In the ever-evolving field of healthcare, medical assistants play a crucial role in ensuring efficient patient care and smooth operations within medical facilities. As the demand for these professionals continues to rise, pursuing a certification can enhance a medical assistant’s career, validate their knowledge and skills, and improve their earning potential. If you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant, there are a variety of medical assistant programs in NJ and NY to choose from. This blog explores the different medical assistant certifications, their significance, and how they impact your career.
Different Medical Assistant Certifications
-
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
A Certified Medical Assistant is a Medical Assistant that is certified through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). This is one of the most recognized certifications in the medical assistant field. CMAs provide both medical and clerical duties depending on the employer’s needs. They assist physicians and other healthcare professionals by maintaining medical records, processing insurance information, educating patients on plans of care, and taking vital signs.
To obtain a CMA, candidates must have a high school diploma or GED, graduate from an accredited medical assistant program, and pass a comprehensive exam covering both clinical and administrative skills. The CMA exam covers multiple topics such as medical terminology, physiology, anatomy, and patient care. The CMA certification signifies a well-rounded knowledge of healthcare practices, from patient interactions to administrative tasks. CMAs are often preferred by employers for their rigorous and extensive training. The Certified Medical Assistant certification also requires holders to continue education in order to maintain it, therefore ensuring that CMAs stay up to date with industry tends and practices.
-
Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
The Registered Medical Assistant credential is offered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT). The RMA certification eligibility requirements are similar to the CMA requirements. To be eligible candidates must have a high school diploma or GED, be a graduate from an accredited medical assistant program or a US Armed Forces medical assistant program, and work as a full-time medical assistant for three years. The candidate must also be currently instructing in an accredited medical assisting program, completed a course of instruction in a related healthcare discipline, and have a minimum of five years of full-time teaching experience.
Candidates must pass an exam that assesses both clinical and administrative competencies. The exam consists of 210 multiple-choice sections and covers topics of medical assistant knowledge, administrative medical assisting, and clinical medical assisting. The RMA certification is respected in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. RMAs are often seen as a versatile team member, capable of performing a wide range of tasks, from patient care to office management.
-
National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)
Offered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), the NCMA credential is another viable option for aspiring medical assistants. In order to take this exam, the candidate must meet one of the following:
- Be a current NCCT-authorized medical assistant program
- Be a recent graduate from an NCCT-authorized medical assistant program in the past 5 years
- Have 2 years of full-time experience as a medical assistant in the last 5 years
- Have completed medical assistant training or equivalent in the military in the past 5 years
The NCMA exam covers a variety of topics, including pharmacology, medical procedures, phlebotomy, ECG, and more. Unlike other certifications, the NCMA allows for a broader interpretation of medical assisting, which can be beneficial in diverse clinical settings. The NCCT emphasizes a hands-on approach to ensure candidates are over prepared for real life challenges. Medical assistants that hold the NCMA credential are recognized as having well-rounded clinical and administrative skills. This certification is designed for those who have completed a medical assistant program or possess sufficient work experience.
-
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The exam focuses more on clinical skills rather than administrative and overall office administration. Earning this certification accredits medical assistants and allows them to pursue better clinical career opportunities. This is great for those who wish to work directly with patients.
In order to be eligible to take this exam, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Complete a medical assistant training or education program within the last 5 years
OR
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- 1 year of supervised experience in a medical assisting field within the last 3 years or 2 years of supervised work experience in a medical assisting field within the last 5 years
The CCMA exam assesses practical skills, including patient care techniques, medical procedures, and safety protocols. This certification is specifically beneficial for medical assistants who aim to specialize in clinical roles.
Importance of Certification
As a medical assistant, earning a certification is beneficial in numerous ways. It enhances job opportunities, as many employers prefer those with more knowledge/skills, or it may even be required. Not only does it broaden job opportunities, but it also often raises salary potential. Certified medical assistants often enjoy higher salaries and greater job security than their non-certified counterparts. Additionally, the commitment to ongoing education that certification requires reflects a dedicated and hardworking employee.
Conclusion
Medical assistant certifications are vital in shaping a successful career in healthcare. With various options available, aspiring medical assistants should consider their career goals, interests, and the specific demands of the job market when choosing a certification path. By investing in certification, medical assistants can not only elevate their professional standing but also contribute to improved patient care. It’s extremely beneficial for those in the medical assisting field to consider obtaining additional certifications as it greatly improves salaries, job opportunities, and contributes to operational efficiency in healthcare settings. If you’re looking for a medical assistant job in New York or New Jersey, check out our current open jobs! Horizon Healthcare Staffing can provide you with your next dream medical assistant job!