What You Should Know About Medical Assistant Certification

medical administrative assistant scitexas.edu
Request More Info
Your safety and education are priorities for SCI. Until further notice, we’re offering our classes in a hybrid/online teaching environment.
  • Hidden
  • Hidden
  • Hidden
  • Hidden
  • Hidden
  • Hidden
  • Hidden
  • Hidden
  • Hidden
  • Hidden
  • Hidden
  • Hidden

By submitting this form, I agree that Southern Careers Institute may contact me via email, text message or telephone, including the use of autodialers, regarding its programs and offers. Standard text and/or usage rates may apply.

5 Things You Never Knew About Medical Assistant Certification

To work as a medical assistant in Texas, you need to hold a certification that shows that you understand the basics of patient care, that you are capable of carrying out main health care duties, and that you possess all the essential skills for the job. If you are considering training for a medical assistant certification but are still unsure, these five facts may sway your opinion.  

1. There Are Several Options for Medical Assistant Certifications

Medical assistants work in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, doctors’ offices, clinics, emergency care offices, government agencies, schools, nursing homes, and the military. Rather than a single certification for all types of medical assistants, there are several that reflect different areas of specialization. Depending on your area of study, you could be eligible for the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA), Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT), Certified EKG Technician (CET), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), or Electronics Health Records Specialist (EHRS) certifications.  

2. Certification Programs Vary in Length

Programs leading to a certification can take anywhere from 7 months to 2 years to complete, depending on your school, area of study, and whether you take classes full-time or part-time, such as during the evenings or weekends.  

3. Certifications Involve a Diverse Skill-set

Medical assistants need to utilize both clinical and administrative skills on a daily basis. Taking a certification gives you the opportunity to expand your knowledge on a range of topics, including phlebotomy, EKG monitoring, patient care, and pharmacology, and improve your office administration and professional communication abilities.  

4. Training for a Certification Will Give You Hands-On Experience

Training during a certification program consists of lectures, interactive activities, and hands-on experience, where you interact with professionals in health care and their patients. This gives you the chance to learn proper techniques for taking medical histories, checking vital signs, explaining procedures to patients, assisting practitioners during their examinations, performing X-rays, and drawing blood for samples.  

5. Job Outlook for Holders of Certifications Is Excellent

The aging population means that certified medical assistants are in high demand; they can carry out routine clinical duties, enabling physicians and other qualified health care workers to see more patients. Projected job growth is 29 percent between 2012 and 2022 — much faster than average — according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.   The best way to gain a medical assistant certification is to take a program specifically designed to prepare you for your desired exam. This will not only improve your chances of passing first time, it will also provide you with all the skills and knowledge you need for success in your new career and help you to procure a well-paid, interesting job in Texas.

This article was published on: 05/16/15 7:10 PM

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

What SCI Students Are Saying

"Just finished school for welding. Had the best experience with Southern Careers Institute, and had a lot of fun with my buddies. Already working at SpaceX. SCI is the place to be guys! Don't wait any longer, sign up!”

Testimonal

Enrique H.
Welding

"I recently achieved my dream of becoming a CDL driver, passing my CDL exams at our local DMV in Edinburg. Mr. Gonzalez was such a great instructor, even though it was raining I passed with flying colors!”

Testimonal

Juan L.
Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator

“I made a complete career change when I started my training at Southern Careers Institute. I needed a stable career to continue providing for my growing family. SCI provided me with the medical terminology and know how that I needed to understand and acquire a career in the medical field. SCI taught me that it doesn’t matter where you are in life right now; you always have room to advance and learn.”

Testimonal

Denise S.
Medical Assistant

“I am extremely grateful for the assistance I received from SCI’s Career Services team. I enjoy where I work and what I do. SCI has helped me succeed in life by getting me the necessary education and by making me a stronger and more confident person.”

Testimonal

Raquel S.

“Once I graduated from SCI, I had a sense of accomplishment that helped me through the job search process. SCI provided me with the opportunity to brush up on my skills, extend my accounting knowledge, and they boosted my self-confidence. I went to work two days after my last day of school.”

Testimonal

Annette D.
Business Accounting

“When my youngest child graduated from high school, I told my husband that it was my time. I went back to school to change careers after spending 37 years in the business field. At SCI, the instructors are professional, and they care about what they are teaching you, as well as expect you to give 100% in return. I had problems understanding how to draw in syringes and give injections. I requested extra help from a knowledgeable instructor, and I was able to receive one-on-one training. Today, I draw injections for approximately 100 patients each week. I am very confident in what I’ve learned. SCI has given me the chance to do what I always wanted to do. Thank you for my education. I am doing wonderful.”

Testimonal

Bonnie M
Medical Assistant

“I am now a certified Lab Tech. SCI helped me get an externship, and I came out with a job. After my little sister had cancer, I knew I wanted a career in the medical field that allowed me to help others. I am happy about what I do.”

Testimonal

Sidney B
Medical Assistant

“The best place ever!! Ms.Tonia rocks she is the best teacher… I love going to school my time there is amazing.”

Testimonal

Andrea Garcia

“Southern Careers went beyond my expectations. Very impressed. The assistance I got from Career Services is truly amazing. They really went out of their way to get me placed. They really care and I am grateful to all of them.”

Testimonal

Olga C.

“Southern Careers Institute totally surpassed my expectations. Once I finished school, the Career Services team helped me find a job. I would tell anyone thinking about starting career training that you have nothing to lose and a lot to gain. I wish I would have started my training sooner.”

Testimonal

Valerie D.

Speak with an
Admissions Advisor

Call 1.833.SCI.TEXAS

Our mission is to be a leading talent producer by delivering employer-tailored training.

Contact Us Today