Medical assistants are essential members of today's healthcare team, and companies are always on the lookout for the finest of the best. Learning how to improve your skills as a medical assistant can help you earn more money, have more job security, and feel better about your overall career. If you wish to enhance your career as a medical assistant, you have numerous possibilities available to you. The following are some of the most important things you need to work on to improve yourself as a certified medical assistant.
Obtaining a Degree
If you don't already have a degree, the first thing you can do to advance your career as a medical assistant is to obtain one. The sole educational prerequisite for becoming an MA is a high school diploma or GED, but a degree is required if you want to make a difference in your profession and really shine in the eyes of employers.
It takes between 18 and 24 months to finish these studies and receive a degree, depending on your institution of choice and personal pace. You will also be required to complete an externship. If you're already working as a medical assistant, you might be able to apply your job experience toward your degree.
Acquire a Certification
If you already have an associate's degree, the next stage in your career as a medical assistant is to become certified. There are various certifying agencies, but the American Association of Medical Assistants' CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) credential is preferred by the vast majority of companies. To take the exam needed to get this certification (ABHES), you must have graduated from a school that has been approved by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
>> Learn More: Medical Assistant Degree vs. Certificate
Take Part in Continuing Education
Candidates who routinely attend continuing education classes are preferred and even required by physicians and facilities that hire medical assistants. These are frequently provided by the agency that issued your credentials, and you'll need them to recertify. Continuing education in the healthcare business encompasses a wide range of topics, but particularly new processes, mandates, laws, and technology that may affect the way healthcare is given.
If you got your CCMA certificate from NHA, you will get more opportunities to land a job as a medical assistant. It is because the certification is developed by the National Healthcareer Association which measures the skills and knowledge of the students. Plus, many employers give preference to candidates who acquired certification from NHA.
Participate in Workshops, Conferences, and Lectures
There are numerous workshops, conferences, and talks taking place across the country that will supply anyone working in the healthcare profession with interesting new information. The ASHE, or American Society for Healthcare Engineering, for example, hosts many public conferences and workshops each year. They also provide online courses to help you learn more about current methods and new technologies in the healthcare profession.
Wrap up
Whether you are looking to hone your skills as a medical assistant or explore a wide range of certified medical assistant courses, Stepful is the name you can rely on. Learn at your own pace and get support finding full-time employment with Stepful's online medical assistant training program.
You may also want to consider some of the other careers that medical assistant jobs can lead to.
