How to Become a Certified Medical Assistant

How to become a certified medical assistant

Certified medical assistants must attend an accredited training program before qualifying to take their certification exams. While it is still possible to find employment as a medical assistant without certification, earning your certification can qualify you for open jobs that most healthcare employers may require certification for. Additionally, you may be able to work as a medical assistant while pursuing your certification. Typically, though, medical assistants complete an accredited program and earn certification before entering the field.

If you are thinking about pursuing a career as a CMA (AAMA), the following steps can help you get started:

Research accredited medical assistant programs

Becoming a certified medical assistant requires attending an accredited program. Your first step on your CMA (AAMA) career path might be to research available programs that fit the accreditation criteria set by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). You might research community colleges, vocational schools and universities.

Complete an accredited CMA (AAMA) 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 basics of medical care as well as anatomy and physiology subjects. You may also choose to pursue a medical assistant specialty, such as radiology. After completing your medical assistant education program, you can apply to sit for the CMA certification exam.

Qualify to take the CMA (AAMA) certification exam

If you choose to enroll in an accredited medical assistant program, you can qualify to take the CMA (AAMA) exam as you finish your education. However, if you work as a medical assistant and wish to obtain CMA (AAMA) status, you will have to qualify to take the exam. Attending an accredited medical assistant program fits the requirements to take the CMA (AAMA) certification exam. So no matter how you start your medical assistant career, to qualify to take the CMA (AAMA) exam, you must complete an accredited training program first. Once you have fulfilled this requirement, you should be able to take your exam.

Take the certification exam

After being approved to sit for your CMA (AAMA) certification exam, you can prepare yourself by studying and reviewing your educational material. Passing the certification exam will grant you CMA (AAMA) status, and you can enter your career as well as continue your education into other medical assistant fields if you choose to do so.

Apply for CMA (AAMA) positions

Once you are certified as a CMA (AAMA), you are qualified to apply to any positions open to CMAs (AAMA). As you develop in your career, you can also choose to pursue a higher degree level, certifications in other specialties or even pursue a degree in other medical fields. Because of the demand for medical professionals, working as a CMA (AAMA) can offer many kinds of job opportunities.

Frequently asked questions about being a certified medical assistant

If you are thinking about becoming a CMA (AAMA), the following frequently asked questions about the profession may be able to help you get a better understanding of the job and industry:

How long does CMA (AAMA) training and certification take?

Training and certification for becoming a CMA (AAMA) can take anywhere from one to two years, depending on the path you choose to earn certification. For instance, if you choose to attend an accredited medical assistant program right away, it could take you about one year to complete your education and qualify to take the exam. If you work as a medical assistant before obtaining certification, though, your education may still be a year-long program, however, you could spend more time completing it if you are working full time.

What are the requirements to take the CMA (AAMA) certification exam?

The most important requirement to determine your eligibility to sit for the exam is to complete an accredited training program. The program you complete should be accredited either through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or through the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). If your medical assistant training program fits this requirement, then you could be qualified to sit for your CMA (AAMA) exam.

Where can medical assistants work?

Medical assistants can work in a variety of healthcare settings. From doctors’ offices to community healthcare clinics, medical assistants have many employment options to choose from. Additionally, medical assistants who specialize in specific medical fields like pediatrics or women’s health can 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 rise 19% between 2019 and 2029. This can mean plenty of opportunities and job security working in this profession.

Are there career advancement opportunities for medical assistants?

Medical assistants, like other healthcare professionals, can have many advancement opportunities within their fields of specialization. For example, medical assistants may pursue specialty fields like internal medicine, radiology, surgery and other specialty fields that provide medical services.

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