Medical Assistant Programs in Maryland
Becoming a certified medical assistant (CMA) in Maryland can be done in two simple steps that require less than two years of study. Certification is not legally required in Maryland to work as a medical assistant, but it is increasingly sought out by clinics, physicians’ offices, and hospitals. The first thing to do is to enroll in an accredited medical assistant program in Maryland. This must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). A medical assistant certificate program usually requires just under a year to complete. Alternatively, you could also pursue an associate degree in medical assisting for more advanced or specialized training. There are many medical assistant schools in Maryland offered through vocational training schools or community colleges, and there are medical assistant training programs available online as well.
Medical Assistant Training Programs in Maryland
Medical assistant programs in Maryland will cover both the administrative side as well as the clinical side of this job. A medical assistant needs to be able to perform many different tasks to help the office or clinic run smoothly and to efficiently assist the other heath professionals. Insurance billing, keeping track of medical records, making appointments, as well as taking patients’ vital signs, preparing them for procedures, taking blood, and assisting physicians with procedures are some of many tasks that a medical assist might attend to.
The final step to become a certified medical assistant is to register for the certification exam. This is given by the certifying board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Previous medical assistant training is a prerequisite for taking the exam as well as attending either an ABHES or CAAHEP accredited program/school. When you pass this, you are considered a certified medical assistant and entitled to use the title CMA. You are also ready to start your career in healthcare as a certified medical assistant in Maryland.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistant jobs are some of the fastest growing in the already booming healthcare industry. Healthcare is growing in all states to meet the needs of an expanding aging population. Additionally, medical support positions are growing because they are cost-effective for insurance providers and the quickest way to ensure that everyone gets the medical care they need. According to BLS, there were over 8.000 medical assistants working in the state of Maryland in 2008, and this number is growing. Maryland also had its own state chapter of the AAMA that can help you keep your healthcare career on track. Find a certification program right for you and get started on a career with a great outlook for the future.
You may also want to check out the Medical Billing and Coding programs in Maryland. Medical Billing and Coding is another popular allied health career option in the state of Maryland.
(Sources: Bureau of Labor and Statistics, salary.com)
