To become a certified medical assistant, you must enroll in and complete accredited or industry-approved medical assistant classes, as well as pass a test. Medical assistant certification provides more opportunities for advancement, increased job security, and increased credibility with patients, peers, and employers for those working in the field. Certification can also lead to a raise in pay.
Although certification is not always required law, most employers who hire medical assistants prefer to hire certified medical assistants. To perform certain job functions, such as drawing blood, you may need a medical assistant certification in some places. Because medical assistance certification is frequently made public, employers can easily screen job candidates to see if they are certified.
Medical assistant training is available at vocational schools, online, and at local colleges. In most cases, the program will take eight to nine months to complete. Additional training is required for those wishing to become certified medical assistants in a specific field. They may need to take classes for a year or two. A certified medical assistant must also attend continuing education classes on a regular basis to keep their certification current.
Some employers will hire medical assistants and then reimburse you for medical assistant training so you can get your certification. After work hours, you will attend medical assistant classes. While you are unlikely to be compensated for your time spent in class, most employers will cover the costs of tuition, books, and testing. Because you will be attending classes part-time, it is possible that your training will take longer to complete.
Typically, the medical assistant exam is computer-based and consists of multiple-choice questions. On the test, there may be around 200 questions. You’ll be given a specific amount of time to complete the test, and you’ll usually find out if you passed right afterward. Certificates are typically issued within eight to nine weeks.
Because the medical field is constantly changing, most applicants who have not completed a training course within the last three to five years will not be permitted to take the certification exam. In such cases, you will need to retake classes in order to sit for the exam. Furthermore, many locations will refuse to allow anyone who has been convicted of a felony to take the exam. For such applicants, special circumstances may be considered; however, they must contact the certification board to request an exception.