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You must earn a medical assistant certification in New York to gain lawful employment. All procedures, required steps, forms, fees, and state contacts are on this page to help you begin your career as a certified medical assistant in New York.
Census data produced by the Bureau of Labor Statistics displays New York possessing 23,970 medical assistants currently employed alongside a projected 23 percent growth between 2014 thru 2024. Medical Assistant salaries in NY average $34,280 annually.
More CMA Info for New York:
See Medical Assistant Certification by state
Medical Assistant Certification in New York
New York is unlike most other states and has strict guidelines over medical assistants, see NY state law on medical assisting.
In order to compete as a medical assistant in New York you’ll want to earn certification as many employers require certification. The AMA (American Medical Association) accepts 2 certifications for medical assistants, the CMA or Certified Medical Assistant and the RMA – Registered Medical Assistant. Having either certification will greatly enhance your occupation possibilities and compensation.
The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) is the agency that produces the certificate providing the credentials of CMA. To achieve an RMA certificate, you must follow the certificate steps offered by AMT (American Medical Technologists). The table below displays the requirements needed for both the RMA and CMA credentials.
Certification Requirement | CMA | RMA |
|---|---|---|
| Meet 1 of the eligibility requirements. (CMA requires graduating a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited program, RMA also offers eligibility from military education, work experience and instructing.) | View Eligibility Details | View Eligibility Details |
| Submit required supporting documentation for exam application process. | Documents | Documents |
| Apply for exam and pay application fee. | Application, $125 | Application, $120 |
| Schedule your exam date. | Schedule | Schedule |
| Complete your exam. (Upon completion, the CMA exam will show whether you pass/failed immediately and RMA exams taken online will provide your actual score immediately.) | Yes | Yes |
| Wait 8-10 weeks (CMA candidates will receive official test scores at this time and RMA candidates will receive their certification.) | Yes | Yes |
| Passing CMA applicants then wait another 10 weeks after receiving scores to receive their certification and card. | Yes | No |
| You have the ability to retest if you fail for both the CMA and RMA | Retest info | Retest info |
| Continuing Education, membership fees, and recertification are required for both the CMA and RMA | Recertify info | Recertify info |
NYSSMA Board Contact Info
The New York State Society of Medical Assistants is the New York AAMA state chapter for medical assistants. Learn more here on the NYSSMA website.
Medical Assistants
Sue Avetter
Why Be a CMA in New York? 🗽
If the east coast isn’t already your home then consider being a CMA in New York for slightly above-average compensation and plenty of accredited program options.
- Plenty of Programs: There are a number of accredited Medical Assistant schools in New York if you’re a student.
- Vibrant job market: New York’s populous and dynamic healthcare sector creates a constant demand for skilled medical assistants, providing a wide array of job opportunities and potential for career growth.
- Competitive salaries: Medical assistants in New York often benefit from higher salaries compared to other regions, allowing for a more comfortable standard of living in a state known for its higher cost of living. The average CMA salary in New York is above the average medical assistant salary in the U.S.
- Access to top healthcare facilities: New York is home to some of the nation’s leading medical institutions, affording medical assistants the chance to work alongside renowned healthcare professionals and gain valuable experience in cutting-edge medical practices.
More CMA Info for New York:
New York Medical Assistant Certification
If you’re ready to experience the best pizza in the country along with everything else New York and the East Coast have to offer, then you should consider becoming a medical assistant in New York.
Medical assistants play a crucial role in the healthcare industry, providing essential support to healthcare professionals and ensuring the smooth operation of medical offices and clinics.
If you are interested in pursuing a career as a medical assistant in New York, it is important to understand the requirements and steps involved in obtaining medical assistant certification.
What is a medical assistant?
Key responsibilities of a medical assistant
A medical assistant is a trained professional who performs both administrative and clinical tasks in a medical practice or healthcare facility. Their responsibilities may include preparing patients for medical procedures, taking vital signs, administering medications, managing patient records, scheduling appointments, and assisting with billing and coding.
Skills required to become a medical assistant
To become a successful medical assistant, it is necessary to possess a diverse set of skills. An individual in this role should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with patients and healthcare professionals. They should also be well-organized, detail-oriented, and have a strong ability to multitask. Additionally, proficiency in medical terminology and coding is essential to ensure accurate documentation and billing.
Importance of medical assistant certification
In New York State, medical assistant certification is not mandatory. However, obtaining certification demonstrates your commitment to professionalism and ensures that you possess the necessary skills and knowledge required to excel in this occupation. Certified medical assistants often have better job prospects and may receive higher salaries compared to those without certification.
How to become a certified clinical medical assistant?
Requirements for clinical medical assistant certification
To become a certified clinical medical assistant, you need to meet certain requirements set by accredited organizations such as the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). These requirements may include completing a medical assistant training program, gaining relevant work experience, and passing a certification examination.
Choosing the right medical assistant program
When selecting a medical assistant program, it is important to choose one that is accredited by a recognized accrediting body. Accredited programs ensure that they meet specific educational standards and provide comprehensive training in both administrative and clinical tasks. Researching and comparing different program options will help you find the best fit for your career goals.
Steps to prepare for the certification examination
Preparing for the certification examination is crucial to increase your chances of success. You can start by reviewing the topics covered in the examination, such as medical terminology, coding, and patient care. Utilizing study guides, practice exams, and online resources provided by the certifying organization can also contribute to your preparation. Additionally, gaining hands-on experience through externships or volunteer work can further enhance your skills and knowledge.
Why pursue a career as a medical assistant?
Growing demand for medical assistants in New York
In recent years, the demand for medical assistants in New York has been steadily increasing. This is primarily due to the aging population, advancements in healthcare, and the expanding role of medical assistants in providing quality patient care. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a faster-than-average job growth rate for medical assistants, making it a promising career choice in the healthcare industry.
Advantages of working as a medical assistant
Working as a medical assistant offers several advantages. Firstly, it provides the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of patients by offering compassionate care and support. Secondly, medical assisting offers a stable and rewarding career with a variety of job opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. Additionally, medical assistants have the chance for professional growth and advancement within the medical field.
Opportunities for career advancement in the medical industry
A career as a medical assistant can serve as a stepping stone to further advancements in the healthcare industry. With the right experience and additional education, medical assistants can explore other healthcare professions such as nursing, physician assistant, or healthcare administration. Pursuing continuing education and specialization can open doors to higher-paying positions and increased responsibilities.
Where to find medical assistant programs in New York?
Top medical assistant schools in New York
New York is home to several top-rated medical assistant schools that offer comprehensive training programs. These schools provide a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on clinical experience, and supportive learning environments to prepare students for successful careers as medical assistants. Learn more about medical assistant schools in New York.
Training centers offering medical assistant programs
In addition to traditional schools, there are also various specialized training centers and vocational schools that offer medical assistant programs in New York. These programs are designed to provide focused training and prepare students to work efficiently in medical offices, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.
Choosing the best program for your career goals
Choosing the right medical assistant program is crucial for your career success. Factors to consider include the program’s accreditation, curriculum, faculty qualifications, hands-on training opportunities, and job placement rates. It is advisable to visit the schools or training centers, speak with current students or graduates, and carefully evaluate the program details before making a decision.
What does a clinical medical assistant do?
Roles and responsibilities of a clinical medical assistant
A clinical medical assistant plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of a healthcare facility. Their responsibilities may include preparing patients for examinations, taking medical histories, assisting with medical procedures, performing diagnostic tests, administering medications, and providing patient education.
Importance of patient care in clinical settings
Patient care is a top priority for clinical medical assistants. They should possess strong interpersonal skills to provide emotional support to patients and ease their concerns. Additionally, clinical medical assistants must ensure that medical procedures are conducted safely and accurately while maintaining patient comfort and dignity.
Mastering medical terminology and coding
Proficiency in medical terminology and coding is essential for clinical medical assistants. They need to accurately document patient information, record medical histories, and assign appropriate codes for billing and insurance purposes. Mastering medical terminology and coding ensures precise communication across the healthcare team and maintains accurate patient records.
How long does it take to complete a medical assistant program in New York?
Duration of medical assistant training programs
The duration of medical assistant training programs in New York varies depending on the type of program and educational institution. Typically, a medical assistant program can be completed within one to two years. However, some accelerated programs and online courses may offer shorter completion times.
Factors that may affect program completion time
Several factors can influence the duration of a medical assistant program. These include the program’s curriculum, clinical training requirements, and individual student progress. Some students may require additional time to complete their studies due to personal circumstances or other commitments.
Obtaining a high school diploma to pursue medical assistant training
Most medical assistant programs require applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent certification. If you do not have a high school diploma, you can pursue a General Education Development (GED) certificate, which is widely accepted by medical assistant training programs. Obtaining a high school diploma is an important prerequisite for entering a medical assistant training program in New York.
Q: What is medical assistant certification and how does it work in New York?
A: Medical assistant certification is a process that validates the knowledge and skills of individuals in the field of medical assisting. In New York, medical assistants must obtain certification in order to gain employment legally. The good news is there are multiple organizations, such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the American Medical Technologists (AMT) that offer certifications.
Q: What are the benefits of obtaining a medical assistant certification?
A: Becoming a certified medical assistant can enhance your career prospects and increase your chances of getting hired in a competitive job market. It signifies that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the field of medical assisting.
Q: Is a high school diploma required to become a medical assistant in New York?
A: Yes, a high school diploma or its equivalent is typically required to pursue a career as a medical assistant in New York. Some employers may also prefer candidates who have completed a formal medical assisting program.
Q: How long does it take to complete a medical assisting program in New York?
A: The duration of a medical assisting program can vary depending on the school and the program level. Generally, it takes around 9 to 12 months to complete a medical assisting program in New York.
Q: What are the job prospects for medical assistants in New York?
A: The job prospects for medical assistants in New York are promising. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of medical assistants is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations in the coming years.
Q: What are the typical tasks performed by medical assistants in New York?
A: Medical assistants in New York may perform a wide range of tasks, including taking patient vital signs, assisting with minor procedures, administering medications, scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, and providing patient education.
Q: Can medical assistants in New York specialize in a specific area?
A: Yes, medical assistants in New York can choose to specialize in specific areas such as clinical medical assisting or administrative medical assisting. Specializing can enhance their career opportunities and allow them to focus on a specific aspect of medical assisting.
Q: What are the differences in medical assistant certification requirements between New York and other states?
A: The requirements for medical assistant certification can vary from state to state. It is important to research and understand the specific certification requirements for medical assistants in New York if you plan to work in the state.
Q: Are there any training centers or schools offering medical assistant programs in New York?
A: Yes, there are several training centers and schools in New York that offer medical assistant programs. It is important to choose a program that is accredited and meets the certification requirements set by the professional organizations.
Q: What is the role of the American Association of Medical Assistants in the certification of medical assistants in New York?
A: The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) is a professional organization that plays a significant role in the certification of medical assistants in New York. The AAMA offers the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification, which is highly recognized and respected in the field of medical assisting.
