How to Become a Medical Assistant in Colorado – CO

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: January 26th, 2010

When people think about Colorado, they most likely imagine an Olympic-level skier shooting down beautifully groomed slopes against a clear blue sky. But the state famous for its “purple mountains majesty” boasts more than just winter adventure. Outdoor athletes flock to Colorado year-round for outstanding rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, camping, and four-wheeling, as well as fishing, white-water rafting, and kayaking in its abundant lakes and rivers, including the majestic Colorado River.

With such an active and daring population, there is certainly no shortage of medical personnel. In fact, understandably, they are in high demand. And in every hospital, clinic, and doctor’s office, there is likely at least one medical assistant (MA) on staff working hard to hold it all together. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assisting is one of the fastest growing careers in the country, and the market in Colorado is no exception. Follow these steps to become an MA in this beautiful, adventure-filled state:

Step 1. Get your high school diploma.
In Colorado, MAs are required to have at least a high school diploma (or its equivalent, like a GED). In high school, try to take classes that include mathematics, biology, and typing to help you prepare for the field.

Step 2. Find accredited Colorado medical assistant programs.
After high school, look for a medical assistant program in Colorado sanctioned by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). According to the ABHES website, there are nearly 300 accredited Colorado medical assistant programs at colleges, universities, and vocational schools throughout the state. Most programs last one or two years and will include a mandatory practicum consisting of practical work in the medical field.

Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
7777 Leesburg Pike, Suite 314 N.
Falls Church, VA 22043
Phone: (703) 917-9503
Fax: (703) 917-4109
info@abhes.org
www.abhes.org

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
1361 Park Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
Phone: 727-210-2350
Fax: 727-210-2354
mail@caahep.org
www.caahep.org

Step 3. Pass the certification exam.
After graduating from an accredited program, you will be eligible to take the national certification examination, which is administered by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Although this certification is not mandatory in the State of Colorado, some employers may require it. The AAMA reports that more and more employers are insisting their medical assistants become certified, as reflected by the 100 or more requests they receive daily verifying that current or potential MAs hold this certification. Besides better marketability, other benefits of becoming a certified medical assistant (CMA) include greater job security and respect among colleagues and peers. Visit the AAMA website, www.aama-ntl.org, to learn how to apply for the exam, schedule an exam appointment, and access test preparation materials.

Step 4. Get a job.
Once you have earned your CMA credential by passing the exam, you are qualified to start working in this exciting career!