Top Medical Assistant Certifications to Boost Your Career
Apr 04, 2024
Adherence to local regulations is essential for medical assistants aiming to practice in Florida. Certifications sanctioned by entities like the Florida Board of Nursing or the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) are prerequisites. This guide outlines recognized certifications, helping medical assistants explore career advancement within Florida's healthcare sector.
Table of Contents
- Main types of medical assistant certifications
- Specialty medical assistant certifications
- How to choose the right certification
Main types of medical assistant certifications
Understanding the main types of medical assistant certifications is essential for career advancement in healthcare. Explore the various certification options available to medical assistants to expand your professional opportunities and improve your skill set.
Explore alternative career options available to medical assistants by delving into insights on alternative jobs for medical assistants.
|
Certifying Body |
Exam Focus |
Eligibility Requirements |
|
American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) |
Balanced: Administrative & Clinical |
- Graduate from an accredited medical assisting program (minimum 12 months or equivalent) - Pass the CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) exam |
|
American Medical Technologists (AMT) |
Balanced: Administrative & Clinical |
- Graduate from an accredited medical assisting program (minimum 12 months or equivalent) - Pass the RMA (Registered Medical Assistant) exam |
|
National Healthcareer Association (NHA) |
Primarily Clinical |
- Graduate from an accredited medical assisting program (minimum 9 months or equivalent) - Pass the CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) exam |
|
Medical Assisting Certification Commission (MAAC) |
Primarily Clinical |
- Graduate from an accredited medical assisting program (minimum 9 months or equivalent) - Pass the NCMA (National Certified Medical Assistant) exam |
The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification covers administrative and clinical skills.
To be eligible, candidates must graduate from an accredited program and pass the AAMA exam. Florida Healthcare Academy offers a 12-week program at $6550, requiring a high school diploma or equivalent and a minimum age of 18.
The Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification exam covers administrative and clinical topics, ensuring a well-rounded skill set. Standard eligibility requirements include completing a medical assisting program and passing the certification exam.
While medical assistants are not licensed in Florida, they can obtain certification through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). This certification validates their competence and pushes far their professional credibility in the field.
The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification emphasizes a strong clinical focus, equipping candidates with specialized skills in patient care and clinical procedures. Eligibility typically requires completing a postsecondary medical assistant program and passing the certification exam.
Candidates seeking CMA credentials through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) must graduate from an accredited medical assistant program recognized by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
The National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) certification, offered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), emphasizes assisting physicians with patient care. Eligibility requires at least two years of full-time medical assistant experience within the last 10 years and a high school diploma or GED.
The NCMA exam covers pharmacology, medical procedures, phlebotomy, ECG, office procedures, and laws and ethics. The exam fee is $119, with an optional review course available for $70. NCMA duties include clinical tasks like direct patient care and administrative responsibilities such as scheduling appointments and maintaining patient records.
Specialty medical assistant certifications
Let´s explore specialized certifications in the field of medical assistance to enhance your expertise and career opportunities. Delve into the details of the highest-paid medical assistant specialties to discover insights.
A certified podiatric medical assistant is a vital member of the healthcare team, working closely under the supervision of a podiatrist. They perform both clinical and clerical duties, supporting podiatrists in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle conditions.
The Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) designation serves as the foundational certification for aspiring eye care professionals. It validates an assistant's knowledge across specific content areas essential for providing support in ophthalmic settings.
The Certified Chiropractic Clinical Assistant (CCCA) certification, offered by the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards (FCLB), sets a standard for individuals assisting chiropractors in delivering supportive therapies. It ensures competence in providing quality care within a chiropractic setting.
Specializing in senior care, the Specialty Certified Medical Assistant in Geriatrics (SCMA-G™) is a crucial link between older patients and healthcare providers. They conduct vital sign assessments, medical histories, and general welfare checks while managing office and clerical tasks.
How to choose the right certification
The appropriate medical assistant certification is crucial for aligning with your career goals and aspirations. Here's a guide to help you make an informed decision:
1. Consider your career goals
Before choosing a certification, reflect on your career objectives. Certifications like CMA (AAMA) or RMA (AMT) are suitable if you prefer a balance of administrative and clinical skills. Alternatively, options such as CCMA (NHA) or NCMA (MAAC) may be more appropriate if you desire a strong focus on clinical skills.
To explore the skills required for medical assistants, refer to insights on skills of medical assistants.
2. Talk to professionals in the field
Engage with experienced medical assistants or healthcare professionals to gain insights into the certifications valued within the industry. Their firsthand knowledge and experiences can provide valuable guidance in selecting the right certification for your career path.
3. Research local job market requirements
Research the job market in your local area to understand the certification preferences and requirements of employers. Identifying which certifications are in demand can help you make a well-informed decision that enhances your employability and career prospects.
