A certified medical assistant work in outpatient or ambulatory care settings with physicians and nurses. Medical offices and clinics are examples of this.
Cross-training is provided through a medical assistant program, allowing you to do administrative and clinical roles. These could include the following:
- Organizing appointments
- Using a computer to enter patient information
- Phlebotomy is the practice of drawing blood from a patient (taking blood)
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) (EKG)
- Explaining the procedures for treatment.
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Career Projections in CMA
Certified medical assistants (CMAs) are one of the fastest-growing occupations in the United States.
The expected increase in the number of practicing physicians, outpatient clinics, and an increasing number of senior individuals in need of medical treatment is attributable to the job growth.
In our medical assistant career overview, you’ll discover more information regarding certification, salary, the highest-paying states and metropolitan regions, and a list of resources.
How to Become a Certified Medical Assistant: A Step-By-Step Guide
To secure a job as a medical assistant, you must complete specified educational and credential requirements.
A high school diploma or its equivalent is the minimum educational qualification for entry into an authorized medical assistant program.
Once you have completed an authorized program and are certified, you will take an examination.
This exam verifies that you have the knowledge and skills to accomplish the required tasks for your prospective employer.
Depending on the state, the program and certification criteria may differ.
Complete a High School Diploma or Its Equivalent
The minimal educational qualification is a high school diploma. Math and science classes in high school will assist you in obtaining your medical assistant certification.
Complete a Medical Assistant Program That Is Accredited
You must pass the CMA (AAMA) exam to work as a medical assistant. A student must have completed a program approved by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education
Programs to Be Able to Take the Exam (CAAHEP)
The curriculum can last anywhere from 9 to 12 months, and many are provided through career centers or colleges. In conclusion, some community colleges provide a two-year program with an associate degree.
Submit an Application for Certification as a Medical Assistant
You must complete the qualifying requirements to take the CMA (AAMA) exam through the American Association of Medical Assistants after graduating from an accredited institution (AAMA).
The exam must be taken no later than 30 days before graduation and the completion of the practicum. It will set you back $125.
Students who are not currently enrolled or wish to recertify must provide certified transcripts or their most recent certification number.
AAMA members pay $125, while nonmembers pay $250. Every 60 months, you must recertify.
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Pass the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam
The CMA (AAMA) exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions administered over four 40-minute periods.
Between July 2019 and July 2020, 67 percent of those who took the test passed.
If you want to increase your chances of passing the CMA test, you might consider attending a refresher course and completing practice exams.
Go to Medical Assistant Credentials for more information.
Look For Work
Medical assistants work in outpatient clinics and doctors’ offices all the time.
On the other hand, medical assistant qualifications enable you to work in hospitals, colleges and universities, medical research institutes, diagnostic laboratories, nursing homes, and even insurance companies.
Medical Assistant Credentials (Jump to Working as a Certified Medical Assistant)
Medical Assistant Credentials (Jump to Working as a Certified Medical Assistant
A CMA certificate or an associate degree in medical assisting are the two main paths to becoming eligible for the CMA (AAMA) exam.
You can acquire your associate degree or graduate from an accredited medical assistant school (also accredited).
It takes 9-12 months to complete a medical assistant program. An associate degree takes two years to complete and can be used as a stepping stone toward a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).
Certification
The AAMA’s CMA (AAMA) credential verifies that the holder has been taught and tested in the responsibilities and abilities required of a medical assistant.
Although the state or the federal government does not require the certification, many employers do.
If your credentials have not expired for more than 90 days, you must recertify every 60 months by retaking the CMA (AAMA) or continuing education.
As a Certified Medical Assistant, you’ll be able to help people in a variety of ways.
After graduating, a medical assistant may find work in their local neighborhood and become qualified to practice through networking and online job boards for outpatient clinics and physicians’ offices.
Certified Medical Assistant Salary
In 2022, the median yearly wage was $37,850.
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Conclusion
It takes a well-structured process before you can be certified as a medical assistant. Fortunately, by following the steps above, you can make your dream of becoming a certified medical assistant a reality.
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