How to become a certified medical assistant in Washington, WA

To become a certified medical assistant in Washington, WA, there are several steps that need to be followed. Firstly, it is important to complete a medical assistant training program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). These programs typically take around one year to complete and cover topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and clinical procedures.

Once the training program is completed, the next step is to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam, which is administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To be eligible to take the exam, candidates must have completed a CAAHEP or ABHES-accredited program within the past five years or have two years of full-time work experience as a medical assistant.

After passing the CMA exam, candidates can apply for certification through the Washington State Department of Health. This involves submitting an application, paying a fee, and providing proof of education and certification. Once certified, medical assistants must renew their certification every two years by completing continuing education courses.

In summary, becoming a certified medical assistant in Washington, WA involves completing an accredited training program, passing the CMA exam, and obtaining certification through the state department of health. It is important to stay up-to-date with continuing education requirements to maintain certification.