The Fastest Way to Get Your Medical Assistant Certificate
Contents
- The importance of having a medical assistant certificate
- The benefits of having a medical assistant certificate
- The fastest way to get your medical assistant certificate
- Why you should consider getting your medical assistant certificate
- How a medical assistant certificate can help your career
- The different types of medical assistant certificates
- What you need to know about medical assistant certification
- How to choose the right medical assistant certificate program
- The best way to prepare for your medical assistant certification exam
- What to do after you get your medical assistant certificate
If you’re looking to become a medical assistant you’re in luck. There are many ways to get your medical assistant certificate, but some are faster than others. Here’s a look at the fastest way to get your medical assistant certificate.
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The importance of having a medical assistant certificate
Medical assistants play a vital role in the healthcare industry, providing important assistance to doctors and other medical staff. If you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant, one of the first things you need to do is obtain your medical assistant certificate.
There are a few different ways to do this, but the most efficient way is to attend an accredited Medical Assistant program. These programs can be found at many community colleges and trade schools, and they will provide you with the necessary training to pass the certification exam.
Once you have completed a Medical Assistant program, you will be eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam. This exam is administered by the American Association of Medical assistants (AAMA) and is necessary for obtaining your medical assistant certificate.
The CMA exam covers a wide range of topics, including Medical Terminology anatomy and physiology, medical law and ethics, billing and coding, and patient relations. It is important to note that the CMA exam is not easy – in fact, it has a pass rate of less than 60%. However, if you study hard and prepare properly, you should be able to pass on your first try.
Once you have passed the CMA exam, you will receive your official medical assistant certificate. This certificate will allow you to begin working as a medical assistant in any state in the country.
The benefits of having a medical assistant certificate
There are many benefits to having a medical assistant certificate. For starters, it can help you get a job in the medical field. Medical assistant positions are expected to grow by 29% from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. And having a certificate may give you a leg up on the competition when applying for jobs.
In addition, earning your medical assistant certificate can help you advance in your career. Many employers prefer or require candidates for medical assistant positions to have a certification, so if you’re looking to move up in your career, getting certified may be the way to do it.
Earning your medical assistant certificate can also help you boost your earnings potential. Medical Assistants with certification typically earn higher wages than those without certification, according to the BLS. In May 2018, the median annual salary for medical assistants was $33,610, while those in the top 10% earned more than $48,730.
The fastest way to get your medical assistant certificate
Medical assistants perform routine administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians, podiatrists, and other health practitioners running smoothly. The duties of medical assistants vary from office to office, but they generally include answering telephones; scheduling appointments; maintaining medical records preparing patients for examination; and taking and recording vital signs, such as blood pressure. They also may prepare laboratory specimens for analysis and perform basic laboratory tests. Many medical assistants take patients’ medical histories and present them to the physician prior to examination.
Why you should consider getting your medical assistant certificate
There are many reasons why you should consider getting your medical assistant certificate. Here are just a few:
1. Faster than a traditional degree. A medical assistant certificate can be completed in as little as eight months, whereas a traditional degree can take two to four years to complete.
2. More affordable than a traditional degree. A medical assistant certificate costs a fraction of what a traditional degree does.
3. Specific training for the job you want. When you get your medical assistant certificate, you receive training that is specific to the job you want, rather than taking general education classes that may not be relevant to your career goals.
4. Get started in your career sooner. Because a medical assistant certificate can be completed more quickly than a traditional degree, you can start working in your chosen career sooner.
5. Boost your resume. Having a medical assistant certificate on your resume shows employers that you are serious about your career and that you have the skills and training necessary to be successful in the role.
How a medical assistant certificate can help your career
While a certificate may not be required to become a medical assistant, many employers prefer to hire candidates who have one. A certificate programs can be completed in as little as a few months, and can give you the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this rewarding career.
The different types of medical assistant certificates
Medical assistants can pursue certification through a professional organization or earn a certificate from a community college or technical school. Some employers may require certification, but it is not always a requirement to work as a medical assistant. There are different types of medical assistant certificates, and each has its own set of requirements.
The most common type of medical assistant certificate is the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential. To earn this credential, you must pass the CMA Exam, which is administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). The CMA Exam consists of a written portion and a clinical skills portion. To be eligible to take the exam, you must have graduated from an accredited medical assisting program and have completed at least five years of work experience as a medical assistant.
Another type of medical assistant certificate is the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential. To earn this credential, you must pass the RMA Exam, which is administered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT). The RMA Exam consists of a written portion and a clinical skills portion. To be eligible to take the exam, you must have graduated from an accredited medical assisting program and have completed at least two years of work experience as a medical assistant.
The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential is another type of medical assistant certificate. To earn this credential, you must pass the CCMA Exam, which is administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The CCMA Exam consists of a written portion and a clinical skills portion. To be eligible to take the exam, you must have graduated from an accredited medical assisting program and have completed at least one year of work experience as a medical assistant.
What you need to know about medical assistant certification
There are a few things you should know about medical assistant certification before you begin your journey to become a medical assistant. The first thing you need to know is that there are two different types of medical assistant certification, the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA). Both types of certification require different amounts of schooling and have different benefits. The CMA is generally considered the more advanced of the two credentials, as it requires completion of an accredited medical assistants program, whereas the RMA only requires a high school diploma or equivalent. The CMA also needs to pass a national exam, whereas the RMA does not. Because of these differences, CMAs are often able to find employment more easily than RMAs and command higher salaries. However, both credentials will allow you to work as a medical assistant and both come with their own set of benefits.
The second thing you need to know about medical assistant certification is that there are multiple ways to obtain it. The most common way to become certified is by attending an accredited school and completing an accredited medical assistants program. Once you have completed your schooling, you will then need to pass a national exam in order to earn your credential. Another way to become certified is by having at least five years of experience working as a medical assistant and passing an exam administered by either the American Medical Technologists (AMT) or the National Healthcare Association (NHA). This method is generally only available to individuals who have been working in the field for a significant amount of time and can prove that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to be certified.
No matter which method you choose to become certified, once you have your credential, you will need to keep it up-to-date by renewing it every few years. Renewal typically involves completing continuing education credits or retake the national exam. Once you have your certificate, make sure to keep it in a safe place so that you can easily access it when needed.
How to choose the right medical assistant certificate program
Certificate programs for medical assistants typically take between three and six months to complete, making them a fast and affordable option for those looking to enter the healthcare field. But with so many programs to choose from, how can you be sure you’re choosing the right one?
Here are a few factors to consider when selecting a medical assistant certificate program:
-The length of the program: As mentioned, medical assistant certificate programs range in length from three to six months. If you’re looking to enter the workforce as quickly as possible, opt for a shorter program. However, if you have the time and want to receive more in-depth training, a longer program may be a better fit.
-The cost of the program: The cost of medical assistant certificate programs can vary widely. Be sure to research the tuition and fees associated with each program before making a decision.
-The curriculum: When comparing programs, pay close attention to the curriculum. Does the program cover all of the topics you’re interested in? Are there any specialized courses that appeal to you? Make sure the program you choose offers the coursework you’re looking for.
-The school’s accreditation: Any reputable medical assistant certificate program will be accredited by one or more organizations, such as the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accreditation Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). When considering a particular program, be sure to check that it has been accredited by one of these organizations.
By taking into account all of these factors, you can be confident you’re choosing the right medical assistant certificate program for your needs.
The best way to prepare for your medical assistant certification exam
There is no one best way to prepare for your medical assistant certification exam, but there are a few things you can do to help ensure your success. The best way to prepare for the exam is to get as much experience as possible in a medical office or clinic setting. If you have already been working in a medical office, you should ask your supervisor if you can shadow or assist with tasks that medical assistants typically perform. If you have not yet been working in a medical office, you may want to consider volunteering in a clinic or hospital setting. Once you have some experience working with patients, you will be able to better understand the material on the exam.
In addition to gaining experience, you should also take some time to review the material that will be covered on the exam. There are many books and online resources available that can help you review for the medical assistant certification exam. You may also want to consider taking a practice exam so that you can get an idea of what types of questions will be asked on the actual test.
By taking some time to gain experience and review the material, you will be well prepared for your medical assistant certification exam.
What to do after you get your medical assistant certificate
There are a few things that you should do after you get your medical assistant certificate in order to make the most of your new career. Here are a few tips:
First, update your resume and LinkedIn profile to include your new credential. This will help you to stand out when applying for jobs and can also help you to network with other medical assistants.
Second, start actively searching for jobs. Even if you already have a job, it is always good to be on the lookout for new opportunities.
Third, consider joining a professional organization such as the American Association of Medical Assistants or the National Healthcare Association. These organizations offer many benefits such as networking opportunities, job boards, and educational resources.
Fourth, stay up to date on the latest news and developments in the medical assistant field. There are many great resources available online and in print. By staying informed, you will be better prepared to take advantage of new opportunities as they arise.
Following these tips will help you to get the most out of your new medical assistant certificate and pursue a successful career in this growing field.