The medical assistant profession is the fastest-growing occupation in the United States. Enrolling in an accredited medical assistant program can allow you to start your career in less than a year. The job outlook for medical assistants is also very promising, with many opportunities to work part-time, full-time, or on a per diem basis.
In many cases, a local community or two-year college offers programs that can take you from basic medical office skills to advanced technical knowledge in surgical and laboratory procedures. In the course of your work as a medical assistant, you’ll gain experience interacting with patients, using computers and other technology, and keeping detailed records so that you have all the information you need at your fingertips.
In addition to these skills, you’ll develop a strong understanding of medical terminology and an ability to communicate in ways that help all types of people understand essential information about their health.
Once you graduate from a program to become a certified medical assistant in California, three main steps are in the process. In certain states, you must first pass a certification exam to work in the field.
You can learn more about taking this test by contacting your local community college or reviewing the California Department of Public Health website. After passing this exam, you’ll have earned yourself a credential that’s accepted in most medical settings and allows you to practice as a medical assistant.
Next, you will need to apply for a free certificate with the California Department of Public Health. The final step required by the state is enrolling in a one-year advanced standing program focused on specific aspects of the medical field. This enables you to work as a full-fledged medical assistant in a wide range of settings and can dramatically increase your earning potential over time.
To become a certified medical assistant in California, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years of age.
- Be a U.S. citizen or have proper authorization to work in the country.
- Complete an accredited medical assistant program in California.
- Pass the CMA certification exam through the American Association of Medical Assistants or the National Healthcareer Association.
- Apply for a California Department of Public Health unrestricted certificate to become a practicing CMA in the state.
After becoming a certified medical assistant in California, you’ll have the opportunity to work in a wide range of environments. You can expect your job duties to include scheduling office appointments, answering telephones, collecting information from patients, compiling lab test results, and working with medical records.
Your job may also involve clinical tasks that require advanced experience and knowledge of anatomy and medical terminology. These tasks could include preparing patients for examinations and other procedures, taking vital signs such as blood pressure and temperature, administering injections and other treatments, processing lab samples, and keeping detailed records on all your patient interactions.
California’s job prospects are very favorable for medical assistants with CMA certification because of the state’s strong economy. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that this field will grow by roughly 26% through 2018, much faster than average for all occupations in California. This means that today’s medical assistants are entering a high-demand job sector with many potentials to advance over time.
There are many advantages to becoming a certified medical assistant in California, including that the CMA certification is accepted at most hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices. This credential also provides excellent preparation for other medical careers if you choose to pursue them later on.
One way to start this career path is by enrolling in a one-year advanced standing program after completing your training as a medical assistant. You can find more information about these programs through community colleges or online.
Medical assistants with CMA certification enjoy a range of other benefits, including competitive salaries, career advancement opportunities, and comprehensive health insurance plans. In addition to excellent job prospects, the best-paying positions may also provide significant retirement benefits at age 65. This can be an especially attractive option for those who plan to work part-time in their 50s and 60s.