Medical Assistant Certification – Can You Get a Job Without It?

While certification is not mandatory, when it comes to landing a job, those who have gone the extra mile to earn their medical assistant certification have the upper hand. Without it, the chances of getting hired are considerably reduced. Just take a look at the job ads. You’ll see that almost every medical assistant job listing reads something along the lines of: “Must be certified and/or have x-years of experience.”

What is Medical Assistant Certification?

In short, medical assistant certification represents a standard of competency within the medical assisting profession. It is a credential that provides verification of your aptitude, knowledge and abilities. It is an earmark that employers regard as a trustworthy indication of your qualifications.

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Certificate vs. Associate Degree – which is better when it comes to Medical Assistant training?

You’ve decided on a career as a certified medical assistant, but are uncertain which educational path is better in the long run – a certificate or an associate degree. Each has its benefits and drawbacks, but one may be more to your advantage depending on your lifestyle needs and future career goals.

Typically, certificate programs take about 1 year to complete, whereas an associate degree takes two years. Also, some programs may not qualify you for medical assistant certification. Make sure that the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) accredits the type of program you sign up for. Otherwise you may be disappointed to find out that you are ineligible to take the medical assistant certification exam.

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Dealing with Stress in the Medical Assisting Workplace

Being a medical assistant can be rewarding and satisfying, however it can be emotionally challenging as well. Taking care of sick and injured patients, falling behind on administrative duties or just feeling plain overworked on some days can be taxing, which can bring on times of stress. Learning how to manage job related stress is key in order to avoid any long-term effects that stress can cause.

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How to Write a Medical Assistant Resume that Will Land an Interview

When looking for a medical assistant job, your resume is going to be the key that opens the door to getting an interview. It is the first point of contact between you and a potential employer. It needs to make a solid yet lasting impression by communicating at a glance what you’re good at and why they need you on board.

There is a lot of competition for medical assistant jobs despite it being one of the fastest growing health care careers. Employers get inundated with resumes and usually spend less than 20 seconds reading each one that lands on their desk. So how can you make yours stand out from the rest? Keep reading for tips that will help get you past the screening phase and into the office for an interview.

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The Importance of a Medical Assistant Externship

As part of any good quality medical assistant training program, an externship will be provided as part of the curriculum. Similar to an internship, the medical assistant externship acts as a conduit in which you transition from being a student to a practicing medical assistant. It is an experiential learning opportunity where mentored, practical ‘real-world’ job experience can be acquired.

Medical assistant externships are typically found through a school’s training program and can take up to a semester to complete. Externships are usually arranged through a variety of health care establishments including physician practices, clinics and hospitals. This gives you the chance to gain experience in multiple health care settings, while also allowing you to explore different areas that you can specialize in including obstetrics, pediatrics, podiatry and optometry.

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