Medical Assistant Qualifications

Do you know what skills you will need to become a CMA (Certified Medical Assistant)? Many people do not know much about this career. We will take a look at the qualifications and skills needed to become a CMA.
In today's tough economic times people are looking for a stable career. May are turning to the stability and good pay found in the medical field. Even in these times of high unemployment, the health industry is expanding the hiring of certified medical assistants (CMA) more than ever. The CMA is an essential member of the medical profession and carry much of the work load once shouldered by physicians and nurses.

Medical Assistant Qualifications

It may be a little hard to believe, but there are currently no standardized set of qualifications needed to become a medical assistant. There are, however, certain levels of education that employer will look for when hiring a medical assistant, so training is essential.

Certified medical assistants work under the license of a physician or other licensed medical practitioner. And of course, there duties are limited. With some formal training, or even a few years of experience in a medical office does qualify you to work in the capacity of a medical assistant. Of course, further training will help you to advance in your career and in today's job market you must expect that you will be competing with others with formal training for a limited number of jobs.

Medical Assistant Education Requirements

While there is no requirement to become certified, you will need to compete with others with certification for the same job, so it is becoming essential that you work toward certification. By completing the medical assistant training program and receiving your certification, you demonstrate that you've achieved some level of skill and will greatly improve your chances of getting that first job and ensuring that it will be a good paying job.

Those truly "professional" CMAs who excel at their jobs recommend getting certified in such procedures as X-ray technology, phlebotomy and EKG monitoring. By going above and beyond with these additional skills you become the essential person in the medical office and, if you have your eyes on advancing your career, these skills will help pave the way for a career in nursing or other careers in the medical and health care profession.

CMA Job Duties

Depending on the facility where you work, the duties of the medical assistant can vary greatly. If you work in a large hospital, your duties are likely to be rather specific and limited. Those working in a small office should expect to be doing a little bit of everything from office duties to medical to janitorial.

The amount of responsibility you'll be given, as well as your pay, will be a reflection of the effort and time you put into your training. The job of a certified medical assistant is diverse and fast-paced. It is a rewarding career and one you will be proud to be a part of. Now that you've learned what skills and training you need, your next step will be getting that certification.