The Administration on Aging reports that 17 percent of people living in the United States, or more than 1 in 6, were 65 or older in 2020. That figure translates to approximately 55.7 million people. Such a rise in the senior population places added burden on the healthcare system. Employment of health care professionals, in almost every field is projected to increase sharply in response to the rising demand for healthcare services, especially amongst the senior population. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for medical assistants to grow 16 percent between 2021 and 2031, much faster than other occupations.
Medical assistants function as critical support professionals in medical offices, having a vital role in the delivery of health care services. They manage both administrative tasks and patient care. They work closely with patients and serve as a liaison between the patient and the physician and other medical staff. Consider a career as a medical assistant if you have good organizational skills and have a natural ability to care for others. Medical assisting is one career option that facilitates fast and easy entry into the health care industry. The required training may be completed in just 9 months, and there is no need for a license to practice in Oklahoma and most states. Medical assistants work in almost every sector within the industry, but mainly in outpatient facilities such as labs, physician offices, clinics, and assisted living facilities.
Benefits of Becoming a Medical Assistant
The medical assistant is the first point of contact for patients in medical offices and other health care facilities. They greet patients, get them settled in the patient room, record vital signs, and create a general atmosphere of comfort. Medical assistants cannot diagnose or treat patients or offer medical advice, but have a critical role in the overall experience of the patient who visits the medical office. In fact, a medical assistant can make or break the patient’s satisfaction with the service. Apart from patient care, medical assistants perform administrative duties to support the physician, giving him the freedom to attend to patients. Some of these duties include scheduling appointments, following up with patients, filing patient charts, filing insurance forms, recording patient histories, and coordinating tasks with the medical lab. If you’re detail-oriented and want a position in healthcare that offers flexibility and advancement opportunities, consider the following benefits of becoming a medical assistant.
Work Diversity
Certified medical assistants can work anywhere in the United States with no restricting license requirements. Most states do not require a license to practice. Of the 743,500 medical assistants employed nationally in 2021, the majority worked in physician offices. Others were employed in hospitals, outpatient care centers, chiropractic offices, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. There are numerous other places to work as a medical assistant, including schools, specialty offices, psychiatric wards, rehab centers, and insurance companies. Your work expectations, such as your salary, duties, and schedules may guide your decision on where to work.
High Demand
There’s no lack of opportunities for medical assistants. Healthcare employers value the dual role that medical assistants can assume, which can reduce overhead costs. In their efforts to serve the expanding patient population in the best way possible, physicians rely on medical assistants for support in the management of the administrative functions and basic clinical tasks, which will improve workflow and increase patient satisfaction.
Advancement opportunities
The character qualities that determine success as a medical assistant can be readily transferred to other health care professions. Indeed these traits are essential for success across the board. Such skills likes compassion, organization, attention to detail, good communication, and teamwork can be leveraged in all other health care professions. Medical assisting provides the opportunity to hone these skills and use them as you move to other careers in health. The technical skills are just as valuable. The ability to perform basic lab tests, draw blood, take medical histories, multitask, and manage patients can also transfer to other health care professions.
Short-term Training
Medical assistant programs focus on those skills you need for success on job. There are no prerequisites or extended studies that do not apply to the role. This vastly reduces the training time and places you on the job in 9 to 12 months. Certificate programs are shorter than degree programs and generally cover the same technical skills and preparation or certification. If you’re considering a health care option that requires short-term training, medical assisting is the way to go.
No Room For Boredom
A medical office is a buzz of activities, and a medical assistant is at the center of it all. From one task to the next, you won’t have time to sit around or get bored, and your shift will be over before you know it. Of course, you can always choose a smaller practice in a rural setting if you prefer a much slower pace or a busy hospital if you like activity. The point is that you’ll be engaged a multitude of tasks that will keep you on your toes.
Predictable Hours
Medical assistants work fairly regular hours, which gives you the time to pick up your kids or go back to school if you choose. Some facilities operate round the clock, but even these rarely require a medical assistant to be on call like other health care workers. If you’re looking for a health care job with a reasonably predictable schedule, medical assisting fits the bill.
Certified Versus Uncertified Medical Assistants
Professional certification as a medical assistant shows employers that you have the knowledge and skills to get the job done. Certification may even be a requirement for getting hired as a medical assistant. There are several certification options for MAs, the most popular being the Certified Medical Assistant credential awarded by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). The AAMA requires potential candidates to complete an accredited medical assistant program and pass a certifying exam. Other certifying organizations may require work experience and/or education. A background check and health screen and high school diploma are some other standard requirements.
Maintaining your professional certification is also vital if you plan to keep working in the profession. It is a great way to demonstrate that your knowledge is current and relevant. All MA-certifying organizations require that you complete continuing education units to maintain your certification.
In light of all the additional steps required to attain and maintain certification, should you pursue it? A resounding, YES! It is essential to your success in the field. It opens the opportunities you would not receive without certification.
See the list of certifying organizations below to determine what is the best option for you.
Nationally Approved Certifying Organizations
American Association of Medical Assistants
20 N. Wacker Drive, #1575
Chicago, IL 60606-2963
http://www.aama-ntl.org
(312) 424-3100
American Medical Certification Association
310 Passaic Avenue, Suite 204B
Fairfield, NJ 07004
(888) 960-2622
American Medical Technologists
10700 W. Higgins Road, Suite 150
Rosemont, IL 60018
www.americanmedtech.org
(847) 823-5169
Multiskilled Medical Certification Institute, Inc.
P.O. Box 17
7007 College Boulevard
Overland Park, KS 66211
http://www.mmciinc.com/
(888) 625-8408 or (913) 754-3287Â
How to Become a Medical Assistant in Oklahoma
Complete accredited training
A postsecondary program such as a certificate or diploma in medical assisting is the most common path to entry. These options provide a fast-track to employment in the field unlike other professions which require years of health care training. Accredited programs, such as those accredited by ABHES (Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools) or CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) prepare future medical assistants for certification and success in the profession. These programs may be offered in a traditional on-campus format or through a combination of online coursework with hands-on sessions on campus and at local medical centers. Medical assistant students acquire career-focused skills needed to begin practice and advance in the field.
Some programs offer specialty training that you can use to enter a specific sector. They will cover generalist duties as well as specialist instruction designed to prepare you for the specialty of choice. Some other programs may provide exposure to various sectors that will to shape your decisions in the vast world of healthcare.
Medical assistant programs will include preparation for medical assistant certification. Graduates will be eligible to apply for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) examination, the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) examination, and the Medical Assistant Certification (CCMA) or some other certification.
If you’re ready to take the next step towards becoming a medical assistant, consider the following points before you choose a medical assistant program.
Duration of the medical assistant program: The certificate and diploma medical assistant program covers the fundamental concepts needed to get started in the profession. They are intensive but short-term, designed to produce competent Mas capable of filling vacant positions in the health care sector.
Employer-centered curriculum: The medical assistant program will train students in the administrative and therapeutic responsibilities required by employers. The career focused training gives students the experience and knowledge to succeed from their very first day on the job.
Experienced instructors: Instructors with experience in the health care sector and knowledge of the role of the medical assistants is critical for your success. A low student to instructor ratio ensures you get the personalized attention throughout the theory and practical portions of the program.
Flexible formats: Online delivery of the theoretical content balanced with on-site delivery of the practical content may work for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a traditional style of learning where you complete the entire program face-to-face, there is also a program to meet that need. Flexible part-time and full-time options are also available at medical assistant schools in Oklahoma.
Hands-on experience: Lab work, internships, and experiences at clinical sites support the accumulation of professional practice hours. These hands-on activities give students valuable experience that they can carry to the workplace. The hands-on training covers topics such as taking vital signs, lab techniques and procedures, drawing blood, taking medical histories, performing EKGs, and collecting specimens, and more.
Financially viable: Some ways you can reduce the cost of training are by enrolling in a program that is eligible for financial aid, choosing a vocational school instead of a college program, and choosing an accelerated program that you can complete in a shorter time.
Fringe benefits: Preparation for one or several certification exams, scholarship opportunities, networking sessions with potential employers, and value-added training such as phlebotomy and EKG training are some options to look for.
Obtain Medical Assistant Certification
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential is a product of the American Association of Medical Assistants awarded to candidates who complete accredited training, pass the certification exam, and meet all other requirements for certification.
The CMA certification exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that will test your knowledge of pharmacology, safety and infection control, legal and ethical issues, communication, and much more.
The exam assesses three principal categories:
Clinical Competency (59%)
- Clinical Workflow: Patient Intake and Discharge
- Safety and Infection Control
- Procedures/Examinations
- Pharmacology
General (21%)
- Legal and Ethical Issues
- Communication
Administrative (20%)
- Billing, Coding, and Insurance
- Schedule Appointments and Health Information Management
Eligibility Requirements
You can sit for the exam if you meet one of the criteria outlined below:
- Must be completing or a recent graduate of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited medical assistant program. If you’re enrolled in a medical assistant program, you can take the exam no more than 30 days prior to completing the program and practicum. If you’ve graduated from a program, you must take the exam within 12 months of your graduation date.
- Must be a nonrecent graduate of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited medical assistant program. You’re considered a nonrecent graduate, if you apply for the exam more than 12 months after graduation.
- Must be a CMA (AAMA) recertificant. Use this option if you previously passed the CMA Certification Exam and want to recertify the CMA credential.
Application Steps
- Verify that you are eligible to take the exam
- Review the exam policies and information
- Gather your documentation for your eligibility category
- Determine the start date for 90-day testing period – this will determine when you apply for the exam.
- Submit your application, pay the application fee of $125 for AAMA members or $250 nonmembers
- Make name, email, and postal address corrections in a timely basis
- Schedule your exam appointment after your application and payment are processed
- Complete the exam and receive a pass/fail notification
- Watch for your official score reports – within three weeks after your exam
- Watch for your certificate or digital badge via email
Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
The American Medical Technologists (AMT) awards the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential to persons who meet the eligibility criteria and pass the RMA exam. The RMA credential is also accepted by healthcare employers across the nation. RMAs have the abilities, knowledge, and commitment to quality care.
Following are some other requirements for RMA certification:
Through formal education-
- Must have graduated, within the past 4 years, or scheduled to graduate from an accredited MA program or program that is housed within an accredited institution.
- Must have completed 720 hours of instruction that includes at least 160 hours of externship
Other training –
- Must have completed a medical assisting work-study/training program within the last 4 years such as:
- An apprenticeship program registered with the US Department of Labor (DOL)
- A federally recognized State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA)
- Workforce Development/Employer program
Work Experience
- Must be employed as a medical assistant for a minimum of 3 years within the past 7 years – 3 years of full-time employment at 36 hours per week is the equivalent of 5,616 hours. Provide documents of both administrative and clinical duties on the employment letter
- Experience must include both clinical and administrative duties
- Must have a valid CPR card (copy of front and back). CPR training must include both theoretical and in-person demonstration of CPR proficiency.
Military
- Must be recent graduate, or scheduled to graduate from a formal medical services training program of the United States Armed Forces – Must have graduated within the last 4 years.
Instructor
- Must have worked as a medical assistant educator for a minimum of five years, and have previously completed a course in a healthcare related discipline.
The application fee for the RMA exam is $135. You must schedule your exam online after you receive approval from the RMA.
The official certification will be supplied within 7 to 14 days after you pass the exam.
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is another nationally recognized certifying organization for medical assistants. Candidates who successfully meet all the requirements will receive the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential. Candidates for certification may fulfill the requirements for certification via work experience or practical training.
To take the CCMA credentialing exam, you must:
- Possess a high school diploma/GED equivalent AND
- Have completed a medical assistant training program (within the last 5 years) OR
- Have one year of supervised medical assisting experience, in the last 3 years
The exam is administered either at your school, a PSI testing center near you, or through live remote proctoring at the location of your choice.
For online CCMA exams, NHA will officially post your certification results to your account page within two days of scoring your test.
Oklahoma Medical Assistants FAQs
Are medical assistants required to be licensed or certified by the State of Oklahoma?
Medical assistants are not required to be licensed or certified by the State of Oklahoma. There are no special privileges for nationally certified medical assistants under Oklahoma law. Certified medical assistants may be assigned a wider scope of duties than those who are not certified, but this is not determined at the state level.
What duties are medical assistants allowed to perform?
The physician may delegate a reasonable scope of practice to medical assistants according to the Oklahoma Allopathic Medical and Surgical Licensure and Supervision Act. The duties delegated msut be rendered under the supervision and control of a licensed physician, or the service of any other person duly licensed or certified by the state to practice the healing arts. Medical assistants may thus perform both clinical and administrative tasks within the scope of their training.
Some of the duties that may be delegated to a medical assistant are:
- Measurement of vital signs
- Performing electrocardiography
- Performing venipuncture
- Performing pulmonary function testing
- Calculating proper dosages of medication for administration
- Administering oral and parenteral (excluding IV) medications
- Obtain specimens and performing CLIA-waived tests
- Performing wound care
- Performing dressing changes
The state law permits only certain health care professionals to perform tasks which constitute the practice of medicine, and these may not be delegated to medical assistants.
- Medical assistants must not be assigned duties for which they are not sufficiently trained
- They may not perform tasks that require the exercise of independent clinical judgment or the making of clinical assessments, evaluations, or interpretations.
- They may not perform tasks that constitute the practice of medicine
Contact the Oklahoma Society of Medical Assistants
The society maintains an active, private Facebook group.
CAAHEP & ABHES Accredited Medical Assisting Programs Oklahoma
Drumright, OK Medical Assistant programs:
Central Tech
3 CT Circle
Drumright, OK 74030
918.352.2551
Norman, OK Medical Assistant programs:
Moore Norman Technology Center
Franklin Road Campus, 4701 12th Avenue NW
Norman, OK 73069
(405) 801-5000
Oklahoma City, OK Medical Assistant programs:
Oklahoma City Community College
7777 S. May Ave.
OKC, OK 73159-4444
405.682.1611
Moore Technology Centers
4901 S Bryant Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73129
405-595-2202
Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City
900 N. Portland Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73107
855.520.6806
Central Oklahoma College
14820 Serenita Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73134
(405) 609-6622
Tulsa, OK Medical Assistant programs:
Community Care College
4242 South Sheridan,
Tulsa, OK 74145,
918.610.0027
Tulsa Medical Assistant School
7901 S. Sheridan, Suite B
Tulsa, OK 74133
512.887.7943
Wichita Technical Institute
8421 E 61st St,
Tulsa, OK 74133
(855) 423-8520
Tulsa Tech
3420 S. Memorial Dr.
Tulsa, OK 74145
(918) 828.5000