As a certified medical assistant (CMA), you will play a vital role alongside healthcare teams performing a variety of clinical and administrative tasks. To earn the title of CMA, you must complete a training program such as one offered at Manhattan School of Computer Technology. Then, pass a certification exam through the American Association for Medical Assistants (AAMA) or another recognized national accrediting body. This certification ensures that you have a comprehensive understanding of patient care while supporting healthcare teams.
What is a certified medical assistant?
Certified medical assistants (CMAs) are integral team members, performing essential tasks that help efficiently keep a medical office running smoothly. CMAs handle a wide range of responsibilities and duties, including:
- Maintaining new and established patient records
- Managing correspondence with patients and medical staff
- Booking and rescheduling appointments for patients
- Collecting samples and specimens from patients
- Changing care dressing for patients as needed
- Taking patient vital signs
- Conducting patient interviews prior to medical procedures occurring
- Explaining and supporting patients with treatment plans as advised by their medical providers
- Ensuring patients are fully informed and prepared for tests
- Sterilization of equipment for medical office staff
- Preparing a treatment room
- Disposing of contaminated waste to provide a safe and sanitary environment
This list provides a broad overview of a CMA’s duties, but remember that your specific responsibilities may vary depending on the type of healthcare facility where you work.
How long does it take to become a certified medical assistant?
Becoming a certified medical assistant (CMA) depends on your chosen program and the time you can commit to it. For instance, the MSCT program typically takes 60 weeks* to complete.
The MSCT program offers a comprehensive course curriculum covering a wide range of subjects, including:
- Anatomy, Physiology & Medical Terminology
- Medical office procedures and work
- Health policies and laws
- Principles in accounting
- Medical word processing and transcription
- Medical insurance and billing
- Electrocardiograms (ECG/EKG)
- Phlebotomy
- Clinical procedures
- Training in customized medical billing software
The MSCT program also includes a 375-hour internship training program in a medical facility, which provides hands-on learning experiences. Internship training is a crucial component of meeting the requirements for the exam to become a nationally certified medical assistant. One of the unique benefits MSCT offers is the opportunity for students to take the national certification exam through their campus after completing the program. This streamlined process can make your transition to becoming a CMA efficient and seamless.
Essential Skills of a Certified Medical Assistant
As a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), you’ll need clinical, administrative, and interpersonal skills to succeed in your role and provide high-quality care. These essential skills help ensure operations run smoothly in medical settings, create positive patient experiences, and support healthcare teams.
Administrative Skills- Administrative duties are critical for keeping healthcare offices organized, on track, and efficient. These skills include:
- Scheduling appointments and follow-up visits based on a medical provider’s availability
- Appointment setting for new patients (if applicable)
- Maintaining electronic medical records
- Time management and multitasking
- Computer skills and an understanding of computer-based medical skills
- Facilitating phone calls to and from patients
- Attention to detail
- Staying organized
Interpersonal Skills- Strong interpersonal skills are key to building trust between patients and medical professionals. It creates a positive and cooperative environment. These skills include:
- Communication
- problem-solving
- Active listening
- Empathy
- Customer service
Clinical Skills- As a nationally certified CMA, you can assist with hands-on clinical tasks requiring specialized technical skills. Some of these clinical duties include:
- Taking vital signs
- Patient preparation
- Phlebotomy
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (also known as CPR)
- Electrocardiograms (EKG/ECG)
- Administering shots
- Maintaining safety and sanitation procedures
Though this is not a comprehensive list, developing and refining these skills will help ensure you’re well-prepared to make valuable contributions to a medical team and deliver an exceptional experience for patients throughout their care journey.
Steps to Become a Certified Medical Assistant
Becoming a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) involves completing a few essential steps. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
Step 1: Complete Your Education
- To be a CMA, you must complete and graduate from a certified medical assistant program, such as the one offered through MSCT. This will ensure you have the necessary clinical and administrative skills to succeed in the medical field.
Step 2: Take & Pass the AAMA Exam
- Once you’ve completed your education program, the next step is to pass the certification exam. This exam is administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). By passing this exam, you will earn your official CMA designation.
Step 3: Maintain Your CMA Certification
- You must recertify every five years to maintain an active CMA certification. This can be done by retaking the certification exam or earning sixty hours of continuing education credits. Recertifying ensures you’re up-to-date with the latest medical practices and maintain the necessary skills to provide the best patient care experiences.
Key Benefits of Becoming a Certified Medical Assistant
Becoming a certified medical assistant offers numerous advantages that can enhance your career and personal life, including:
Increased Job Opportunities: With a certification as a medical assistant, you can open doors to a wide range of roles in multiple healthcare settings. It also gives you a competitive edge in today’s healthcare job market, making you a candidate who stands out to potential employers.
Enhanced Job Security: As a CMA, you will likely experience strong job stability. The healthcare industry continues to expand, and professionals with certifications are in demand. Employers often recognize the value of certification, which usually leads to more secure, long-term careers.
Personal Fulfillment & Confidence: Achieving a certification is a milestone worth celebrating. This accomplishment can boost confidence in your ability to pursue goals and fuel your motivation to continue advancing in the healthcare field.
Ready to Become a Certified Medical Assistant? Becoming a CMA can have a lasting impact on your career, goals, personal life, and the healthcare field. If you’re passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and are ready to take the next step, don’t wait any longer—enroll in a program like the one offered by MSCT today and start your journey toward becoming a certified medical assistant.
Resources/Additional Information:
https://www.coursera.org/articles/certified-medical-assistant
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/certified-medical-assistant
https://campus.edu/blog/medical-assisting/medical-assistant-skills
https://www.nysed.gov/career-technical-education/medical-assisting
https://manhattanschool.edu/programs/medical-office-specialist/
*Program length when completed in normal time.