Medical Assistant Certification in Illinois – IL
In most states, medical assistants do not require a license. Individuals may enter a medical assisting career after completing an accredited course at a career college. However, American Association of Medical Assistant (AAMA) certification and a formal education through medical assistant schools in Illinois are strongly suggested to increase employability. Some states have established task-specific laws which set limits on a medical assistant’s scope of practice. For example, a medical assistant may need additional training and licensing in order to perform hands-on tasks such as drawing blood. Illinois does not currently have specific scope of practice laws, or state licensing for medical assistants. As medical assistants are not licensed professionals, they are required by law to work under the direct supervision of a licensed pysician, registered nurse, or nurse practitioner whenever they provide direct (hands-on) patient care procedures.
Beginning April 1, 2009, the CMA (AAMA) Certification/Re-certification Examination became available all year round. You are eligible to take the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam if you are a completing student or recent graduate of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited medical assisting program. You can also be eligible for the exam if you are a non-recent graduate of a program accredited by these organizations. In addition to filling out an application form to take the exam, you must bring the required documentation and pay a fee for enrolment. Members of the AAMA and CAAHEP and ABHES completing students and recent graduates: $125. All others: $250.
Your application will need to be approved and processed. After this happens, you will receive a scheduling permit and instructions for making an appointment at a local test center. To secure a convenient time and location, register as early as possible. For test preparation and other useful info on the CMA Exam, please visit. http://www.test-preparation.ca/health-care/cma.htm.
Through campus based and online programs, aspiring Medical Assistants in Chicago, Aurora, Rockford and Joliet, Illinois may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Evanston Hospital, Advocate Christ Medical Center, and Northwestern Memorial Hospital.