Chapter 49 in Kinn’s Medical Assistant Must Have Keywords: ‘
Contents
- The Importance of Being Certified
- The Various Types of Certification
- The Benefits of Certification
- The Process of Certification
- The Cost of Certification
- The Time Commitment for Certification
- The Renewal Process for Certification
- The Importance of Maintaining Certification
- The Consequences of Lapsing in Certification
- The Importance of Certification for Medical Assistants
Chapter 49 in Kinn’s medical assistant covers the topic of insurance billing and coding. This is a critical chapter for anyone looking to work in the medical field.
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The Importance of Being Certified
Medical assistants are not required to be certified in order to work in most states. However, many employers prefer or require certification, and some states have certification programs for Medical assistants There are several certification exams for Medical Assistants offered by different organizations. The most common exams are the Certified medical assistant (CMA) exam, offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), and the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam, offered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT).
Certification exams test medical assistant candidates on their knowledge of Medical Terminology pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, patient confidentiality, preparation for examinations and diagnostic procedures, lab procedures, diagnostic testing, and more. Candidates who pass the exam earn the credential “CMA” (AAMA) or “RMA” (AMT), which they can use after their name. Certification must be renewed every few years through continuing education courses or re-examination.
Some employers require certification as a condition of employment. Even if certification is not required, it may give you an advantage in the job market. Many employers view certification as evidence of a commitment to quality patient care and a higher level of professional competence. In addition, some states have certification programs for medical assistants. These programs set standards for training and competency in medical assisting, and they may offer voluntary certification to applicants who meet the standards.
The Various Types of Certification
There are currently several different types of certification that a medical assistant can earn. Each type of certification has its own set of requirements that must be met in order to be eligible to take the certification exam. The most common type of certification is the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification. In order to be eligible to take the CMA exam, a medical assistant must have completed an accredited medical assisting program and have passed a criminal background check. The CMA exam is administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
Another type of certification is the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential. To be eligible to take the RMA exam, a medical assistant must have completed an accredited medical assisting program and have at least one year of full-time work experience as a medical assistant. The RMA exam is administered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT).
The National Healthcare Association (NHA) also offers a certified medical assistant credential, known as the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential. To be eligible to take the CCMA exam, a medical assistant must have completed an accredited medical assisting program and have at least one year of full-time work experience as a medical assistant. The NHA also requires that applicants for the CCMA credential pass a criminal background check.
The Benefits of Certification
While there are many benefits to certification for medical assistants, not all states require certification. In addition, some employers may prefer or require certification. Certification provides many benefits to medical assistants, including:
· Better job prospects – Certified medical assistants generally have better job prospects than non-certified medical assistants. Many employers prefer or require certification, and those who are certified may be given preference over those who are not.
· Higher wages – In many cases, certified medical assistants earn higher wages than non-certified medical assistants. This is because employers often view certified medical assistants as being more competent and reliable than non-certified medical assistants.
· Greater job satisfaction – Certified medical assistants often report greater job satisfaction than non-certified medical assistants. This is likely due to the fact that they feel more competent and confident in their abilities, and they may also receive greater respect from their colleagues and patients.
The Process of Certification
The Process of Certification
There are many organizations that offer certification for medical assistants, but the two most widely recognized are the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and the National Healthcare Association (NHA). To become certified through either of these organizations, you must pass a written exam.
While certification is not required to work as a medical assistant, many employers prefer to hire those who have been certified. In addition, some states have regulations regarding certification. For example, the state of Florida requires that all medical assistants working in Florida be certified by either the AAMA or the NHA.
If you decide to become certified, you can take the exam at any time after you graduate from an accredited medical assisting program. However, it is important to note that you will need to renew your certification every few years in order to maintain an active status.
The Cost of Certification
While certification is not always required, employers may give preference to candidates who are certified, and many states have certification laws for medical assistants. The cost of certification depends on the organization you choose, but it typically ranges from $100 to $300. Renewal fees are usually due every few years, and may cost around $50.
The Time Commitment for Certification
It is important to know the time commitment required for certification testing before you decide to take the plunge. The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential is administered by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). In order to be eligible to sit for the CMA (AAMA) exam, you must have completed a medical assisting program that has been accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Most accredited programs take about one year to complete, although some may last longer.
The CMA (AAMA) credential is valid for 60 months. You must recertify every 5 years in order to maintain your credential. Recertification can be done by taking the CMA (AAMA) Certification/Recertification Exam or by completing 60 continuing education credits approved by the AAMA.
The Renewal Process for Certification
The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) offers a process for medical assistants to apply for and receive certification that does not expire. Once an initial certification is earned, medical assistants can renew their certification every two years by completing an application and paying a renewal fee. The NHA also requires medical assistants to complete continuing education (CE) credits during each renewal period. The number of CE credits required varies depending on the type of certification received, but is typically between 10 and 20 credits.
The Importance of Maintaining Certification
The Importance of Maintaining Certification:
As a medical assistant, you are a vital part of the health care team. Your skills and knowledge are essential to the delivery of quality patient care. In order to maintain your skills and keep up with the latest advances in medical technology, it is important that you maintain your certification.
There are many benefits to maintaining your certification, including:
-Keeping your skills sharp and up-to-date
-Demonstrating your commitment to quality patient care
-Improving your job prospects
-Earning a higher salary
So, if you are a medical assistant, make sure you keep your certification current. It will benefit you and your patients!
The Consequences of Lapsing in Certification
If you let your medical assistant certification lapse, you may face a number of consequences. These can include losing your job, being unable to find a new job, and having your professional reputation damaged.
The Importance of Certification for Medical Assistants
The importance of certification for medical assistants cannot be overstated. Certification provides medical assistants with the ability to demonstrate their knowledge and skills to employers and patients, and can lead to increased job opportunities and higher salaries. In addition, certified medical assistants are often preferred by employers and healthcare facilities.