The Requirements to Work as a Medical Assistant in Arizona

Medical assistants play an integral role in the operation of a medical office.

Medical assistants work in hospitals, physicians' offices, medical clinics and other health care settings to perform a variety of basic medical procedures and office tasks. To train to become a medical assistant in Arizona, individuals often undertake specialized training programs to earn either a certificate of completion or an associate degree in the field. Before registering for a program, it is important to understand the exact state requirements of Arizona for working in the medical assisting field.

Education

The Arizona Medical Board requires medical assistants to complete an approved medical assistant program. This includes any program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools or another accrediting agency that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. In lieu of a professional training program, a medical assistant trainee may study under the guidance of a licensed doctor who practices conventional medicine. The private study must provide the education necessary to prepare the student for work as an entry-level medical assistant.

Exceptions

According to the Arizona Medical Board, there are a few instances where these educational requirements are not necessary. For example, if a working medical assistant completed an unapproved training program prior to February 2000 and has been working as a medical assistant since that time, she is not required to take an approved training program.

Similarly, a medical assistant who has been working in the same medical office since February 2000 and has logged at least 2,000 work hours is exempt from the educational requirements. Lastly, if an individual completed a medical training program as part of his military service, he is also exempt from taking a specialized program.

Certification

Although medical assistants working in Arizona are required to complete a specialized training program, they are not required to take the certification exam. There are no licensure requirements for medical assistants in Arizona, although individuals may choose to apply for certification to enhance their job prospects.

Because the state doesn't regulate medical assistants, it makes the overseeing physicians, nurses or physician assistants responsible for ensuring that their medical assistants are properly educated and performing effectively.

Job Duties

Medical assistants provide a variety of administrative and clinical tasks. Under the supervision of a licensed health care provider, a medical assistant may administer injections, take bodily fluid specimens, give ultrasound therapy and provide hot and cold pack treatments. In addition, medical assistants often help with verifying insurance policies, scheduling patient appointments and transcribing information in patients' charts.

References

• The Arizona Medical Board: Medical Assistants