At Ohio Business College, we are proud to offer our medical assistant program that equips students with everything they need for success within the medical assisting profession. Medical assistants are key players in medical offices and facilities, offering a variety of skills and abilities to fill many different roles among a team.

What is a Certified Medical Assistant?

A certified medical assistant is someone who obtains a certification through taking and passing an exam, which tests the skills necessary for any medical assistant position. The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) is the board-certifying organization that administers the CMA (AAMA) exam. The AAMA says, “The CMA (AAMA) Exam is a rigorous exam that requires a thorough, broad, and current understanding of health care delivery.”

To obtain a medical assistant certification, one must graduate from an accredited medical assistant program that is approved by CAAHEP or ABHES and pass the certified medical assistant exam. The exam tests subject areas like psychology, communication, and professionalism as well as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, diagnostic tests, collecting and processing specimens, and much more!

Obtaining the CMA (AAMA) will prove to employers that you have the skills required to perform the job functions properly. Although medical assistants in Ohio are not required to possess a certification, registration, or license, most employers will require certification before hiring someone for the position. A CMA (AAMA) will also make a candidate more qualified for a promotion and pay increase.

Ohio laws are similar to most states, allowing physicians to determine the role of medical assistants in their office. Like every other career in the medical field, medical assistant jobs are in high demand with an expected growth of 29 percent by 2026. This growth is the result of aging Baby Boomers and their need for medical care. Ohio Business College, having been approved by the CAAHEP, prepares students for the CMA (AAMA) and the RMA (AMT) and any entry-level medical assistant positions that they may apply for.

Skills and Responsibilities of a Medical Assistant

Medical assistants play a supportive role to doctors and nurses. Their responsibilities depend on the type of medicine as well as the physicians’ preferences. Duties may include checking vitals, drawing blood, administering medications, noting medical histories, maintaining patients records, scheduling appointments, and helping physicians perform patient examinations. Customer service and patient relations are important skills in this field, as well.

Medical assistants often work at doctor offices but can also work for hospitals, retirement facilities, home healthcare services, and palliative care facilities. After completing the program, graduates will be eligible for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exams, which allows these students to become credentialed.

Our Medical Assistant Program

The Medical Assistant Program at Ohio Business college is a 12-month program that is offered at our Lorain County Campus and Sandusky Campus. Our instructors have many years of experience in the field, which allows our students to learn from their real-world experiences.

Medical Assistant students study a wide range of topics in general, clinical, and administrative categories. The courses include human anatomy and physiology, front office administration, medical law and ethics, and much more. Among completion of the program, our students have skills that allow them to be successful in both clinical and administrative assistant roles. We also offer evening classes and career placement assistance. Contact us for more information.

Sources:

www.medassistantedu.org/ohio/
www.aama-ntl.org/cma-aama-exam/about
medical-assistant.us/cma-ohio/