How to Get Medical Assistant Certification in Indiana
Contents
If you’re looking to get your medical assistant certification in Indiana, we’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about the process.
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Introduction
Medical assistants are in high demand in Indiana. With a certification, you will have the education and skills necessary to work in a medical office. The first step is to find a medical assistant program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
What is a Medical Assistant?
A medical assistant is a person who has successfully completed an accredited medical assistant training program and has passing scores on the certifying exams. In order to become a medical assistant, you must have completed high school or have a GED equivalency.
Accredited programs typically offer an Associate’s degree or a certificate in medical assisting. Once you have completed an accredited program, you will need to take and pass the Certifying Board for Medical Assistants (CBMA) national examinations in order to earn the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential.
Duties of a Medical Assistant
Medical assistants play an important role in the healthcare industry. They are responsible for providing support to doctors and nurses and performing administrative and clinical tasks. If you are considering a career as a medical assistant, you will need to obtain certification in Indiana.
Medical assistants in Indiana are required to complete an accredited training program and pass the certification exam administered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT). Once you have completed these requirements, you will be able to apply for a medical assistant certification from the Indiana State Board of Nursing.
The duties of a medical assistant vary depending on the type of healthcare facility where they are employed. However, there are some common tasks that all medical assistants must be able to perform. These include taking medical histories and vital signs, recording patient information, scheduling appointments, performing basic laboratory tests, and assisting with examination and treatment procedures.
Education and Certification
The first step to becoming a medical assistant in Indiana is to complete an accredited certificate or diploma program. You can find certified programs at community colleges, technical schools, and some hospitals. The length of the program can vary, but most accredited programs can be completed in about a year.
After you have completed an accredited program, you will need to pass the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Once you have passed the exam, you will be placed on the CMA Registry and be eligible to work as a medical assistant in Indiana.
Indiana Medical Assistant Certification
Indiana does not have a central agency that certifies or licenses medical assistants. However, the state does require medical assistants to complete an accredited training program and pass a certification exam before they can begin working. Many employers also prefer to hire candidates who are certified by a professional organization such as the National Healthcare Association or the American Medical Technologists.
There are several accredited medical assistant programs in Indiana, and most of them can be completed in about two years. The majority of these programs are offered at community colleges, but there are also some technical schools and universities that offer them as well. Most of these programs include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
Once you have completed an accredited medical assistant program, you will need to pass a certification exam before you can begin working in Indiana. The most common exams for medical assistants 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). Both of these exams are nationally recognized and will allow you to work as a medical assistant in any state.
In addition to passing a certification exam, you may also need to be licensed or registered in Indiana depending on your scope of practice. For example, if you plan on performing certain tasks such as giving injections or taking X-rays, you will need to be licensed by the Indiana Board of Radiology Technology. Alternatively, if you want to perform certain tasks such as phlebotomy or EKG testing, you will need to be registered with the Indiana Professional License Agency.
License Renewal
The process to renew your medical assistant license in Indiana is simple and straightforward. You will need to submit a renewal application, along with the required fees, to the Indiana Medical licensing Board. Once your application has been processed, you will be issued a new license that is valid for two years.
Continuing Education
To maintain certification in Indiana, medical assistants must complete at least 10 contact hours of continuing education every year. Of the 10 required contact hours, a maximum of 4 can be earned through self-study. Contact hours must be related to medical assisting or a related field and approved by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA). You can find approved educational activities on the IPLA website.
You must submit proof of completion of continuing education hours to the IPLA every year when you renew your certification. If you do not renew your certification, you will not be able to practice as a medical assistant in Indiana.
Job Opportunities for Medical Assistants in Indiana
Medical assistants in Indiana are in high demand as the healthcare industry continues to grow. With a medical assistant certification, you will be able to find a job in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, and more.
There are many medical assistant programs available in Indiana, and the best way to find one that is right for you is to do some research. Once you have found a program that you are interested in, you will need to complete an application and submit it to the Indiana Board of Nursing.
Once you have been accepted into a medical assistant program, you will need to complete an accredited course of study. During your education, you will learn about Medical Terminology anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and other important topics. After you have completed your studies, you will take a state-administered exam to earn your certification.
Once you have your certification, you will be able to start searching for job opportunities in Indiana. With a medical assistant certification, you will be able to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, and more. With the right training and experience, you can even earn a promotion to become a medical office manager or another type of supervisor.
Salary Expectations
Medical assistants in Indiana earn an average salary of $33,610 per year, which is lower than the national average of $36,540. Entry-level medical assistants in Indiana make an average salary of $28,290 per year, while experienced professionals make an average salary of $39,370 per year.
Conclusion
Once you have received your medical assistant certification in Indiana, you will need to renew it every two years. You can renew your certification by taking continuing education courses or by retaking the medical assistant certification exam.
