What’s Next After Becoming a Medical Assistant? Continuing Education Options

Becoming a medical assistant is just the first step in a rewarding career in healthcare. Continuing education is essential for medical assistants who want to advance their careers and stay current with industry trends. There are several options available for further education and specialization, which can lead to higher earning potential and more opportunities for advancement in the field.

Why is continuing education necessary for medical assistants?

Continuing education is necessary for medical assistants to stay updated with advancements in medical technology, procedures, and regulations. It helps them provide the best possible care to patients and ensures they remain valuable assets to their healthcare teams. 

Additionally, continuing education can lead to certifications in specialized areas, which can open up new career paths and increase earning potential. For more information on the highest paid medical assistant specialties, visit our guide highest paid medical assistant specialties.

Benefits of continuing education for medical assistants

• Career Advancement: Further education and specialized training can open up opportunities for advancement into roles such as medical office manager or clinical supervisor.
• Increased Earning Potential: Certified medical assistants often earn higher salaries than their non-certified counterparts. Specialized certifications can further increase earning potential.
• Enhanced Job Security: Keeping up with the latest trends and technologies in healthcare makes medical assistants more valuable to employers, reducing the risk of job loss.
• Improved Patient Care: Continuing education ensures that medical assistants are up-to-date with the latest medical practices, allowing them to provide better care to patients.
• Professional Development: Continuing education helps medical assistants stay engaged and motivated in their careers, leading to increased job satisfaction.
• Networking Opportunities: Continuing education programs often provide opportunities to network with other healthcare professionals, which can lead to new career opportunities.

Personal Growth: Learning new skills and knowledge can boost confidence and self-esteem, leading to personal growth and development.

Types of continuing education for medical assistants

Continuing education is crucial for medical assistants to stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in the field. There are several types of continuing education options available, ranging from certificate programs to advanced certifications. Each option offers unique benefits and can help medical assistants further their careers. Explore the different types of medical assistant specialties list options below:

Certificate programs

Certificate programs are short-term educational programs that focus on a specific area of study, such as medical billing or electronic health records. They are designed to provide specialized knowledge and skills that can enhance a medical assistant's job performance and marketability. Certificate programs are typically completed in less than a year and may require passing an exam to earn certification in Florida.

Associate degree programs

Associate degree programs in medical assisting offer a more comprehensive education than certificate programs. They typically include coursework in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and clinical procedures. An associate degree can open up additional career opportunities and may be required for certain advanced positions in the field.

Advanced certification

Advanced certifications, such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), demonstrate a higher level of knowledge and skill in the field. These certifications often require passing a rigorous exam and completing continuing education requirements to maintain certification.

Continuing education units (CEUs)

Continuing education units (CEUs) are a way for medical assistants to keep their skills and knowledge up-to-date. Many professional organizations and certifying bodies require medical assistants to complete a certain number of CEUs regularly to maintain certification. CEU courses cover a wide range of topics relevant to medical assisting practice.

“CE credits are often required by your employer or even the government, and they are required to maintain your NHA certification.” NHA

NHA

What certifications are available for medical assistants?

Certifications can significantly enhance the career prospects of medical assistants, showcasing their skills and dedication to the field. There are several certifications available, each offering unique benefits and opportunities for advancement. Explore the various certifications below to find the right path for your career. For more detailed information on each certification, visit our guide on types of medical assistant certifications.

Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification is designed for medical assistants who perform clinical duties in healthcare settings. This certification demonstrates proficiency in areas such as patient care, medical office management, and medical terminology. To learn more about how to pass the CCMA exam, visit our comprehensive guide how to pass the ccma exam.

Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

The Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) certification is ideal for medical assistants who specialize in administrative duties. This certification demonstrates proficiency in areas such as medical office management, patient scheduling, and medical billing. It can improve job prospects and lead to increased earning potential.

Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)

The Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification is recognized nationally and demonstrates competency in clinical and administrative tasks. RMAs are skilled in areas such as taking patient histories, assisting with exams, and performing basic lab tests. This certification can lead to more job opportunities and career advancement in the medical assisting field.

Credential renewal process

To stay up-to-date and keep your national certification active, you must participate in continuing education (CE) programs. The specific requirements vary depending on your credentials.

• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA): CMA certification renews every five years. You'll need to earn at least 60 recertification points, half of which come from AAMA-approved CEUs or by retaking the exam.
• Registered Medical Assistant (RMA): RMA certification renews annually. The American Medical Technologists' (AMT) Certification Continuation Program (CCP) outlines the requirements, which you can fulfill through online courses, webinars, conferences, publications, and other educational activities.
• Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA): CCMA certification renews biannually. You'll need to complete ten online continuing education credits from approved providers.
• National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA): NCMA certification renews annually. You can fulfill the requirement through online courses, such as webinars, specialty courses, or documented programs from other providers.

How do I choose the right continuing education program?

Choosing the right continuing education program as a medical assistant is crucial for your career growth. Here are some key factors to consider when making your decision:

• Accreditation: Ensure that the program is accredited by a recognized accrediting body. This ensures that the education you receive meets established standards of quality and rigor.
• Reputation: Research the reputation of the program and the institution offering it. Look for reviews from students and alumni to get an idea of the program's quality and effectiveness.
• Curriculum: Review the curriculum to ensure that it covers topics relevant to your career goals and interests. Look for programs that offer hands-on experience and practical skills training.
• Flexibility: Consider your schedule and commitments when choosing a program. Look for programs that offer flexible scheduling options, such as evening or weekend classes, or online courses.
• Cost: Compare the cost of the program with your budget and financial resources. Look for programs that offer financial aid or scholarships if needed.
• Career Support: Look for programs that offer career support services, such as job placement assistance or networking opportunities. This can help you secure employment after completing the program.
• Certification: Consider programs that lead to recognized certifications in the field. Certifications can enhance your resume and make you more competitive in the job market.

References

• Bonewit-West, K., Hunt, S. A., & Applegate, E. (2012). Today's medical assistant: clinical and administrative procedures. Elsevier Health Sciences.
• Balasa, D. A. (2008). New roles for the certified medical assistant to enhance quality and effectiveness of care. J Med Pract Manage, 23(5), 276-8.
• Aridarma, A., Mengko, T. L., & Soegijoko, S. (2011, July). Personal medical assistant: Future exploration. In Proceedings of the 2011 International Conference on Electrical Engineering and Informatics (pp. 1-6). IEEE.