Types of Medical Assistants
Ready to work in health care with both health care professionals and patients? Medical assistants and certified medical assistants have several education, training and certification options in a high-demand career field. This career requires a mix of skills in both administrative and clinical areas, resulting in career advancement options and knowledge development opportunities.
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Certified Medical Assistant
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Certified medical assistant (CMA) guidelines, standards and credentials were established in 1959, making this longstanding health discipline a respected career. Medical assistant responsibilities tend to combine clinical, patient and administrative duties and depend upon employer needs. Some responsibilities may include scheduling patient appointments, assisting with forms and documents, maintaining medical records, processing insurance forms, gathering patient vial signs, providing patient education and assisting a physician with exams.
CMA Education Requirements
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An associate degree in applied science from an accredited college program is required for a certified medical assistant. In addition to the degree, candidates must also pass a national certification exam. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs can provide information on accredited programs and is available online. Some programs also offer externships providing candidates with practical experience.
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Non-certified Medical Assistant
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A medical assistant can provide services without certification. With previous training in the medical field or on-the-job training, medical assistants provide helpful office services.
Medical Assistant Education
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Medical assistant diploma programs are typically offered at vocational schools, community and junior colleges. The programs run about one year and focus on office administrative responsibilities, patient assistance and relations. To enter a medical assistant program, candidates will need a high school diploma or equivalent.
Licenses and Certifications
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There is no licensing for medical assistants but some states require a test or coursework before using technical equipment or working directly with patients. Most employers prefer to hire medical assistants who meet certain standards of competence through experience or certification.
Medical Assistant Additional Information
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Medical assistants work with both technology and patients; therefore they typically should have a neat appearance, be courteous and be able to put patients at ease. With additional education, a medical assistant can advance into areas such as office manager or nursing.
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