How to Become a Certified Medical Assistant in Illinois

Are you interested in becoming a certified medical assistant in Illinois? Here’s everything you need to know about the certification process.

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Introduction

Medical assistants are in high demand in Illinois. If you’re considering a career in medical assisting, you may be wondering how to become a certified medical assistant in Illinois. The good news is that certification is not required to work as a medical assistant in Illinois. However, becoming certified may give you an edge when it comes to job opportunities and earning potential.

In this guide, we’ll provide an overview of what you need to do to become a certified medical assistant in Illinois. We’ll start by discussing the importance of certification, then we’ll walk you through the steps you need to take to earn your certification. Finally, we’ll provide some information about continuing education requirements for Medical Assistants in Illinois.

What are the requirements to become a certified medical assistant in Illinois?

In order to become a certified medical assistant in Illinois, an individual must first complete an accredited medical assisting program. Once the program is completed, the individual must then pass the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

How to become a certified medical assistant in Illinois

In order to become a certified medical assistant in Illinois, you must first complete an accredited medical assistant program. Once you have completed your training, you will then need to pass the Certification Examination for Medical Assistants (CMA) through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Once you have passed the exam, you will be placed on the CMA Register and will be a certified medical assistant in Illinois.

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

The demand for medical assistants is expected to grow much faster than average in Illinois and across the nation. According to the Illinois Department of Employment Security, job opportunities for medical assistants in the state are projected to grow by 33 percent between 2016 and 2026. This is compared to an expected growth rate of just 7 percent for all occupations in Illinois during that time period.

What are the duties of a certified medical assistant in Illinois?

Medical assistants in Illinois are unlicensed health care professionals who perform administrative and clinical tasks in support of licensed physicians and other health care providers. Most medical assistants work in outpatient settings such as physician’s offices, clinics, group practices, and urge medicine offices. However, some may find employment in hospitals and other inpatient facilities. Although their duties vary depending on the size and type of facility in which they work, as well as the state in which they are employed, most medical assistants perform a combination of administrative and clinical tasks.

Administrative duties might include answering phones, scheduling appointments, greeting patients, updating and filing patient medical records handling correspondence, coding insurance forms, and completing insurance billing forms. Clinical tasks might involve taking patient medical histories and vital signs; preparing patients for examination; assisting the physician during the examination; performing routine laboratory tests such as urinalysis; collecting and preparing tissue specimens for laboratory analysis; instructing patients on medications and special diets; arranging for hospital admissions and laboratory services; authorizing prescription refills; drawing blood; removing sutures; applying bandages; making casts; performing electrocardiograms (EKGs); caring for patients with minor injuries by applying splints or administering nonprescription medication such as topical ointments.

How to maintain certification as a medical assistant in Illinois

To maintain certification as a medical assistant in Illinois, you must complete at least 10 contact hours of continuing education every year. These contact hours can be earned through a variety of activities, such as attending conferences, taking classes, or participating in online courses. You will also need to renew your certification every five years by completing a recertification exam.

What are the salary and job outlook for certified medical assistants in Illinois?

Cardiovascular technologists and technicians, including vascular technologists, earned a median annual salary of $58,410 in 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Salaries for the top 10 percent in this occupation were more than $86,580. The BLS predicts that employment of cardiovascular technologists and technicians will grow by 22 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Resources for certified medical assistants in Illinois

The Illinois Department of Professional and Financial Regulation is responsible for certifying medical assistants in the state of Illinois. Candidates for certification must complete an accredited medical assisting program and pass the Certifying Board for Medical Assistants (CBMA) exam.

The National Healthcare Association (NHA) offers a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential, which is recognized in Illinois. To be eligible for the CMA credential, candidates must graduate from an accredited medical assisting program and pass the NHA’s Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exam.

The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) also offers a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential. To be eligible for the CMA credential, candidates must graduate from an accredited medical assisting program and pass the AAMA’s Certification/Recertification Exam for Medical Assistants.

Resources for certified medical assistants in Illinois can be found on the websites of all three organizations: the Illinois Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, the National Healthcare Association, and the American Association of Medical Assistants.

FAQs for certified medical assistants in Illinois

Certified medical assistants (CMAs) in Illinois have completed a medical assistant program and passed the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants’ (AAMA) Certification Exam. Medical assistants work in outpatient settings such as physician’s offices, clinics, and group practices. They are multi-skilled professionals who perform both clinical and administrative duties.

In Illinois, medical assistants may perform certain routine tasks without the direct supervision of a physician. However, they must be under the general direction and supervision of a licensed physician or podiatrist. The Illinois Department of Professional Regulation’s rules define “direct supervision” as meaning “the supervising physician or podiatrist is physically present in the facility where the services are rendered and is available for immediate consultation.”

Some of the tasks that CMAs may perform without direct supervision include:
-Taking and documenting patient medical histories
-Recording patient vital signs
-Preparing patients for examination
-Assisting with office procedures
-Administering injections
-Drawing blood
-Performing EKGs
-Scheduling appointments

Conclusion

In order to become a certified medical assistant in Illinois, you must complete an accredited medical assistant program and pass the Illinois medical assistant certification exam. Once you have met these requirements, you will be able to apply for certification through the Illinois Department of Professional and Financial Regulation.