualified medical assistants. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of medical assistants will grow 23 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations.

If you’re interested in a career in healthcare, becoming a certified medical assistant is a great option. With an accredited online CMA program, you can complete your education at your own pace and around your busy schedule.

Conclusion

Everest is one of the largest and most well-renowned providers of online medical assistant training. Our programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), ensuring that you receive a quality education.

Everest offers both diploma and degree programs in medical assisting, so you can choose the path that best suits your needs. If you want to enter the workforce as quickly as possible, our diploma program can be completed in as little as eight months. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive education, our degree program can be completed in 15 months.

Both of our programs prepare you to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam, which is administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Once you pass the exam, you’ll be a certified medical assistant, giving you the ability to work in a variety of healthcare settings.

Enrolling in an accredited medical assistant program is the first step towards a successful career in healthcare. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and how we can help you achieve your goals.