Training to become a medical assistant is done on-the-job. Once a person passes the Certified Medical Administrative Assistance exam, they are considered to be a certified medical assistant. Medical assistants must also complete at least 60 hours of training that covers clinical knowledge, patient education, paperwork, and ethics. These are the minimum requirements by state law.
Some states require employers to provide medical assistant certification if the job requires contact with patients. Others do not. Those who work in hospitals, clinics, or doctor’s offices need to pass a CMTA in order to work there. However, there are many employers who prefer to hire assistants who have taken the test and are certified.
Most employees feel more comfortable working for a company that offers training for its employees. It is much easier to understand the policies and procedures if you know you are working for a medical administrative company. Even though some medical assistants work under contract with a hospital or other medical facility, most feel more comfortable knowing they are getting paid for the work they do rather than being hired under contract. Companies that train their employees to become medical assistants often pay a portion of the certification fees.
The salary for a medical administrative assistant is directly related to her experience and skill level. Those with more experience earn higher salaries. This is not the same for certified medical assistants. Those who have completed the certification and are certified usually earn lower salaries because of the lack of experience.
The benefits of certification are the first thing most employers consider when hiring a medical administrative assistant. Certification means an assistant is skilled and has completed all the requirements needed to be properly trained. By taking the certification exam, she shows she knows how to perform the specific duties required of her job. If the employer knows she has the skills and knowledge, she is more likely to be hired over another candidate who may not be as skilled.
Certification is also important because employers will want to hire a medical assistant who is highly educated in his/her field. Medical assistants who have more technical knowledge about their jobs will be more appealing to employers. In addition, those who take the time to learn about the medical field will be more likely to stay in the field and increase their knowledge and skills over time.
If you decide to become a certified medical assistant, remember to research everything about your new profession. Ask employers how they review resumes. Do your own research and find out what it takes to be a successful medical administrative assistance. Apply for the certification exam and study hard so you can pass it and get your certificate. Stay focused on becoming a medical assistant so you will have no regrets later.
Many people choose a career in medical administrative assistance because they love helping people. They enjoy helping sick patients who are bed-ridden or who are unable to care for themselves. Certified medical assistants also help with hospital stays and keeping an eye on elderly and disabled people. It is a challenging job because you must be able to work in a variety of settings – doctor’s offices, hospitals, nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. Your job performance should be excellent at all times.
Most employers prefer medical assistants who have experience because they are less likely to call in sick or miss work due to illness. Certified assistants who have experience also are less likely to give up their jobs or quit due to frustration. This means that medical administrative assistants are better equipped to handle stress than other types of medical assistants.
If you are thinking about becoming a medical assistant, contact your state board to find out what requirements you will need to meet. Then contact a career placement service to find out what career options are available in your area. Medical assistants are the best professionals for jobs that allow you to help people every day. If you have the education and experience, you can become a Certified Medical Assistant and help make the lives of others a little bit easier.
