Medical Assistant Certification

Overview of the field
Medical Assistants contribute essentially towards the smooth accomplishment of operational and administrative tasks in a clinic or office. Their job responsibilities may vary considerably according to their area of specialization and the industry they work in. There are wide-ranging career prospects for certified Medical Assistants. A large number of hospitals and clinics are dependent on medical assistants for carrying out crucial tasks like:

Handling patient records
Managing hospital admissions
Scheduling appointments
Maintaining medical instruments
Preparing patients for x-rays
Changing dressings
Sterilizing and arranging medical equipment
Removing Stitches

About Medical Assistant Certification
If you plan to pursue a career as a Medical Assistant then iut is recommended that you obtain a Medical Assistant Certification. A Medical Assistant Certification is testament of your knowledge and skills in the field. In order to get enrolled in a Medical Assistant Certification program, you must meet the eligibility criteria that may include:

You must have completed a Medical Assistant Program that is accredited by ABHES or CAAHEP
You must have a clear background with no criminal or fraudulent record.

There are several associations like the Association of Medical Technologists and American Association of Medical Assistants that give medical credentials to Certified Medical Assistants. Upon clearing the CMA AAMA exams you can increasing your chances of working in related job roles.

Medical Assistant Certification programs provide the students with knowledge in areas such as:

Laboratory techniques
Medication administration
Patient relations
Coding and insurance processing
Clinical and diagnostic procedures

Career Prospects
A certified medical assistant can possibly find jobs in:

Hospitals
Clinics
Outpatient care centers
Medical Colleges/ Universities

Employers may tend to hire individuals with both training and certification in Medical Assistance. The medical care sector in the US is in need of competent and well-trained Medical Assistants. Due to the technological advances and an aging American population, a number of new job opportunities have been created for Medical Assistants. The salaries offered to Certified Medical Assistants may depend on their overall educational level and experience. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage of medical assistants was $29,370 in May 2012.

How Long Does It Take to Obtain a Medical Assistant Certification?

There are many agencies in the US, such as American Medical Technologists (AMT), that are offering a Medical Assistant Certification. The process of getting certified is long and involves a number of steps. First of all, you need to make sure that you have completed a Medical Assistant Program from an accredited institute. Many schools, such as the Portland Community College and Charter College, are offering a 10 to 12 month long program in Medical Assisting. Once you have completed the relevant program, you can then apply for a Medical Assistant Certification.

What Are the Requirements to Obtain a Medical Assistant Certification?

In order to obtain a Medical Assistant Certification, the individual must meet the following requirements. He/she should be scheduled to graduate from, or should have graduated from an accredited Medical Assistant Program. As part of the program, students are required to study several modules such as Clinical Phlebotomy, Diagnostic and Clinical Procedures, Health Record Management, Patient Care, Insurance Processing and Coding, and Medical Emergency Protocols. Apart from completion of the required coursework, students also have to complete a 180-hour externship. Once they are done with the program, they can apply for the certification.

How Much Can I Make after Obtaining a Medical Assistant Certification?

After obtaining a Medical Assistant Certification, individuals can find employment at allied health ambulatory facilities, hospitals, physician’s offices and local clinics. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has revealed some interesting employment forecasts – it has been predicted that Medical Assistants will experience a positive job growth of 23% from 2018 to 2028. Employment data shows that these professionals made a yearly median wage of $33,610 in 2018.

Frequently Asked Question(s)

Q:What kind of primary care duties does a Medical Assistant handle?

A:A medical assistant is required to provide assistance to senior physicians and doctors. The job duties typically include the following: collecting specimens for lab tests, measuring the vital signs of patients, managing and recording patient data, administering medication, and more. Take a look at our page for more information about this career.

Q:Why should I do medical assistance certification online?

A:There are many universities in the US that are now offering medical assistance certification online. With an online degree you can either accelerate or slow down the coursework based on your personal requirements and lifestyle. Along with that you can also save on the cost of tuition as well as living costs associated with on-campus degree.

Q:Can you name some of the clinical procedures that are taught in medical assistant classes in Charlotte NC?

A:Most medical assistants also assist physicians during examinations, collect and prepare laboratory specimens, sterilize medical instruments and dispose of contaminated supplies. They explain treatment procedures to patients take medical histories and record vital signs. Other clinical procedures that are taught include changing dressings, removing sutures and taking electrocardiograms and X-rays.

Q:What are the employment prospects for graduates of medical assistant schools in Charlotte NC?

A:Medical assistants are in high demand these days as they are needed by all health care facilities to manage the flow of patients. They will find employment in physician's offices, urgent health care facilities, clinics and out-patient facilities. Their employment is predicted to increase by 31% from 2010 to 2021 according to Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Q:When considering a certified medical assistant certification, which organization's certifications count the most?

A:Among organizations who's certifications are most widely respected and sought out are the Association of Medical Technologists and American Association of Medical Assistants. Certifications from these organizations ensure a high regard for the degree received. If you clear your AMT AAMA exams, you can safely prepare for a prosperous career ahead.

Q:Can you tell me about the medical assistant certification test?

A:The medical assistant certification test is designed for certifying all medical assistants. It is conducted by the AAMA, Board of American Association of Medical Assistants. A large number of employers look for AAMA certified medical assistants for hiring. It is important to complete a program in medical assisting to be eligible for the exam.

Q:As I read about the medical assistant certification online programs, there was mention of the course on Business Communications. What are the contents of this course?

A:It is common to get to read about the course on Business Communications while going through the Medical Assistant Certification Online. The purpose of this course is to present students with the basic level understanding of the written communication in a business environment. Students are also provided with strong hands on experience.

Q:Can you please tell me what are the contents of the course on Information Management in the Medical Assistant programs in Charlotte NC?

A:The Medical Assistant programs in Charlotte NC have dedicated course on Information Management. This course is usually of 4 credits. It is designed to provide the students with ample understanding of the ways in which data can actually be utilized as an asset. Students are also trained on how to maintain the data in the most apt of manners.

Q:What courses are offered in the Certified Medical Assistant Certificate?

A:The Certified Medical Assistant Certificate is a one year program focusing on introducing the students to dynamics of medical operations and management systems. They are made to teach courses like medical terminology, psychology, sociology, introduction to management, introduction to computer studies, emergency care, and first aid. These courses allow students to gain the expertise in becoming a medical assistant and operating in a medical setup.

Q:Hello, I'm a certifed medical assistant with criminal record, do you have any advice as to where I can work?

A:If you are a Certified Medical Assistant with a criminal record, it is still possible for you to find work in a number of fields. While most government departments do not hire people with criminal records, you can still work for a number of private practices and private hospitals.

Q:Which medical assistant certification is required to be a certified medical assistant in United States?

A:To be a certified medical assistant in United States, you need to gain degree from an accredited institution and clear the medical assistant certification exam. The Accrediting/Certification exam bodies include: American Institutions of Medical Assistants, National Healthcare Association, American Society of Podiatric Medical Assistant, American Medical Technologists and the National Registry for Medical Assisting.

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