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Exploring Options For Medical Assistant Certification
The professional position in the healthcare industry known as “Medical Assistant” generally does not require licensing or certification by law. Nevertheless, roughly 90% of all such assistants voluntarily elect to become certified. Most employers prefer to hire certified professionals and in some cases there are state requirements for certification when performing specific duties involving Radiology or Phlebotomy. Medical Assistant Certification is not very difficult to obtain and is highly recommended for optimum salary and job placement.
In addition to a solid career boost and higher income the best job positions are held by certified health workers in all fields. There are several types of certifications for these valuable assistants. A “Certified Medical Assistant”, also known as a CMA, is the credential that is issued through the American Association of Medical Assistants in Chicago, Illinois. This certification must be renewed every five years and is obtained by paying an enrollment fee and submitting to an examination. A “Certified Clinical Medical Assistant”, also known as a CCMA, is certified for competency in a number of laboratory and clinical procedures. There is a fee to take this exam as well and it is issued by the National Headquarters for Medical Assistants located in New Jersey.
An “RMA” is one who has been registered until the appropriate agency. In order to obtain this credential there is an annual fee (which is nominal) as well as the completion of a specific number of continuing education courses every three years. This certification is issued through the Registered Medical Assistants of American Medical Technologies organization in Rosemont, Illinois.
It is always prudent to obtain any available license or certification for your specific vocation whenever possible. Such credentials boost your credibility and demand that potential employers take you seriously. Choosing the right program for you will depend upon several considerations. Among them will be your future career goals, your foundation of (and level of) current education, and how much time and financial resources you have at your disposal to invest in such accreditation.
Always check with your local community college before looking into private schools. Most public community colleges offer two year AA degrees for medical professionals, as well as financial aid programs, lower tuition, and a host of benefits that will be of great assistance during the interim period in furthering your education. In addition there are career counselors, as well as an evaluator’s services and customized guidance to help set your career goals as well as to help you reach them. Always take advantage of your credential opportunities whenever possible.