Examples of Medical Assistant Certification Requirements

Medical assistant certification remains largely voluntary in the United States of America.

Medical assistants in the USA are not required to be licensed, certified, or registered within most states; however, although licensing is not required and certification is largely voluntary it is the EMPLOYER who sets forth their own standards and requirements when hiring new medical assisting staff. Where the economy is tough, jobs limited and applicants plentiful doctors can afford to pick and choose whom they want. Most of them ask for certifications and a certain amount of experience.

But don't believe us! Just read the wanted ads... If you have read the wanted ads in your paper or on job sites on the Internet then you should already have realized that just about every job offer for medical assistants reads: "Must be certified and/or have x-amount of experience." The importance and impact certification makes on your resume and getting hired should be obvious to you by now. Every medical assistant, whether new or seasoned, should seek every available resource and opportunity to accomplish their goals. You can build yourself an edge through recognized certifications and credentials behind your name.

 A Very Typical Job Ad Reads:

We are seeking Medical Assistants to work in our downtown Orlando clinics (Pediatrics, OBGYN, Ortho, Internal Medicine, Family Practice, and Endocrinology positions available). Requirements: Minimum 1 year MA work experience. Medical Assistant Certificate - MUST BE REGISTERED MEDICAL ASSISTANT (RMA), AAMA, OR AMT CERTIFIED. Bilingual preferred, but not required. Please only qualified candidates apply. 

 

Examples of States that Specifically Mandate Certification and Special Permits or Licenses for Medical Assistants: 

1. Medical assistants who draw blood in California are required to be certified (!).
   
2. Medical assistants who perform point of care testing in Georgia are required to be certified.
   
3. Medical assistants in South Dakota must register. No person may practice as a medical assistant in South Dakota unless that person is registered with the Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners. An applicant for registration must have graduated from an accredited school or a school which meets standards similar to an accredited school and must meet other qualifications established by the Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners and the Board of Nursing.
   
4. Minnesota Law requires that any person who provides services that involve direct contact with patients and residents at a healthcare facility licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health to have a background study conducted by the state. An individual who is disqualified from having direct patient contact as a result of the background study will not be permitted to participate in a clinical placement in Minnesota. Minnesota colleges will withdraw any student who is disqualified by the Minnesota Department of Health and the student is responsible for requesting the Commissioner to reconsider the disqualification.
   
5. Furthermore, many professional malpractice and errors and omissions insurance companies now require that those who provide direct patient care, draw blood, or operate x-ray equipment to be properly certified and hold limited licenses to perform certain technical tasks in the medical office as part of their duty, such as an x-ray license to expose patients to radiological exams; only this way will they provide insurance coverage to them should something go wrong. Therefore it is safe to say that even though many state laws may not require certification, it is the employer and insurance companies who require it in order to be covered.