A Registered Medical Assistant is a person who performs medical office administrative and clinical functions. This job requires the person to know medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology, infection control measures, recording vital signs and weight measurements, taking blood samples for testing purposes, and preparing patients for examinations. An RMA also processes insurance billing paperwork like patient statements or cost reports. So, we decided to create this article about Medical Assistant certifications with the help of MedAssistantEdu to ensure that we provide the best possible details about the topic.
Applying for an RMA position does not require much experience; most of these jobs are entry-level. However, people with previous experience in health care settings are given preference because they have the edge over others during the training period. While some companies may hire you directly as an RMA without requiring any other qualification or certification, it would help to acquire some additional skills while working in another field.
Many RMA training programs are available online. Some schools also offer flexible schedules to accommodate students who have full-time jobs or busy family lives. The challenge of these courses is that the number of accredited providers is limited. So, you may have to travel some distance if there are no schools in your area offering an RMA course that appeals to you. You can also look for medical assistant certification courses on the internet, which usually take about six months to one year to complete depending on your learning speed and work schedule.
RMA Educational Requirements
The first step towards becoming a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) is getting a high school diploma or its equivalent. After high school, you can take up courses for medical assistants at community colleges or vocational/technical schools. However, you should check whether an accrediting body accredits the school before enrolling for the course. The introductory courses last 9 to 18 months and cover medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology, infection control measures, recording vital signs and weight measurements, taking blood samples for testing purposes, and preparing patients for examinations.
Aspiring RMA’s also can attend two-year programs that combine classroom training with real-life clinical experience in hospitals or clinics. Upon successfully passing the course examination at the end of these programs, you become eligible to take Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) tests administered by individual state boards of medical examiners within your state where you wish to practice as an RMA. You may also opt to take the CMA exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association.
In addition to formal training, you should have some basic knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, infection control measures, recording vital signs and weight measurements, taking blood samples for testing purposes, and preparing patients for examinations. This helps you do better during your training period.
Once you complete your RMA course or certification program, you can look for an entry-level position like Medical Office Clerk (MOH), where you assist physicians with patient care work like filing insurance claims forms while gaining experience on how to handle everyday situations that come up in a clinic or hospital. Once hired as MOH or Medical Receptionist (MR), it is expected that physician groups offer training and guidance to prepare you for responsibilities as RMA.
If your formal training and experience meet the state’s requirements, you may apply for a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credentialing. Generally, credentialing involves paying a fee to take an exam offered by either National Healthcareer Association or American Medical Technologists. In addition, some states require medical assistants to complete continuing education courses every few years.
At present, no single centralized agency regulates the use of the title “Registered Medical Assistants”, but states have their licensure requirements that must be met before practising as an RMA within a particular state.
Employment Outlook and Salary Information
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects growth of 15 per cent in employment opportunities for RMA’s between 2010 and 2020. This growth is much faster than the average for all occupations because of the increasing demand for healthcare services in general and the growing number of ageing population.
The expected rise in patient load has prompted many physicians to expand their practice by hiring RMA’s. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual income for registered medical assistants was $31,540 or $15.23 per hour as of May 2011. The average pay varies widely with geographical location, years of experience, and type of employer you work for (individual physician vs large clinic).
Is there training available for becoming an RMA?
Yes, training is available for students at community colleges or vocational/technical schools. Training usually lasts 9 to 18 months and covers medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, infection control measures, recording vital signs and weight measurements, taking blood samples for testing purposes, and preparing patients for examinations.
In addition to formal training, you should have some basic medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, infection control measures, recording vital signs and weight measurements, taking blood samples for testing purposes, and preparing patients for examinations. This helps you do better during your training period.
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