Medical assist positions are among the fastest growing careers in healthcare. Since the demand is high and the number of MA students continues to grow, employers might be more selective than you think.
This means that you might need an edge over the competition when it comes to your resume.
While you don’t need a certificate to find a career as a medical assistant, it just might give you that edge. Anyone that completes a medical assistant program can gain their certification.
All that’s required is passing the exam administered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), proving you’ve mastered the material.
What You Need to Become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
CMAs can work in a variety of health care facilities, including:
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HMOs
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Hospitals
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Urgent Care Centers
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Nursing Homes
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Medical Supply Businesses
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Insurance Providers
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Pharmaceutical Companies
MAs are responsible for maintaining quality physician support and administrative services that help ensure their health care facility runs efficiently. CMAs can choose a position that emphasizes clerical, administrative, clinical duties, or roles that require highly specialized tasks.
To be eligible for the Certified Medical Assistant exam, you must complete a formal medical assisting program from a school that has received the proper accreditation, which is where it might get tricky. California Career Institute (CCI) offers the MA program that focuses on real-world knowledge so you’ll be successful in your future career.
Upon completion of an accredited program, students can take and pass the certification exam, thereupon receiving an official certificate, indicating your qualifications as a CMA, meeting the standards.
Again, you do not have to take this examination to become a medical assistant or find employment as one, but it may make your application look more favorable to employers.
Skills Needed after for a Medical Assistant Program
One of the most crucial skills is the ability to communicate and empathize with patients and health care professionals. This ability will help you gather information from doctors and nurses then relay that information to patients in a meaningful way.
One reason to gain a certification is to prove your knowledge of diagnostics, medical charts, and medical coding.
Knowledge and use of basic medical equipment to record vitals and performing routine patient care are also highly valued.
Education and Training
By now, you can see that your training is vital for a medical assistant career. It can be difficult to pick something that may impact the rest of your life. CCI is dedicated to the success of our students.
We are here to answer any question you may have about the program, the industry, and your possible career.
CCI’s Medical Assistant Program covers everything required to go above and beyond for your patients, through a combination of lab techniques, medical terminology, clinical procedures, and administration procedures.
If you have an interest in becoming a medical assistant and want to learn more, contact us anytime, we’re here for you.
