Certified Medical Assistant Jobs: What You Need to Know

If you’re considering a career as a medical assistant you’ll want to know what the job entails. We’ve got the scoop on certified medical assistant jobs, from the duties to the salary.

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What is a certified medical assistant?

A certified medical assistant is a health care professional who has been trained and certified to perform certain patient care and administrative tasks in a medical office or clinic. Medical assistants play a vital role in the day-to-day operations of a medical practice, and they may be responsible for a wide variety of tasks, from greeting patients and scheduling appointments to taking medical histories and performing basic lab tests.

In order to become a certified medical assistant, an individual must complete an accredited medical assisting program and pass a certification exam. Once certified, medical assistants must keep their skills up-to-date by completing continuing education courses on a regular basis.

What are the duties of a certified medical assistant?

The role of a certified medical assistant (CMA) is to provide basic patient care and perform clinical tasks under the supervision of a licensed health care provider.

As a CMA, you would be responsible for taking patient medical histories and vital signs, preparing patients for examination, assisting the physician during the examination, and providing instructions to patients on medical procedures and medications.

You would also be responsible for scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records and billing insurance companies. In some states, CMAs may also be authorized to give injections or perform basic laboratory tests.

What are the benefits of being a certified medical assistant?

There are many benefits to becoming a certified medical assistant. One of the most important benefits is that it can help you secure a job in the medical field. In addition, being certified can also help you earn a higher salary. Furthermore, it can give you the opportunity to advance in your career.

What are the requirements to become a certified medical assistant?

The requirements to become a certified medical assistant vary by state, but most states require completion of an accredited medical assisting program and passing of a recognized certification exam, such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Some states also require certification as a Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) or Electrocardiogram (EKG) Technician.

How to become a certified medical assistant?

To become a certified medical assistant, you will need to complete an accredited training program and pass a certification exam. Once you are certified, you will be able to find jobs in a variety of healthcare settings, including doctor’s offices, hospitals, and clinics.

What are the different types of certified medical assistant jobs?

There are several different types of certified medical assistant jobs. The most common is working in a doctor’s office, but there are also positions in clinics, hospitals, and other health care facilities. Each type of job has its own set of duties and responsibilities.

In a doctor’s office, certified medical assistants typically handle administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments and handling patient calls. They may also perform some clinical duties such as taking medical histories and measuring vital signs.

Clinic certified medical assistants typically have more clinical duties than those in a doctor’s office. They may assist with procedures such as blood draws and vaccinations, and they may also help to triage patients.

Hospital certified medical assistants typically have the most clinical duties of all certified medical assistants. In addition to assisting with procedures and patient care, they may also transport patients to surgery or other areas of the hospital.

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

Demand for certified medical assistants is expected to grow much faster than average in coming years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual salary for certified medical assistants was $33,610 in 2017, the BLS reports.

As the healthcare industry expands to meet the needs of an aging population, there will be an increasing need for medical assistants to perform administrative and clinical tasks. Medical assistants work in doctors’ offices, hospitals, clinics and other healthcare facilities. They may be responsible for scheduling appointments, taking patient histories, recording vital signs and assisting with examinations.

What are the skills needed to be a successful certified medical assistant?

As a medical assistant, you will be responsible for performing a variety of tasks in a medical office or clinic setting. In order to be successful in this career, you will need to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. You should also be detail-oriented and able to work well under pressure. Additionally, it is important that you have basic computer skills and knowledge of Medical Terminology

Tips for landing a certified medical assistant job

Since the 1990s, the medical assistant field has exploded in popularity. This is thanks in part to the impressive job growth projections for the next decade. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment of medical assistants will grow by 29 percent from 2016 to 2026—much faster than the average for all occupations.1

With this growth comes increased competition for jobs. If you’re looking to land a certified medical assistant job, here are a few tips to give you an edge over the competition:

1. Get certified by an accredited program.
There are many different medical assistant certification programs out there. However, not all of them are created equal. To ensure that potential employers will take your certification seriously, look for a program that is accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).2

2. Consider becoming a registered medical assistant.
While certification is not required to work as a medical assistant, many employers prefer to hire candidates who are registered with the American Medical Assistants Association (AMMA). To become registered, you must have graduated from an accredited medical assisting program and passed a written exam administered by the AMMA.3

3. Highlight your clinical skills on your resume.
When writing your resume, be sure to highlight any clinical skills you may have acquired during your training and/or previous work experience. Clinical skills are those that involve direct patient care, such as taking vital signs or performing basic laboratory tests.4

4. Be prepared to answer questions about your administrative experience.
In addition to clinical skills, most medical assistants also perform various administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments and handling insurance paperwork. When interviewing for a certified medical assistant job, be prepared to answer questions about your experience with these types of tasks.5

5. Have a positive attitude and be a team player.
Medical assistants often work closely with other members of the healthcare team, so it’s important to be able to work well with others. During your interview, be sure to emphasize your positive attitude and ability to work as part of a team.6

References:
1 https://www.bls

Certified medical assistant jobs: FAQs

Q: What does a certified medical assistant do?
A: A certified medical assistant (CMA) is a healthcare professional who is trained to provide clinical and administrative support to physicians and other medical staff. In most cases, CMAs are responsible for tasks such as measuring patients’ vital signs, updating Medical records scheduling appointments, and handling insurance paperwork.

Q: How do I become a certified medical assistant?
A: To become a CMA, you must first complete an accredited medical assisting program and pass the Certified Medical Assistant Examination (CMAE). Once you have passed the exam, you will be awarded the Certified Medical Assistant credential by the National Healthcare Association.

Q: What are the requirements to sit for the CMAE?
A: To be eligible to sit for the CMAE, you must have completed an accredited medical assisting program. In addition, you must have completed a minimum of 150 hours of clinical training and received a passing grade on all required courses.

Q: How long is the CMAE valid?
A: The CMAE is valid for five years from the date of issuance. After five years, CMAs must retake the exam to maintain their certification.

Q: What are the benefits of becoming a certified medical assistant?
A: CMAs enjoy a number of benefits, including increased job security, higher wages, and opportunities for career advancement. In addition, CMAs can take advantage of educational resources and networking opportunities offered by the National Healthcare Association.