How to Become a Medical Assistant in Texas – TX

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

To become a medical assistant in the state of Texas, follow these steps:

1. Thoroughly research all prospective Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Educations Programs (CAAHEP.org) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES.org) accredited MA training Texas medical assistant programs that meet your criteria for being successful in the program.
2. Choose a medical assistant program in Texas of your choosing. Certain medical assistant vocational/technical schools in Texas may require applicants to take the Psychological Services Bureau (PSB) Health Occupations Aptitude Test and undergo a medical examination in addition to other entrance requirements, such as previous on-the-job experience in healthcare and postsecondary education credits. Applicants must satisfy all prerequisites if needed.
3. After gaining acceptance, enroll into and satisfactorily complete the CAAHEP or ABHES accredited medical assistants training program education requirements to earn your degree or diploma. Contingent on the institution, medical assistant training programs last one to two years

Formal medical assistant training, a license or a certificate is not required to practice as a medical assistant in the state of Texas. It is strongly suggested, however, that those seriously considering a career as a medical assistant professional seek technical or vocational training and pursue a degree or diploma. It is widely acknowledged that employers prefer and seek medical assistants who have attained an MA degree and/or formal training and, in most instances, insist they be certified. More than 70 percent of medical assistants currently employed in Texas have undergone a formal training program. Certification culls more job security and better opportunities for career advancement.

Medical Assistant Associations in Texas

American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)

The American Association of Medical Assistants prides itself as the largest Certified Medical Assistants professional organization in Texas and across United States. The only medical assistant organization distinguished as an Official Observer Status to the American Medical Association's House of Delegates, the AAMA's main objective is to continually provide medical assistants with the knowledge, skills and ability necessary to deliver efficient, quality health care to all their patients. For more information about the organization and its benefits, visit www.AAMA-ntl.org.

Phone: (312) 899 1500
Fax: (312) 899-1259
Address: 20 N. Wacker Dr., Ste. 1575
Chicago, IL 60606
www.AAMA-ntl.org

Texas Society of Medical Assistants (TSMA)

The Texas Society of Medical Assistants is a state chapter of the AAMA. "The purpose of the Texas Society of Medical Assistants is to promote the professional identity and stature of its members and the medical assisting profession through education and certification." The TSMA represents the following Texas chapters under the AAMA canopy: Bay Area, Bexar County, Dallas County, Gillespie County, Gregg County, Northeast Harris County, Rio Grande, Southwest Harris County, Taylor Jones, Tip of Texas and Victoria. To request information from the TSMA, visit www.tsma-tx.org or www.AAMA-ntl.org and submit your particulars under the Contact Us link.

American Medical Technologists (AMT)

The American Medical Technologists is a nationally recognized health professional organization with over 41,000 members. The AMT is an advocate for medical assistant practice rights and provides ongoing education for MA's. The AMT keeps medical assistants abreast on legislation, current events and any relevant information pertaining to the Certified Medical Assistant profession. All Certified Medical Assistants and Registered Medical Assistants and medical assistant students are encouraged to join. For more information, please visit www.AMT1.COM.

Phone number: 800-275-1268