Are you looking for a fast-track career in the field of medicine? If so, your first stop is the role of a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA).
CMAs are highly in-demand across the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the position will add 154,900 jobs between 2018 and 2028, which means the job is growing much faster than average.
Before you become a CMA or apply for your first job, you need to know more about your roles and responsibilities. Here’s how CMAs fit into a medical practitioner’s office.
A Day in the Life of a Certified Medical Assistant
As a CMA, you have a long list of duties that support nurses, doctors, and the administration team. You can break your day down into two major task groups:
- Clinical duties
- Administrative duties
Your clinical work usually involves supporting the medical team by performing rote but necessary tasks. You’ll do things like:
- Take medical histories
- Prepare patients for testing
- Explain procedures to patients
- Sterilize tools
- Collect specimens for labs
- Assist during exams
- Change dressings
Every CMA also has administrative duties.
- Welcome patients
- Schedule appointments
- Update patient records
- Arrange for labs or hospital services
- Handle coding (if applicable)
- Take care of billing and bookkeeping (if applicable)
You may find you have more administrative duties in a smaller practice that can’t justify hiring a full-time administrative team.
What Skills Do You Need to Be a CMA?
CMAs come from all backgrounds, and everyone brings something unique to the table. There’s no one thing you need to be a successful CMA, but you will find you enjoy the role if you:
- Communicate well
- Listen carefully
- Keep an open mind
- Practice caring and empathy
- Enjoy working with people from all walks of life
- Prioritize sensitivity and tactfulness
What Does It Take to Become a CMA?
Do the duties of a CMA sound appealing to you? You can start your career faster than you think.
First, you need to participate in an accredited medical assisting program. Once you complete your program, you can then take the CMA exam with the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
Your education options include either an associate’s degree or a one-year certification program. Keep in mind that your associate’s degree can help you transition into higher nursing levels if that’s your goal.
We’re Placing CMAs Now
Working as a CMA is a rewarding job that allows you to experience an in-demand field and provide care to people who need it. When you start your CMA role, you become an integral part of your office’s team. They can’t work without you!
Are you a recently qualified or soon-to-be qualified CMA?
We can help place you with the right employer. Energi Personnel is placing healthcare employees right now. Get in touch to learn more about how we pair job seekers and employers.