The Benefits of Certification for Medical Assistants
Although certification is not a legal requirement for medical assistants, there are many benefits that it offers. Certification gives you a competitive edge: it demonstrates your commitment to the profession and shows that you possess a good level of competency and knowledge in the field.
Because it indicates a high standard of proficiency, the majority of employers prefer to hire certified medical assistants. In addition to prestige among coworkers and employers, certification leads to better job security, and opens the door for career advancement. Promotions for certified medical assistants include office manager, clinical supervisor, and even teaching positions.
Certified medical assistants are paid more competitive wages and receive more valuable benefits than those without certification. Your credentials must be renewed every three to five years, depending on the certifying body, so it also helps you remain current and knowledgeable about your career field. In addition to general certification, it is also possible to become certified in a specialty area such as optometry, podiatry, or ophthalmology.
Certification Associations
Medical assistants interested in advancing their career by becoming certified can do so through one of two organizations: the American Association of Medical Assistants, and the Association of Medical Technologists. Both associations award certification credentials by examination. Although the exact process varies, you will typically need to complete a training program accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). You must be a graduate of one of these accredited programs in order to be eligible for certification.
Certification Process
Coursework in a training program usually includes academic and clinical training in anatomy, medical terminology, accounting, patient relations, and medical law and ethics. After graduating from an accredited post-secondary medical assisting training program, you must also pass a certification examination.
Once you have successfully fulfilled these requirements, you receive either a Registered Medical Assistant title (awarded by the Association of Medical Technologists), or a Certified Medical Assistant title (awarded by the American Association of Medical Assistants).
Having earned your initial certification, you must recertify every three to five years by either continuing your education or retesting.
Article Resources:
American Association of Medical Assistants
AAMA article
American Medical Technologists