Pennsylvania Medical Assistant Courses – PA

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: January, 4 2010

There are many pathways you can take in order to become a medical assistant in Pennsylvania so it is important for you to research what is best for you. Although the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania does not regulate this profession, it is still very important that you consider ormal medical assisting training in Pennsylvania as well as certification. One reason is that as the medical field continues to advance and medical assistants increase in demand, there may be changes that would impact you if you were not already certified. As well, and more importantly, certification is an outward signal that tells your peers and potential employers that you are not only qualified and educated but also committed to excellence in the medical assistant profession.

Medical assisting can also serve as a springboard into another health related profession, if you desire. You will have the opportunity to work within diverse and varied work environments, so medical assisting is a great career choice for a diverse group of individuals with different styles, backgrounds and preferences. Medical assistants are sometimes referred to as medical office assistants and can be certified (CMA) through an educational program or even gain a registered medical assistant (RMA) designation with a combination of both education and on-the-job experience.

Continuing Education requirements for medical assistants in Pennsylvania

The American Association of Medical Assistants, as the accrediting body for the profession also sets the standards for your continuing education requirements. It is important to keep current with changes in the laws specific to the state of Pennsylvania and also to keep abreast of changes in the medical assistant field happening at the national level. In order to remain in good standing with your certification it is required that you complete 60 units of continuing education in the 5 year renewal period. The CEUs are to be approved by the AAMA and it is solely your responsibility to submit proof of the information to the organization. As well you must keep your CPR certification up-to-date. Often your employer will help you in this way but remember it is still up to you to make sure that certification is in good standing.