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There’s always a need for workers in the healthcare industry, especially medical assistants. It’s a field that has been growing and is projected to grow more rapidly than most industries in the next decade.

The great thing about a lot of jobs in the healthcare industry is that they don’t require a bachelor’s degree to get your foot in the door. This is true of medical assistants as well. In fact, there are some states that don’t even require certification to become a medical assistant.

While that may be the case, we still think enrolling in a medical assistant certificate program is a good idea. Aside from learning to be the best medical assistant you can be, there are other benefits as well.

Read on and find out some of the biggest benefits of a medical assistant certification!

Benefits of a Medical Assistant Certification

Being a medical assistant is an entry-level job that offers a decent salary right away — even if you are a medical assistant in a state that doesn’t require certification. However, there are plenty of reasons to consider formal training to become a medical assistant and get that certificate.

1. Salary

Medical assistants who have been certified make more money than those who haven’t. Not only that, but having a certification gives you better opportunities down the road that could lead to a higher salary.

2. Mobility 

Currently, six states require certification to be a medical assistant (Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington, and Arizona). It might not be that way for long, though. Trends in healthcare are moving towards the requirement of a certification. By completing a medical assistant certificate program, you have a credential that proves you have the skills to be proficient in the job — anywhere.

3. Employer Preference

Yes, employers prefer medical assistants who have completed a medical assistant certificate program, but it’s not just because the certificate proves your proficiency for the job. Having a certificate will help your employer protect themselves if something were to go wrong. Suppose there was a lawsuit filed for damages against a doctor, medical office, or hospital. In that case, they are much more likely to be protected if the medical assistant or assistants on staff are fully certified. When you are responsible for matters of life and death, you want to be as prepared as possible.

4. Patient Preference 

The last thing you want to think when you go to the hospital is that the person providing care has no idea what they are doing. Patients don’t want to think this either. Having a medical assistant certificate will give your coworkers confidence in you. This confidence will carry over to your patients as well. If doctors and nurses are confident in your abilities, patients will be able to see that and feel more at ease.

5. Continued Education 

You may be wondering, “Is there training for a medical assistant post-certificate?” Once you get your certificate, your education isn’t over. The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) requires you to get recertified every 60 months. Yes, that’s a long time, but if you stick with the career, it’s good to know that you will always be learning new things.

Plus, the medical field is a fast-moving industry. You will want to keep up with new information to be the best at your job. In fact, instead of retaking the certification exam, you can submit 60 continuing education points to earn your recertification. The AAMA must approve these points.

6. Confidence in Yourself

As a medical assistant, you will be handling all sorts of tasks. It is a fast-paced job that could be daunting if you get thrown in. With a certification, you will have the skills to succeed and the confidence to perform at a high level. By getting certified, you’ll start your career as a medical assistant on the right foot.

If you are interested in medical assistant certification, check out Lackawanna College and apply today!