What are the California MA training prerequisites?

To become a medical assistant in California, you must meet the following prerequisites:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Complete a high school or GED program

• Own a U.S. government-valid ID

Besides meeting these prerequisites, you may also want to consider completing a medical assisting program. Medical assisting programs can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this field.

How to Become a Medical Assistant in California?

To become a medical assistant in California, the process typically involves three key steps. First, individuals must complete an accredited educational program, which provides the necessary knowledge and skills. Next, aspiring medical assistants must obtain certification, often by passing an exam administered by organizations like the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Once certified, individuals can then search for and apply to medical assistant positions at healthcare facilities, where they can leverage their training and credentials to secure a rewarding career and earn a competitive salary.

Training requirements for MAs in California

California requires MAs to complete special training, but they do not need certification. Supervisors, such as physicians, podiatrists, RNs, or instructors, can provide the required training on the job.

This is to ensure that the student is competent in performing that service. Where applicable, training must include no less than:

1. 10 hours of training in administering injections and skin tests.
2. 10 hours of training in venipuncture and skin puncture for withdrawing blood.

• Anatomy and physiology appropriate to the procedures

• Proper choice of equipment and technique, including sterile technique

• Understanding hazards and complications

• Patient care following treatment or tests

• Emergency procedures

• California law and regulations for medical assistants

Certification options and requirements to be a MA in California

While not needed, becoming certified as an MA can have many benefits. Employers who prefer to have certified MAs are willing to pay them higher salaries. Certification programs offer a wealth of information and knowledge that can benefit your future career.

To be a California Certified Medical Assistant (CCMA), you must meet the qualifications established by the California Certifying Board for Medical Assistants (CCBMA).

If you are an applicant, you must finish the appropriate training set by the Medical Board of California. After that, pass the examination set by CCBMA to become certified.

The CCMA certificate program takes one year to complete. There are also options to earn an associate degree, and most MA schooling lasts about two years. There are two routes you can either pursue if you want to be a MA in California:

• Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification, administered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT),

• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)

We have written a guide entitled Choosing the Right Medical Assistant Certification to help you learn about the certifying organizations and exam fees for Medical Assistants!

MA training and education process

If you opt for the CMA path, you must complete a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or AAMA. Your program must have theoretical and laboratory components covering both administrative and clinical practices. CMA credentials are valid for 60 months. Passing an exam or completing continuing education credits will renew your credits.

People who prefer the RMA path can qualify to take the exam by completing a traditional MA program. CAAHEP or other accrediting bodies should recognize the training institution you enrolled in.

To do this, you must have:

• 720 hours of in-class/online theoretical instruction

• 160 hours of hands-on clinical instruction at a facility within your training.

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