Michigan Medical Assistants Can Get Certified Online
Contents
- 1. Introduction
- What is a medical assistant?
- The duties of a medical assistant
- The benefits of certification
- Why get certified online?
- How to become a certified medical assistant
- The process of becoming a certified medical assistant
- The benefits of becoming a certified medical assistant
- Why you should become a certified medical assistant
- How to get started as a certified medical assistant
Michigan Medical assistants can get certified online through a variety of different online certification programs.
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1. Introduction
Medical assistants are in high demand across the United States especially in states with expansive and rapidly-growing healthcare industries. In Michigan, the medical assistant profession is booming, with the number of jobs expected to grow by 31% through 2026.i With such a high demand for medical assistants, those interested in the profession may be wondering how to become a certified medical assistant in Michigan.
The good news is that medical assistants can now be certified online through an accredited program, such as the one offered by Career Step. Career Step’s program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and satisfies the requirements set forth by the Michigan Board of Medicine.
What is a medical assistant?
A medical assistant is an allied health professional that supports the work of physicians and other health professionals, usually in clinics and other outpatient healthcare facilities. Medical assistants perform a variety of clinical and administrative tasks, including taking and recording vital signs, scheduling appointments, drawing blood, preparing patients for exams, assisting with procedures, handling correspondence, coding and billing information, and maintaining medical records
The duties of a medical assistant
Medical assistants are increasingly in demand as the healthcare industry expands. Medical assistants perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks to support the work of physicians and other health professionals.
Most medical assistants have postsecondary education such as a certificate, diploma, or associate’s degree from a medical assisting program; however, some states require certification or licensure.
The benefits of certification
There are many benefits to becoming a certified medical assistant. The Michigan Medical Assistants Association reports that certified medical assistants are in high demand and earn on average 10-12% more than their non-certified colleagues.
In addition, certification gives you the opportunity to network with other professionals in your field and improve your skills. The MMAA also reports that certified medical assistants have better job satisfaction and are more likely to stay in their positions than those who are not certified.
Obtaining certification is a relatively simple process. You can either take a certification exam through an accredited institution, such as the American Association of Medical Assistants, or you can complete a certificate program at a community college or online provider. Online programs generally take between 6 and 18 months to complete, and include coursework in Medical Terminology general office procedures, billing and coding, anatomy and physiology, and patient relations.
Why get certified online?
In the state of Michigan, medical assistants can become certified through an online program. The requirements to become certified include completing an accredited medical assistant program and passing the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
There are several reasons why individuals may choose to complete their certification online. Online programs may be more flexible for those who have full-time jobs or other commitments. Online programs may also be more affordable than traditional classroom-based programs.
The AAMA offers a variety of resources for students who are interested in becoming certified medical assistants. The AAMA website provides information on accredited medical assistant programs, as well as a list of approved testing centers for the CMA exam.
How to become a certified medical assistant
Medical assistants in Michigan are unlicensed, unregulated health care professionals who perform routine clinical and administrative tasks in doctors’ offices, clinics, long-term care facilities, and hospitals. Although not required by Michigan law, certification may improve employment opportunities and lead to higher wages.
There are several paths to becoming a certified medical assistant (CMA). The two most common are completing an accredited medical assisting program and passing the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants’ (AAMA) Certification Examination, or passing the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam administered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT). To be eligible for the AAMA exam, candidates must have completed an accredited medical assisting program within the last five years or have worked full-time as a medical assistant for at least five years. Candidates for the AMT exam must have completed a medical assisting program or have equivalent work experience.
Certified medical assistants in Michigan earn an average hourly wage of $15.40, or $32,040 per year. The median hourly wage is $14.90, which means that half of all CMAs earn less than this amount and half earn more. The lowest 10 percent earn less than $10.60 per hour ($22,010 per year), while the highest 10 percent earn more than $20.70 per hour ($43,090 per year).
The process of becoming a certified medical assistant
Medical assistants in Michigan are not currently required to be certified, but many employers prefer or require certification. There are several organizations that offer certification for medical assistants, and the process of becoming certified generally includes completing an accredited educational program and passing an exam.
While there are no state requirements for certification, the Michigan Medical Assistants Association (MMAA) offers a voluntary certification program for medical assistants in Michigan. To be eligible for the MMAA certification exam, candidates must have completed an accredited medical assistant program and have at least one year of full-time work experience as a medical assistant.
There are also several national certification organizations that offer exam-based certifications for medical assistants. These include the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential from the American Medical Technologists (AMT), and the National Healthcareer Association’s Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential. To be eligible to take these exams, candidates must have completed an accredited medical assistant program.
The benefits of becoming a certified medical assistant
Medical assistants are in high demand across the United States, especially in states with large rural populations and a growing elderly population. In Michigan, medical assistants can get certified online through the National Healthcare Association (NHA). The certification process is quick and easy, and it provides a number of benefits for medical assistants.
Certified medical assistants are more likely to be hired than non-certified medical assistants. They also tend to earn higher salaries and have more opportunities for advancement. In addition, certified medical assistants can work in any state in the country, which gives them more flexibility if they want to move to another state.
The certification process involves passing an exam that tests your knowledge of medical assisting. The exam is not difficult, and you can usually take it online within a few hours. Once you pass the exam, you will be eligible to receive your certification card from the NHA.
Becoming a certified medical assistant is a great way to improve your career prospects and earn a higher salary. If you are interested in becoming a medical assistant, Michigan is a great state to start your career.
Why you should become a certified medical assistant
Michigan medical assistants looking to enhance their skills and improve their chances of employment can get certified online. Online certification programs offer a number of advantages, including flexibility, convenience, and affordability.
Medical assistants who are certified are more likely to be employed than those who are not. In addition, certified medical assistants usually earn higher wages than those who are not certified. Certified medical assistants also have the opportunity to advance in their careers more quickly than those who are not certified.
There are a number of online certification programs that Michigan medical assistants can choose from. These programs vary in terms of cost, duration, and requirements. Some programs may require that students take an exam, while others may not.
The Michigan Board of Medicine does not currently require medical assistants to be certified. However, many employers prefer to hire certified medical assistants, and certification can give job seekers a competitive edge.
How to get started as a certified medical assistant
Michigan medical assistants can get certified online through a number of different programs. The most common way to become a medical assistant is to attend an accredited program and then pass the certification exam, but there are other ways to become certified.
Some community colleges offer medical assistant programs that can be completed in as little as two semesters. These programs often include an externship, which gives students the opportunity to get real-world experience in a medical setting. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to take the certification exam.
Many online medical assistant programs are also available. These programs typically take between six and twelve months to complete and include both classroom and clinical components. Like traditional programs, online programs typically culminate in a externship experience. Once students have completed their program and externship, they are eligible to take the certification exam.