What does a Certified Medical Assistant do?
Published 4 min read
A certified medical assistant is a health care professional who has been trained to provide basic medical care and administrative support to patients in a variety of health care settings. Medical assistants typically work in doctor's offices, clinics, and hospitals. They may also be employed by other health care facilities, such as nursing homes and rehabilitation centers.
Medical assistants perform a variety of tasks, including taking patient medical histories and vital signs, preparing patients for examinations, assisting physicians with procedures, and providing instruction to patients on how to take medication and care for wounds. They also handle administrative duties, such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, and billing insurance companies.
Certified Medical Assistant job duties include:
- Schedule and confirm patient appointments
- Prepare patients for examination and treatment
- Record patient medical histories
- Measure patients' vital signs, such as blood pressure and weight
- Assist physicians with examinations, treatments, and minor surgical procedures
- Collect and prepare laboratory specimens or perform basic laboratory tests on the premises
- Authorize prescription refills as directed by physician
- Perform clerical duties, such as maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes
- Answer patients' questions and provide instructions as directed by physician
- Educate patients about health maintenance and disease prevention
Certified Medical Assistant Job Requirements
A certified medical assistant (CMA) is a medical professional who has been trained and certified to perform various tasks in a medical office or clinic. Most CMAs have completed an accredited medical assistant program and have passed a certification exam, such as the Certified Medical Assistant Exam (CMAE) offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). In some states, CMAs may also be required to complete a state-approved training program and pass a state certification exam. Some employers may require CMAs to have one or more years of experience working in a medical office or clinic.
Certified Medical Assistant Skills
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Medical Terminology
- Patient Privacy and Confidentiality
- Infection Control
- Vital Signs
- Electronic Health Records
- Scheduling and Appointments
- Insurance and Billing
- Medication Administration
- Phlebotomy
- Laboratory Procedures
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How to become a Certified Medical Assistant
There are many ways to become a certified medical assistant. One way is to attend a school that offers a certification program. Many community colleges, technical schools, and private career colleges offer certification programs. These programs typically last between six and twelve months and include both classroom and clinical instruction.
Another way to become a certified medical assistant is to have on-the-job training. Many employers are willing to provide on-the-job training to employees who are interested in becoming certified medical assistants. This type of training is often combined with online or evening classes.
Once you have completed a certification program or on-the-job training, you will need to pass an exam to become certified. The most common exam is the Certified Medical Assistant Exam (CMA). To be eligible to take the CMA exam, you must have completed an accredited medical assistant program or have at least five years of experience working as a medical assistant.
Once you have passed the CMA exam, you will be a certified medical assistant and will be able to use the title “CMA” after your name. You will also be listed in the American Association of Medical Assistants’ National Registry of Certified Medical Assistants.
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