Orlando Harmon
Medical assisting is one of the fastest-growing healthcare jobs in the US, with a 14% expected growth rate from 2022 to 2032. To become a certified medical assistant in New Jersey, you must complete an accredited medical assisting program and pass the relevant certification exam. While certification is not a legal requirement in the state, it is highly preferred by employers and can lead to enhanced employment opportunities, improved salaries, and increased job security. This article will provide an overview of the steps to become a certified medical assistant in New Jersey, including information on educational programs, certification options, and the daily responsibilities of a medical assistant.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Job Description | Medical assistants work alongside doctors in medical offices, hospitals, clinics, OB/GYN offices, and physical therapist offices, carrying out both clinical and administrative duties. |
| Job Duties | Preparing rooms and patients for physical exams, assisting nurses and physicians in providing patient care, managing supply inventories, taking down medical histories of patients, recording vital signs, helping during procedures and examinations, removing sutures and stitches, dressing wounds, and performing phlebotomy procedures and EKGs, updating patient records electronically, and sanitizing & preparing exam room. |
| Job Growth | The healthcare sector is expanding, and the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 14% increase in healthcare job prospects from 2022 to 2032, with a similar increase expected for medical assistant jobs. |
| Education Requirements | Completion of an accredited medical assisting program. Certificate and diploma programs take 10-12 months, while an associate degree takes about 2 years and includes a general education core. |
| Certification | While not legally required in New Jersey, certification is preferred or required by many employers and can increase job opportunities and potential salaries. |
| Certification Options | CMA (AAMA), NRCMA through NAHP, NCMA through NCCT, and NHA. |
| Professional Organizations | New Jersey State Society of AMT, New Jersey State Society of Medical Assistants (state chapter of AAMA). |
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What You'll Learn
Medical Assistant job description and responsibilities
Medical assistants are multiskilled health professionals who perform administrative and clinical tasks to ensure the smooth running of health practitioners' offices. Medical assistants work alongside doctors in medical offices, clinics, and care facilities.
Job Description:
We are looking for a qualified medical assistant/office manager to run our medical facility. You will be responsible for the day-to-day operations and should demonstrate excellent organizational skills and the ability to perform well in stressful situations. Our position requires knowledge of healthcare systems operations.
Responsibilities:
- Measure and record vital signs
- Prepare patients for examinations
- Assist providers with exams and minor procedures
- Perform basic lab tests and EKGs
- Prepare and administer medications and immunizations
- Prior authorizations for procedures, testing, and DME supp
- Administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes
- Clinical duties such as taking and recording medical histories, preparing treatment rooms for patient examinations, and drawing blood
- Bilingual in English and Spanish
- Occasional standing, walking, lifting, reaching, kneeling, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, and lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds
- Frequent sitting
- Manual dexterity
- Good reading eyesight and vision for close work
- Ability to communicate by speaking and hearing in person or on the phone
- Ability to travel to various locations
Qualifications:
- Medical Assistant diploma or certificate of completion from a Medical Assisting program
- Associate's degree from a community college, vocational school, technical school, or university
- Passing the NRCMA Exam for NRCMA certification through the National Association of Health Professionals (NAHP)
- Passing the NCMA Exam for Medical Assistant (NCMA) certification through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
- CMA (AAMA) certification
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Certification and accreditation
While it is not a legal requirement to be certified to work as a medical assistant in New Jersey, many employers prefer or require certification. Certification demonstrates a certain standard of knowledge and expertise and can increase job opportunities, potential salaries, and job security.
The New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners encourages national certification for these health professionals. The path to national certification should begin with an accredited medical assisting program. The CAAHEP and ABHES accredit certificate, diploma, and associate degree programs. These programs provide a similar course of education and practical training in medical assisting. Certificate and diploma programs take 10-12 months to complete, while associate degree programs take about 2 years and include a general education core. An associate's degree is often preferred by employers and can lead to better job opportunities and increased earning potential.
There are several institutions that provide medical assistant certification, but National Healthcare Association (NHA) certifications are among the most respected in the industry. Holding an NHA credential signifies that an individual has undergone rigorous training and is well-positioned for potential job opportunities. Other certifications include the Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant (NRCMA) through the National Association of Health Professionals (NAHP), which requires passing the NRCMA Exam, and the Medical Assistant (NCMA) certification through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), which requires passing the NCMA Exam.
After completing a medical assistant program, students are eligible to take their certification examination. It is also beneficial to become a member of a professional organization like the New Jersey State Society of AMT or the New Jersey State Society of Medical Assistants, the state chapter of the AAMA. This allows individuals to stay up-to-date on industry changes, qualify for continuing education opportunities, and network with colleagues. The CMA certification is valid for five years, after which individuals must re-take the exam or complete 60 continuing education units (CEUs).
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Job opportunities and security
At NJDOH, you can find meaningful work that directly impacts the lives of others while also building valuable skills for your future. The organization strives to protect public health, promote healthy communities, and improve the quality of healthcare for all New Jersey residents. Joining NJDOH provides a blend of growth opportunities, mentorship, and the chance to make a lasting impact.
In terms of job security and advancement, medical assisting is a rapidly growing field, and employers often prefer candidates with CMA (AAMA) certification. The associate's degree has become the degree of choice for both employers and medical assistants, leading to enhanced job prospects and higher earnings potential. With an associate's degree, you can also easily transfer your credits to pursue a bachelor's degree in healthcare-related areas.
Additionally, becoming a member of professional organizations like the New Jersey State Society of AMT or the New Jersey State Society of Medical Assistants can provide you with valuable networking opportunities and help you stay up-to-date with industry changes. These organizations offer continuing education programs that enable you to maintain your national credentials and connect with colleagues through seminars and events.
Overall, pursuing certification for medical insurance jobs in New Jersey can lead to numerous job opportunities and enhanced job security. With the growing demand for healthcare services and the preference for certified professionals, you can expect to find stable and rewarding career prospects in the state's healthcare sector.
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Professional development and networking
Although medical assistants in New Jersey are not legally required to be certified, obtaining certification can significantly boost your job prospects, potential salary, and job security. Certification demonstrates a certain standard of knowledge and expertise, which is why 81% of employers look for it when hiring medical assistant candidates.
There are several institutions that provide medical assistant certification, but National Healthcare Association (NHA) certifications are among the most respected in the industry. Holding an NHA credential signifies that you have undergone rigorous training and assessment, making you a favourable candidate in the eyes of potential employers.
The path to national certification as a medical assistant should always begin with the completion of an accredited medical assisting program. The CAAHEP and ABHES accredit certificate, diploma, and associate degree programs. While certificate and diploma programs take 10-12 months to complete, associate degree programs take about two years and include a general education core. This core curriculum includes study in mathematics, communications, the social sciences, and more. The associate's degree has become the degree of choice for both employers and medical assistants, often resulting in better and more varied job opportunities and increased earning potential.
Additionally, becoming a member of a professional organisation like the New Jersey State Society of AMT or the New Jersey State Society of Medical Assistants (the state chapter of the AAMA) can offer several benefits. These include staying up-to-date with the latest industry changes, qualifying for continuing education opportunities to maintain your national credentials, and networking with colleagues through seminars and other events.
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Salary expectations
Other health insurance roles in New Jersey, such as the Associate Insurance Verification Representative, offer a pay rate of $18.50 - $22.00 per hour. These roles often come with additional benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and vision insurance. Some companies may also offer signing bonuses, tuition reimbursement, and referral programs.
It is worth noting that salary expectations can also be influenced by factors such as the cost of living in a particular area and the level of education attained. For example, an associate's degree in medical assisting can lead to better job opportunities and increased earning potential compared to a certificate or diploma program. Additionally, certain companies or organizations may have different salary structures based on their size, location, and specific benefits packages.
Overall, health insurance jobs in New Jersey offer competitive salaries and benefits, and there may be opportunities for advancement and salary growth based on skill level, experience, and specific roles or specializations within the industry.
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Frequently asked questions
No, there are no specific licensing laws for medical assistants in New Jersey. However, the New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners encourages national certification for these allied health professionals.
While certification is not mandatory, it is highly preferred by employers. It can increase job opportunities, potential salaries, and job security.
You can get certified by passing an exam. There are several institutions that provide certifications, such as the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and the National Association of Health Professionals (NAHP).
To take the exam, you must complete an accredited medical assisting program. Certificate and diploma programs take 10-12 months to complete, while associate degree programs take about 2 years.
Medical assistants work in a variety of healthcare settings, including doctor's offices, hospitals, and clinics. They have both clinical and administrative duties, such as assisting doctors with exams and updating patient records.
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