American Association Of Medical Assistants: What You Need To Know

As a medical assistant, you play a vital role in the healthcare industry. Your daily tasks may include taking vital signs, preparing patients for exams, and assisting healthcare professionals with various procedures. But have you ever wondered about the organization that represents and supports medical assistants like you? The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) is a professional organization that has been advocating for medical assistants for over 60 years. In this article, we will delve into the history, mission, and benefits of the AAMA, as well as its certification process and continuing education opportunities.

History of the American Association of Medical Assistants

The American Association of Medical Assistants was founded in 1956 by a group of medical assistants who recognized the need for a professional organization to represent their interests. At the time, medical assisting was a relatively new profession, and there was a lack of standardization and recognition. The AAMA's founders aimed to establish a professional organization that would promote the profession, provide education and training, and advocate for the rights and interests of medical assistants.

Mission and Vision

The AAMA's mission is to "promote the professional identity and stature of medical assistants" and to "ensure that medical assistants are recognized as essential members of the healthcare team." The organization's vision is to "be the leading voice and resource for medical assistants, promoting excellence in education, practice, and professional development."

Benefits of AAMA Membership

As a medical assistant, joining the AAMA can provide you with numerous benefits, including:

Professional development opportunities through continuing education and training
Access to exclusive resources, such as the AAMA's online community and job board
Advocacy and representation on issues affecting medical assistants
Opportunities for networking and collaboration with other medical assistants
Discounts on certification exams and other products and services

Certification Process

One of the most significant benefits of AAMA membership is the opportunity to become certified as a medical assistant. The AAMA offers two certification exams: the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam and the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam. To be eligible for certification, you must meet certain education and experience requirements, which vary depending on the exam.

The CMA exam is designed for medical assistants who have completed a post-secondary education program in medical assisting, while the RMA exam is designed for medical assistants who have completed a formal education program and have a certain amount of work experience.

CMA Exam Requirements

To be eligible for the CMA exam, you must:

Have graduated from a medical assisting program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
Have completed a minimum of 720 hours of clinical experience
Have a current membership in the AAMA

RMA Exam Requirements

To be eligible for the RMA exam, you must:

Have graduated from a formal education program in medical assisting
Have a minimum of 2 years of work experience as a medical assistant
Have a current membership in the AAMA

Continuing Education Opportunities

The AAMA offers a variety of continuing education opportunities for medical assistants, including online courses, workshops, and conferences. These opportunities are designed to help medical assistants stay current with the latest developments in the field and to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the American Association of Medical Assistants is a professional organization that has been advocating for medical assistants for over 60 years. The AAMA offers a range of benefits, including certification, continuing education, and advocacy, to its members. By joining the AAMA, medical assistants can enhance their professional development, stay current with the latest developments in the field, and connect with other medical assistants.

We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the AAMA and its benefits. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below.

What is the American Association of Medical Assistants?

The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) is a professional organization that represents and supports medical assistants in the United States.

What are the benefits of AAMA membership?

AAMA membership provides medical assistants with access to exclusive resources, continuing education opportunities, and advocacy on issues affecting the profession.