Some states require medical assistants to attend a medical assistant program and pass an approved exam to start their careers. Although certification isn't mandatory everywhere, having one on your resume will help employers recognize your knowledge and expertise. (1)
Posted February 6th, 2023
What You Need to Know About Getting Your Medical Assistant Certification in Dallas, Texas
Are you thinking about becoming a medical assistant in Dallas, TX? Do you have questions about taking the proper steps to make it happen, such as getting your medical assistant certification? Fortunately, we've got all the information you need to know about getting your medical assistant certification and pursuing a career as a medical assistant in Dallas, Texas.
With increased healthcare jobs and high demand for healthcare professionals, there are plenty of opportunities for experienced and aspiring medical assistants like you! Earning a medical assistant certification can open up new opportunities and provide you with the qualifications and skills employers look for when hiring.
In this blog post, we'll cover everything you need to get started down the certification path, including how to become a medical assistant and what benefits a medical assistant certification can offer you. Read on for answers to all your questions about getting a medical assistant certification in Dallas, Texas!
How to Become a Medical Assistant
Becoming a medical assistant can be an excellent career move, but there's more to it in some states than just jumping into the job. Some states require medical assistants to attend a medical assistant program and pass an approved exam to start their careers. Although certification isn't mandatory everywhere, having one on your resume will help employers recognize your knowledge and expertise. (1)
How to Become a Medical Assistant in Dallas, TX
A high school diploma is required to work as a medical assistant in Dallas, Texas. Although formal education is optional for this profession in Texas or many other states, it can benefit those seeking a career. Employers usually favor medical assistants with postsecondary education and certification; however, some medical facilities do not require prior experience and provide on-the-job training, though it is uncommon. (1)
How to Get a Medical Assistant Certification Dallas, TX
To be eligible for medical assistant certification in Dallas, you must complete a medical assisting program with a minimum of 80 clinical hours. After completing the program, you can take a certification exam, such as the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam issued by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
If you're interested in becoming a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant in Dallas, you could start by enrolling at the Dallas Medical Assistant School. We provide an excellent program with convenient class times and an immersive, hands-on curriculum to help prepare students for success on their CCMA exam through NHA upon graduation.
How Long Will It Take to Get Certified as a Medical Assistant?
Becoming a medical assistant in Dallas generally requires completing a program that combines educational classes, on-the-job training, and clinical preparation. Upon completion, most programs require passing an exam to be officially certified as a medical assistant. The timeframe of the certification process depends upon the program and the individual's commitment to completing the program.
Generally, it takes anywhere between nine months and one year to finish the program. Students can complete medical assistant training at Dallas Medical Assistant School and become Certified Clinical Medical Assistants (CCMA) in 6 months. Our program also includes an 80-hour externship to help students gain experience in the field and better prepare them for a job when they graduate.
Cost to Become Certified as a Medical Assistant
If you're looking to become a medical assistant in Dallas, Texas, there are some great opportunities to do so at an affordable price. Some medical assistant programs offer affordable tuition; some even have financial aid or payment plan options to make certifications more attainable. Costs for certification can vary from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, so it's essential to find a program that fits your budget and lifestyle.
Once you complete a program, and upon completion of the course and passing the national exam (through National Healthcareer Association (NHA), you will be a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). You will be able to practice as a CCMA anywhere in the United States with this certification!
Benefits of a Medical Assistant Certification
Pursuing medical assistant certification is a fantastic way to kick-start your career in the field. Hands-on training and real-world experiences can give you the confidence you need for professional success. With certification, you can look forward to greater job prospects, a higher salary potential, and many valuable skills and experiences that will make you stand out as a medical assistant.
What Does a Medical Assistant Certification Allow You to Do?
A clinical medical assistant certification indicates you have the knowledge and expertise to excel in various healthcare settings. With this certification, medical facilities throughout Dallas and anywhere in the United States can trust your skills, making it easier for certified clinical medical assistants like you to find job opportunities.
To summarize, the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential offers a range of advantages, some of which include:
Wider Variety of Job Choices
Certification as a medical assistant can give you a more comprehensive range of job choices and better employment opportunities. It's an excellent way to set yourself apart and increase your chances of getting hired.
Higher Salary or Wage
Certification will make you more valuable to employers, which could help you get a higher starting wage. Certified Clinical Medical Assistants also have the potential to earn higher wages than those without certification. They often receive a more competitive starting salary and significant yearly salary increases.
Better Understanding of the Medical Field
A CCMA certification will equip you with the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to provide the highest quality care to patients and service to healthcare professionals. With this certification, you will have a much better understanding of the medical field and be able to fulfill your duties to the highest standard.
Opportunity to Expand Your Career
Getting certified as a medical assistant can also help you to expand your knowledge and specialize in a particular area of the medical field. If you wish to continue to increase your knowledge, experience, and skill set and take advantage of the opportunities in the field, getting certified as a medical assistant is an excellent place to start.
Affordable and Flexible Dallas Medical Assistant Programs
We have designed our medical assistant program at Dallas Medical Assistant School to be as flexible as possible. Our tuition rates are budget-friendly, and our prepayment plans make it easy for students to make payments immediately, which can significantly reduce future payment amounts.
Our hybrid schedule allows students to continue working full-time, caring for their families, and still have time for leisure activities while pursuing their careers in the medical field. Students complete online assignments at home and also practice their skills in person in real medical offices.
We believe in our students and want them to succeed! We commit to helping our students achieve their goals, and our career services team is available to provide support and guidance throughout the entire program.
Start Your Career as a Medical Assistant
Medical assistants are in very high demand, and the career possibilities are excellent. And, as a bonus, it's a profession that allows you to help people daily. With the right information and certification program, you will be well on your way to beginning a stable, in-demand, and personally rewarding career path. If starting a career as a medical assistant in Dallas is your dream, apply at Dallas Medical Assistant School today.
References:
1. bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm#tab-4
2. accreditedschoolsonline.org/medical-and-health/medical-assistant/certification/