Are you confused about whether to enroll in certified medical assistant training? You might have seen many institutions making participating in a certified medical assistant certification program mandatory. But is it worth it? The short answer is yes.
Getting a medical assistance certificate can change things for your career. It can be your excellent jumpstart in the industry. This guide will explain the benefits of enrolling in certified medical assistant training. So, let’s get started!
What is Certified Medical Assistant Training?
Medical assistant training is a program for new students. It teaches you essential terminologies, procedures, and other aspects of the medical industry. This program covers everything from the basics, like checking vital signs, to advanced techniques, like ECGs. Moreover, it grants the students a certification after the completion of training.
What Do They Teach at Certified Medical Assistant Training?
Many people don’t know what to expect from these medical trainings. Generally, they are more focused than degree programs. The latter involves broader subjects and courses, while certified medical assistant training includes the following:
- Introduction to medical and healthcare
- Human anatomy/biology
- Medical terminologies, units of measurement, conversions, etc
- Patient-Doctor procedures
- Medical office tasks and management
- Physiology
- Advanced room procedures
- Radiology
- International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD)
- Medical billing and coding
5 Key Benefits Of Enrolling in Certified Medical Assistant Training
Now, you know the definition and teachings of certified medical assistant training. But why should you enroll in this program? Let’s look at some of its key benefits in detail:
- You Get Prefered
According to a survey, 62% of employers prefer certified medical assistants. In fact, certification is the first thing they check on an individual in the healthcare industry. It helps them follow the guidelines and policies provided by the law. Moreover, many countries have made it mandatory to achieve certification before working in a medical office. It is a good step, considering that a trained assistant is better in this sensitive line of work.
It is also important to know that certification reflects your skill and experience in the field. That’s because these training programs include all the essential aspects of medical teachings. A certified medical assistant knows the following how-tos:
- Office management
- Medical procedures
- Healthcare industry basics
- Ethics and laws
- Insurance, coding, and billing
- Medical terminology
That is why most employers prefer hiring trained individuals, as they can manage these tasks more effectively!
- Better Opportunities
With a certification, you get better job prospects. That includes increased options, ranging from offices and clinics to hospitals. Generally, hospitals look for certified medical assistants for employment. Besides that, physicians, outpatient, and other healthcare offices also seek trained individuals. This factor minimizes the chances of malpractice, keeping the institution safe from lawsuits.
What’s better is that you get increased chances of employment. Let’s say that an office has an open position for a medical assistant, and two individuals are applying. One has a training certificate, while the other has no experience. The certified individual will surely get the priority!
Increased salary and better job positions also benefit a trained individual. The average yearly salary of a certified medical assistant is $44,719 in the USA. Combine that with perks like a health savings account, life insurance, paid time off, flexible schedule, retirement plan, profit sharing, travel reimbursement, and more!
- The Shifting Trend
You might have noticed that the number of certified medical assistant training programs has increased exponentially. That’s because of the changing trend shifting towards making certification mandatory. Many countries have already tightened their eligibility criteria in the medical industry.
The prime example is the USA, which is moving towards mandatory education and certification. This policy shift is currently visible in various states, including Arizona, New Jersey, Washington, Massachusetts, South Dakota, and North Dakota.
This massive change might be happening due to the increasing number of malpractice cases. According to a survey, about 20,000 malpractice cases are filed yearly in the USA. This alarming number also involves deaths, fatalities, and lawsuits, affecting medical offices and patients alike. Due to this increase, more employers have shifted their focus towards employing trained individuals. This way, they can lower the risks and continue to operate effectively.
Thus, today, certification is no longer just a plus point. Considering the changing policies, it may as well become a prerequisite globally.
- A Good Investment
A certified medical assistant training involves everything you need in your career. It equips you with the vital skills and knowledge about healthcare. Furthermore, it makes you capable of applying for well-paying jobs. The best part is that many course providers offer this training at affordable prices. Hence, it is a one-time reasonable investment with many benefits.
These training programs ensure you get a good job position at a reputable medical office. Plus, the course duration is pretty convenient, even for busy individuals. Generally, you can finish them within a few months. Many trainers award you certification once you have covered every part of the course.
Even better, most medical courses have convenient class timings. You can make time for them from your busy schedule. These programs involve both lectures and practical classes. This way, you get hands-on knowledge on the essential medical tasks to secure an excellent job.
- Better Communications
Note that medical training programs don’t just teach you medical procedures. They also enhance your soft skills, like communication and problem-solving. That happens with courses like patient care and healthcare ethics. As a result, you can get an in-depth knowledge of handling your own clinic. According to the Case Western Reserve University, soft skills are just as essential as technical skills in the medical field
You might think these skills are unnecessary for a job, and you might be right. No employer will ask you about your soft skills. However, you will notice a significant challenge if you are bad at creativity, problem-solving, communication, etc.
These skills make you a more approachable individual in the medical sector. They enhance your overall personality, along with your medical knowledge. In short, soft skills are a MUST to work smoothly in a healthcare office.
Bonus Benefit: Increased Promotion Chances
You might be surprised that certification can increase your promotion chances. It helps you get an edge over other untrained or uncertified employees. The healthcare industry is all about precision. Being part of a training program makes you a better practical individual. Plus, it equips you with tasks that are highly prioritized by most healthcare offices, like patient care.
Who is Eligible for a Medical Assistant Training Certificate?
The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) has strict eligibility criteria. Individuals with a high school diploma or an equivalent can participate in a certified medical assistant program. CCMAs renew their certificates every two years, opening opportunities for working professionals. That is why many employed individuals also apply for this certification. But there’s a catch.
Candidates who have graduated within five years of pursuing certification can achieve it. Otherwise, candidates who graduated more than five years ago need to work in a medical office for one year with supervision.
Where to Get Certified Medical Assistant Training?
Many training programs are available to get you enrolled. However, not all of them are reliable. There are a few factors to consider before choosing a certified medical assistant training program. Let’s look at them:
- Courses
- Trainer’s Reputation
- Fee
- Duration and Timeline
- Certification Type
- Class Timings
As a beginner, you might not know which program to choose. That is why you don’t have to look further than CarmelMedTraining. We have various courses, like Clinical Medical Assistant, Patient Care Technology, EKG, and Phlebotomy Technician. Our courses are affordably priced, making them accessible to more people. Plus, we have licensed medical experts who handle these programs.
CarmelMedTraining offers comprehensive training in all courses. We provide a defined project timeline involving the overall duration and class timings. Our courses take 3 to 5 months, depending on the type. Along with training, CarmelMedTraining offers CPT Certification Prep. This way, you can get a reputable certification and apply for well-paying jobs in the healthcare industry.
Conclusion
And that brings us to the end of this detailed guide on certified medical assistant training. These training programs are very fruitful and rewarding in the long run. They can offer you a secure job position with a good salary and perks at a reputable healthcare facility. Furthermore, you can get an edge over other employees who don’t have certification, making you a preferred option for promotions.
This certification doesn’t require much, considering the benefits it offers. You can enroll in these programs from a reputable facility like CarmelMedTraining. There, you can complete your course, pass the exam, and get the certificate. Now, you have all the skills, experience, and knowledge you need to work in the medical industry!