1. What does a Medical Assistant do?
Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs) have a great amount of variety in their
jobs and are cross-trained to perform many administrative and clinical duties. Medical assistants work under
the supervision of a licensed physician, and they are an increasingly important
part of the health care team.
2. What are some of the responsibilities?
Medical assistants help with patient care management, execute administrative
and clinical procedures, and often perform managerial and supervisory
functions. Competency in the field requires that medical assistants
communicate effectively, adhere to ethical and legal standards of medical
practice, recognize and respond to emergencies, and demonstrate professional
characteristics.
3. Where do they work?
CMA (Certified Medical Assistants) will job opportunities available in
physicians'offices, ambulatory care centers, insurance companies, transcription
services, etc.
4. What degree will I earn?
You will earn a certificate upon completion of the Medical Assistant
Technology Program with an option for an AAS degree.
5. How do I apply?
You can apply for acceptance to the MAT program when you are in your final
prerequisite semester or your prerequisites are completed. Contact the
MAT Department in Room 7450 or call 488-4543. Complete
the health careers admissions packet. Your completed physical form and
prerequisites classes must be completed in order to be
considered an active applicant.
6. What certification will be required after I earn my degree?
Upon completion of the program, you are eligible to take the AAMA
Certification Examination developed in conjunction with the National Board of Medical
Examiners. Successful completion of this examination qualifies you to
practice as a CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) throughout the United States.
7. Did you know?
Medical assisting is one of the nation's fastest growing careers through
2010, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. This can
be attributed to a predicted surge in the number of physicians' offices and
outpatient care facilities. Technological advancements and the growing
number of elderly Americans who need medical treatment are also factors for the
increased demand for medical assistants.
8. What career opportunities are available to CMA's?
As one of the fastest growing allied health care careers, medical
assisting offers terrific opportunities for advancement. Certified Medical
Assistants can advance to office manager, clinical supervisor or qualify for a
variety of administrative support occupations. Some CMSs choose to teach
medical assisting. Others choose to obtain a bachelor's degree in Human
services, Health Promotion or Health Services Management to name a few.
Certified Medical Assistants are paid competitive wages and can receive
valuable benefits. More importantly, CMAs have the satisfaction of knowing
that they are helping others and making a positive difference in people's lives.
For further information on the CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) professional
organization contact the American
Association of Medical Assistants.
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