How to Become Nationally Certified as a Medical Assistant

How to become nationally certified as a medical assistant? You’ll need to complete an accredited medical assistant program and pass the certification exam.

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Introduction

Medical assistants are in high demand nationwide, working alongside physicians and other medical professionals to provide quality patient care. If you’re interested in a career as a medical assistant you may be wondering how to become nationally certified.

National certification is not required to work as a medical assistant but it may give you an edge when applying for jobs. Certification demonstrates your commitment to the profession and your skills as a medical assistant.

There are several organizations that offer national certification for Medical Assistants each with its own requirements. The most common certification organizations are the National Healthcare Association (NHA) and the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To be eligible for certification, you must first graduate from an accredited medical assistant program and pass an exam.

If you’re interested in becoming nationally certified as a medical assistant, here’s what you need to know.

What is a medical assistant?

A medical assistant is a person who has been trained to assist a physician in performing certain medical tasks. These tasks can include taking medical histories, performing physical exams, administering injections and vaccinations, and drawing blood. A medical assistant may also be responsible for scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records and billing insurance companies.

In order to become nationally certified as a medical assistant, you must first complete an accredited training program. Once you have completed your training, you will need to pass a national certification exam. Once you have passed the exam, you will be able to use the designation “Certified Medical Assistant” or “CMA” after your name.

The duties of a medical assistant

In order to become nationally certified, medical assistants must fulfill a number of requirements. Firstly, they must have completed an accredited medical assistant program. Secondly, they must have passed the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Lastly, they must maintain their certification through Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits.

Medical assistants perform both clinical and administrative tasks in physician’s offices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. These tasks include taking medical histories and recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examination, assisting the physician during examinations, scheduling appointments, and handling correspondence. In addition, medical assistants may be responsible for billing and coding insurance forms, maintain patient records, and ordering supplies.

The benefits of certification

There are many benefits to becoming nationally certified as a medical assistant. Perhaps most importantly, certification demonstrates to employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to perform the job effectively.

In addition, medical assistants who are certified may be eligible for higher salaries and improved job prospects. Employers often prefer to hire candidates who have been certified by a nationally recognized organization, such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

Finally, certification can give you a sense of pride and accomplishment. It is a tangible way to show others that you are dedicated to your career and that you take your professional responsibilities seriously.

How to become certified

There are a few different ways to become nationally certified as a medical assistant. The most common way is to pass the certified medical assistant (CMA) exam administered by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To be eligible to take the CMA exam, you must have successfully completed an accredited medical assisting program and completed an internship or externship. Once you have passed the CMA exam, you will need to recertify every 60 months by completing continuing education credits or passing a recertification exam.

Other ways to become nationally certified as a medical assistant include passing the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam administered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). To be eligible to take either of these exams, you must have successfully completed an accredited medical assisting program. Once you have passed either of these exams, you will need to recertify every year by completing continuing education credits or passing a recertification exam.

The national certification process

There are a few different ways to become nationally certified as a medical assistant. The most common way is to earn a certification through an accredited institution, such as the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accreditation Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

Once you have earned your certification, you will need to pass an exam administered by either the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Once you have passed the exam, you will be officially recognized as a medical assistant by the national organizations.

The importance of continuing education

The importance of continuing education for medical assistants cannot be overstated. Not only is it necessary to maintain certification, but it is also important to keep up with the latest changes in the field. National certification is granted by the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) and requires that candidates complete an accredited medical assistant program and pass both a written and clinical exam.

In order to sit for the exams, candidates must first complete an accredited medical assistant program. These programs are typically offered at community colleges and take between six and eighteen months to complete. Upon completion of an accredited program, candidates must then pass both a written and clinical exam.

The NBME offers two levels of national certification for medical assistants: the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA). The CMA credential is granted after successful completion of the written exam, while the RMA credential requires passing both the written and clinical exams. Candidates who pass either exam are eligible for five years of certified status. After five years, CMAs and RMAs must retake one or both exams, as well as complete Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits, in order to maintain their certification.

The CME requirement for CMAs and RMAs can be met in a number of ways, including taking courses offered by local community colleges or universities, attending seminars or conferences, or even completing online courses. In order to maintain certified status, CMAs and RMAs must earn a certain number of CME credits every five years; the exact number required varies depending on the credential held.

While continuing education may seem like a hassle, it is important to remember that it is a necessary part of being a medical assistant. Not only does it keep you up-to-date on the latest changes in the field, but it also allows you to maintain your certification and stay one step ahead of your competition.

The benefits of being nationally certified

There are many benefits of being nationally certified as a medical assistant. This certification can help you to stand out from the rest when seeking employment, show your dedication to your chosen profession, and give you the opportunity to further your education and career.

Employers often prefer to hire medical assistants who are nationally certified, as this certification is evidence of your commitment to the profession and your dedication to providing quality patient care. In addition, holding national certification can give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs or promotions.

Additionally, many employers offer tuition reimbursement or other financial incentives for employees who become nationally certified. This certification can also lead to increased earnings potential, as certified medical assistants typically earn more than those without certification.

Finally, becoming nationally certified shows that you are willing to invest in your own professional development and continuing education. This commitment can lead to expanded career opportunities and increased job satisfaction.

What to do if you are not certified

There are a number of ways to become nationally certified as a medical assistant. The most common route is through certification by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To be eligible for the AAMA certification exam, you must have completed an accredited medical assisting program and have been screened for hepatitis B and tuberculosis. You must also have completed a CPR certification course.

How to maintain your certification

There are a few different ways to maintain your certification as a medical assistant. You can either take continuing education courses, renew your certification through your credentialing agency, or recertify through a professional organization.

To take continuing education courses, simply find an accredited provider and sign up for the courses you need. Typically, you will need to complete between 10 and 20 hours of continuing education every year to maintain your certification.

You can also renew your certification through your credentialing agency. To do this, simply submit a renewal form and pay the required fee. You may be required to provide proof of continued education credits or passing score on a recertification exam.

Finally, you can also recertify through a professional organization such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To do this, simply submit a renewal form and pay the required fee. You will also be required to provide proof of continued education credits or passing score on a recertification exam.