Certificate - Medical Assistant:Goes by many names

Shalon Bess-Orr, Medical Assistant/Medical Office Administration Program Director at Concorde's campus in Miramar, Fla. When discussing certification for Medical Assistants, it's important to first distinguish between the different types of certification. There's the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), which corresponds to a Medical Assistant who has been licensed by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants. Both the CMA and RMA are optional, nationalized - that is, both exams are offered throughout the U.S.

The Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) is a credential offered by a different organization known as the American Medical Technologists (AMT). But that might not always be the case. Other certifying agencies include the American Association of Medical Assistants. In addition, Medical Assistants can obtain certifications in disciplines such as Phlebotomy Technician, EKG Technician, Electronic Health Records Specialist, and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant.

The National Certification Career Association. What do students need to know going into exams? Bess-Orr said Concorde Career Institute - Miramar is credentialed with the National Center for Competency Testing, American Medical Technologist and National Health Career Association. Baldomino said the CMA exam consists of 200 questions. Training for certification begins with learning correct medical terminology, according to Tracy Baldomino, Medical Assistant and Medical Office Administration Program Director at Concordes Kansas City, Mo.

What do we do to prepare students For that reason, most accredited medical assistant programs have in-person classes or a hybrid of online and in-person certification? Seattle Central College offers a medical assisting program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and leads to a certificate. However, it's important to note that most programs employ a hybrid format that consists of a mix of in-person and online classes as well as a possible in-person externship or practicum.

This is a 1-year program that includes the option of online instruction and virtual lab simulations. After earning their medical assisting certificate, students may be ready to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) examination and also apply for Washington state medical assisting certification. Students are also required to complete an in-person capstone practicum that places them within a medial assisting workplace. At South Puget Sound Community College, students are able to earn a CAAHEP-accredited Associate in Applied Science in Medical Assisting degree through a program that offers some online (and evening) course options.

Aspiring medical assistants can choose to earn either an Associate in Science (AS) in Medical Assisting degree or a medical assisting certificate at Whatcom Community College. For admission, some, but not all, programs require prerequisites in math and English. Whatcom Community College's programs may make students eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) examination, and the curriculum is designed to align with Washington State medical assisting credentialing laws. Only students beginning their program in the spring can choose a hybrid format that includes online.

In-person classes (summer start is an on-campus program). Students must also complete an in-person clinical externship that takes place in a medical office. The AAS degree does require general education coursework in accounting, psychology, composition, and sociology, medical office assistant training online and in both programs, students may take courses that focus on clinical medical assisting skills and knowledge. Spokane Community College offers two CAAHEP-accredited programs, including an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Medical Assisting and a certificate, that may prepare students for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) examination.

Both CAAHEP-accredited programs have a hybrid option that consists of some face-to-face classes (that usually have lab elements) and online classes. Additionally, this associate degree program may prepare students to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) examination. Individuals wishing to attend an online medical assisting program in the state of Washington have several options. The Medical Assistant certification exam is a 100-question test that is to be completed within two hours.

This route requires proof of an educational credential within the field you are seeking certification. This must be accompanied by a government issued ID in order to be verified. Review material is provided free of charge once payment has been received. Since proctoring is a requirement, your exam must be scheduled at an exact date and time to ensure that a proctor is available to monitor your progress and help you with any questions you may have during your exam.

Goes by many names : Certificate - Medical Assistant