How to Study for Medical Assistant Certification

This blog post will show you how to study for medical assistant certification so that you can pass your exams and become a certified medical assistant

Checkout this video:

Introduction

Medical assistants are vital members of the healthcare team. They perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks to support doctors and other medical professionals.

If you’re considering a career as a medical assistant, you’ll need to get certified. The certification process can be daunting, but we’re here to help. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to study for medical assistant certification, from choosing the right program to studying for the exam.

What is medical assistant certification?

Medical assistant certification is proof that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of a medical assistant. Certification is not required in all states, but it may be required by some employers. Certification can be obtained through completing an accredited medical assisting program and passing an exam.

Who needs medical assistant certification?

Certification for Medical assistants is not required in all states, but many employers prefer to hire those who have it. Certification demonstrates that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the job and perform it well.

There are several organizations that offer certification for Medical Assistants but the most widely recognized is the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To earn certification from the AAMA, you must pass a detailed exam that covers all aspects of the job.

If you are thinking about becoming certified, or if you are already certified and need to renew your certification, there are a few things you can do to prepare for the exam.

First, familiarize yourself with the content areas that will be covered on the exam. The AAMA website offers a study guide that overviews the topics that will be tested. Review this guide carefully and make sure you understand each concept.

Next, create a study schedule and stick to it. Decide how much time you can realistically devote to studying each week, and then create a schedule that breaks down your study time into manageable chunks. For example, if you can study for two hours per day, four days per week, your schedule might look like this:

Day 1: Study Medical Terminology for one hour review one chapter of your anatomy and physiology textbook for one hour.
Day 2: Study medical office procedures for one hour review one chapter of your medical law and ethics textbook for one hour.
Day 3: Study diagnostic procedures for one hour review one chapter of your pharmacology textbook for one hour.
Day 4: Take a practice exam review your weakest subject area for one hour.
As you can see, this schedule ensures that you are studying all of the content areas covered on the exam, and it also allows you to focus more attention on those areas where you need more help. Be sure to build in some time for breaks –– studying can be exhausting, so it’s important to take some time to relax and rejuvenate yourself so that you can stay focused and motivated.

What are the benefits of medical assistant certification?

There are many benefits to becoming a certified medical assistant. In addition to demonstrating your commitment to your chosen profession, certification can lead to higher wages and career advancement.

certified medical assistants earn, on average, 20% more than non-certified medical assistants.
In addition, certified medical assistants are often given first consideration for promotions and higher-level positions. Many employers also require certification for certain positions.

Becoming a certified medical assistant can open up doors to new opportunities and help you attain the career goals you have set for yourself.

How to study for medical assistant certification

Medical assistant certification is not required in all states, but many employers prefer or require certification. The Certification Alliance of Medical Assistants offers the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential. CCMA credentials are valid for 60 months, or 5 years. To earn the CCMA credential, candidates must pass a computer-based, multiple-choice examination.

This examination tests medical assisting knowledge in five domains: general medical knowledge; administrative medical assisting; clinical medical assisting; infection control; and safety. Prior to taking the CCMA examination, candidates must complete a medical assisting program at an accredited institution and submit an application to the Certification Alliance of Medical Assistants that includes documentation of completion of a medical assisting program and completion of a skills checklist documenting proficiency in seven core skill areas: patient registration; measuring vital signs; performing venipunctures and skin punctures; administering medications (orally, topically, by intramuscular, subcutaneous and intradermal injections); preparing patients for examinations/treatments; collecting and handling laboratory specimens; and performing office emergencies.

Candidates have three years from the date of program completion to take the examination and submit their application to the Certification Alliance of Medical Assistants.

What is the certification process?

The certification process for medical assistants varies by state, but generally includes passing a standardized exam administered by a certification board or organization such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), National Healthcare Association (NHA), or National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). Some states also require certification by the American Medical Technologists (AMT) or National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).

What is the scope of medical assistant certification?

Medical assistants are specially trained to perform both clerical and clinical duties in doctors’ offices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Although their duties may vary depending on the size and type of facility in which they work, medical assistants typically perform a combination of administrative and clinical tasks. Administrative tasks may include answering telephones, scheduling appointments, taking and recording patients’ medical histories, filling out insurance forms, and coding patients’ medical records Clinical tasks may include taking patients’ vital signs (weight, blood pressure, temperature, and pulse), measuring patients’ height and weight, preparing treatment rooms for examinations, drawing blood samples, performing basic laboratory tests (such as urine analysis), removing sutures (stitches), applying bandages or other dressings to wounds, instructing patients about medications or special diets that have been prescribed for them by a physician or other health care provider.

How to maintain medical assistant certification?

To maintain your medical assistant certification, you will need to recertify every few years. The process is generally straightforward and can be done online. You will need to:

1. Review the certification handbook for updates and changes.
2. Complete the application for recertification.
3. Submit the required documentation and payment.
4. Take and pass the recertification exam, if required.

FAQs about medical assistant certification

There are many types of medical assistant certification, but the most common is the Certified Medical Assistant or CMA. To become a CMA, you must pass an exam administered by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants or AAMA.

To prepare for the CMA exam, you should first familiarize yourself with the content areas that will be covered. The AAMA offers a study guide that outlines the major topics on the exam. You can also find practice questions online to get a sense of what types of questions will be asked.

In addition to studying the material, it is also important to understand the format of the exam. The CMA exam consists of multiple-choice questions, but there are also some tasks that you will need to complete in a simulated medical office. To become comfortable with the format of the exam, it is helpful to take practice tests or use an online study guide that includes sample questions.

Once you have reviewed the material and practiced for the exam, you should schedule a time to take it. The CMA exam is offered year-round at testing centers around the country. You can find a testing center by visiting the AAMA website or contacting your local community college.

Taking and passing the CMA exam is an important step in becoming a medical assistant. With proper preparation, you can earn your certification and begin your new career in healthcare!

Conclusion

To successfully study for medical assistant certification, we suggest using a combination of books, online resources, and practice exams. Make sure to focus specifically on the topics that will be covered on your exam, and don’t try to learn everything at once. Breaking down the material into manageable chunks will help you retain the information and feel confident come test day.