How to Get Medical Assistant Certification in Tennessee

If you want to become a certified medical assistant in the state of Tennessee, here’s what you need to do. Follow these steps and you’ll be on your way to a new career in no time!

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Introduction

Interested in becoming a medical assistant in Tennessee? There are a few things you need to do in order to get certified in the state. First, you must successfully complete an accredited program for Medical assistants Once you have finished your accredited program, you must then pass the Certification Exam for Medical Assistants (CMA) administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

There are several schools in Tennessee that offer accredited programs for medical assistants. A few of these schools are:
-Chattanooga State Community College
-Fortis Institute-Nashville
-Jackson State Community College
-Motlow State Community College
-Northeast State Community College
-Southwest Tennessee Community College

Once you have completed an accredited program, you are then eligible to take the CMA exam. The CMA exam is a 4-part exam that tests your knowledge and skills in the following areas: Medical Terminology anatomy and physiology, clinical procedures, and administrative procedures.

What are the requirements for medical assistant certification in Tennessee?

Medical assistants in Tennessee are not currently required to be certified in order to work. However, many employers prefer or require candidates to have certification, and some medical assisting programs may require certification for graduation. The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) offers the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential, which is recognized in Tennessee. To be eligible for the CMA exam, candidates must have graduated from an accredited medical assisting program or have equivalent experience. Candidates who have completed a non-accredited program or who have experience working as a medical assistant can apply for a CMA waiver.

The CMA exam is a computer-based test that consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as medical knowledge, patient relations, and administrative skills. Candidates are given two hours to complete the exam, and a score of 75% is required to pass. Once candidates have passed the exam, they will need to complete an annual recertification process to maintain their credential. This process includes paying an annual fee and completing continuing education credits.

How to become a medical assistant in Tennessee

There are several ways to become a medical assistant in the state of Tennessee. One option is to attend a medical assistant training program at a community college or vocational school. Upon completion of the program, you will be eligible to take the certification exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Once you have passed the exam, you will be a certified medical assistant (CMA).

Another option is to attend an accredited online medical assistant program. These programs typically take about 12 months to complete and also prepare you to take the AAMA certification exam.

Once you have completed a training program and passed the certification exam, you will need to apply for a medical assistant license through the Tennessee Department of Health. The licensing process includes a background check and completing an application.

Medical assistants in Tennessee must renew their licenses every two years. The renewal process includes completing continuing education credits (CECs).

The medical assistant certification process in Tennessee

To become a medical assistant in the state of Tennessee, you must complete an accredited medical assistant program and pass the national certified medical assistant (CMA) exam. This process is overseen by the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners (TBME).

In order to be eligible for certification, you must:

-Be a high school graduate or have completed an approved equivalency program
-Complete an accredited medical assistant program
-Pass the national certified medical assistant (CMA) exam

After you have completed these steps, you will be able to apply for certification through the TBME. Once your application has been processed, you will be issued a certificate that allows you to work as a medical assistant in Tennessee.

The different types of medical assistant certification in Tennessee

There are three different types of medical assistant certification in Tennessee: the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

The RMA is the most common type of certification, and it requires completion of an accredited medical assistant program. The CMA is less common, and it requires both completion of an accredited medical assistant program and passing an exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). The LPN is the least common type of certification, and it requires both completion of an accredited practical nursing program and passing an exam administered by the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

How to maintain medical assistant certification in Tennessee

Tennessee does not have a medical assistant certification program. In order to become certified, you will need to contact a certifying organization, such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the American Medical Technologists (AMT). You can find more information on their websites.

The benefits of medical assistant certification in Tennessee

There are many benefits to becoming a certified medical assistant in Tennessee. Not only will you be able to work in a variety of medical settings, but you will also be able to provide high-quality patient care. In addition, medical assistant certification in Tennessee can lead to higher wages and opportunities for advancement.

The challenges of medical assistant certification in Tennessee

Although medical assistant certification is not required in Tennessee, many employers prefer to hire certified medical assistants. Although the majority of medical assistants are certified, the process of becoming certified can be challenging, especially in a state like Tennessee where there are no specific requirements for certification.

To become a certified medical assistant in Tennessee, you will need to pass an accredited medical assistant certification exam. There are many different exams that you can choose from, but the most popular and widely recognized is the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). The CMA exam is a national exam that is offered in all 50 states.

Once you have passed the CMA exam, you will need to submit an application to the Tennessee Department of Health for a licensure as a medical assistant. The application process can be challenging, and it is important to make sure that you complete all of the necessary steps. In addition to the application, you will also need to submit transcripts from your medical assisting program, as well as a copy of your CMA certificate.

Once you have been licensed as a medical assistant in Tennessee, you will need to maintain your license by completing continuing education credits every year. Although there are no specific requirements for continuing education in Tennessee, most employers prefer that their employees complete at least 10 hours of continuing education every year.

FAQs about medical assistant certification in Tennessee

Q: Do I need to be certified to work as a medical assistant in Tennessee?
A: No, certification is not required by the state of Tennessee. However, many employers prefer to hire certified medical assistants, and some may require certification. Certification also shows that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the job.

Q: How do I become certified?
A: To become certified, you must pass an exam administered by either the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). You can find more information about these exams on the websites for each organization.

Q: How much does certification cost?
A: The cost of certification varies depending on which organization you choose to take your exam with. The AAMA charges a $155 fee for members and $200 for non-members. The NHA charges a $125 fee for members and $150 for non-members.

Q: How long is certification valid?
A: Certification is valid for five years. After five years, you must recertify to maintain your credential.

Conclusion

There are many ways to become a certified medical assistant in Tennessee. You can complete an accredited training program, pass a certification exam, or earn a certificate from the state. Each option has its own set of requirements, but all will help you to become a qualified medical assistant in Tennessee.