Are you interested in becoming a certified medical assistant (CMA)? Certified medical assistants enjoy a career with opportunities for growth, stability, and the benefit of a meaningful impact on the lives of their patients. The healthcare industry continually expands, creating new opportunities for those who want to become certified medical assistants. If this is the career path you wish to pursue, CyberTex offers a Medical Assistant program that will prepare you for your new career.
How Do You Become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)?
This article will teach you the steps to becoming a CMA. That way you can help others while you help yourself. It’s a win-win!
Get Your GED or High School Diploma
Before applying to a vocational school, you must first obtain your GED or high school diploma. This education proves that you have the foundational knowledge necessary to successfully complete your medical assistant courses. Pay special attention to your health and science classes, as this information will be particularly useful. You should also ensure that your computer and communication skills are strong, as they are critical for success.
Complete a Vocational Program for Medical Assisting
The next step is to apply to CyberTex. You will need to take a test assessing your general knowledge, and English and math proficiency. Our medical assistant program combines hands-on learning with in-class lectures. You will explore various topics, including anatomy and physiology, clinical procedures, medical terminology, pharmacology, medical ethics, and law. You will also learn administrative skills like scheduling, medical coding, billing, and maintaining patient records.
The end of your program will include an externship. This allows you to get real-world experience as a medical assistant. You will shadow an experienced medical assistant to see what the job entails and gain some experience for your resume.
Apply to Take the Certified Medical Assistant Examination
The American Association of Medical Assistants offers a certification examination you can take after you finish the Medical Assistant program. This exam assess the skills and knowledge you gained and proves your ability to complete the tasks of a medical assistant successfully. It can also help you find a job because it validates your skills and shows you are committed to professional excellence.
Let Your Vocational School Assist You with Finding a Job
When you attend CyberTex, we will assist you after you graduate to find a job you are passionate about. We offer various services to help you find a job and stand out among other candidates. This includes resume writing, job interview prep and job matching services.
We have strong relationships with employers in your area, and often find out about jobs even before the general public. We can also offer guidance with your certification examination.
Complete All Necessary CMA Continuing Education
Once you gain your certification, you must complete continuing education to maintain it. The American Association of Medical Assistants will let you know how many continuing education credits you need and when you must renew your certification. You can choose how to complete your credits through webinars, online courses, and various articles. You have access to classes with different topic choices, and you can use the classes to gain more excellent knowledge in certain medical assistant specialties.
Final Thoughts
Your journey to becoming a certified medical assistant will require education, dedication, and a commitment to providing your patients with the best care possible. Start getting prepared during your last year of high school or about six months before you plan to take your GED test. This will ensure that you are getting all of the information that you need to transition from high school to CyberTex’s Medical Assistant program.
Want to Learn More?
The Medical Assistant Training Program at CyberTex Institute of Technology takes excellent care of you by providing hands-on training, practical experience, and the support it takes to get started in a medical assisting career without spending years in school. You will learn clinical and administrative skills and prepare to work in physician’s offices, hospitals, and other medical facilities.
Contact us today to learn more about our Austin and Killeen campuses.
