What is a Medical Assistant?

Definition and Job Description

A medical assistant is a healthcare professional who assists in the delivery of medical care, performing both administrative duties and clinical duties.

Medical assistants work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities, providing patient care assistance and administrative support.

Their work hours vary depending on the work environment, but a typical shift is between eight and 10 hours.

Becoming a Registered Medical Assistant

Step 1: Complete an Accredited Medical Assisting Program

The minimum requirement to work as a medical assistant is a high school diploma (or its equivalent) and hands-on training.

To gain certification, students must typically meet additional requirements, such as completing a fully accredited medical assistant program at a college or vocational school.

Medical assisting programs provide foundational knowledge in areas such as anatomy, legal compliance, and maintaining electronic health records.

Step 2: Develop Key Skills

Registered medical assistants need to have certain technical and administrative skills to perform most of their core duties, including understanding how to operate medical and office equipment and taking vital signs.

Medical assistants must also be equipped to perform their duties accurately to avoid medical errors or misinterpretations, which requires strong attention to detail.

Anyone interested in working as a registered medical assistant can gain these skills through a medical assisting training program as well as through work experience.

Step 3: Earn a Certification

• Medical assistant certification follows taking an examination.

• To become eligible to take the RMA certification exam, individuals need to have completed an accredited medical assisting program that includes 720 hours of instruction and at least 160 hours of externship participation.

• Medical assistants may also choose to pursue RMA certification from the American Registry of Medical Assistants (ARMA) or a certified medical assistant (CMA) credential from the American Association of Medical Assistants.

Benefits of Registration

Advantages of Becoming a Registered Medical Assistant

Certified medical assistants may have advantages over those who aren’t certified, including increased job prospects and higher salaries.

Registered medical assistants are trained in health and safety practices and compliance with basic healthcare laws.

Registration demonstrates a level of expertise and commitment to the healthcare profession, which can lead to greater job satisfaction and career advancement opportunities.

Job Outlook for Medical Assistants

Employment Opportunities

The job outlook for medical assistants is promising, with a projected job growth of 14% over the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

About 114,600 job openings will be available annually due to job growth and medical assistants leaving the labor force or switching occupations.

Medical assistants can work in a variety of medical facilities, including hospitals, clinics, outpatient clinics, and nursing homes.

Salary and Benefits

Registered Medical Assistant Salary

• Registered medical assistants earn a median annual salary of $37,190.

• The advantages of this career are that it tends to be a steady job often accompanied by benefits such as health care insurance.

• This salary may vary depending on your location, type of healthcare facility, and level of experience.

Military and Veteran Opportunities

Military Medical Assistant Programs

The military offers medical assistant training programs for those interested in pursuing a career in healthcare.

These programs provide hands-on training and education in medical assisting, as well as opportunities for advancement and specialization. Additionally, roles in healthcare administration can be a significant opportunity for medical assistants looking to enhance their careers and transition into higher-level positions within the military healthcare system.

Online Application and Registration Process

Online Application Instructions

• To apply for registration as a medical assistant, you’ll need to complete an online application and pay the application fee.

• You’ll need to provide a complete address and full legal name as it appears on your driver’s license or birth certificate.

• You can find online application instructions and additional resources on the Department of Health website.

Continuing Education and Professional Development

Importance of Lifelong Learning

As a registered medical assistant, it is essential to recognize the importance of lifelong learning and professional development. The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatments, and regulations emerging regularly. To stay current and provide the best possible care to patients, medical assistants must commit to ongoing education and training.

Continuing education and professional development can take many forms, including:

• Attending conferences and workshops

• Participating in online courses and webinars

• Reading industry publications and journals

• Joining professional organizations and networking with peers

• Pursuing specialized certifications or advanced degrees

By prioritizing lifelong learning, registered medical assistants can:

• Enhance their skills and knowledge in areas such as electronic health records, administrative tasks, and clinical duties

• Stay up-to-date on the latest medical research and technologies

• Improve patient outcomes and satisfaction

• Advance their careers and increase their earning potential

• Maintain their certification and registration credentials

State-Specific Registration Requirements

Navigating Different State Regulations

While the certification process for medical assistants is standardized, registration requirements can vary from state to state. It is essential for registered medical assistants to understand the specific regulations and requirements in their state to ensure compliance and maintain their registration.

Some states require medical assistants to register with the state medical board or department of health, while others may have different requirements. For example:

• Some states require medical assistants to complete a certain number of continuing education hours to maintain their registration

• Others may require medical assistants to pass a state-specific certification exam

• Some states may have different requirements for medical assistants working in specific settings, such as hospitals or outpatient clinics

To navigate these different state regulations, registered medical assistants can:

• Check with their state medical board or department of health for specific requirements

• Consult with their employer or professional organization for guidance

• Stay up-to-date on changes to state regulations and requirements

• Ensure they meet all requirements to maintain their registration and certification credentials

Impact of Technology on Medical Assisting

Embracing Technological Advancements

Technology is transforming the healthcare industry, and medical assisting is no exception. Registered medical assistants must be proficient in using various technologies to perform their administrative and clinical duties efficiently.

Some of the ways technology is impacting medical assisting include:

• Electronic health records (EHRs): Medical assistants must be able to accurately and efficiently document patient information in EHR systems.

• Telemedicine: Medical assistants may be involved in virtual consultations and must be comfortable using video conferencing technology.

• Medical software: Medical assistants must be familiar with various medical software systems, including practice management and billing systems.

• Mobile health (mHealth) apps: Medical assistants may be involved in using mHealth apps to monitor patient data and communicate with patients.

To stay current with technological advancements, registered medical assistants can:

• Participate in training and education programs focused on healthcare technology

• Stay up-to-date on the latest medical software and systems

• Join professional organizations and networking groups to share best practices and learn from peers

• Pursue specialized certifications in healthcare technology, such as certified medical scribe or certified health data analyst.

Additional Resources

Website Links

• For more information on medical assistant registration and certification, visit the American Medical Technologists (AMT) website or the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) website.

• You can also find resources and information on the Department of Health website, including online application instructions and FAQs.

Conclusion

Begin Your Journey to Become a Registered Medical Assistant

• If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a registered medical assistant, start by researching accredited medical assisting programs and certification options.

• Develop the key skills and knowledge required for the profession, and consider gaining work experience through internships or volunteer work.

• With the right training and certification, you can begin a rewarding career as a registered medical assistant and make a positive impact in the healthcare industry.