Certified Clinical Medical Assistant vs Certified Medical Assistant

A medical assistant is a multi-skilled professional who supports the work of physicians and other health professionals, usually in a clinic setting.CCMAs are certified by the National Healthcareer Association and have completed a training program approved by the California Board of Medical Examiners. They are allowed to perform more complex tasks than non-certified Medical assistants

A certified medical assistant (CMA) is a medical assistant who has been certified by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

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Job Description

A Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) works closely with patients and physicians in a medical facility, performing both administrative and clinical tasks. A CMA must have excellent communication skills as they interacting with patients on a daily basis. They must also be able to take accurate medical histories and vital signs, as well prepare patients for examination. In addition, a CMA may also phlebotomy, schedule appointments, and code and file insurance forms.

A Medical Assistant (MA) works primarily in an administrative capacity in a medical office or clinic. Their duties include answering phones, scheduling appointments, handling correspondence, billing, and coding insurance forms. They may also be responsible for handling patient charts and maintaining medical records In some states, MAs may also be allowed to perform certain clinical tasks such as taking vital signs or giving injections under the supervision of a licensed health care provider.

Duties

While certified clinical medical assistants (CCMAs) and certified medical assistants (CMAs) share some similarities, there are also important differences in their roles and responsibilities. CCMAs are typically responsible for more advanced tasks, such as taking patient histories, performing diagnostic tests, and providing care under the supervision of a physician. CMAs, on the other hand, typically handle more administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments and maintaining Medical records Both CCMAs and CMAs must complete an accredited training program and pass a certification exam to earn their certification.

Education and Training

Clinical medical assistants (CMAs) also known as certified medical assistants, have more responsibilities than non-certified medical assistants. They perform both clinical and administrative tasks in doctors’ offices and other outpatient care facilities. To become a CMA, you must complete an accredited medical assisting program and pass a certification exam.

While the job duties of medical assistants vary by state, most CMAs are allowed to perform more advanced clinical tasks than non-certified medical assistants. Typically, these tasks include but are not limited to:
-Taking patient medical histories
-Assisting with patient exams
-Drawing blood
-Performing basic lab tests
-Taking and processing X-rays
-Administering vaccines and medications (under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional)
-Preparing patients for surgery
Training programs for CMAs typically offer both classroom instruction and on-the-job training in a healthcare setting. Most programs take about a year to complete, although some accelerated programs can be finished in as little as nine months. Classroom instruction generally covers topics such as:
Anatomy & physiology
Medical terminology
Billing & coding
Medical law & ethics

In order to become certified, CMAs must pass an exam administered by either the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the National Healthcare Association (NHA). Once they become certified, CMAs must complete continuing education credits every few years to maintain their certification.

Certification

There are two main types of medical assistant certification: the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) and the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). Both certifications are granted by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To become certified, medical assistants must complete an accredited medical assisting program and pass a certification exam.

The CCMA credential is designed for medical assistants who have completed a formal education program and who have gained experience working in a clinical setting. The CMA credential is geared more towards medical assistants who have on-the-job training rather than formal education. In order to sit for either certification exam, candidates must first meet certain eligibility requirements.

Salary

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual salary for certified medical assistants was $33,610 in 2017. The median annual salary for certified clinical medical assistants was $37,390 in 2017.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for certified clinical medical assistants (CCMAs) and certified medical assistants (CMAs) is positive. The demand for medical assistants is expected to grow by 29% from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. An aging population and a greater emphasis on preventive care are expected to fuel this growth.

The job outlook for CCMAs and CMAs is good because:
-The demand for medical assistants is expected to grow by 29% from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.
-An aging population and a greater emphasis on preventive care are expected to fuel this growth.

Pros and Cons

Whether you are a certified clinical medical assistant (CCMA) or a certified medical assistant (CMA), you will be an important member of the healthcare team. Both CMAs and CMAAs have completed accredited training programs and have passed a national certification exam. Here are some pros and cons to help you decide which certification is right for you.

Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
PROS
-Can work in a variety of settings, including doctor’s offices, clinics, and hospitals
-Duties may include taking medical histories, recording vital signs, and preparing patients for examination
-Generally have more patient contact than other members of the healthcare team
CONS
-May have less opportunity for career advancement than CMAs
-May be subject to more on-the-job training than CMAs

Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
PROS
-Can work in a variety of settings, including doctor’s offices, clinics, and hospitals
-Duties may include taking medical histories, recording vital signs, administering injections and performing EKGs
-Have more patient contact than other members of the healthcare team
CONS
-Job duties may vary by employer
– Certification must be kept up to date with Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Clinical Medical Assistant vs Medical Assistant

While both Clinical Medical Assistants (CMAs) and Medical Assistants (MAs) work under the supervision of a licensed physician, there are some key differences between the two roles.

CMAs are primarily responsible for providing direct patient care. They take medical histories, measure vital signs, prepare patients for examination, assist with procedures and may also provide guidance on health maintenance and disease prevention. In some states, CMAs may be authorized to give injections or perform skin tests.

MAs, on the other hand, have a more administrative focus. They schedule appointments, update and file medical records handle billing and coding, stock exam rooms and may also perform clerical tasks such as handling correspondence and answering phones.

Both CMAs and MAs must complete an accredited training program and pass a certification exam. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have earned additional certification from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the National Healthcare Association (NHA).

Key Differences

While both positions are important in a medical setting, there are key differences between a certified clinical medical assistant and a certified medical assistant. A clinical medical assistant works primarily in the clinic setting. They take patient medical histories, assist with examinations, collect blood and urine samples, give immunizations, prepare patients for X-rays and other procedures, and measure patients’ vital signs. A clinical medical assistant may also perform electrocardiograms (EKGs) and other basic lab tests. A certified medical assistant’s duties are more administrative in nature. They schedule appointments, maintain patient records, handle billing and coding, and perform other office tasks.

Both positions require certification from an accredited program. The certified clinical medical assistant program is longer, typically lasting about a year. The certified medical assistant program can be completed in as little as eight weeks. Both positions require passing an exam administered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT) or the National Healthcare Association (NHA). Certified clinical medical assistants must also complete a rigorous on-the-job training program before they can begin working with patients.

Conclusion

After researching the job market, we’ve come to the conclusion that a certified clinical medical assistant is the best option for those looking for a career in the medical field. While both positions are in high demand, certified clinical medical assistants are able to find employment more easily and earn a higher salary. In addition, certified clinical medical assistants are better prepared to handle the day-to-day tasks of working in a medical office or clinic.