If you are wondering what a CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) is and what their role entails in a physician’s office, you have come to the right place. A career as a CCMA offers a vital role in healthcare, assisting doctors and providing patient care. This article will break down the essential information you need to know about becoming a CCMA, the certification process, and what to expect in this rewarding career.
What Is a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant?
A CCMA, or Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, is a healthcare professional who primarily assists physicians with clinical procedures. This can include preparing patients for examination, assisting in minor surgeries, and performing other clinical tasks.
Roles and Responsibilities
During their training, CCMAs learn to perform various clinical tasks, such as:
- Phlebotomy: Drawing blood from patients for laboratory testing.
- EKGs: Administering electrocardiograms to monitor heart function.
- Laboratory Tests: Conducting simple tests like finger sticks to measure blood sugar levels.
In addition to clinical duties, CCMAs are trained in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and patient-centered care. While the main focus of their role is clinical, they also learn essential administrative tasks, including:
- Billing and Coding: Handling patient billing and coding for insurance purposes.
- Patient Privacy: Understanding and maintaining compliance with privacy laws, such as HIPAA.
- Front Office Tasks: Scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and handling basic administrative duties.
Where Do CCMAs Work?
Most CCMAs are employed in physician offices, but their skills are also in demand in other healthcare settings, such as:
- Hospitals: Assisting with patient care in various departments.
- Long-term Care Facilities: Providing support in nursing homes or rehabilitation centers.
How to Become a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
The path to becoming a CCMA involves completing the necessary medical assistant training, gaining relevant experience, and passing a certification exam. The most widely recognized certification is offered through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Certification Through the NHA
The NHA oversees the certification and recertification process for CCMAs. To be eligible to sit for the CCMA exam, you must meet one of the following requirements:
- Education and Training Program: Possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent and complete a medical assistant training program within the last five years.
- Work Experience: Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent and at least one year of work experience as a medical assistant within the past three years.
Most individuals opt for the first route, completing an accredited medical assistant training program before sitting for the certification exam. This route provides the comprehensive education needed to cover all aspects of the CCMA role. The NHA offers various resources on its website to guide you on how much of each subject area is covered in the examination, helping you prepare effectively.
If you choose the second option (work experience), it is crucial to utilize the resources provided by the NHA to ensure you are up-to-date with current best practices. Skills and knowledge gained through on-the-job experience might not always align with the latest guidelines, so it’s essential to refresh your knowledge before taking the exam.
Preparing for the Exam
Once you have completed your education and meet the eligibility criteria, you are ready to schedule your CCMA exam. The NHA provides several resources to help you prepare, including:
- Study guides
- Practice exams
- Detailed outlines of exam topics
It is also helpful to review any lecture notes, textbooks, and materials from your training program. Additionally, forming study groups with classmates can provide valuable support as you review key concepts and discuss different topics. Preparing thoroughly will increase your chances of passing the exam on your first attempt.
Next Steps After Completing Your Education
After graduation and meeting one of the NHA’s eligibility requirements, the next step is to register for the CCMA exam through the NHA website. Here is a breakdown of the process:
- Create a Candidate Profile: Begin by setting up your profile on the NHA website. This will give you access to exam scheduling and preparation resources.
- Review the Candidate Handbook: Before scheduling your exam, read the NHA candidate handbook. This guide contains crucial information about the registration process, exam policies, and what to expect on test day.
- Schedule Your Exam: Once your profile is set up, you can schedule your exam date. The current cost for the initial certification exam is $160.
What Happens if You Fail the Exam?
If you do not pass the exam on your first try, don’t worry; you have two additional attempts to retake it through the NHA. However, you must wait at least 30 days between each retake. If you fail on your third attempt, you must wait an entire year before you can take the exam again, and you will have to pay the full registration fee.
This is why thorough preparation is crucial to pass on your first attempt. Take advantage of all the available resources to increase your chances of success.
Maintaining Your CCMA Certification
Once you have passed the exam and earned your certification, it is essential to keep it up to date. The NHA requires CCMAs to complete at least 10 continuing education (CE) credits every two years. Additionally, you must pay a recertification fee. These requirements help ensure that CCMAs maintain current knowledge of best practices and continue providing high-quality patient care.
The NHA candidate handbook outlines all the details for maintaining your certification, so refer back to it regularly if you have questions about the recertification process.
The Importance of Certification
Obtaining your CCMA certification is not just a formality; it demonstrates your commitment to providing competent and compassionate patient care. Employers often prefer certified medical assistants, as the certification assures them that you have received proper training and possess the necessary skills to perform effectively in a clinical setting. Additionally, being certified may open up more job opportunities and potentially lead to higher pay compared to non-certified medical assistants.
Conclusion
Becoming a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant is a rewarding career path for those passionate about patient care and supporting physicians in clinical settings. The process of becoming a CCMA involves completing an accredited medical assistant training program or gaining relevant work experience, passing the certification exam through the NHA, and maintaining your certification with continuing education credits. By preparing thoroughly and taking advantage of available resources, you can succeed in your journey to becoming a CCMA and contribute positively to the healthcare industry.
Whether you are just starting your journey or looking to enhance your current role in healthcare, the CCMA certification is a valuable credential that can lead to a fulfilling and versatile career.
Preppy’s Medical Assistant Training Program
Overview
Preppy’s Medical Assistant Training Program is entirely online and self-paced, making it ideal for students who need flexibility. Preppy’s program is offered in partnership with Auburn University, providing a reputable university certificate upon completion.
Program Highlights
- Mode of Delivery: 100% online and self-paced.
- Program Duration: 4 to 6 months, with access for up to a year.
- Tuition Cost: $1,599, which includes training materials.
- Certification: Prepares students for the CCMA certification exam.
- Practical Experience: Includes an externship opportunity at a local healthcare facility.
- Additional Benefits: Offers job placement services for eligible graduates and a free laptop if you pay the tuition in full.
Also read: Medical Assistant Externship
About:
Preppy was founded by higher education expert, Grant Aldrich, who’s work on college affordability and accessibility has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, Business Insider, American Express, AOL, MSN, Thrive Global, Reader’s Digest, Inside Higher Ed, Evolllution, EducationDive, and nearly 100 radio shows and podcasts.
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