How to Become a Registered Medical Assistant in Washington State
Contents
- Introduction: Becoming a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) in Washington State
- Eligibility Requirements for RMAs in Washington State
- The Registration Process for RMAs in Washington State
- The RMA Certification Exam in Washington State
- Maintaining Registered Medical Assistant Status in Washington State
- The Benefits of Being a Registered Medical Assistant in Washington State
- The duties of a Registered Medical Assistant in Washington State
- The Future of Registered Medical Assistants in Washington State
- FAQs about becoming an RMA in Washington State
- Conclusion: Why becoming an RMA in Washington State is a great career choice
If you want to become a registered medical assistant in Washington State, you must complete an accredited medical assistant program and pass the Washington State Medical Assistant Certification Exam.
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Introduction: Becoming a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) in Washington State
To become a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) in Washington State, you must complete an accredited medical assistant program and pass the national certification exam administered by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical assistants (AAMA). Once you have completed these steps, you may apply for state certification through the Department of Health.
Eligibility Requirements for RMAs in Washington State
In order to become a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) in the state of Washington, candidates must first complete an accredited medical assisting program. Once they have completed their training, they must then pass the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Candidates who wish to become RMAs must also pass a state-approved jurisprudence exam and submit a completed application to the Washington State Department of Health.
The state of Washington requires that all RMAs maintain their registration by completing continuing education every two years.
The Registration Process for RMAs in Washington State
In order to become a registered medical assistant (RMA) in Washington state, you must complete an accredited medical assisting program and pass the national electric examination (MA). Once you have completed these requirements, you will be able to apply for registration with the Washington State Department of Health.
The registration process for RMAs in Washington state is as follows:
1. Complete an accredited medical assisting program.
2. Pass the national electric examination (MA).
3. Apply for registration with the Washington State Department of Health.
4. Submit proof of completion of an accredited medical assisting program and a passing score on the national electric examination (MA).
5. Once your application has been processed, you will be issued a registration certificate which is valid for two years.
The RMA Certification Exam in Washington State
In order to become a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) in Washington State, you must first pass the RMA certification exam. The RMA certification exam is a multiple-choice test that covers a wide range of topics, including Medical Terminology anatomy and physiology, medical office procedures, and patient relations.
You will have three hours to complete the exam, and you must answer at least 70% of the questions correctly in order to pass. The RMA certification exam is offered by several different organizations, including the National Healthcare Association (NHA), the American Medical Technologists (AMT), and the National Certification Corporation (NCC).
Once you have passed the RMA certification exam, you will need to submit an application to the Washington State Department of Health. Along with your application, you will need to submit a copy of your certification, a copy of your official transcript from an accredited medical assistant program, and a $50 application fee.
If you have any questions about becoming a Registered Medical Assistant in Washington State, please contact the Department of Health at (360) 236-4700.
Maintaining Registered Medical Assistant Status in Washington State
All practicing medical assistants in Washington State must maintain their registration with the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). Registered medical assistants are required to complete at least 10 contact hours of continuing education (CE) every year. Of the 10 required contact hours, at least one hour must be focused on infection control and prevention. Additional requirements for CE include:
() At least half of the contact hours must be completed in live or interactive formats
() Up to four contact hours may be completed in self-study formats
() No more than four contact hours may be earned through workbooks, case studies or flipped classroom instruction
() No more than six contact hours may be earned in any single year through an academic institution
The Benefits of Being a Registered Medical Assistant in Washington State
There are many benefits to becoming a Registered Medical Assistant in Washington State. One of the biggest benefits is that Registered Medical Assistants are in high demand in Washington State. According to the Washington State Department of Health, the projected growth for Medical Assistants in Washington State is expected to be much higher than the national average over the next ten years. This means that there will be plenty of job opportunities for Registered Medical Assistants in Washington State.
Another big benefit of becoming a Registered Medical Assistant in Washington State is that Registered Medical Assistants make a good salary. The median salary for a Registered Medical Assistant in Washington State is $37,770 per year. This is significantly higher than the median salary for all occupations in Washington State, which is $34,470 per year.
In order to become a Registered Medical Assistant in Washington State, you must first complete an accredited medical assistant training program. Once you have completed a medical assistant training program, you must then pass the national certification exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). After you have passed the AAMA’s national certification exam, you will need to apply to the Washington State Department of Health for your registered medical assistant credential.
Becoming a Registered Medical Assistant in Washington State is a great way to start a career in healthcare. If you are looking for a rewarding career with good job prospects and a good salary, then becoming a Registered Medical Assistant in Washington State may be right for you.
The duties of a Registered Medical Assistant in Washington State
A Registered Medical Assistant in Washington State (RMA) is a medical professional who has graduated from an accredited program and passed a nationally recognized exam. The RMA designation is relatively new, but the duties of an RMA are similar to those of a certified medical assistant (CMA).
The duties of an RMA include performing clinical and administrative tasks in support of physicians and other health care providers. RMAs may work in hospitals, clinics, or physician’s offices. They may also work in other settings, such as nursing homes or Home Health Care agencies.
Clinical duties of an RMA may include taking and recording patients’ vital signs, such as blood pressure and temperature; taking patients’ medical histories; preparing patients for examinations; helping with procedures; and providing patient education. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, managing billing and insurance paperwork, handling correspondence, and maintaining patient records.
Some RMAs may also have additional training in specializing areas, such as phlebotomy or electrocardiography.
The Future of Registered Medical Assistants in Washington State
Currently, in Washington State, there are over 19,000 medical assistants employed and that number is expected to grow by 34% in the next ten years. With an aging population, the demand for healthcare services is expected to continue to rise. This means good news for those interested in a career as a registered medical assistant (RMA).
Becoming an RMA requires completing an accredited medical assisting program and passing a certification exam. The Commission on Accrediting of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) accredit medical assisting programs. In Washington State, there are over 25 CAAHEP and ABHES accredited programs to choose from.
Once you have completed an accredited program, you will then need to pass the certification exam. The Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) administers the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam. To be eligible to take the CMA exam, you must have graduated from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited program within the last 5 years or have completed at least 5 years of work experience as a medical assistant within the last 10 years.
The CMA exam is comprised of 200 multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as medical terminology, human anatomy and physiology, infection control, office operations and medical law and ethics. Once you have passed the CMA exam, you will need to maintain your certification by completing 60 hours of continuing education every 60 months.
With a growing demand for healthcare services and a aging population, now is a great time to consider a career as an RMA. If you are interested in becoming an RMA in Washington State, be sure to check out our list of accredited programs below.
FAQs about becoming an RMA in Washington State
In order to become a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) in Washington State, you must:
1. Complete an accredited medical assisting program;
2. Pass the Aircraft Maintenance Technician Series examination; and
3. Be credentialed by the Washington State Department of Health as a medical assistant-certified or medical assistant-registered.
Q: Do I need to complete an accredited medical assisting program in order to become an RMA in Washington State?
A: Yes, in order to become an RMA in Washington State, you must complete an accredited medical assisting program. The following accrediting organizations are recognized by the Washington State Department of Health:
-The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
-The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
-The National Healthcare Association (NHA)
If you have completed a medical assisting program that is not accredited by one of the organizations listed above, you may still be eligible for certification if you can provide evidence that your program meets the requirements set forth by the Washington State Department of Health.
Q: What is the Aircraft Maintenance Technician Series examination?
A: The Aircraft Maintenance Technician Series examination is a national examination administered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). You must pass this examination in order to become an RMA in Washington State.
Q: How do I get credentialed as a medical assistant-certified or medical assistant-registered by the Washington State Department of Health?
A: In order to get credentialed as a medical assistant-certified or medical assistant-registered, you must submit an application to the Washington State Department of Health along with the following documentation:
-A completed application form;
-Proof of successful completion of an accredited medical assisting program;
-Official transcripts from your accredited medical assisting program; and
-A current resume or curriculum vitae.
Conclusion: Why becoming an RMA in Washington State is a great career choice
If you’re looking for a career in healthcare that is both challenging and rewarding, becoming a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) in Washington State may be the perfect choice for you. Medical Assistants play a vital role in the healthcare industry, providing direct patient care and performing a variety of administrative tasks.
There are many reasons why becoming an RMA in Washington State is a great career choice, including the following:
-RMAs are in high demand. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment of medical assistants will grow 29 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.
-RMAs can earn a competitive salary. The median annual wage for medical assistants was $31,540 in May 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
-RMAs can find work in a variety of settings. RMAs may work in hospitals, clinics, private physician offices, or other healthcare facilities.
-RMAs can enjoy flexible working hours. Many RMAs work full time; however, some may work part time or evening and weekend hours to accommodate their personal schedule.
If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding career in healthcare, becoming an RMA in Washington State may be the perfect choice for you.