Reasons to Get Certified as a Medical Assistant
According to the Occupational Handbook published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most medical assistants complete one or two-year training programs at an accredited vocational school or college. Although most medical assistants do complete a training program, there are no formal educational requirements.
Some assistants only have high school diplomas and get on-the-job training under a physician’s guidance. Even so, it’s important to take the Certified Medical Assistant Exam conducted by the American Association of Medical Assistants.
Obtaining your medical assistant certification is optional in most states. However, having your certification is an asset when applying for jobs because most employers will prefer a certified medical assistant over one without certification. Below are some more reasons:
Pay
Many certified medical assistants enjoy the luxuries that come with a better paying job, In addition to starting out at a higher pay rate, it’s also easier to find jobs that offer consistent merit raises and cost of living increases.
More Stability
Medical assistants are needed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you want to increase your chances of finding a stable job with consistent hours, certification can only help.
Shows Dedication
When you care enough to complete coursework and take the CMA exam, you show employers that you are dedicated to your job.
Continuing Education
The AAMA requires that you re-certify every five years, either through continuing education credits or by retaking the exam. This process helps you stay up-to-date with the latest technology and trends in medical assisting.
More job choices
Whether you want to work in podiatry or pediatrics, being certified opens the doors for you to work in a medical setting that’s right for you.
Reassurance
As a medical assistant, your patients will be your top priority. Both you and they can feel that you have what it takes to see patients through their medical visit from reception to examination and check out.
In some cases your employer will pay for your continued education, making it possible for you to acquire your certification. In some locations , a medical assistant must be certified in order to perform such tasks as drawing blood and other clinical procedures. It is usually required that an applicant for medical assistant certification has graduated from an accredited school within the last 3 to 5 years. This is due to the fact that the medical field is always changing.
