Certification Matters: Medical Assistant Employment Opportunities

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 23 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations.” Nationally, healthcare organizations are seeking medical assistants and most are requiring certification.

Many factors combine to create a driving force for an increased demand for medical assistants who have current CMA (AAMA) certification.

For example; state and federal laws and standards set forth by agencies such as Joint Commission, NCQA, and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

The CMA (AAMA) is the only medical assisting certification that requires graduation from a postsecondary medical assisting program accredited by a body recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Moraine Park’s medical assistant program maintains accreditation and graduates of Moraine Park’s Medical Assistant program are eligible to become certified medical assistants and earn the CMA (AAMA) credential. Nationally, the AAMA reports a pass rate of 62%. In comparison to national standards, Moraine Park graduates are exceptional, with a pass rate of 97%!

Local organizations are reporting many opportunities for medical assistants and predominantly seek trained individuals who have attained certification. Darlene Helming, Senior Recruiter for UW Health and Moraine Park advisory member reports, “UW Health requires Medical Assistants to become certified within one year from date of hire. They must maintain their certification as well”. Presently recruiting for both new and experienced Medical Assistants, Darlene notes, “We are currently offering sign on bonuses up to $2,000 (based on position FTE)”.

To date, more than 250 Moraine Park Medical Assistant graduates have become certified and are working in a variety of administrative and clinical roles with organizations such as Aurora Healthcare, Agnesian Healthcare, Beaver Dam Community Hospital Clinics, UW Health, Froedtert, Ascension Healthcare, schools, public health, private practice and more. Additional information regarding the profession of medical assistant is available on the AAMA’s webpage, “What is a Medical Assistant” and MPTC’s Medical Assistant program page.

If you are interested in becoming a Medical Assistant please contact: Carmen Bonlender cbonlender@morainepark.edu on the  FDL campus or Sherry Hackbarth shackbarth@morainepark.edu on the Beaver Dam campus. Our friendly admissions team is waiting to hear from you and are eager to help you get started today!

(Pictured above) Gena Winter, CMA (AAMA) a UW Health employee and  2011 graduate of MPTC’s Medical Assistant program recently renewed her certification noting her employer sponsored many professional development opportunities that she used to renew her credential. Gena promotes AAMA membership, citing benefits such as membership discounts, CMA Today subscription and online learning opportunities.

Written by Bobbi Fields