How to Become a Certified Medical Assistant

A medical assistant plays a vital role in the day-to-day operations of a healthcare facility. If you’re looking to start a career in healthcare, becoming a certified medical assistant is a great place to start. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to become a certified medical assistant in just a few simple steps.

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Introduction

A medical assistant is a multi-skilled professional who work as an integral member of the health care delivery team. They perform administrative and clinical procedures in order to keep the offices of physicians and other health practitioners running smoothly. Medical assistants are trained in performing basic laboratory tests, giving injections, taking and recording patient vital signs, and collecting and preparing specimens for laboratory analysis. Some medical assistants are also trained in scheduling patients for appointments, handling correspondence, billing and coding for insurance purposes.

While there is no formal education requirement to become a medical assistant, most employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed an accredited medical assisting program. Programs typically take one to two years to complete and lead to a certificate or diploma. Some community colleges also offer associate degree programs in medical assisting.

Most states do not have licensing or certification requirements for medical assistants, but voluntary certification may be advantageous when seeking employment. The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) designation is awarded by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To earn the CMA credential, candidates must graduate from an accredited medical assisting program and pass a certification exam.

What is a Medical Assistant?

A medical assistant is a healthcare professional who performs a variety of tasks in doctors’ offices, clinics, and other healthcare settings. In some states, medical assistants may also be certified to perform certain tasks, such as taking X-rays or drawing blood.

In order to become a certified medical assistant, you will need to complete an accredited Medical Assistant program and pass the certification exam. Once you have completed these steps, you will be able to work as a certified medical assistant in any state.

Duties of a Medical Assistant

Medical assistants perform a variety of duties in physician offices and other healthcare facilities. Their responsibilities generally fall into two categories, clerical and clinical.

Clerical duties may include answering telephones, greeting patients, updating and filing patient medical records scheduling appointments, handling correspondence, and billing.

Medical assistants may also be responsible for preparing examination rooms and setting up medical equipment They often take patients’ vital signs and collect blood samples for lab tests under the direction of a physician or nurse. Many also perform routine laboratory tests on site, dispose of contaminated supplies, and sterilize medical instruments. They also may apply dressings to wounds.

Education and Training

Medical assistants are in high demand and the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the field will grow by 19 percent through 2024. This is much faster than the average occupation. Becoming a certified medical assistant (CMA) is a great way to start a rewarding career in healthcare.

Education and Training
Most CMAs have completed a postsecondary education program, such as a one-year certificate or two-year associate’s degree in medical assisting. These programs are widely available at community colleges, technical schools, vocational schools and universities. Programs typically include both classroom and clinical instruction in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, medical office procedures and diagnostic testing.

Many states require CMAs to be licensed or registered. requirements vary by state but usually include passing an exam. The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential is offered by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To earn the credential, candidates must graduate from an accredited medical assisting program and pass the Certification/Recertification Exam for Medical Assistants (CMA-AAMA). The CMA credential is valid for 60 months and must be renewed every five years through continuing education or reexamination

Certification

The certification process for medical assistants varies by state, but generally includes passing an accredited medical assisting program and a certification exam. Some states also require medical assistants to be registered or licensed.

There are a number of different organizations that offer certification for medical assistants, but the most common is the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To earn the CMA credential, medical assistants must successfully complete an accredited medical assisting program and pass a certification exam.

The AAMA’s Certification Exam is administered by Prometric, and there are a number of testing centers located across the country. The Exam consists of two parts: a written section and a skills demonstration. The written section is composed of multiple-choice questions that test knowledge of medical assisting theory and practice, while the skills demonstration evaluates practical skills such as measuring vital signs, administering injections, and performing sterile procedures.

To prepare for the Certification Exam, the AAMA offers a Study Guide and practice exams. The Study Guide covers all of the content areas that will be tested on the Exam, and provides an overview of the skills demonstration. The practice exams allow candidates to become familiar with the format and content of the Exam, and test their knowledge against sample questions.

Once you have passed the Certification Exam and met all state requirements, you will be officially certified as a medical assistant! You can then start looking for jobs in clinics, hospitals, doctor’s offices, or other healthcare settings.

Job Outlook

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that jobs for medical assistants will grow much faster than the average for all occupations between 2018 and 2028. An aging population, continued growth in the number of medical procedures, and an emphasis on preventive care will all contribute to this increases in demand for medical assistants.

The median annual salary for medical assistants was $34,800 in May 2018, according to the BLS. Medical assistants with formal training and certification may have better job prospects and earn higher salaries than those without these credentials.

Salary

salary for medical assistants varies depending on experience, geographic location, and other factors. However, the median salary for medical assistants in the United States is $33,610 per year. With experience and further training, medical assistants can earn salaries of up to $48,000 per year.

Pros and Cons of Being a Medical Assistant

Medical assistants are in high demand due to the increasing number of aging baby boomers and their need for medical care. As a medical assistant, you will have the opportunity to work closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals. You will also be able to make a difference in the lives of patients by providing quality care.

However, there are some drawbacks to being a medical assistant. One of the biggest is the low pay. Medical assistants typically earn less than $30,000 per year, which is about $15 per hour. This is significantly lower than the average salary for other healthcare positions.

Another downside to being a medical assistant is the long hours. Many medical assistants work more than 40 hours per week, and some even work nights and weekends. This can be difficult if you have a family or other commitments outside of work.

If you are considering becoming a medical assistant, it is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision. While being a medical assistant has its challenges, it can also be a rewarding experience that offers many benefits.

Is Becoming a Medical Assistant Right for You?

If you’re thinking about a career in the medical field, you may be wondering if becoming a medical assistant is the right path for you. As the healthcare industry continues to grow, so does the demand for qualified medical assistants. But what does a medical assistant do exactly? And what qualifications do you need to get started in this career?

Medical assistants are responsible for performing a variety of tasks to support doctors and other healthcare professionals. They may provide administrative support, make appointments, schedule patients for tests and procedures, take medical histories and update records, maintain supplies, perform billing and coding tasks, give patients instructions on taking medication or preparing for medical procedures – the list goes on. In some states they may also be allowed to perform certain clinical tasks, such as drawing blood or administering injections.

Mostmedical assistants have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, although some jobs may require postsecondary education or certification. Certification is not required in all states, but many employers prefer to hire certified medical assistants. TheCertified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential is administered by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), and certification by this Board is recognized nationwide. To qualify for certification, candidates must graduate from an accredited CMA program and pass the CMA Certification Exam.

If you’re interested in becoming a certified medical assistant, contact your local community college or technical school to inquire about CMA programs in your area.

Conclusion

To become a certified medical assistant, you will need to complete an accredited training program and pass a certification exam. While certification is not required by all employers, it can give you a competitive edge in the job market. Certified medical assistants are in high demand and can find employment in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and physician offices. With the right training and certification, you can start your career as a medical assistant today.