Certifications Available for Medical Assistants
The growth of primary medical-care services and the increasing prevalence of chronic conditions are leading to excellent career opportunities for medical assistants, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS. Medical assistants have an integral role in medical facilities, offering both clinical and clerical support to physicians, nurses and office staff. Although states don't require licensure, employers prefer to hire those who have obtained certification. Multiple certifications are available for medical assistants who not only want to stand out to employers but also seek specialized opportunities in the field.
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CMA
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Obtaining the CMA credential --- Certified Medical Assistant --- from the American Association of Medical Assistants, or AAMA, is the most sought-after certification for those in this field. Employers often prefer --- or require --- assistants to obtain this certification. Candidates must complete an accredited medical assisting program at an academic institution and pass an examination. Those with a felony conviction on their record typically aren't allowed to sit for the exam, although the AAMA may make exceptions in certain circumstances. Maintaining active certification requires continuing education or passing an examination.
RMA
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American Medical Technologists, or AMT, also offers certification through examination for qualified medical assistants. The Registered Medical Assistant credential is available to those who have recently graduated or are about to graduate from accredited medical assisting programs. Other methods of eligibility include having relevant work experience and certification from another agency. Assistants must participate in continuing education to maintain their certification with AMT.
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PMAC
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Obtaining certification in a specialized area of medicine can enhance medical assistants' job prospects. The American Society of Podiatric Medical Assistants offers specialty certification for those interested in working with the lower legs and feet. Medical assistants can obtain the credential Podiatric Medical Assistant, Certified. Employment in a podiatry office is required for eligibility, as is membership to the organization. Assistants must work for a podiatrist who is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association. Members who meet these requirements can sit for the certification examination. As with other health-care professions, continuing education is a requirement for renewing certification.
COA
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The Certified Ophthalmic Assistant, or COA, credential from the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology, or JCAHPO, is another specialized option for medical assistants. This entry-level credential is ideal for those who want to work in eye care. Additional training beyond that obtained in a general medical assisting program, however, is needed. Eligibility to sit for the certification examination requires graduation from an ophthalmic assisting program at an accredited institution or completion of an independent course approved by the JCAHPO. Those who graduated more than a year prior to applying or those who completed the independent course must also have work experience in an ophthalmology facility. Recertification can be obtained through earning continuing education credits or retaking the exam.
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References
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Medical Assistants
- American Association of Medical Assistants: Become a CMA (AAMA)
- American Association of Medical Assistants: CMA (AAMA) Certification/Recertification Exam Eligibility
- American Medical Technologists: Application for Certification as a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
- American Medical Technologists: Take the Exam
- American Society of Podiatric Medical Assistants: Certification
Resources
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