The Qualifications for a Certified Medical Assistant
Medical assistants work in physicians' offices to handle administrative duties as well as working with patients. The patient duties of a medical assistant can include taking vital signs and medical histories before the physical examination. The assistant may also remove contaminated equipment and supplies from the patient examination room. The administrative duties of a medical assistant include filing, bookkeeping, appointment scheduling and preparing insurance forms.
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Education
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Medical assistants do not need a degree to qualify for the position, but a certificate or diploma program may enhance job opportunities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, some high schools offer medical assisting programs to students as well. A medical assistant program covers topics such as anatomy, medical terminology, physiology, medical transcription and office procedures such as accounting, insurance and medical records. Students also learn basic laboratory procedures and methods for handling patients. To qualify for certification, the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health must accredit the medical assistant education program.
Certification
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While a certification may not be necessary for a medical assistant, some professionals may enhance job opportunities with a certification from the American Association of Medical Assistants. The candidate must qualify for a certification examination by completing an accredited medical assisting education program. The examination consists of 200 multiple-choice questions on medical terminology, anatomy, ethics and health care laws. Assistants must maintain the credential through continuing education courses or retaking the examination every five years, according to the American Association of Medical Assistants.
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Job Skills
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Medical assistants must be outgoing and have a pleasant demeanor for patients. The assistant must have a strong attention to detail to handle clinical tasks such as specimen handling. In addition to clinical tasks, the medical assistant must have a strong attention to detail for medical record keeping and filling out insurance forms.
Advancement
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Medical assistants may advance in the health care field with additional education. An assistant may pursue a career in the administrative or clinical area of the field. The medical assistant may advance to a role as an office manager or pursue additional education to move into nursing.
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