There are multiple options for medical assistant certifications, and some will be better suited for your needs than others. A certificate is suitable for some people, while others may only need on-the-job training without any additional credentials. Here we will take a look at some of the top options out there and help you decide which one might be best for you. So, we decided to create this article about Medical Assistant certifications with the help of MedAssistantEdu to ensure that we provide the best possible details about the topic.
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) is among the most prevalent medical assistant certifications. It was developed by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and offered an entry-level credential to potential medical assistants looking to enter the profession. The CMA program covers medical terminology, office procedures, patient relations and communication, computer applications, medical law and ethics, laboratory procedures, clinical procedures (including weight and height measurements), diagnostic imaging techniques, medication preparation, and administration. After passing the exam administered by the AAMA, you will be able to use the CMA designation after your name.
Registered Medical Assistant The Registered Medical Assistant or RMA is a credential offered through the National Healthcareer Association. It provides a step up from the essential certificate awarded with a Certified Medical Assistant certification. There are two exams made up of 200 questions each which must be passed for this credential. One covers medical terminology only, while the other contains information from all areas covered by a Certified Medical Assistant plus different anatomy and physiology. The RMA program also covers computer usage, including medical billing and coding.
Nursing Assistant (CNA) A nursing assistant is a person who works under the supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse to provide primary care for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, extended care facilities, home healthcare agencies, doctors’ offices, clinics or other similar settings. This is not an entry-level position by any means, as some states require on-job training while others will certify you after completing an exam. After completing your state’s requirements and successfully passing the certification exam offered by the American Nurses Association, this designation will be valid for your entire career.
Licensed Practical Nurse A Licensed Practical Nurse or LPN is a person who has completed an approved program of study including a prescribed number of hours of training and is currently licensed to practice practical nursing in the state where they reside. LPNs work under the supervision of a registered nurse, a physician or a dentist. A graduate from an approved practical nursing program has met all requirements for accomplishing safe and effective entry-level practices defined by the State Board of Nursing. The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) must be passed before becoming certified as an RN.
Certified Surgical Technician, The Certified Surgical Technologist credential is one that many people find rewarding both personally and professionally. It’s given nationally by the National Board for Respiratory Care, endorsed by the Association of Operating Room Nurses. This certification will allow you to work in most hospitals, ambulatory surgical centres, and outpatient facilities anywhere in the United States. Coding with ICD-9-CM procedures, standard tests, and laboratory values are also covered in this program.
Licensed Veterinary Technician The Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) is a designation that can be earned through most states after successfully passing an approved exam administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). Hundreds of veterinary technicians have achieved this honour throughout America, allowing them increased responsibilities at their place of employment. There is no national certification available for veterinary technicians; however, it may become available sometime in the future. LVT’s can assist registered Veterinary Technologists in their duties, work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian and help in most veterinary settings. LVT’s may or may not give medications orally, while some states restrict them to only handling specimens for lab tests.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Licensed Clinical Social Workers or LCSWs are licensed by the state where they practice to provide psychotherapy and related services to individuals, couples, and families. This license allows a qualified clinician to diagnose mental, emotional, and behavioural disorders using standardized criteria, including DSM-5. The National Association of Social Workers offers two levels of certification, including Generalist (LCSW), which is for those who have completed a bachelor degree plus two years at an accredited college where they were required to take at least 1,200 hours of supervised clinical experience and Advanced Generalist (ACSW) which is designed for those who have completed a master degree or higher-level education with related work experience.
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant A certified occupational therapy assistant has to pursue further education after completing an accredited program, successfully pass the national exam administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, and pass state requirements before this certification being issued. Some states allow you to sit for the exam after completing 1,200 hours of practical experience, where others require internship hours along with your formal academic training