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:: Medical Assistant Training- Certification

A Medical Assistant, also known as a "Clinical Assistant" or healthcare assistant in the UK is an allied health professional who supports the work of physicians and other health professionals, usually in a clinic setting. Medical assistants can become certified through an accredited program. Medical Assistants perform routine tasks and procedures in a medical clinic.

A "medical assistant" may be certified or registered, or may be a loosely defined group (covering related occupational titles such as ‘medical office assistant’, ‘clinical assistant’, 'assistant medical officer', or ‘ophthalmic assistant’). The occupation should not be confused with physician assistants, who are licensed professionals trained to practice medicine and perform surgical procedures in collaboration with a physician.

In military settings, occupations that provide primary medical care may go under similar titles, while other occupations may have different titles with similar responsibilities, such as Medical Assistant in the U.K. Royal Navy or Hospital Corpsman in the U.S. Navy

Medical assistants perform routine clinical and administrative duties under the direct supervision of a physician or other health care professional. Medical assistants perform many administrative duties, including answering telephones, greeting patients, updating and filing patients’ medical records, filling out insurance forms, handling correspondence, scheduling appointments, arranging for hospital admission and laboratory services, and handling billing and book keeping. Duties vary according to laws of the jurisdiction and may include taking medical histories and recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examination, and assisting during diagnostic examinations. Medical assistants collect and prepare laboratory specimens or perform basic laboratory tests on the premises, dispose of contaminated supplies, and sterilize medical instruments. They instruct patients about medications and special diets, prepare and administer medications as directed, authorize drug refills as directed, telephone prescriptions to a pharmacy, draw blood, prepare patients for X-rays, take electrocardiograms, remove sutures, and change dressings. They also facilitate communication between the patient and other health care professionals.

Some jurisdictions allow medical assistants to perform more advanced procedures, such as giving injections or taking X-rays, after passing a test or taking a course.

According to the International Standard Classification of Occupations, medical assistants normally require formal training in health services provision for competent performance in their jobs. Formal education usually occurs in post secondary institutions such as vocational schools, technical institutes, community colleges, proprietary colleges, online educational programs or junior colleges. Medical assistant training programs most commonly lead to a certificate or a diploma, which take around one year to complete, or an associate degree, which takes around two years. Study topics include medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and programs may include a clinical internship, sometimes referred to as "externship", wherein the student works as a medical assistant in a medical clinic.

In the United States, a certificate may be offered by an institute of higher education. These certificates usually signify that a student has reached a standard of knowledge about a certain vocational or professional subject. Certificate programs can be completed more quickly than associate degrees and often do not have general education requirements. Undergraduate certificates represent completion of a specific program offered in coordination with a bachelors degree. Graduate certificates represent completion of studies beyond the bachelor's degree, yet short of a masters degree.

In the State of Maryland, a Certificate of Merit was, until recently, issued to graduating high-school seniors who met certain academic requirements (such as completion of advanced courses and a cumulative GPA of 3.00); the statewide certificate has since been replaced by "endorsements" defined by each local school system.[3]

It also may be awarded as a necessary certification to validate that a student is considered competent in a certain specific networking skill area in information technology. Thus a computer engineer or computer science graduation most likely will have to obtain additional certificates on and pertaining to the specific technologies or equipment used by the hiring corporation; if not, such employer may suffer unwanted penalties like foregoing (voiding the contract) the protections of a certain level of customer service or warranties.

A certification is a third-party attestation of an individual's level of knowledge or proficiency in a certain industry or profession. They are granted by authorities in the field, such as professional societies and universities, or by private certificate-granting agencies. Most certifications are time-limited; some expire after a period of time (e.g., the lifetime of a product that required certification for use), while others can be renewed indefinitely as long as certain requirements are met. Renewal usually requires ongoing education to remain up-to-date on advancements in the field, evidenced by earning the specified number of continuing education credits (CECs), or continuing education units (CEUs), from approved professional development courses.

Many certification programs are affiliated with professional associations, trade organizations, or private vendors interested in raising industry standards. Certificate programs are often created or endorsed by professional associations, but are typically completely independent from membership organizations. Certifications are very common in fields such as aviation, construction, technology, environment, and other industrial sectors, as well as healthcare, business, real estate, and finance.

According to The Guide to National Professional Certification Programs (1997) by Phillip Barnhart, "certifications are portable, since they do not depend on one company's definition of a certain job" and they provide protential employers with "an impartial, third-party endorsement of an individual's professional knowledge and experience".[1]

Certification is different from professional licensure. In the United States, licenses are typically issued by state agencies, whereas certifications are usually awarded by professional societies or educational institutes. Obtaining a certificate is voluntary in some fields, but in others, certification from a government-accredited agency may be legally required to perform certain jobs or tasks. In other countries, licenses are typically granted by professional societies or universities and require a certificate after about three to five years and so on thereafter. The assessment process for certification may be more comprehensive than that of licensure, though sometimes the assessment process is very similar or even the same, despite differing in terms of legal status.

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) defines the standard for being a certifying agency as meeting the following two requirements:

1. Delivering an assessment based on industry knowledge that is independent from training courses or course providers
2. Granting a time-limited credential to anyone who meets the assessment standards

The Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE) is a U.S.-based organization that sets standards for the accreditation of personnel certification and certificate programs based on the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing, a joint publication of the American Educational Research Association (AERA), the American Psychological Association (APA), and the National Council on Measurement in Education (NCME). Many members of the Association of Test Publishers (ATP) are also certification organizations.

• Phillip Barnhart, The Guide to National Professional Certification Programs (1997), HRD Press. ISBN 0-8493-9960-2 Retrieved electronically 7 July 2009.

• Master of Professional Studies in Real Estate. "Advanced Professional Certificate in Real Estate | Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies". Scs.georgetown.edu. Archived from the original on 16 July 2012. Retrieved 18 May 2012.

• "Certificate Programs". lesley.edu.

Industry Description Full Program Listing

Code	Concentration	More Info
BSGB	Medical Assistant
School: Sanford-Brown Institute Program: This 8- to 11-month program can provide you with the entry-level skills you need to assist physicians by performing administrative duties and basic clinical duties. Day and evening programs include a full-time, unpaid clinical externship. :: Concentration: Healthcare Training :: Online        ::  Location: Atlanta, GA ::  more info  ::  Location: Carle Place ::  more info  ::  Location: Dallas, TX ::  more info  ::  Location: Elmsford ::  more info  ::  Location: Ft. Lauderdale, FL ::  more info  ::  Location: Houston, TX ::  more info  ::  Location: Iselin, NJ ::  more info  ::  Location: Jacksonville, FL ::  more info  ::  Location: Landover ::  more info  ::  Location: New York, NY ::  more info  ::  Location: Trevose, PA ::  more info  ::  Location: Tampa, FL ::  more info

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Code	Concentration	More Info
BSGB	Certificate - Medical Assistant
School: Pittsburgh Technical Institute Program: This fifteen-month certificate program provides the skills necessary for an entry-level position as a medical assistant. Graduates are prepared to work as medical assistants in ambulatory care settings such as physician's offices, clinics, medical laboratories, and hospitals. :: Concentration: Healthcare Training :: Online        ::  Location: Oakdale, PA ::  more info  ::  Location: Pittsburgh, PA ::  more info

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Code	Concentration	More Info
BSGB	Diploma - Medical Assistant
School: Arkon Institute Program: Medical Assistants make up the largest group of Allied Health occupations, working side-by-side with both physicians and professional medical personnel in private practice, clinics, medical research laboratories, and hospitals. After completion of the accredited program, graduates may take the certification examination given by the American Association of Medical Assistants at the next scheduled examination date. :: Concentration: Healthcare Training :: Online        ::  Location: Cuyahoga, OH ::  more info

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Code	Concentration	More Info
BSGB	Medical Assistant
School: Sanford-Brown Institute Program: This 8- to 11-month program can provide you with the entry-level skills you need to assist physicians by performing administrative duties and basic clinical duties. Day and evening programs include a full-time, unpaid clinical externship. :: Concentration: Healthcare Training :: Online        ::  Location: Cleveland, OH ::  more info  ::  Location: Atlanta, GA ::  more info  ::  Location: Dallas, TX ::  more info  ::  Location: Elmsford, NY ::  more info  ::  Location: Garden City, NY ::  more info  ::  Location: Houston, TX ::  more info  ::  Location: Iselin, NJ ::  more info  ::  Location: Landover, MD ::  more info  ::  Location: New York, NY ::  more info  ::  Location: Trevose, PA ::  more info

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Code	Concentration	More Info
BSGB	Medical Assistant
School: Vatterott College Program: Start your career in healthcare-one of the fastest-growing industries (and a career you can feel good about). According to the U.S. Department of Labor, nearly 3 million jobs will be opening up over the next ten years. Get the training you need to get the opportunities you deserve! :: Concentration: Healthcare Training :: Online        ::  Location: Cleveland, OH ::  more info  ::  Location: Des Moines, IA ::  more info  ::  Location: Joplin, MO ::  more info  ::  Location: Kansas City, MO ::  more info  ::  Location: Memphis, TN ::  more info  ::  Location: O'Fallon, MO ::  more info  ::  Location: Oklahoma City, OK ::  more info  ::  Location: Omaha, NE (Spring Valley) ::  more info  ::  Location: Omaha, NE (Deerfield) ::  more info  ::  Location: Quincy, IL ::  more info  ::  Location: Springfield, MO ::  more info  ::  Location: St. Ann, MO (St. Louis) ::  more info  ::  Location: Sunset Hills, MO (St. Louis) ::  more info  ::  Location: St. Joseph, MO ::  more info  ::  Location: Tulsa, OK ::  more info  ::  Location: Wichita, KS ::  more info

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Code	Concentration	More Info
BSGB	Diploma - Medical Assistant
School: Sullivan University System Program: This program trains students to handle administrative duties, assist in patient care, perform appropriate medical procedures and take the Certified Medical Assistant exam of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). The medical classes are taught by registered nurses and laboratory technicians in small, intimate classes. Clinical, on-the-job training also is a unique feature. :: Concentration: Healthcare Training :: Online        ::  Location: Louisville ::  more info  ::  Location: Lexington ::  more info  ::  Location: Fort Knox ::  more info

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Code	Concentration	More Info
	Diploma - Medical Assistant
School: Dover Business College Program: The Medical Assistant program is designed to prepare graduates for entry-level positions as medical assistants in a physician's office, medical clinic, laboratory, or other health related facility. Graduates will be able to assist the doctor with laboratory tests, operate diagnostic equipment, and prepare case histories and medical reports. :: Concentration: Healthcare Training :: Online        ::  Location: Paramus, NJ ::  more info  ::  Location: Dover, NJ ::  more info

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Code	Concentration	More Info
	Professional Medical Assistant
School: Harris School Program: :: Concentration: Healthcare Training :: Online        ::  Location: Cherry Hill, NJ ::  more info

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Industry Description

Work in medical clinics has changed dramatically in the last few years. In order to be competitive in the field, training is a must. Handling medical records, arrangement of appointments and referrals, and keeping on top of the various procedures are all part of the daily routine of a medical office. In this expanding line of work, the need for trained medical assistants is on the rise.

No matter what your situation or station in life, you will be sure to find education options that will assist you in your goals. Are you a student just out of high school? Maybe you’re a working professional with a desire to upgrade your credentials or a parent making your way back into the work force. The options available to students today open up possibility where before none existed. For example, modular classes can be fit in on weekends. Portions or whole courses can now be accomplished via the Internet. Distance learning reaches almost everyone and there is always the immersion of campus based classes. Whichever method you choose for your medical assistant training, you will have the highest quality instruction from professionals in the field. You will learn to handle the intricacies of electronic scheduling systems as well as manual procedures. Proficiency in a variety of medical procedures and developing advanced people handling skills are also required of the medical assistant and will be covered in your training. When you have completed your training, you will be confident and prepared for a job in a number of medical settings such as medical clinics, holistic medicine centers, chiropractic offices and some hospital positions. Don’t let your future pass you by. Enroll today!

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