St. Augustine School of Medical Assistants Reviews

Medical Assistant
Medical Assistant Certification
Certification for medical assistants is a voluntary process which is strongly backed by the AAMA and a number of other well respected certification bodies in the USA as a way to guarantee competency of a medical assistant at a job-entry level. Certification is usually achieved by taking a test issued by the National Board of Medical Examiners and AAMA, or AMT, or NHA or NAHP and is offered twice yearly, simultaneously, at over 200 different test sites across the United States. Successful completion of the exam earns the taker the proper credentials to become a Certified Medical Assistant, or CMA. National certification is legally required in order for any medical assistant to adhere to CMA status. The title CMA then follows. Medical assistant may choose another possible credential over CMA, and become a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) instead. Again, credentialing is completely voluntary. The American Technologists (AMT) agency is responsible for certifying MAs who choose this course. AMT first began offering this certification in 1972 on the months of June and November, through a computerized exam, much like the one offered by the AAMA. AMT therefore has its own conventions and committees, bylaws, state chapters, officers, registrations and revalidation examinations. To become eligible to hold the title of RMA a student must be at least 18-years-old and either pass a medical assisting curriculum at a school accredited by either ABHES or CAAHEP, or possess a minimum of 5 years experience. The initials RMA then follow the individual’s name. RMAs have historically been very active in legislation, seeking protection for medical assistants, as well as continuously encouraging improved educational curricula. Medical assistant certification exams can be taken online or at designated testing centers. Passing these comprehensive certification exams is a valid statement of the person's excellence and qualifications in the medical assistant field, and regarded as such by recruiters and employers who hire. Certified medical assistants are seen as serious professionals, since they have documentation of their education, training, and job related skills. Medical assistants perform many administrative duties, including answering telephones, greeting patients, updating and filing patients’ medical records, filling out insurance forms, handling correspondence, scheduling appointments, arranging for hospital admission and laboratory services, and handling billing and bookkeeping. Clinical duties vary according to state law and include taking medical histories and recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examination, and assisting the physician during the examination. Medical assistants collect and prepare laboratory specimens or perform basic laboratory tests on the premises, dispose of contaminated supplies, and sterilize medical instruments. They instruct patients about medications and special diets, prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician, authorize drug refills as directed, telephone prescriptions to a pharmacy, draw blood, prepare patients for x rays, take electrocardiograms, remove sutures, and change dressings. Last but not least they serve as direct link and communicator between patient, physician, and other health care professionals whenever there is a need. Medical Assistant Classes can be taken online at many schools including St. Augustine Medical Assistant School at; www.medassistant.org

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