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This question is about medical assistant certifications.
Do you need a certificate to be a medical assistant?
No, medical assistants are not required to obtain a license or certification; however, many employers prefer certification. AAMA certification is not a state or federal requirement for working as a medical assistant. However, many employers do require that their medical assistants be certified.
Medical liability is an ongoing issue in healthcare. Physicians want reassurance that the medical assistants they hire are competent and have the skills to safely treat patients. Some insurance agencies that insure physicians and healthcare centers may also require that medical assistants be certified to keep medical liability risks down.
It is possible to work as a medical assistant without certification. If you are a new graduate, you may be hired to work as an uncertified medical assistant; however, your employer may ask that you earn certification in a certain amount of time after hire.
If you are a medical assistant who never received formal training, you may also find employment without certification based on your years of work experience. There are many benefits to earning your certified medical assistant credential:
Better overall job opportunities
Better pay
Opportunity for advancement
Certified medical assistants are often paid more than their non-certified counterparts. You may be offered a more attractive starting pay, or better yearly pay increases if you hold MA certification.
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