When pursuing a healthcare profession, Florida National University (FNU) urges you to research as much as you can about the job you’re most interested in. There are many branches in the healthcare industry. For the role of a Medical Assistant Technologists, it’s important to have an in-depth understanding of the duties and responsibilities.
Medical Assistant Technologist’s Duties: A Quick Summary
The role of a Medical Assistant Technologist has the dual responsibility of patient care and administrative work. A demonstration of strong analytical, interpersonal and technical skills is important qualities to fill in such a position. In the healthcare industry, it is incredibly critical to pay close attention to detail. Updating patients’ files, filing insurance claims, and assisting physicians with vital signs and other patient-related duties leaves no room for error.
Learn about more duties of a Medical Assistant:
Video Source: Courtesy of CareOneStop
Depending on the institution, the role of a Medical Assistant Technologistwill vary. For larger healthcare institutions, the job duties may be a bit more specific as hospitals are much more compartmentalized. Medical Assistant Technologists’ responsibilities might focus more on administrative or clinical work because there is enough staff on hand to organize the facility that way. Smaller healthcare facilities may require a Medical Assistant Technologist to be more diverse in his or her responsibilities. Whatever preferred responsibilities are expected, it’s imperative that you make yourself the most desired candidate for the job.
Here are 6 facts that you need to know that will guide you toward becoming one of the top Medical Assistant Technologist candidates:
- Education is mandatory for certification.
Some states do not require a college education to fill the role of a Medical Technologist Assistant. However, most do and those are usually the states that also require certification. Employers are more likely to look a little closer at a candidate who has the professional credentials in Medical Assistant Technology over the applicant who does not.
FNU is a regionally accredited university that offers an Associate of Science in Medical Assistant Technology. This degree program can be earned in two years on a full-time basis at any one of our two campuses in the South Florida area—one located in Hialeah and the other in Miami. A minimum of 75 credits is needed in order to complete the FNU degree program. This associate’s degree will prepare you to take the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification. It also preps you for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and the National Certification Exam of Phlebotomy. Even if you don’t take any of these exams, having the education to show that you are trained in this profession is still an impressive credential to have.
- You can get your degree online.
Offering the option to earn your Medical Assistant Technology degree online provides you with the flexibility to take classes that work around your schedule rather than adjusting your life to work around a set time. FNU’s online degree program consists of the same curriculum as our brick and mortar classes. Students who are enrolled in FNU’s online Medical Assistant Technology program have the luxury of taking courses on a more leisure schedule.
A total of 135 hours of clinical practice in addition to the 75 required credit hours. FNU administrators will help arrange this for you when the time comes.
- There are actually 4 ways to get certified.
Medical Assistant applicants have the option of getting their certification in four ways:
- Education – reports that you have to be a recent graduate from an accredited medical program.
- Military – You can be a recent graduate of a medical services training program provided by the United States Armed Forces.
- Work experience – You must have a minimum of 5-7 years of work experience that include both administrative and patient care duties on a full-time basis.
- Instructor – You need to have at least 5 years of teaching experience on a full-time basis. Your teaching experience needs to reflect both administrative and patient care competencies.
- Once you’re certified, you must stay certified!
In the career of healthcare, it is imperative that every working professional maintains a continuing education in order to stay abreast with the latest technological breakthroughs and events that will improve their skill set. In order to stay certified, you must adhere to the following qualifications:
- Pay Your Annual Fee – $50 and $90 for a Certified Laboratory Consultant
- You must comply with the Certification Continuation Program (CCP) – A RMA must acquire 30 points every 3 years. Look to The American Medical Technologists website for more information about this or ask the
- You also must recertify – You only have to recertify if you’re past the end of your 3-year Certification Continuation Program (CCP) or if you did not pay your annual fee. It also applies if you’ve been audited for CCP and don’t have any documentation.
- Medical Assistant Technologists need to be ready for the unexpected.
This might be one of the more obvious facts, but it shouldn’t go without saying. With the right type of education and training, you can be well equipped with the knowledge to execute in the swiftest and efficient way. This type of training can only be attained at a regionally accredited institution like FNU that offers a quality education by professors with real-life experience.
- Financial aid is an option.
Only a regionally accredited university can help students take out student loans from the government. Colleges and universities that aren’t accredited are not eligible to collect financial aid for their students. FNU is eligible and will help you complete the FAFSA form and seek out other financial aid opportunities.
The demand for Medical Assistant Technologist is increasing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that it is one of the fastest growing occupations in the industry. The projected growth rate is 29%. This is a huge benefit to aspiring healthcare professionals who are looking to solidify their place in the industry.
Nothing helps you get there quicker than a college degree from a regionally accredited university. Learn more about Florida National University’s Associate of Science in Medical Assistant Technology program. Ask an FNU advisor a question about enrollment today.
