How to Become a Certified Medical Assistant in New York
A certified medical assistant in New York works serves as a crucial member of the health care delivery team, providing assistance in administration, the examination room and laboratories. Qualified medical assistants find positions in clinics, hospitals and doctor's offices. The medical assistant functions as a critical link between a physician and a patient, assuring accurate communication of medical concerns. Medical assistants are authorized to handle routine tasks such as keeping patients records, preparing the exam room or preparing laboratory equipment for use. A medical assistant must have a college education, national certification and continuing education to keep credentials current.
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Instructions
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Attend and graduate from a medical assistant program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). In 2010, there were 15 schools in the state of New York that offered medical assistant training resulting in a diploma, an undergraduate certificate, or an associate's degree. Expect to take courses in biology, anatomy, medical terminology, laboratory procedures, diagnostic procedures, and pharmacology. Programs typically take one to two years to complete.
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Apply for and gain certification from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) as a certified medical assistant (CMA). If an applicant becomes a member of the AAMA, the examination fee is $125. The test fee for all others is $250. You can expect the exam to cover all aspects of medical assisting. It will include, but not be limited to, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, emergency assistance, communications, and pharmacology. Students usually take the exam at the conclusion of the accredited medical assistant program. The educational institution then administers the test.
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Gain five years experience as a medical assistant, then apply for the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential through American Medical Technologists (AMT). The credential requires applicants to demonstrate college work and experience, to have obtained the CMA certification and pass the RMA exam. The test is similar to the one for CMA certification, but questions tend to be more in depth and relate to the CMA's experience. Candidates may apply to take the test online at the AMT website, amt1.com.
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Tips & Warnings
A good place to begin looking for employment is the New York Department of Civil Service. The department of civil service offers open recruitment, when necessary, to find and hire qualified medical assistants. Qualified candidates will need to submit an application for consideration.
Being convicted of a felony, may result in a candidate being denied admission to a medical assistant program and will make them ineligible for the certification exam. In addition, many employers, such as the New York Department of Civil Service, will not hire a person with a felony conviction.
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- Photo Credit medical team with nurse holding syringe getting ready for an inj image by asiana from Fotolia.com
