How to Get Medical Assistant Certification in Tucson, AZ

Are you interested in becoming a medical assistant in Tucson, AZ? Here’s everything you need to know about how to get certified in Tucson, AZ.

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Introduction

Medical assistants are in high demand. They play a vital role in the healthcare industry, providing support to doctors, nurses, and other medical staff. If you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant you may be wondering how to get started.

The first step is to earn your medical assistant certification. This can be done through a certificate or diploma program at a vocational school or community college. Once you have completed your training, you will need to pass the medical assistant Certification Exam (CMA) administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

Once you have earned your certification, you will be ready to start your career as a Medical Assistant. Tucson, Arizona is a great place to begin your career in healthcare. With its many hospitals and clinics, Tucson offers ample opportunities for employment.

What is a Medical Assistant?

A medical assistant is a healthcare professional who assists doctors and other medical staff in providing patient care. In most cases, they work in outpatient facilities, such as clinics and doctor’s offices. Their duties may include taking patient medical histories, scheduling appointments, handling Insurance billing, taking vitals signs and more. Some medical assistants may also be certified to perform basic laboratory tests and give injections.

Most medical assistants have at least a high school diploma, although some states require formal training or certification. Employers typically provide on-the-job training. Some community colleges offer certificate or diploma programs in medical assisting, which typically take about a year to complete.

The Tucson area has many schools that offer certification for medical assistants. The following is a list of some of the schools in the area:

Pima Community College
Tucson Medical Assistant School
ATI Career Training Center
Everest College

Duties of a Medical Assistant

The duties of a medical assistant are both administrative and clinical. Medical assistants are responsible for greeting patients, scheduling appointments, handling billing and insurance matters, preparing patients for examination, taking patient medical histories and vital signs, and performing basic laboratory tests. In some states they may also give injections under the direction of a physician. Clinical duties may include assisting with examinations and minor surgical procedures, removing sutures, applying dressings, collecting tissue and fluid specimens for laboratory analysis, preparing patients for X-rays, instructing patients about medication and special diets, drawing blood, and administering electrocardiograms.

Education and Training Requirements

To become a medical assistant in Tucson, AZ, you will need to complete an accredited medical assistant program. You can find several accredited programs at local community colleges and trade schools. Once you have completed your education, you will need to pass the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

Certification

To work as a medical assistant in Tucson, AZ, certification is not required by the state. However, many employers prefer to hire certified medical assistants, and some may require certification. Below are three nationally recognized certifying organizations for medical assistants, as well as details on how to become certified through each organization.

The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) offers the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential. To be eligible for the CMA exam, candidates must have completed an accredited medical assisting program and have graduated from high school or earned a GED. One year of work experience is also required. The CMA exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering medical ethics, human anatomy and physiology, medical office administration and clinical procedures.

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) offers the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential. Candidates must have completed an accredited medical assistant program and have graduated from high school or earned a GED. One year of work experience is also required. The CCMA exam consists of 170 multiple-choice questions covering Medical Terminology human anatomy and physiology, administrative and clinical procedures.

The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) offers the National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) credential. Candidates must have completed an accredited medical assistant program and have graduated from high school or earned a GED. One year of work experience is also required. The NCMA exam consists of 170 multiple-choice questions covering human anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, administrative and clinical procedures.

Job Outlook

The outlook for medical assistants in Tucson is positive, with the industry expected to experience steady growth in the coming years. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 23 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.1

With this growth comes opportunity, and those who are certified will have the best chance at landing a job. Certification demonstrates to employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to be a successful medical assistant.

There are a few different ways to become certified as a medical assistant in Tucson. The most common way is by completing an accredited training program, which can be done at a community college or technical school. After completing a training program, you will then need to pass a certification exam, such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

Once you have your certification, you will need to keep it current by renewing it every few years and completing continuing education credits. By staying up-to-date on your certification and continuing your education, you will show employers that you are dedicated to your career and committed to providing quality patient care.

Salary

One of the primary concerns for those considering a career in medical assisting is what they can expect to earn. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for medical assistants was $34,800 in May 2018. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $25,710, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $49,620.

Pros and Cons of Being a Medical Assistant

There are many things to consider before you enter the medical field as a medical assistant. One of the most important is whether or not you want to get certified. There are both pros and cons to getting medical assistant certification in Tucson, AZ that you should be aware of before making your decision.

The most obvious pro is that it will make you more marketable to potential employers. In today’s job market, anything that makes you stand out from the crowd is a good thing. Certification also shows that you are serious about your career and committed to being the best medical assistant you can be.

The downside of certification is that it can be expensive and time-consuming. If you are already working as a medical assistant, it may be difficult to find the time to take the necessary classes and exams. However, many employers are willing to help pay for certification if they feel it will benefit their business.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to get medical assistant certification in Tucson, AZ is one that only you can make. Weigh the pros and cons carefully before making your decision so that you can be sure it is the right one for you.

Steps to Becoming a Medical Assistant in Tucson, AZ

Becoming a medical assistant is a great way to jumpstart your career in the medical field. If you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant in Tucson, AZ, there are a few steps you need to take.

The first step is to research and find an accredited Medical Assistant program that fits your needs. Once you’ve found a program, the next step is to apply and be accepted into the program. After you’ve completed the necessary coursework, the final step is to sit for and pass the Medical Assistant Certification Exam.

Completing these steps will allow you to work as a medical assistant in Tucson, AZ. With experience, you may also choose to pursue other opportunities in the medical field such as becoming a certified nurse assistant or working as a medical office manager.

Conclusion

You have several options for medical assistant certification in Tucson, AZ. You can attend a traditional college or university, or you can attend a vocational school or an online program. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of program, so you should research each option carefully before making a decision. Whichever route you choose, make sure the program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).