How to Get a Tennessee Medical Assistant License
Contents
How to Get a Tennessee medical assistant License. If you want to pursue a career in medical assisting in Tennessee, you will need to obtain a license.
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Introduction
Medical assistants in Tennessee are not required to have a license to perform their duties. However, they must complete a formal education program and pass an examination administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) to earn the Certified medical assistant (CMA) credential. Employers may also require medical assistants to be certified in CPR and to have completed a short course in Medical Terminology
What is a medical assistant?
A medical assistant is a healthcare professional who provides basic patient care and performs administrative tasks in a doctor’s office or clinic. They may also be known as a physician’s assistant, although this is a different job with different responsibilities.
Medical assistants are not qualified to diagnose or treat patients, but they can perform basic tasks such as taking vital signs, drawing blood, and administering injections. They also play an important role in administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, handling billing, and coding medical records
In order to work as a medical assistant in Tennessee, you must have a valid medical assistant license from the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners. You can apply for a license by completing an online application and submitting the required fee. Once your application has been processed, you will be notified by the Board of your licensure status.
Duties of a medical assistant
The duties of a medical assistant are wide-ranging and include both administrative and clinical tasks. Medical assistants are often the first point of contact for patients, so they must be able to handle all inquiries in a professional and courteous manner. They also schedule appointments, maintain Medical records bill insurance companies, and assist with office accounting.
In addition to these office duties, medical assistants may also be responsible for clinical tasks such as measuring patients’ vital signs, preparing them for examination, collecting specimens for testing, and performing basic laboratory tests. They may also give injections and assist with minor surgical procedures.
Education and training requirements
To become a medical assistant in Tennessee, you must complete an accredited training program and pass a certification exam. Below are the steps you need to take to earn your medical assistant license in Tennessee.
1. Complete an accredited training program.
2. Pass a certification exam.
3. Apply for your medical assistant license through the Tennessee Department of Health.
Certification and licensure
In order to work as a medical assistant in the state of Tennessee, you must be certified and licensed through the Tennessee Department of Health. The process to become a licensed medical assistant in Tennessee is as follows:
1. Complete an accredited medical assistant program.
2. Pass the American Association of Medical Assistants Certification Exam (AAMA-CMA).
3. Submit an application for licensure to the Tennessee Department of Health.
4. Take and pass the National Healthcare Association’s Certified Medical Assistant Exam (NHA-CMA).
5. Pay the required fees.
6. Renew your license every two years.
Job outlook and salary
Medical assistants are in high demand, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting job growth of 29% between 2016 and 2026. That’s nearly double the average growth rate for all occupations. As the baby boomer population ages and becomes increasingly reliant on health care services, the demand for medical assistants will continue to grow.
Medical assistants in Tennessee earned a median annual salary of $31,860 in 2017, according to the BLS. Salaries ranged from $22,590 at the low end to $44,770 at the high end. The best-paid 10% of medical assistants earned more than $44,770, while the lowest-paid 10% made less than $22,590.
Resources
There are a few different ways that you can go about getting your Tennessee medical assistant license. The first step is to make sure that you have completed an accredited medical assistant program. Once you have completed your education, you will need to pass the certification exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). After you have passed the exam, you will need to submit an application to the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners. Once your application has been processed, you will be issued your license.
Frequently asked questions
Q: How do I become a medical assistant in Tennessee?
A: All medical assistants in Tennessee must have a license in order to work in the state. There are two ways to become licensed: by taking an accredited medical assistant training program or by passing the national certification exam through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
Q: Do I need to be certified in order to get my license?
A: Yes, all medical assistants must be certified by the AAMA in order to qualify for a license.
Q: What are the requirements for taking the AAMA exam?
A: In order to sit for the AAMA exam, you must have completed an accredited medical assistant training program. Once you have completed your training, you will need to submit an application to the AAMA along with a fee. Once your application has been processed, you will be sent an appointment confirmation with instructions on how to schedule your exam.
Q: How long is my Tennessee medical assistant license valid?
A: Your license will need to be renewed every two years.
Conclusion
In conclusion, becoming a medical assistant in Tennessee is a great way to get started in the medical field. With the right training and certification, you can work in a variety of settings and help people in need. If you’re interested in beginning a career as a medical assistant, contact a local medical assistant school today.
