Which Medical Assistant Certification Is Ideal For Me?

For many people, obtaining a medical assistant certification is becoming increasingly popular for a couple reasons in particular.

Note: This post was recently updated on Friday 17th of May 2013

First, it is a fantastic way of getting your first opportunity in the lucrative medical field and second, it provides a lifetime of both personal and monetary rewards.

Not only will you secure a great number of valuable skills, but you will also have job security among other wonderful perks. Certified physician assistants, or CMA’s, are becoming increasingly popular since they play a vital role in the health care industry.

It should be no surprise that there is a massive demand for CMA’s by health care facilities. Not anyone can carry out laboratory tests, draw blood from a patient, prepare patients for their physical exams, or even assist physicians. The truth of the matter is, however, that some offices do not require you to have a medical assistant certification in order to work as a certified medical assistant.

Although some people are able to get away without any formal training or certification, there are very few offices that support this. Today’s market is especially competitive, so you would only be doing yourself a disservice by not getting certified in your field of practice.

Not only will this help you obtain a job over your fellow competitors, but you will also have the flexibility of earning more money.

Steps To Getting Your Medical Assistant Certification
There are various ways for you to get your medical assistant certification. You can choose to enroll in a 1 or 2 year program at your local junior college, community college, or even vocational school.

Despite being able to complete your studies in a shorter amount of time in 12 months, a 2 year medical assistant program is ideal, as this will give you an associate degree while providing you with a greater array of opportunities.

Here is an example of a Medical Assistant Certification Course Description :

• Introduction to Medical Assisting: introducing the medical practice environment.

• Medical Assistant Science I/II/III/IV: an in-depth study of medical terminology, anatomy, human physiology, fitness, nutrition, pathology, respiratory care procedures, nursing, health care equipment maintenance, patient care and teachings, clinical skills, emergency care procedures, radiography, surgical asepsis, basic diagnostic techniques, diagnostic tests, assisting with minor surgery, sterilization, radiology procedures, and allergy testing

• Pharmacology: administering medications, general principles of drug action, pharmacology of drug classification, drug effects and drug interaction

• Medical Office Procedures: receptionist duties, telephone techniques, scheduling appointments, verbal and written communication, record keeping, library and editorial duties, inventory, security, office maintenance, management responsibilities, professionalism

• Medical Law and Ethics: professional liabilities, Medical Practice Acts, professionalism, and understanding the legal relationships of patient, physician’s assistant, and physician

• Medical Office Coding: introduction to classification of coding systems used in the health facility

• Medical Office Insurance: the study of medical insurance policies, including health insurance

• Medical Office Software Applications: the use of software applications including billing, scheduling of appointments, and patient record keeping

• Diagnostic Laboratory Procedures: lab procedures, equipment care, processing of reports, terminology, and safety of patients, urinalysis and hematology testing

In order to complete your education and see a significant increase in your medical assistant salary, you must complete your medical training course and pass the examination, which is offered by several organizations. The American Association of Medical Assistance is the U.S.’s gold standard, also referred to as AAMA. Each country has its own form of standardized tests and regulations.

Answering phones, contacting patients, organizing records, assisting in a number of tasks, and performing a variety of clerical and laboratory duties all play a key role when working as a certified health assistant.

From the reasons listed above, a medical assistant certification is a necessity and requirement for anybody who plans on become a CMA. Certified physician assistants provide an integral service in health clinics, hospitals, and doctors offices.

It doesn’t require much time to complete the program and it is a wonderful way to jump start your career in the health industry. Remember, the majority of surgeons, physicians and MD’s prefer to hire someone with some kind of training, and getting certified will only benefit you in the end.

Resources:
Medical Assistant Certification Advice - http://www.medical-assistant-career.com/

Software Applications - http://www.automatedmedicalassistant.com/

Medical Law - http://medlaw.oxfordjournals.org/