Verifying a medical assistant's certification is crucial for healthcare facilities and patients alike. It ensures that the individual possesses the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties competently and safely. This guide will walk you through the process of verifying a medical assistant's certification, regardless of the certifying body.
Understanding Medical Assistant Certifications
Several organizations offer medical assistant certification. Each has its own process for issuing and verifying credentials. The most common include:
- American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA): The AAMA offers the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential.
- American Medical Technologists (AMT): The AMT offers the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential.
- National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT): The NCCT offers the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential.
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA): The NHA offers the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential (Note: This is a different CMA than the AAMA's).
It's essential to know which certifying body issued the certification you're trying to verify. This information will guide your verification process.
Steps to Verify a Medical Assistant's Certification
The general process involves these steps:
1. Obtain the Medical Assistant's Information
You will need the medical assistant's full name, and ideally, their certification number. This number is unique to each certified individual and is essential for accurate verification.
2. Identify the Certifying Body
Determine which organization issued the medical assistant's certification. This information is usually found on the medical assistant's resume, professional profile, or any official documentation they provide. Look for acronyms such as AAMA, AMT, NCCT, or NHA.
3. Contact the Certifying Body Directly
This is the most reliable method. Each certifying body has its own verification process. Visit their official website and look for a section dedicated to credential verification. This section will typically provide instructions on how to verify a certificate, often involving a form to fill out online or contact details to call or email them directly.
Important: Be prepared to provide identifying information about the medical assistant, including their full name and certification number. Always verify the legitimacy of the website before providing any sensitive information.
4. Review the Verification Results
Once you contact the certifying body, they'll provide verification of the medical assistant's certification status. This may include confirmation of their certification, the date it was issued, and its current expiration date (if applicable).
5. Document the Verification
Keep a record of the verification process. This includes the date of verification, the certifying body contacted, and the results obtained. This documentation is important for your records and might be needed later.
Tips for Successful Verification
- Be thorough: Double-check all information to avoid errors.
- Be patient: Verification may take some time, especially during peak periods.
- Use official channels: Avoid unofficial websites or services offering verification.
- Keep records: Maintain documentation of the entire verification process.
Verifying a medical assistant's certification is a straightforward process when approached systematically. By following these steps, you can ensure that you are employing or working with a qualified and certified professional. Always prioritize patient safety and adhere to best practices in verifying credentials.
