Certifications

February 14, 2022

Medical Assistant Continuing Education CEU

Certified medical assistants usually wish to keep their credentials and professional membership status active once they have earned their “badge” of distinction. This is facilitated through taking approved continuing education programs that provide continuing education units. A continuing education unit (CEU) or continuing education credit (CEC) is a measure used in continuing education programs, particularly those required in a licensed profession, in order for the professional to maintain the license. Generally, a CEU is defined as ten hours of participation in a recognized continuing education program, with qualified instruction and sponsorship. When a medical assistant fails to accumulate enough CEUs the certification will lapse. The person can continue to work in their role as a medical assistant since certification is generally not required (with some exceptions) but they can no longer use their professional insignia, badges, and credentials in their signature until the certification exam has been retaken and passed. This is called re-certification (ugh!) and will cost the standard application fees all over again. To receive proper credit to maintain their certification status certified medical assistants must document that they have taken approved continuing education courses that apply to the scope of practice of their discipline while their certification status is active. Benefits of Continuing Education CEUs Medical assistants can contact their certifying organization and request details of their continuing education course approval and CEU documentation requirements. One way to ease the CEU pain is to do them at home through self-study programs, books, magazines, or even better, on your computer. Various professional membership associations that function as certifying bodies determine their […]
February 14, 2022

Which Medical Assistant Certification is Better?

Suzy Ashmore shared the following with us: Re: RMA vs CMA (AAMA) – One better than the other?”WOW!!! I am appalled at the amount of misinformation still being posted. i.e.: “RMA goes to college and the CMA does not”, and “CMA is only recognized statewide, RMA is a national certificate”, and on and on. If you people really want to know the facts, you need to contact representatives of the state societies in the state in which you live. Both, American Medical Technologists (AMT) and AAMA have chapters in all 50 states, including the Caribbean. I guess this controversy will never end.” What is the Difference Between RMA and CMA? The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) provides its membership the CMA designation (with capital letters), this widely recognized credential is copyrighted. This means that any other organization that wishes to “certify” medical assistants CAN NOT use CMA with capital letters. The AAMA is the only organization that can use the term “certified Medical Assistant, CMA”, however, all others can say their medical assistants are certified. Look closely here, the only difference is the capitalization of the first letter.A medical assistant is a medical assistant, regardless of the type of “credential” they hold, but there are slight differences in the organizations (AAMA, AMT, ARMA, NRMA, AAMP, NHA, NCCA) themselves. To certify through AAMA, you MUST have received your MA training through formal post-secondary vocational instruction,i.e. from a trade or vocational training institution, community college, or university. Other certifying professional membership organizations might allow you to sit for their exam if […]
February 14, 2022

Benefits & Purpose

This story is real! Don’t let it become yours: Temperance from Florida tells us that after successfully finishing the medical assistant training program she has a difficult time landing her first job. She says: “I’ve applied to as many positions I possibly could, but most employers here are looking for certified MAs. No one wants to give me a chance without it, so now I am seeking certification through a recognized provider.” Most employers set their standards high and specify that certification is preferred when they hire. Job applicants without it instantly drop to the bottom of the list. Unfortunately, many medical assistants don’t even realize that they might already qualify for certification based on their vocational or military training, years of experience, or other certifications they already have in their specific discipline. Recognized Certification Opens  Doors! Every day new medical assistant school graduates enter the job market that’s an endless stream of well-trained applicants for the same positions. How will you compete and prove to a potential employer that you are the most qualified candidate for the position? The key is to set yourself apart by earning certified credentials that attest to your knowledge in the field. A medical assistant certification exam covers a broad range of medical assisting areas of knowledge to assure proficiency and competency in all areas of general medical assisting, clinical and administrative. Those who are certified are more likely to advance to a higher position as well as receive more benefits and a better salary than those who are not certified. Prometric Medical Assistant Certification Exam Certification exams […]
February 14, 2022

Medical Assistant Certification Requirements

Medical assistant certification remains largely voluntary here in the USA. Those presently working, or wishing to work as a medical assistant are not required to be licensed, certified, or registered in most states; however, although so far certification remains largely voluntary it is the employer who sets forth their own specific requirements and job qualifications for a position and OFTEN they want someone who is certified. Where jobs are limited and applicants plentiful they can pick and choose who they want. If you have read the wanted ads in your newspaper or Internet job sites then you should already have realized that just about every job offer for medical assistants reads: “Must be certified and/or have x-amount of experience.” The importance and impact certification makes on your resume and getting hired should be obvious to you by now. Every medical assistant, whether new or seasoned, should seek every available resource and opportunity to accomplish their goals. You can build yourself an edge through recognized certifications and credentials. A Very Typical Job Ad: “We are seeking Medical Assistants to work in our downtown Orlando clinics (Pediatrics, OBGYN, Ortho, Internal Medicine, Family Practice positions available). Requirements: Minimum 1 year of MA work experience. Medical Assistant Certificate – MUST BE REGISTERED MEDICAL ASSISTANT (RMA), AAMA, or AMT CERTIFIED. Bilingual preferred, but not required. Please only qualified candidates apply. “ Educational Requirements for Medical Assistants Did you know that there are state-mandated registries and licensing boards for physicians, nurses, and physicians assistants in the USA; e.g. State Medical Boards and the Federation of State Medical Boards (FCVS)which maintains a permanent, […]