Your One-Stop Shop for Medical Assistant Certification Information

MedicalAssistantCertification.net is your one-stop shop for everything you need to know about becoming a certified medical assistant We provide information on certification requirements, training programs, and career options to help you make the best decision for your future.

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Introduction to medical assistant Certification

Medical assistant certification is a process by which individuals demonstrate their mastery of the skills and knowledge necessary to perform the tasks of a medical assistant. Certification is not required in all states, but many employers prefer to hire candidates who are certified. Certification can also lead to higher pay and opportunities for advancement.

There are several different organizations that offer medical assistant certification, each with its own set of requirements. The most common certifying bodies are the American Association of Medical assistants (AAMA), the National Healthcare Association (NHA), and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

To be eligible for certification, candidates must usually complete an accredited medical assisting program and pass an exam. Some organizations also require candidates to have prior work experience or to complete a certain number of continuing education credits. Once certified, medical assistants must typically recertify every few years to maintain their credential.

Medical assistant certification can open doors to new job opportunities and help you advance in your career. It is a valuable credential that employers respect, and it can give you the confidence you need to excel in your role.

Why Get Medical Assistant Certification?

Becoming a certified medical assistant (CMA) has many benefits. The most obvious benefit is that CMAs earn higher salaries than medical assistants who are not certified. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual salary for CMAs was $33,610 in 2018, while the median annual salary for medical assistants was $32,480. In addition to earning a higher salary, CMAs also have better job prospects. The BLS projects that employment of medical assistants will grow 29% from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due in part to an aging population and the continued expansion of healthcare facilities and services. As the demand for healthcare services increases, so does the need for qualified medical assistants.

Who is Eligible for Medical Assistant Certification?

There are generally three categories of medical assistants: certified, registered, and non-certified. Each designation has different requirements in terms of education and training. In order to be eligible for medical assistant certification, an individual must usually complete an accredited medical assistant program and pass a certification exam. Once certified, medical assistants must typically recertify every few years to maintain their credential.

How to Get Medical Assistant Certification

The medical assistant profession is one of the most rewarding career paths you can take. As a medical assistant, you will have the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives by providing them with high-quality care.

If you are thinking about becoming a medical assistant, the first step is to obtain certification. In order to become certified, you must pass an accredited medical assistant certification exam.

There are several different types of exams that you can take, but the most popular and widely recognized exam is the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

The CMA exam covers a wide range of topics, including medical ethics, infection control, patient privacy and medical law. It is important to note that the CMA exam is not a test of your clinical skills. Rather, it is designed to assess your knowledge of the medical assistant profession.

Once you have passed the CMA exam, you will be eligible to apply for state certification. Each state has different requirements for medical assistants, so it is important to check with your state’s Board of Medicine before you apply for certification.

After you have obtained state certification, you will be able to use the title “Certified Medical Assistant” or “CMA” after your name. This designation will demonstrate to employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to be a successful medical assistant.

What is the Certification Process for Medical Assistants?

There are a few steps involved in the certification process for medical assistants. The first step is to complete an accredited medical assistant program. Once you have completed a program, you will then need to pass an exam administered by either the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the American Medical Technologists (AMT). Once you have passed your exam, you will be able to use the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) designation, respectively.

What are the Benefits of Medical Assistant Certification?

There are many benefits of medical assistant certification. Certification demonstrates to employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform your job effectively. In addition, certified medical assistants often earn higher salaries than non-certified medical assistants.

Most employers require certification for their medical assistants. Certification is also required to work in many state-licensed healthcare facilities, such as hospitals and nursing homes In some states, certification may also be required to perform certain tasks, such as taking patient vital signs or administering medications.

If you are considering a career as a medical assistant, certification is the best way to demonstrate your commitment to your chosen profession and to ensure that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in your new career.

How to Maintain Your Medical Assistant Certification

There are a few things you need to do in order to maintain your medical assistant certification. First, you need to ensure that you renew your certification on time. You will usually receive a renewal notice in the mail, and you will need to follow the instructions on that notice. Second, you may need to complete continuing education credits in order to maintain your certification. The number of credits required and the process for completing them varies by state, so you will need to check with your state’s Board of Medical Examiners or similar organization. Finally, if you are certified by a professional organization such as the American Association of Medical Assistants or the National Healthcareer Association, you may need to meet their requirements for maintaining certification in addition to those of your state.

What are the Renewal Requirements for Medical Assistant Certification?

To ensure that medical assistants maintain their knowledge and skills, many certification organizations require recertification every few years. The strategy for renewing medical assistant certification depends on the issuing organization, but usually requires some combination of continuing education credits, work experience, and/or passing a recertification exam.

Some employers may require certification renewal as a condition of employment. For example, the American Medical Association’s (AMA) Guide to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment states that “[c]ertification by a specialty board is appropriate only if it can be verified that the board’s requirements for original and continuing certification are met.” Therefore, if an AMA-certified physician plans to employ a medical assistant, they will want to confirm that the medical assistant’s certification is up to date.

What Happens if You Let Your Medical Assistant Certification lapse?

Without current certification, medical assistants cannot work in the field. If you let your certification lapse, you will need to go through the process of re-certifying, which can be time consuming and costly.

Frequently Asked Questions about Medical Assistant Certification

Medical assistant certification is a voluntary process whereby medical assistants can earn credentials to demonstrate their proficiency and commitment to their chosen profession. Certain employers may require certification, but in most cases, certification is seen as a way for medical assistants to set themselves apart from their peers and show a dedication to excellence.

There are many organizations that offer certification for medical assistants, but the two most respected and widely recognized bodies are the National Healthcare Association (NHA) and the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Both organizations offer examinations that test for knowledge and skills in various aspects of the job, including administrative duties, clinical procedures, and Medical Terminology

To be eligible for certification through either organization, candidates must have graduated from an accredited medical assisting program and must have completed a minimum number of clinical hours. Once these requirements have been met, candidates can register for the examination of their choice.

The NHA offers two examinations for medical assistants: the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam and the Certified Administrative Medical Assistant (CAMA) exam. The CCMA covers topics related to clinical procedures such as taking vital signs and performing basic laboratory tests, while the CAMA covers topics related to managing medical office finances and handling patient records. Candidates can choose to take one or both examinations, depending on their interests and career goals.

The AAMA offers one examination for medical assistants: the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam. This examination covers both clinical and administrative topics, making it ideal for candidates who want to demonstrate a broad range of knowledge and skills. In order to sit for the CMA exam, candidates must first complete an accredited medical assistant program and pass an AAMA-approved basics of medicine course.

Once you have passed your chosen examination(s), you will receive a credential from the respective organization that you can use to show prospective employers that you are a certified medical assistant. You will also be required to renew your credential every few years by completing continuing education credits or retaking the examination; this helps ensure that certified medical assistants stay up-to-date on the latest developments in their field.