Consider Becoming a Certified Medical Assistant
Applicants who receive a medical assistant certificate can also be well trained and qualified for industry employment. The certificate indicates that a person has completed the necessary formal training and possesses the skills that conform to industry standards.
At many institutions, the term "medical assistant certificate" is still preferred. It refers to an award given to students who are not seeking a degree. Certificate programs typically focus on specialized knowledge, while a diploma program is usually considered more comprehensive of a complete subject area. The terms “medical assistant certificate” and “medical assistant diploma” are often interchangeable.
The field of medical assisting is one of the fasted growing careers in health care. Certified medical assistants are in dire demand, and are often tasked with completing much of the work that a registered nurse would be required to perform, including placing patients in rooms, documenting patient medical histories, drawing blood samples, giving injections and more. Medical assistants looking to boost their income or career possibilities are advised to pursue the CMA certification.
If becoming a medical assistant interests you because you are the kind of person that likes helping others in need, you should take the time to explore your career options by first getting medical assistant training from an accredited school, and then preparing for certification by taking the exam.
Why Not Become a Certified Medical Assistant?
There are definite benefits of becoming certified as a medical assistant. Certified medical assistants have the definite benefit of knowing they possesses the knowledge that allows them to perform well at their job. There is also the inner satisfaction that monetary benefits tend to follow those in life who are well educated.
Another advantage of becoming a certified medical assistant is that the distinction can be placed on your resume for the world to see. Becoming a certified medical assistant shows the world that your abilities have been tested and that you have been found to be knowledgeable in your career field.
The following steps can be taken:
- Find and complete an accredited medical assistant program recognized by CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health)
- Register and take the examination from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
- Become familiar with your state board of health regarding the regulations for medical assistants regarding paperwork
- Once certified, plan on getting re-certified every 5 years
