Medical Assistant Skills and Training

For decades medical assistants used to be trained right on the job, however this practice is becoming increasingly less common in the USA. Most medical assistants now receive their training through community and junior colleges and vocational, or military training institutions and upon graduation from the program they elect to sit for a medical assistant certification exam of their choice. Applicants to these vocational training institutions usually need to have a HS diploma/GED to be admitted into a qualified medical assistant training program. 

Your Certified Medical Assistant Training

When it comes to certified medical assistant training it is important to understand that certain medical office skills, such as taking vital signs, drawing up injections, administering ear lavage or instilling drops, collecting specimens, preparing slides, setting up EKGs, incubating Petri-dishes, sterilizing instruments, changing wound dressings and wrapping bandages are best learned under the direct guidance of an experienced medical or healthcare instructor. Direct supervision and hands-on practice of skills in a safe and supervised setting assures that the medical assistant student is going to be well prepared for the "real" job upon graduation from the medical assistant training program.

What kind of medical assistant training did you get?

 

Medical Assistant Certification as a Badge of Distinction

Medical assistant certification exam applicants must have successfully completed an accredited medical assisting program (usually schools with CAAHEP and/or ABHES accreditation) which typically includes an externship and extensive practical and written finals, to qualify for the exam.

The AAMA primarily certifies candidates who are recent graduates from an accredited medical assistant program. The AMT certifies recent medical assisting program graduates as well as those who have been working as a medical assistant for at least five years. The NHA accepts three consecutive years of consistent work experience. Once certified, the certificant must comply with the organization's standards and continuing education requirements to maintain the credential.

Organizations that award medical assistant certifications:

• AAMA - CMA (all areas of competency)
• AMT - RMA (all) and CMAS (administrative)
• NHA - CCMA (clinical) and CMAA (administrative)
• NRMA - NRMA
• Certification Commission - SCMA(tm) credential
• American Society of Podiatric Medical Assistants

The CMA exam is a 300-question, multiple-choice test, covering general medical, administrative and clinical knowledge. The RMA exam consists of 200-210 multiple-choice questions on the same subject matter: general medical, administrative and clinical.

DNA president Melodie Young stated in a practice management article published on DermQuest: "The best MAs are the ones who see themselves as professionals, who want to learn more and participate."

Recommended high school courses include math, health, biology, typing, bookkeeping, computer and office skills. Volunteer and healthcare related work experience, such as a nurse assistant, or home health aide usually is also very helpful. Upon graduation the student medical assistant receives a Medical Assisting diploma and is now a fully trained medical assistant ready to join the workforce.