|
A Certified Medical Assistant, or CMA, has a cross-section of routine duties that are office and clinically related, performed under the direction of a physician. On the administrative end, CMAs schedule appointments, maintain medical records, handle insurance forms and billing, and arrange for hospital admissions and lab tests. Clinically, CMA duties vary from state to state. CMAs may take patient histories, explain procedures, prepare the patient for and assist during exams, give and instruct on medications, draw blood, take vital signs, remove sutures and change dressings. They may also collect, prepare and test lab specimens. Many CMAs also keep the exam and waiting rooms neat and clean, arrange instruments and equipment, and purchase and maintain supplies and equipment.
CMA duties also vary depending on office size, setting and specialty. If you work for an ophthalmologist, for instance, you might measure and record vision and test eye muscle function. Those who work for podiatrists might make foot castings and take x-rays. Whatever the setting or specialty, an essential part of a CMA's role is to help set the patient at ease and make sure the patient understands the physician's instructions.
Advancement opportunities for CMAs include office management and clinical supervision. Some CMAs teach; others specialize or continue their education to build upon their clinical and/or administrative knowledge.
Video Description of CMAs
I chose Medical Assisting for two primary reasons: I wanted to be a patient advocate, and I wanted quicker access to a career. The best aspect of my job is making a difference in the quality of care for a patient. I truly enjoy being a Medical Assistant.
......................
Diana Hughes CMA (AAMA)
Clinical Supervisor
Women's Health Today
Source: CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor)
Where CMAs Work
CMAs work in a variety of settings including:
- Physicians' Offices
- Clinics
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories
- Nursing Facilities
Educational Requirements
Training on the job provides the necessary skills for a medical assistant, but postsecondary training affords a competitive edge. For educational programs, see the Oregon Employment Department's (OED) page on CMAs:
Career Pathway Roadmaps
Certification
There is no statewide license for this occupation. To become a Certified Medical Assistant you must:
- Graduate from an accredited medical assisting program
- Pass the CMA (AAMA) Certification/Recertification Examination
The certification is national and is accepted by employers across the country. See:
I chose medical assisting because of the training in all aspects of the medical office, from receptionist duties to office management and clinical assisting, including lab and x-rays skills. The diversity of the job made it a perfect fit for me. The best aspect of my job is the ability to be an advocate for my patients. I feel that medical assistants truly make a difference every day in the lives they touch.
......................
Kathy Puckett, CMA (AAMA)
Oregon Plastic Surgeons
Salem, Oregon
CMA Earnings
Certification gives you a competitive edge, and more employers are requiring that medical assistants be certified professionals. The OED reports that the 2009 average hourly wage for CMAs in Oregon was $15.58 and the average annual salary was $32,405.
Employment Outlook for CMAs
CMAs are "flexible members" of health care teams, given that they assist in both administrative and clinical areas. Because the number of physician offices and outpatient care clinics are expected to grow, medical assisting is one of the nation's fastest growing occupations.
The OED estimates that between 2008 and 2018, there will be 2730 job openings for CMAs in Oregon.
Occupations with Skills Similar to CMAs:
- Dental Assistants
- Licensed Practical Nurses
- Occupational Therapist Aides
- Physical Therapist Aides
- Medical Records and Health Information Technicians
- Certified Nursing Assistants
Explore the following sources for this page for more information:
BACK TO TOP
|
