Is MA Certification Required?

Documentation of Knowledge

A multitude of healthcare professionals that are not certified, yet experienced workers, are not fully aware of the benefits of certification to their employer, the patients, and ultimately themselves.

Get this FREE Career Information Kit As you already know, working medical assistants, as well as recent graduates from vocational training programs should seek certification as soon as possible to succeed!

When Is Certification Required?

Although licensing and certification is not required for most medical assistants in the USA, the vast majority of employers wish to set themselves apart by hiring only the best suited and qualified applicants. In addition, many of the malpractice insurance carriers require that nursing and medical assisting staff that provides direct patient care, draws blood, or operates x-ray equipment to be certified by a national certification sponsor to provide coverage. Therefore it is safe to say that even though state law may not require certification, many employers do.

Some State Regulations:

1. Registration is required in South Dakota. 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.
   
2. 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 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 a Minnesota licensed healthcare facility. 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.
   
3. Medical assistants that draw blood in California are required to be certified.
   
4. Medical assistants that perform point of care testing in Georgia are required to be certified.