Becoming A Medical Assistant Essay

“A medical assistant may practice in the United States without either certification, but most employers today require at least one certification” (Adams, 2014). By a medical assistant being certified it shows employers that this person has been through a program that has taught them the essentials to perform their job and be successful at that job. By being nationally certified it makes you a more sought after candidate for the position. “A medical assistant with formal training is almost always compensated on a higher scale than one with no training” (Adams, 2014). To become a medical assistant one must first enroll and complete a medical assistant program through a college, university, or technical school. “Depending upon your preferences, you may choose to earn a certificate or diploma in as little as 9-12 months, or an associate’s degree in 18-24 months” (Online Medical Assistant Program, 2014). Once you have completed the program and have earned your certificate or diploma you will want to become certified, though it is not a requirement it is highly suggested. To maintain your medical assistant certification or accreditation you need to re-certify. “This re-certification renewal needs to be done in every sixty months or 5-years interval” (Resources To Becomes A Medical Assistant , 2015). If you choose not to …show more content…
There are four certifications that one can pursue, but the most preferred certification is through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). After, successfully completing the certification of choice they must recertify in 60-month intervals. You can recertify in two ways, one retake the certification exam or by continuing education. To recertify by continuing education one must possess 60 certification points. 10 administrative, 10 clinical, 10 general, and 30 from any combination of administrative, clinical, and