National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) is a certification provided by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). The NCMA program is an educational and examination program developed in 1976 and has been maintained to ensure high standards in medical assisting practices. It is one of several credentials offered by the AAMA, including CMA (Certified Medical Assistant), RMA (Registered Medical Assistant), and Diploma programs. Candidates with an NCMA credential are required to meet all eligibility criteria before sitting for the exam, fulfil the experience requirements outlined by the AAMA, abide by ethical guidelines set forth by the organization’s code of ethics, and complete Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to maintain their NCMA status.
NCMA credential is a respected title in the health care industry and opens doors for continuing education, better employment opportunities and increases earning potential. The NCMA exam consists of multiple-choice questions that are scored electronically by computer – there is no longer a paper-and-pencil test being administered. To pass, candidates need to achieve an overall 70% or higher score as it tests knowledge from ten key areas. AAMA continues to update its examinations based on the needs of the medical assistant profession through task forces consisting of members from across the country. Each year new topics are added or existing topics revised based on those requirements.
NCMAs provide a wide range of services in inpatient settings, hospitals, private practice, and physician’s offices. They are an integral part of the health care team that conducts exams, takes vital signs, prepares patients for procedures, assist physicians during surgery, and compile patient records. Furthermore, they are entrusted with critical patient information that must be kept strictly under federal regulations.
Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
AAMA distinguishes its medical assistants and those employed by physician offices or who work in ambulatory care settings – their focus is on primary care services performed within a hospital setting. A medical assistant’s scope of practice encompasses history taking, physical examination and recording vital signs; preparing patients for treatment; assisting during minor office procedures; injecting medications via syringe or pen injection devices; preparing and administering oral, subcutaneous, or intramuscular medications via a variety of dosage forms; preparing and giving medical treatment or care to patients under physicians’ orders. In addition, they test and examine specimens for lab procedures, perform EKGs and operate diagnostic medical equipment under the supervision of a physician.
Medical Assistant Certification vs Medical Assistant Licensure
Although several certifications are available to medical assistants, some states require state licensure as part of the licensing/regulatory process for health care providers in certain conditions. And to make sure that we did not err with the details, we took the help of team MedAssistantEdu on this topic.
All states require certification or licensure for medical assistants who draw blood, prepare intravenous medications and perform EKGs with supervision; all other tasks can be performed under the supervision of a licensed physician without an additional credential
Licensing requirements vary from state to state, although most follow guidelines set forth by the National Board of Medical Examiners’ (NBME) Model Practice Act, which includes stipulations that must be met before the issuance of a license, including completion of secondary education or higher, successful completion of a medical assistant training new york, ny and passing the AAMA exam. In addition, medical assistants must meet specific age requirements, clear a criminal background check, prove they are of good moral character—complete continuing education units to maintain their license/certification.
In those states where certification is required instead of licensure, candidates must understand the differences between the two credentials regarding eligibility criteria and testing formats. The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential offered by the NHA focuses on knowledge gained from training programs. At the same time, NCMAs has been tested through a computer-based examination that tests knowledge from ten key areas. Candidates who want to sit for the exam must successfully pass NHA’s Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) written examination and its medical assistant certification exam. The CMAA credential is also available to complete their certification for those who possess an associate degree or diploma.
How To Become NCMA Certified
To become NCMA certified, applicants need documentation from a CAAHEP-accredited program presented when applying for the exam. As of 2015, 191 accredited programs offer a certificate, diploma, or degree at the entry-level. Students in these programs typically take two years to complete classroom education before being assigned clinical rotations, where they gain hands-on experience in inpatient care settings. Clinical training must be completed in 23 months or less, shortening educational times by one semester.
AAMA recommends that its members adhere to a code of ethics and maintain a current CPR certification to practice. In addition, all medical assistants should have continuing education credits every year to stay up-to-date on changes within the profession.
