Certified Medical Assistant: Job Description for Resume
Contents
- Job description of a certified medical assistant
- The duties and responsibilities of a certified medical assistant
- The educational requirements for a certified medical assistant
- The skills required for a certified medical assistant
- The work environment of a certified medical assistant
- The salary and job outlook for a certified medical assistant
- The pros and cons of being a certified medical assistant
- The difference between a certified medical assistant and a medical assistant
- The certification process for a certified medical assistant
- FAQs about being a certified medical assistant
The certified medical assistant job description provides important information about the duties, responsibilities, skills and requirements for the medical assistant job. This medical assistant job description can assist you in creating a resume that will attract the attention of employers.
Checkout this video:
Job description of a certified medical assistant
A certified medical assistant job description generally entails performing administrative and clinical tasks in a healthcare facility. Certified Medical assistants may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, physician’s offices, and clinics. Duties typically include scheduling appointments, taking medical histories and recording vital signs, assisting with examinations, explaining treatment procedures to patients, and collecting and preparing laboratory specimens. In some states, certified medical assistants may also be allowed to administer medications and injections under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider.
Certified medical assistants must be able to perform their duties with accuracy and efficiency in order to maintain the high standards of care that are expected in the healthcare industry. In addition to having strong technical skills, certified medical assistants must also possess excellent interpersonal skills and be able to work well under pressure. Many certified medical assistants have completed an accredited training program that has awarded them with a diploma or certificate. Some states also require certification by a professional organization such as the American Association of Medical Assistants or the National Healthcare Association.
The duties and responsibilities of a certified medical assistant
A certified medical assistant is a multi-skilled health professional who has successfully completed an accredited medical assisting program and has met all state requirements for certification. The duties and responsibilities of a certified medical assistant vary from state to state, but usually include performing administrative tasks, such as answering telephones and scheduling appointments; taking and recording medical histories and vital signs; preparing patients for examination; assisting the physician during the examination; collecting and preparing laboratory specimens; performing basic laboratory tests; providing patient education and instruction on medications, diet, and preventive health care and other tasks as assigned by the physician. Certified medical assistants may also be responsible for billing and coding, insurance claims processing, and other office duties.
The educational requirements for a certified medical assistant
To become a certified medical assistant, you will need to complete an accredited medical assistant program. These programs are typically offered at community colleges, vocational schools, and some universities. Once you have completed a medical assistant program, you will then need to pass the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
The skills required for a certified medical assistant
Medical assistants are in high demand due to the growing healthcare industry. In order to become a certified medical assistant, you must have completed a medical assistant program and have passed the certification exam.
A certified medical assistant has the skills to perform both administrative and clinical tasks in a healthcare setting. They are able to perform duties such as scheduling appointments, taking medical histories, recording vital signs, and giving patients injections. In addition, they may also be responsible for managing medical records billing, and coding.
If you are interested in becoming a certified medical assistant, it is important to list your certification on your resume. This will show potential employers that you have the skills and training required for the position.
The work environment of a certified medical assistant
A certified medical assistant (CMA) typically works in a healthcare setting, such as a physician’s office, outpatient care center or hospital. The specific duties of a CMA may vary depending on the employer, but typically include taking patient medical histories and vital signs, preparing patients for examinations, assisting physicians with procedures, scheduling appointments and handling correspondence. In some cases, CMAs may also be responsible for administrative tasks, such as billing and coding.
In order to become a certified medical assistant, individuals must complete an accredited training program and pass a certification exam. Some states also require CMAs to be licensed.
The salary and job outlook for a certified medical assistant
A certified medical assistant (CMA) is a professional who has completed an accredited medical assisting program and has passed a national certification exam. CMAs are an important part of the healthcare team, providing clinical and administrative support to physicians and other medical practitioners.
The job outlook for certified medical assistants is positive, with a projected growth rate of 29% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.1 The median annual salary for CMAs was $33,610 in May 2019.*
While state laws vary, most states allow CMAs to perform tasks such as taking medical histories and recording vital signs, administering injections and medication, performing basic laboratory tests, scheduling appointments, and billing and coding insurance forms.1 In some states, CMAs may have additional responsibilities such as suturing minor wounds or removing stitches.2
Most CMAs work in outpatient care centers, hospitals, or physician’s offices.1 They typically work full time during regular business hours; however, some may work evenings or weekends to meet the needs of their patients. Some CMAs may also be required to work on-call shifts or be on-call during evenings or weekends.3
References:
1 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm#tab-6
2 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm#tab-4
3 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm#tab-5
The pros and cons of being a certified medical assistant
There are many pros and cons to being a certified medical assistant. The following is a list of some of the more common ones:
Pros:
-You will have the opportunity to work in a variety of medical settings, including hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices.
-You will be able to work with a variety of medical professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and other medical assistants.
-You will have the opportunity to learn about a variety of medical procedures and laws.
-You will be able to work in a high-demand field with good job security.
Cons:
-You may have to work long hours, including nights and weekends.
-You may have to work in a fast-paced environment with high stress levels.
-You may be exposed to blood and other bodily fluids on a regular basis.
The difference between a certified medical assistant and a medical assistant
The title “medical assistant” is a broad one that applies to a wide range of Healthcare support roles. There is no universal certification for medical assistants, but some employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed a accredited Medical Assisting program and passed a Certification Exam.
A certified medical assistant (CMA) is a medical assistant who has been certified by an accredited organization, such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). CMAs have completed an accredited medical assisting program and passed a standardized exam administered by the Certifying Board of the AAMA. There are also other certifying organizations, such as the National Healthcare Association (NHA) and the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).
Not all states require certification for medical assistants, but many employers prefer or require it. Certified medical assistants typically have an edge in the job market and may be eligible for higher pay than non-certified medical assistants. In addition to having completed an accredited program and passing a certification exam, CMAs must meet any continuing education requirements set forth by their certifying organization.
For example, the AAMA requires CMAs to complete 60 continuing education credits every 60 months to maintain their credential.
The certification process for a certified medical assistant
The certification process for a certified medical assistant is quite extensive and includes passing an exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). In order to be eligible to sit for the exam, candidates must have completed an accredited medical assisting program and have at least five years of work experience. The exam consists of both a written and practical component.
FAQs about being a certified medical assistant
A Certified Medical Assistant, or CMA, is a healthcare professional who has been certified by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). They perform various administrative and clinical tasks in hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities.
The CMA credential signifies that the holder has met the AAMA’s standards for education and has passed a national certification exam. To maintain their credential, CMAs must complete continuing education every year.
Below are some frequently asked questions about being a CMA:
What are the responsibilities of a certified medical assistant?
The duties of a CMA can vary depending on their employer, but they typically include administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments and maintaining Medical records They may also be responsible for clinical tasks such as taking patient vital signs and assisting with examinations.
What are the educational requirements to become a certified medical assistant?
To become a CMA, you must complete an accredited medical assistant program. These programs typically last around 12 months and award either a certificate or diploma. Some CMAs also choose to earn an associate’s degree in medical assisting.
After completing an accredited program, you must then pass the national certification exam administered by the AAMA. Once you have passed the exam, you will be a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) through the AAMA. To use the title “Certified Medical Assistant,” you must meet the continuing education requirements set by the AAMA.
How much does a certified medical assistant make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for medical assistants was $33,610 in 2019. Salaries can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and employer.