At this time there are no federal laws requiring licensing of medical assistants, although licensing may be required by state governments. Medical assistant certification is offered by several professional organizations and is voluntary but recommended. While some medical assistants may be trained on the job, most employers prefer that medical assistants have formal training at a college or accredited training program.
Training for Certification
Medical assistant training is offered by high school vocation programs, colleges and accredited training programs and is usually a one or two year program. One year programs lead to a certificate of completion, while most two year programs lead to an associate’s degree. Training programs may be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools. Before selecting a medical assistant school check with your accreditation office to make sure the program is certified.
Curriculum for Training Programs
Two year programs usually have two components in their programs, medical training and office training. Coursework may include insurance processing, record keeping, accounting, physiology, anatomy, medical terminology, medical ethics and medical law. Both classroom and clinical training are required for completion of an accredited course. Other training includes administration of medications, clinical procedures and laboratory procedures.
Certification through the American Association of Medical Assistants
For medical assistant certification through the AAMA, applicants must complete an accredited training program and take an exam. The cost of the exam is $125 for AAMA members and $250 for non members. Students may take the exam within 30 days prior to their completion of a training program or within 12 months of completing a program. The application for the exam should be submitted 90 days prior to the date the student intends to sit for the exam.
Registered Medical Assistant Designation
The registered medical assistant designation is offered by the American Medical Technologists and also requires an examination. Applicants should have completed an accredited training program or have at least 5 years experience working as a medical assistant. Members of the armed forces with 5 years experience as medical assistant are eligible to take the exam. The RMA exam is offered online and study materials are provided to applicants.
Additional Certifications and Re certification
Registered and certified medical assistants may also acquire certificates in different specialties like podiatry, ophthalmology and phlebotomy. Those interested in pursuing additional certificates should contact the AAMA or the AMT for additional information on certification programs. The AAMA requires that medical assistants recertify every 5 years, and re certification requirements can be met by taking an exam or with continuing education courses.
Medical Assistant Certification and Felony Convictions
Although a felony conviction is not a bar to certification, applicants with a felony conviction will have their application reviewed by certifying organizations to determine if they meet the standards required for medical assistant certification. In states that require licensing, a felony conviction may be a bar to obtaining a license. Aspiring medical assistants with felony convictions should check with their state for licensing requirements.
While medical assistant certification is voluntary at this time, it is required by most employers so graduates should consider applying for either the CMA or the RMA designation upon graduation from a qualifying program. Requirements for both designations require an exam and re certification may be necessary on a regular basis.