Unit 1 Chapter 1

I. Introduction to Medical Assisting

A. Career Growth

- The U.S. Department of Labor projects 18% growth in medical assisting between 2020 and 2030

- Estimated 104,400 new jobs annually in this field

- Medical Assistants (MAs) are versatile professionals in the healthcare industry

B. Responsibilities of a Medical Assistant

- Duties vary depending on the type, size, and specialty of the healthcare facility

- Main areas of responsibility:

  1. Clinical tasks

  2. Specialty-specific duties

  3. Laboratory work

  4. Administrative tasks

- Often serve as patient navigators or patient advocates

II. Professional Organizations for Medical Assistants

A. American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)

- Founded in 1955

- Exclusively devoted to Medical Assisting

- Raises professional standards and provides legal information

- Offers the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential

B. American Medical Technologists (AMT)

- Established in 1939

- Non-profit certification agency and membership association for Allied Health Professionals

- Offers various certifications including:

  1. Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)

  2. Patient Care Technician (PCT)

  3. Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT)

C. National Healthcareer Association (NHA)

- Established in 1989

- Provides certification, curriculum development, and continuing education

- Offers certifications such as:

  1. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

  2. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

III. Medical Assistant Credentials

A. Types of Credentials

1. Certification

   - Granted by organizations to show qualification for a job

   - Voluntary in Georgia for MA positions

2. Registration

   - Permission to practice granted by a board

   - Voluntary for MA positions

3. Licensure

   - Issued by state boards

   - Legally required for certain healthcare professions (not for MAs)

   - Ensures competency

B. Accreditation of Educational Programs

- U.S. Department of Education recognizes two MA educational program accreditors:

  1. Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

  2. Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)

- Accreditation ensures programs meet competency-based standards and undergo periodic evaluations

IV. Training Programs for Medical Assistants

A. Community/Junior College Programs

- Duration: 2 years

- Outcome: Associate's Degree

- Includes practicum/externship in ambulatory setting or simulation

B. CTAE/Vocational Technical Programs

- Duration: 1 year

- Outcome: Certification with High School Diploma

C. Post-Secondary Vocational School Programs

- Duration: 9 months to 1 year

- Outcome: Certification or Diploma

V. Scope of Practice