Did you know that the demand for certified medical assistants (CMAs) is set to rise by 29% from 2019 to 2029?*
If you’re eyeing a healthcare career for its strong job market and chances to grow, maybe becoming a CMA fits. We’ll dive into what it takes to get CMA certified and what options you have regarding certifications. This guide is for anyone starting out or looking to boost their healthcare skills.
Key Takeaways:
- Becoming a certified medical assistant (CMA) is a rewarding career choice with a projected job growth rate of 29%*
- CMAs are in high demand and play a crucial role in healthcare settings
- The steps to becoming a CMA include meeting education or experience requirements, passing a certification exam, and potentially considering an externship
- There are different types of medical assistant certifications available, such as Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), and Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
- Choosing the right training program and preparing for the certification exam are key factors in becoming a successful CMA
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics – Occupational Outlook Handbook
Steps to Becoming a Certified Medical Assistant
To become a certified medical assistant, you must follow several steps. These ensure you’re well-prepared for this fulfilling career. Here are the key steps to become a certified medical assistant:
- Earn a high school diploma or GED: First, finish high school. You need a diploma or GED to start your medical assistant training.
- Enroll in a medical assistant training program: Next, join a program to learn the basics. You’ll study medical terms, how the body works, and how to do clinical or office work.
- Complete the necessary education or experience requirements: You may need to do a certain amount of work or training. Some certifications let you skip this if you finish a medical assistant program.
- Consider an externship: An externship is a chance to work in healthcare before you get a job. It’s a great way to learn more, make connections, and improve your chances of finding work.
- Prepare for and take the certification exam: After you finish learning and training, you’ll take a big test. You must show you know how to help patients and do office work. Study well so you’re ready.
- Apply for jobs: Once you pass the test, you can start looking for work. Having a certification helps a lot. You can find jobs online, with a staffing company, or through connections. Sometimes, your training program can help you find a job too.
Follow these steps, and you’ll be set to work as a certified medical assistant. You’ll be ready to help in the healthcare field.
Featured Medical Assistant Training Program – Stepful
If you’re dreaming of a career as a medical assistant, Stepful has you covered. They offer online training that fits your schedule and emphasizes hands-on skills. With the program, you get ready for the certification exam and even have an externship.
They’ll also help you find a job once you’re certified. To find out more about Stepful’s program, click here.
| Benefits of Stepful’s Medical Assistant Training Program | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Flexible schedule: Fit your training around your existing commitments | Externship experience: Gain hands-on experience in a real healthcare setting |
| Job placement assistance: Get support in finding medical assistant job opportunities | Affordable tuition: Stepful offers a cost-effective option for aspiring medical assistants |
| High certification rate: Stepful’s program prepares you for success on the certification exam | Online learning: Study from the comfort of your own home |
Get started on your medical assistant path with Stepful’s top-notch program.
Choosing the Right Medical Assistant Training Program
When you begin your journey to be a certified medical assistant, the training program you pick is very important. It helps make sure you’re set up for career success. Make sure to choose a program that fits your needs and prepares you well.
Program Length and Cost
Think about how long the program takes and how much it costs. Some programs are quick, while others take more time. Also, some might cost more than you can afford. Choose one that matches your budget and what you can put into it time-wise.
Graduation Rates and Passing Rates for the Certification Exam
High graduation and exam passing rates show that a program helps its students succeed. So, before signing up, check how many students finish the program and how many pass the certification test.
Job Placement Assistance
Getting help finding a job is a big benefit of some programs. Look for those that help you build your resume, get ready for interviews, and find a job. This kind of support can make a big difference after you finish your training.
Accreditation and CMA Exam Eligibility
It’s also critical to go for a program that’s accredited. This means it meets high standards and that you can take the certification test after without problems. Always check if your program is accredited by the right organization to avoid issues.
Online or In-Person Training
Decide if you want to learn online or in a physical classroom. Online learning is flexible and lets you go at your own pace. But, in-person classes give you practical skills and face-to-face contact with teachers and classmates.
Table 3: Comparison of Medical Assistant Training Programs
| Training Program | Program Length | Cost | Graduation Rate | Passing Rate for CMA Exam | Job Placement Assistance | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program A | 12 months | $X,XXX | 85% | 90% | Yes | Accredited |
| Program B | 6 months | $X,XXX | 92% | 85% | Yes | Accredited |
| Program C | 9 months | $X,XXX | 78% | 92% | Yes | Accredited |
It’s crucial to thoroughly research and consider the different programs. Use the table to compare three medical assistant programs. This will help you choose wisely.
Finding the right training program is the first step in your medical assisting career. Look at program length, costs, success rates, job help, and whether you prefer online or in-person learning. Making an informed choice increases your success chances in this field.
Taking the Certification Exam
When you meet the education or experience needs, it’s time for the exam. Always make sure you fit the CMA exam rules before you apply. Each exam has its own qualifications so understand what you need for the test you want to take.
The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) runs the CMA exam. You must have gone through an approved medical assistant program. Checking if your program is accredited is very important. After you qualify, you can register for the exam.
Getting ready for the exam means serious study and knowing the test’s content. The CMA exam has sections on medical facts, clinical and office work, and ethics. To get ready, do practice exams and go over study materials. It also helps to get advice from teachers who know the exam well.
Taking the CMA exam needs both time and money. The test costs about $150 each time. Be ready to spend more on study guides and prep materials. Yet, getting your CMA certificate can boost your job chances and likely, your pay.
Benefits of CMA Certification
- Increased job opportunities in various healthcare settings
- Higher earning potential compared to non-certified medical assistants
- Professional recognition and credibility in the field
- Expanded skill set and knowledge base
- Opportunity for career advancement
Passing the CMA exam turns medical assisting into a meaningful career. It opens new opportunities in healthcare.
| Exam | Eligibility | Cost | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) | Graduation from an accredited program | $150 per attempt | 61% |
| Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) | Completion of an accredited program or one year of experience | $155 per attempt | 90% |
| Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) | Varying requirements, including experience or graduation from an accredited program | $120 per attempt | 67% |
Consider an Externship
An externship offers hands-on practice for future medical assistants. It’s a chance to work in different medical places and learn new skills. This experience helps prepare them for their career ahead.
Participants learn directly from experienced medical staff. They get involved in real medical tasks and meet patients. This way, they learn how to do the job of a medical assistant, like checking vital signs and keeping patient info updated.
By joining an externship, people see what it’s like in various medical settings. This helps them choose where they might want to work, such as in a clinic, hospital, or a specialized practice.
Externships also help in making professional contacts. By meeting people in the medical field, participants might get job offers later on. These connections can really help them start a successful career as a medical assistant.
For example: Working in a pediatric clinic during an externship shows how to handle kids. On the other hand, a placement in a cardiology practice teaches about heart health practices.
An externship isn’t just about gaining skills. It’s also about becoming more confident and professional. This lets them practice what they’ve learned in the real world, getting better at medical tasks and knowing the equipment.
Susan Johnson from St. John’s Hospital says, “My externship was a key step in becoming a medical assistant. It showed me what the job is really like and how to do it well.”
Choosing to do an externship in your medical assistant training is a wise move. It’s a special opportunity to learn by doing, pick a medical field you like, and meet important people in healthcare. It helps improve your skills, confidence, and chances of finding a great job as a certified medical assistant.
Applying for Jobs
After getting certified as a medical assistant, your next step is to find a job.
These jobs are needed, so many employers want to see your certification. It gives you a better chance of getting hired.
You can look for jobs on websites like Indeed and Monster. Also, staffing agencies in healthcare can help you find work.
Getting advice on resumes and interviews from school counselors is smart. They know how to make you look good on paper and in person.
Some training programs help you get a job. They know people in medical facilities and can introduce you.
Always tweak your resume and cover letter for each job. This shows you’re serious and fits the job well.
“Having your certification will not only make you stand out from other applicants but also demonstrate your commitment to the medical assisting career.”
Starting work as a medical assistant is both thrilling and full of chances to grow. Work hard and use all help available to get the job you want.
Exploring Different Types of Medical Assistant Certifications
Many medical assistant certifications are available for those wanting to specialize. Knowing about these certifications helps folks choose the best for their future. Here, we’ll look at three top certifications: Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), and Registered Medical Assistant (RMA).
1. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
The CCMA certification is for those interested in clinical work. It focuses on skills for direct patient care and supporting healthcare providers in clinics.
CCMA is perfect for people who love hands-on healthcare. It includes doing tests, taking vitals, and helping with procedures. For those who want to excel in clinical settings, this certification is key.
2. Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
The CMA certification is known throughout the field. It teaches both office and care skills, giving medical assistants a wide range of abilities.
It’s a great choice for those who want a full picture of medical assisting. This includes both office tasks and clinical work. A CMA credential opens the door to many job opportunities.
3. Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
The RMA certification is for specific groups, like military medical personnel or teaching medical assisting. It highlights a broad set of skills needed for a successful career.
RMA is a good choice for those with different backgrounds in medical assistance. It shows expertise in both clinic and office roles. This certification widens the field of professional possibilities.
Each of these certifications has its own benefits and requirements. The choice really depends on your interests, career plans, and education. Taking time to research each certification will help fit your goals better.
Here’s a quick comparison of these certifications:
| Certification | Focus | Eligibility Requirements | Recognized Organizations |
|---|---|---|---|
| CCMA | Clinical | Completion of an accredited program or one year of experience as a medical assistant | National Healthcareer Association (NHA) |
| CMA | Administrative and Clinical | Graduation from an accredited medical assisting program | American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) |
| RMA | Varied (Clinical and Administrative) | Years of experience, completion of an apprenticeship, or graduation from an accredited program | American Medical Technologists (AMT) |
While not all jobs require these certifications, having one can be very beneficial. It can improve your chances of getting hired, show how dedicated you are, and even lead to a higher salary.
By learning about various medical assistant certifications, you can see more career possibilities. Whether you want to focus on clinic work, learn a wide set of skills, or meet specific conditions, certification is a good move for a strong medical assisting career.
Detailed Overview of Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Certification
The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification comes from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). It’s great for those into the clinical side of medical assisting. This certification shows the person knows a lot about medical assisting. It makes them really useful in healthcare jobs.
To take the CCMA exam, you need to meet certain requirements. You must finish a medical assistant program from an accredited school. Or you should have a year’s experience working as a medical assistant. These rules are there to make sure you’re ready for the exam.
The CCMA test checks you on many clinical medical assisting topics. It looks at your basic knowledge, like medical terms and body parts. It also checks how well you work with patients, including following safety rules and getting them ready for tests or treatments.
The exam doesn’t just focus on the medical side. It also looks at how well you handle office work in a medical setting. This means knowing office rules, patient privacy laws, and being good at talking with patients. The CCMA exam is a thorough check to see if you’re ready for the job.
CCMA Exam Content Overview:
| Exam Domain | Percentage of Exam |
|---|---|
| Foundational Knowledge | 19% |
| Anatomy and Physiology | 15% |
| Clinical Patient Care | 39% |
| Administrative Assisting | 15% |
| Medical Law and Ethics | 12% |
Source: National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
The CCMA certification helps you find work in healthcare. With this certification, medical assistants show they’re serious about their job and patient care. It sets them apart from others not certified. The CCMA certification is a big deal. It shows you have what it takes to do well in your career.
Detailed Overview of Certified Medical Assistant Certification
The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification is from the AAMA. It’s a top certification for medical assistants. Having the CMA shows you’re skilled in medical assisting.
To take the CMA exam, you need to finish an approved medical assisting program. This confirms you have the right knowledge and skills for the job.
The CMA exam tests your clinical, legal, and office skills. It checks if you can do things like check vital signs and handle patient records. Passing this exam shows you are professional and skilled in your job.
Getting the CMA means you’re serious about medical assisting. It makes you more likely to get a job or move up in healthcare. Employers like hiring CMAs because they know they’re competent and dedicated.
If you want to be a top-notch medical assistant, the CMA certification is key. It shows you’re committed to care quality and are a great part of any healthcare team.
Benefits of CMA Certification
Earning the CMA certification brings you many benefits:
- It makes you stand out to employers.
- You get better chances for promotions and more duties.
- It can lead to better pay and benefits.
- The certification shows you are professional and dedicated.
- You need to keep learning, which helps you stay current in healthcare.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Certification Body | American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) |
| Eligibility | Graduation from an accredited medical assisting program |
| Exam Content | Clinical competency, legal and ethical issues, administrative duties |
| Benefits | Increased employability, career advancement opportunities, higher earning potential, professional recognition, continuing education opportunities |
Detailed Overview of Registered Medical Assistant Certification
The American Medical Technologists (AMT) offer the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification. It’s for many, like military folks, medical assisting teachers, and program graduates. With an RMA, a career in medical assisting becomes more achievable and fulfilling.
To take the RMA exam, you need certain qualifications. These might include working as a medical assistant for a few years, finishing an apprenticeship, or graduating from a respected medical assisting program. The RMA aims to be inclusive, recognizing practical experience or non-traditional training.
The RMA exam tests a medical assistant’s knowledge and skills. They need to know about the body’s structure, handle paperwork well, understand clinical procedures, and be good with patients. Getting this certification means you’re ready to offer top-notch care in any healthcare role.
Now, here’s what the RMA exam focuses on:
- Knowing the human body helps medical assistants care for patients better.
- Being great at setting schedules, keeping records, and safeguarding patient information is key.
- Understanding and doing tasks like checking vital signs, helping with tests, and giving medicines are central to the job.
- Communicating well and making patients feel at ease is important in any healthcare setting.
Becoming RMA-certified shows you’re serious about your medical assistant career. It makes your resume stronger and might land you better job opportunities. Employers trust in the skills an RMA brings to the job.
For veterans, teaching professionals, or program alumni, the RMA is a big step towards a successful medical assisting future.
How Stepful Helps You Become a Certified Medical Assistant
Stepful gives you the tools to become a certified medical assistant online. Their program only takes 4 months. This means a quicker start to your new career. You can study when it fits your schedule best.
Stepful’s program stands out because of the externship it offers. This part lets you practice your skills in real healthcare settings. It’s a great way to learn and grow confident as you prepare for your career.
Getting your CMA certification is key, and Stepful is here to help. They do a lot to prepare you for the exam, including covering all the important topics. You’ll get lots of practice so you feel ready and confident.
“Stepful’s program is comprehensive and well-structured. The instructors are knowledgeable and supportive, guiding you every step of the way. I felt fully prepared for the CMA certification exam thanks to Stepful.”
After training, Stepful also helps with finding job opportunities. They connect you with healthcare places that are hiring. Their program’s success rate and reputation are solid, which benefits its graduates.
What’s great is, the Stepful program is also affordable. The cost is much lower than many others. This makes quality medical assistant training reachable for more people.
Ready to start your journey as a medical assistant? Stepful is with you all the way. With their program features and support, it’s a top choice for your training.
Conclusion
Becoming a certified medical assistant has many advantages for your healthcare career. Certification makes it easier to find jobs and can lead to higher salaries. It shows you are serious about your work and care about patients.
Though not required, certification is strongly recommended for better job options. The first step is to choose a good training program. Pick one that’s approved and helps you get ready for the exam. They should also help with finding a job afterwards.
After your classwork, doing externships is key. These let you use your knowledge in real health settings. They also help you meet people in the field. This hands-on work makes you more ready for the job.
Once you’ve finished your training and some practical work, you’re set for a great career. The combination of education, certification, and hard work brings many benefits. These include feeling fulfilled and helping patients every day.
FAQ
Q: What is involved in becoming a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)?
Q: What are the steps to becoming a Certified Medical Assistant?
Q: How do I choose the right medical assistant training program?
Q: What are the eligibility requirements for the CMA exam?
Q: Is an externship beneficial for a medical assistant?
Q: How can I apply for medical assistant jobs after obtaining certification?
Q: What are the different types of medical assistant certifications available?
Q: What are the requirements for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification?
Q: What are the requirements for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification?
Q: What are the requirements for the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification?
Q: How does Stepful help individuals become certified medical assistants?
Q: What are the benefits of becoming a certified medical assistant?
Source Links
- https://www.stepful.com/post/how-to-become-a-certified-medical-assistant
- https://www.medicaltechnologyschools.com/medical-assistant/how-to-become-a-cma
- https://www.aama-ntl.org/medical-assisting/what-is-a-cma
