How to become a Medical Assistant (CMA)
Medical Assistants work in a variety of medical settings to help doctors and nurses deliver healthcare services to a wide range of patients. Becoming a Medical Assistant can also offer many opportunities to develop medical skills and advance in the career field. If you’re thinking of becoming a medical assistant, chances are you can start your career in as little as one year.
In this article, you’ll learn what a Medical Assistant does, how you can become a CMA (AAMA), and some frequently asked questions about being a Medical Assistant.
A Medical Assistant is a medical professional who assists nurses and physicians. A certified medical assistant holds a certification that has been approved by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Typically, a CMA (AAMA) will have completed an accredited medical assistant educational program prior to earning their certification. Medical assistants can work in a variety of healthcare settings to provide medical assistance to doctors and nurses. Medical assistants typically work in medical facilities such as offices, clinics, rehabilitation centers, and hospitals or in home health care settings.
What does a Medical Assistant do?
A medical assistant may perform a wide variety of tasks on a day-to-day basis. Medical Assistants may be responsible for tasks such as assisting doctors and nurses with routine physical exams, as well as interacting with and assisting patients with procedures and treatments. Other tasks that a medical assistant may be responsible for include:
- Record medical history and patient information
- Help with administrative tasks, such as making appointments, organizing medical records, and filing insurance claims.
- Help with office procedures, such as taking X-rays and assisting physicians with routine and specialty treatments
- Collection and analysis of blood, fluid and tissue samples
- Record patient treatment plans and assist physicians in monitoring patient health
- Depending on the medical center, a medical assistant may have additional responsibilities in their daily schedules.
Median Certified Medical Assistant Salary
According to data presented in Indeed’s Salary Guide, the national median salary for a CMA (AAMA) is $15.07 per hour. Additionally, the median salary for a CMA (AAMA) can vary by state and level of experience. This may mean that CMAs (AAMAs) may earn earnings above, below, or comparable to the national median salary.
How to become a Certified Medical Assistant
Certified Medical Assistants must attend an accredited training program before qualifying to take their certification exams. Although it is still possible to find employment as a medical assistant without certification, obtaining your certification may qualify you for open jobs that most healthcare employers may require certification for. Also, you may be able to work as a medical assistant while you get your certification. However, it is normal for medical assistants to complete an accredited program and become certified before entering the field.
If you are thinking of pursuing a career as a CMA (AAMA), the following steps can help you get started:
1. Research Accredited Medical Assistant Programs
2. Complete a CMA (AAMA) accredited educational program
3. Qualify to take the CMA Certification Exam (AAMA)
4. Take the CMA Certification Exam (AAMA)
5. Apply for CMA (AAMA) positions
1. Research Accredited Medical Assistant Programs
To become a Certified Medical Assistant you need to attend an accredited program. Your first step in your CMA (AAMA) career could be to research available programs that fit the accreditation criteria established by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). You can research community colleges, vocational schools, and universities.
2. Complete a CMA (AAMA) accredited educational program
Once you have chosen your medical assistant program, you can begin your education. During your educational program, you will study topics related to the fundamentals of health care, as well as subjects in anatomy and physiology. You can also opt for a medical assistant specialty, such as radiology. After completing your medical assistant education program, you can apply to sit for the CMA certification exam.
3. Qualify to take the CMA Certification Exam (AAMA)
If you choose to enroll in an accredited medical assistant program, you may be eligible to take the CMA (AAMA) exam upon completion of your training. However, if you work as a medical assistant and want to obtain CMA (AAMA) status, you will need to qualify to take the exam. Attending an accredited medical assistant program meets the requirements to take the CMA (AAMA) certification exam. So no matter how you begin your medical assistant career, to qualify to take the CMA (AAMA) exam, you must first complete an accredited training program. Once you have met this requirement, you should be able to sit for the exam.
4. Take the certification exam
After you are approved to sit for the CMA Certification Examination (AAMA), you can prepare by studying and reviewing the course material. Passing the certification exam will grant you CMA (AAMA) status, and you will be able to enter your career as well as continue your education in other Medical Assistant fields if you choose to do so.
5. Apply for CMA (AAMA) positions
Once you are certified as a CMA (AAMA), you will be qualified to apply for any open CMA (AAMA) position. As you develop in your career, you may also choose to earn a higher degree level, certifications in other specialties, or even pursue a degree in other fields of medicine. Due to the demand for medical professionals, working as a CMA (AAMA) can offer many types of job opportunities.
How long is CMA (AAMA) training and certification?
Training and certification to become a CMA (AAMA) can take between one and two years, depending on the path you choose to become certified. For example, if you choose to attend an accredited medical assistant program right away, it could take about a year to complete your education and qualify to take the exam. However, if you work as a medical assistant prior to becoming certified, your education may still be a one-year program, however, you may spend more time completing it if you are working full-time.
What are the requirements to take the CMA Certification Exam (AAMA)?
The most important requirement to determine your eligibility to sit for the exam is completion of an accredited training program. The program you complete must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). If your medical assistant training program fits this requirement, then you may be qualified to sit for the CMA (AAMA) exam.
Where can Medical Assistants work?
Medical assistants can work in a wide variety of healthcare settings. From doctors’ offices to community clinics, medical assistants have many employment options to choose from. Additionally, medical assistants who specialize in specific medical fields such as pediatrics or women’s health may find work in related medical settings.
What is the job outlook for Medical Assistants?
The Certified Medical Assistant profession can be a highly in-demand job. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job availability for medical assistants is expected to increase 19% between 2019 and 2029. This can mean many opportunities and job security working in this profession.
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