The Benefits of Medical Assistant Certification

If you’re considering a career in the medical field, you may be wondering if you need to get certified as a medical assistant Here’s a look at the benefits of certification and what it can do for your career.

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Introduction

medical assistant certification is not required in all states, but many employers prefer to hire certified Medical assistants and some states require certification for certain types of tasks. The certification process varies by state, but generally includes passing an exam administered by a certifying body such as the American Association of Medical Assistants or the National Healthcare Association.

There are many benefits to becoming a certified medical assistant, including increased job security, higher wages, and the ability to perform certain tasks that non-certified medical assistants are not permitted to do. In some states, certification may also be required in order to perform certain tasks, such as taking patient histories or administering injections.

If you are interested in becoming a certified medical assistant, research the requirements in your state and contact a certifying body to learn more about the certification process.

What is a Medical Assistant?

A medical assistant is a multi-skilled professional who works as an important member of a healthcare team. They perform both administrative and clinical tasks in physicians’ offices, clinics, and other medical settings. Medical assistants take on a variety of roles to keep the office running smoothly and efficiently.

Their responsibilities might include scheduling appointments, taking and recording patients’ vital signs, updating medical records handling correspondence, billing and coding insurance forms, preparing patients for examination, administering medications as directed by a physician, and assisting during minor office surgeries. Many medical assistants have completed a postsecondary education program that has awarded them a certificate or diploma.

The Benefits of Certification

There are many benefits to becoming a certified medical assistant. Certification demonstrates to employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to perform the duties of a medical assistant. In addition, certified medical assistants earn higher salaries than non-certified medical assistants.

Becoming certified also shows your commitment to your chosen profession. If you are interested in advancing your career, obtaining certification is the first step. With certification, you will be qualified to apply for positions that are not available to non-certified medical assistants.

In addition to the benefits already mentioned, certification also provides you with a sense of accomplishment and pride. Knowing that you have met the rigorous standards set by a nationally recognized organization is an incredible feeling. Certification is also an excellent way to networking with other medical assistant professionals.

The Importance of Certification

Medical assistants are in high demand and the job market is expected to grow by 29% from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.1 To meet this demand, more and more people are choosing to enter the profession. But with so many new medical assistants (MAs) competing for jobs, how can you make sure you stand out from the crowd?

One way is to become certified. Certification shows that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to be a competent MA. It also demonstrates your commitment to your chosen profession and gives you an edge over non-certified candidates when applying for jobs.

There are many different certification options available, but the one that is most widely recognized and respected is the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To earn this credential, you must pass a rigorous exam that tests your knowledge of medical assisting.

The Process of Certification

There are many reasons to seek out medical assistant certification. First and foremost, certified medical assistants (CMAs) are in high demand. They are an integral part of the health care team and play a vital role in patient care. Certification shows employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform your job effectively. In addition, CMAs often earn higher salaries and have greater job security than non-certified medical assistants.

The process of certification is not as difficult as you may think. To become certified, you must first pass a national exam administered by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). The AAMA offers two examination options: the Certified Medical Assistant Exam (CMA) and the Registered Medical Assistant Exam (RMA). Both exams cover similar content, but the CMA exam is more comprehensive and therefore more difficult. If you are not sure which exam is right for you, speak with your employer or training program director.

Once you have passed the national exam, you will be required to complete a brief medical assistant certification application and pay a small fee. Once your application has been processed, you will be issued a certificate that is valid for five years. Every five years, you must renew your certification by completing continuing education credits and paying a renewal fee.

Medical assistant certification is not required in all states, but it is highly recommended if you want to pursue a career in this field. Certification will give you an edge over other candidates when applying for jobs, and it will help you earn higher salaries and advance in your career.

The Cost of Certification

When researching the benefits of becoming a certified medical assistant, you may come across the cost of certification as a downfall. In reality, the cost of certification is a minor setback when looking at the bigger picture. The average cost of certification is about $200, and some financial assistance may be available through your employer or school. The benefits of certification, including an increased salary and job security, far outweigh the cost of certification.

The Time Commitment for Certification

The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) Certification is voluntary, meaning that you do not have to be certified to work as a medical assistant. However, many employers prefer or require certification, so it is something you may want to consider. The process of becoming certified is not difficult, but it does take some time and effort.

To become certified, you must first complete an accredited medical assistant program. These programs typically take about one year to complete, but some may be shorter or longer. Once you have completed a program, you will then need to pass the AAMA Certification Exam. This is a multiple-choice exam that tests your knowledge of medical assisting.

The AAMA Certification Exam is offered four times per year, so you can choose a date that works best for you. Once you have passed the exam, you will be officially certified and will need to renew your certification every 60 months. Renewal is simple and just requires that you complete re-certification credits and pay a fee.

The Renewal Process for Certification

To keep your certification current, you must renew it every two years. The renewal process for certification is simple and can be done entirely online. Certification renewals are divided into two parts: the Continuing Education (CE) and the Practice Performance Assessment (PPA).

The Benefits of Recertification

There are many benefits to recertifying as a medical assistant. Perhaps the most obvious is that it allows you to maintain your current level of certification and keep your skills up to date. In addition, recertifying demonstrates your commitment to your career and can help you advance in your field. It can also lead to increased job satisfaction and job stability.

Conclusion

Wrapping up, becoming a certified medical assistant has many benefits. It can help increase your job satisfaction, improve your patient care, and give you a leg up in the job market. If you are considering a career in medical assisting, we urge you to consider certification.