Certified Medical Administrative Assistants: The Online Guide

If you’re interested in becoming a certified medical administrative assistant, this online guide is a great resource. You’ll learn about the different certification options available, as well as what you need to do to prepare for the exams.

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Introduction to certified medical administrative assistants

The medical administrative assistant profession is one of the fastest growing in the United States Employment of medical assistants is expected to grow by 29 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.1 With this growth comes an increasing demand for qualified workers.

Medical administrative assistants (MAAs) are employed in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and physician’s offices. They perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks to keep the office running smoothly. Medical Administrative Assistants must be detail oriented, have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and be proficient in computer applications.

The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) offers the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) credential to individuals who have graduated from medical administrative assistant programs that have been accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). The CMAA credential demonstrates that holders have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their duties competently and efficiently. In order to sit for the CMAA exam, candidates must have received formal education from an accredited MA program within the past five years or must have completed at least 5 years of full-time work experience as an MAA within the past 10 years.

The CMAA credential is voluntary, but it may give you an advantage when seeking employment or advancement in your career. Many employers prefer or require applicants to be certified, and some states regulate MAAs. In addition, holding the CMAA credential may make you eligible for higher salaries and other benefits.

The duties of a certified medical administrative assistant

The duties of a certified medical administrative assistant (CMAA) are vast and varied. As the support staff for a medical practice, clinics, or hospital, a CMAA is responsible for both administrative and clinical tasks.

Some of the most common duties of a CMAA include answering phones, scheduling appointments, verifying insurance benefits, coding and billing insurance claims, preparing correspondence, handling paperwork associated with patient admissions and discharge, and maintaining medical records A CMAA may also be responsible for ordering supplies, handling accounts receivable and accounts payable, managing petty cash, and assisting with office management tasks.

While the duties of a certified medical administrative assistant are many, the one thing that all CMAA’s have in common is their dedication to providing quality care to patients.

The skills needed to be a certified medical administrative assistant

As a certified medical administrative assistant, you will be responsible for performing a variety of tasks to support the day-to-day operations of a medical office. To be successful in this role, you will need to have strong organizational and communication skills, as well as a good working knowledge of Medical Terminology and office procedures.

In addition to your administrative duties, you may also be responsible for managing the appointment schedule, handling patient inquiries, and assisting with billing and insurance paperwork. In some cases, you may also be asked to perform clinical tasks such as taking vital signs or administering injections.

The education and training required to be a certified medical administrative assistant

To become a certified medical administrative assistant, you will need to complete a accredited medical administrative assistant program. These programs are typically offered at community colleges and technical schools. Upon completion of the program, you will be eligible to take the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) Exam.

The CMAA Exam is a national exam administered by the National Healthcare Association (NHA). To be eligible to take the exam, you must have completed an accredited medical administrative assistant program and have at least one year of work experience as a medical administrative assistant. Once you pass the CMAA Exam, you will be a certified medical administrative assistant.

The benefits of being a certified medical administrative assistant

There are many benefits to becoming a certified medical administrative assistant. With certification, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers, and you will be able to command a higher salary. In addition, certified medical administrative assistants may be eligible for promotions and other career advancement opportunities.

The job outlook for certified medical administrative assistants

The job outlook for certified medical administrative assistants is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median salary for these professionals was $32,780 in 2016.

Certified medical administrative assistants typically work in doctors’ offices, hospitals and other healthcare facilities. They perform a variety of tasks, such as scheduling appointments, verifying insurance coverage and maintaining Medical records

With an aging population and advances in medical technology, there will be an increased demand for healthcare services. This growth will result in an increase in the need for certified medical administrative assistants to perform various office and clerical tasks.

The salary of a certified medical administrative assistant

The average salary for a certified medical administrative assistant (CMAA) is $35,000 per year, according to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries for CMAAs can range from $25,000 to $45,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and other factors.

The job market for certified medical administrative assistants

The job market for certified medical administrative assistants is expected to grow by 22% from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. The aging Baby Boomer population and the accompanying increase in medical appointments and procedures will require more office and administrative support workers.

The median annual wage for medical administrative assistants was $35,760 in May 2018. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $26,860, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $49,540.

Most medical administrative assistants work in physicians’ offices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Others work in insurance companies, public health departments, or nursing homes.

The future of certified medical administrative assistants

The future of certified medical administrative assistants is looking bright. With the increase in demand for qualified medical office professionals, the need for certified medical administrative assistants is also on the rise.

Although there is no specific education requirement to become a certified medical administrative assistant, most candidates possess at least a high school diploma or equivalent. However, completing a certificate or associate degree program in medical office administration can give candidates the edge they need to succeed in this competitive field.

Medical administrative assistant programs typically cover topics such as medical billing and coding, transcription, appointment scheduling, customer service, and office management. Upon completion of a training program, candidates must then pass a certification exam offered by a professional organization such as the National Healthcareer Association or the American Medical Technologists.

once certified, medical administrative assistants are prepared to enter the workforce and begin their career in a variety of healthcare settings such as doctor’s offices, hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. With the aging Baby Boomer population and the implementation of health insurance reforms, the job outlook for certified medical administrative assistants is expected to be very positive in the coming years.

Frequently asked questions about certified medical administrative assistants

Q: What is a certified medical administrative assistant?
A: A certified medical administrative assistant is a professional who provides support to medical offices and clinics. They manage patient records, schedule appointments, bill insurance companies, and perform a variety of other administrative tasks.

Q: How do I become a certified medical administrative assistant?
A: To become a certified medical administrative assistant, you must complete an accredited training program. These programs are typically offered by community colleges or technical schools. Once you have completed the training program, you must pass the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exam to earn your certification.

Q: What are the benefits of becoming a certified medical administrative assistant?
A: The main benefit of becoming a certified medical administrative assistant is that it can help you improve your career prospects. Certification demonstrates that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of a medical administrative assistant. This can make you more attractive to employers and help you earn a higher salary.

Q: What are the requirements for certification?
A: To be eligible for certification, you must first graduate from an accredited training program. Once you have completed the program, you must then pass the CMAA exam.