Benefits of Medical Assistant Certifications

Answer 1

Medical assistant careers have become one of the fastest growing careers in the United States. The specific duties of medical assistants vary per employer, but most medical assistants perform a variety of clinical and administrative tasks within a medical office setting. Some common duties of medical assistants include taking a patient's medical history, collecting blood and urine samples for laboratory testing, preparing patients for x-rays, and sterilizing medical equipment. Medical assistants typically report to physicians or other healthcare professionals. Many individuals who pursue a career as a medical assistant also obtain certification. Certification is not required, but medical assistants who are certified usually enjoy greater employment opportunities and higher salaries.

Education Requirements

Individuals desiring to become medical assistants usually attend a 1- or 2-year medial assistant program at a community college, vocational or technical school. Many programs include preparation for certification. Courses commonly taken in medical assistant programs include anatomy, medical terminology, accounting, billing, and medical transcription. Many programs that are accredited also offer students the opportunity to participate in an internship. Medical assistants also learn first aid, CPR, how to give injections, and how to administer medications.

Certification Information

The Association of Medical Technologists and the American Association of Medical Assistants are two associations that award medical assistant certifications to individuals who meet the requirements. The specific requirements and processes for certification vary per association. In most cases, students must pass a written exam after completing a medical assistant program.

Job Opportunities

Most medical assistants work in physician offices, while a smaller percentage work in private hospitals. Medical assistants enjoy a positive job outlook, and the medical assistant field will experience significant job growth through 2018. An aging population and the increased occurrence of certain diseases are some of the reasons for the positive career outlook. Many employers desire to hire certified medical assistants, so individuals interested in a medical assistant career benefit greatly from obtaining the certification.