Want to know how to become a certified medical assistant in California? If so, this blog post is for you! In this post, we will discuss the necessary steps to become a certified medical assistant in California. So, what are you waiting for? Let's get started!
What is a Certified Medical Assistant in California?
If you want to be competitive in the job market as a medical assistant, you must be certified. Despite the fact that the state of California does not require medical assistants to be licensed or certified, the employer or insurance company of the supervising physician or podiatrist may require that the medical assistant be certified in order to work for them.
Qualified Medical Assistant
As defined by the Medical Board of California, a "Qualified" medical assistant is certified by a certifying organization approved by the Board. There is no additional licensure required for Certified Medical Assistants. If they are certified, they are qualified.
The accepted certifying organizations are:
- American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
- American Medical Certification Association (AMCA)
- American Medical Technologists (AMT)
- California Certifying Board of Medical Assistants (CCBMA)
Regardless of the certifying organization, each state has its own set of rules for the scope of practice for medical assistants. In California, for instance, the Medical Board of California (MBC) sets the standards for what procedures are included in the scope of practice for medical assistants.
Medical assistants are unlicensed, and may only perform basic administrative and clinical tasks as permitted by law. Technical support services can be performed by medical assistants only after receiving training from a doctor, podiatrist, or physician assistant. In order to "supervise" a procedure, the licensed physician, podiatrist, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or nurse midwife has to be physically present in the treatment facility.
How to Become A Certified Medical Assistant in California?
The typical path to becoming a qualified medical assistant in California involves 2 steps:
Step 1: Complete an Accredited Medical Assistant Training Program
Step 2: Gain certification from an approved certifying organization
Let's take a look at these steps in more detail!
How Do I Choose the Best Medical Assistant Program?
In order to become a Certified Medical Assistant, you must attend a school that is accredited or approved by a recognized agency. It is important to note that if a school is not accredited/approved, you will not be able to sit for the certification examination on the basis of your educational experience alone.
There are two industry-accepted accreditations/approvals:
- Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
National Career College is accredited by ABHES. For more information please read: Accreditation & Approvals
How Do Medical Assistants Gain Certification in California?
As soon as you have successfully completed your medical assisting program at an accredited or approved school, you will be eligible to take your certification exam. In California, you will typically choose one of the following certifications you are eligible to take. Certification and approved certifying organization:
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA): American Association of Medical Assistants
- Clinical Medical Assistant Certification (CMAC): American Medical Certification Association
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA): American Medical Technologists
- California Certified Medical Assistant (CCMA): California Certifying Board of Medical Assistants
While the CMA is the most widely accepted by other state boards, any of these certifications will qualify you in California. There are other certifying bodies and certifications available to medical assistants. These certifications may qualify you in other states; but, not California.
In the context of reviewing many medical assisting programs, accreditation for certification is an important aspect to consider. Nonetheless, it is important to note that it is not a complete picture of what medical assistant programs will have to offer you from start to finish.
When choosing an accredited medical assisting program, you should also take into account the curriculum, tuition and fees, schedule flexibility, and other potential requirements.
Why National Career College’s Medical Assistant Training Program?
In Los Angeles, National Career College offers a comprehensive adult education program in medical assisting. We offer students an extensive academic program designed for those interested in becoming medical assistants. Courses are taught by medical professionals who have the experience and expertise necessary to help students succeed in the field.
There are numerous benefits associated with the medical assistant program at National Career College, including the preparation for medical assistant certification, which is a great way to launch your medical career.
In addition to this, they also provide personal and professional development services that will help you gain the experience and confidence you will need to work in the medical field in the state of California.
Besides providing a quality education, National Career College also offers an affordable tuition and fee schedule that makes our medical assistant diploma program one of the best-valued medical assistant schools in the area.
If you're looking for a great accredited medical assisting program in Los Angeles, check out National Career College!
