Press Releases

Below are past press releases announcing important AAMA news.

A list of sample press releases (for use by state societies, local chapters, and individuals) is available for download at the bottom of the page.

AAMA Releases a Continuing Education Program on Telemedicine
AAMA Releases New Assessment-Based Certificate in Education Program
The AAMA Announces 2020 Excel Award Winners
AAMA and NCCRT Partnership Brings New MARWeek Theme That Honors and Empowers Medical Assistants
AAMA Board of Trustees Authorized to Continue Serving
The AAMA Releases 2021 Content Outline for the CMA (AAMA)^® Certification Exam
The Certifying Board of the AAMA Achieves International Accreditation Again
The AAMA Releases New Assessment-Based Certificate in Pediatrics Program
The AAMA Announces the Launch of a New Education Pathway for CMA (AAMA)^® Certification Exam Eligibility
Medical Assistants Nationwide Gather in Greensboro
The AAMA Renews Collaboration with UNR/CASAT to Spread Awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Medical Assistants Nationwide Honored in October
Medical Assistants Nationwide Gather in Salt Lake City, Utah
AAMA Representatives Elected to CAAHEP BOD
CMA (AAMA) Recertification Policy Change to Take Effect January 1, 2020
Excelsior College Approves CMA (AAMA) Certification for Credit toward Health Sciences Degrees
AAMA Joins Forces with Hundreds of Local and National Organizations to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screenings Rates across the Country
Medical Assistants Nationwide Honored in October
Medical Assistants Nationwide Gather in Cincinnati, Ohio
AAMA Releases New Assessment-Based Certificate in Geriatrics Program
Medical Assistants Nationwide Gather in Reston, Virginia
Certifying Board of the AAMA Achieves IAS Accreditation
AAMA to Partner with University of Nevada, Reno to Prevent Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Medical Assistants Nationwide to Gather in Portland, Oregon
AAMA Announces Creation of ABR-OE Program
Job Profile: Consider a Career as a Medical Assistant
Visiting the Doctor? Valuable Tips to Remember
Downloadable Sample Press Releases

The AAMA Releases a Continuing Education Program on Telemedicine

CHICAGO (February 9, 2021)— The availability of and demand for telemedicine has increased exponentially in 2020 due to the public health emergency associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Health care providers need staff who can keep up with such shifts in health care delivery needs.

To help allied health and medical assisting personnel demonstrate to providers that they are well versed in telemedicine, the American Association of Medical Assistants® (AAMA) has launched Topics in Telemedicine: Go the Distance with Remote Patient Care. This program’s purpose is to expand and advance the health care professional’s knowledge and understanding of important aspects of—and medical assistants’ role within—telemedicine.

To earn the certificate, individuals must complete the following three courses and pass a final assessment:

Course 1: Introduction to Telemedicine
Course 2: Telemedicine: Care Delivery and Patient Management
Course 3: Telemedicine: Documentation

The telemedicine courses are available to CMAs (AAMA)®, other medical assistants, and all other health care professionals. Altogether, the program is worth 4.5 administrative/general continuing education units (CEUs).

Users will earn CEUs as they pass the individual courses. Those who pass some, but not all, of the three courses’ final assessments will still earn CEUs for the courses that were passed; however, only those who pass all three courses’ final assessments will receive a program-level certificate upon completion.

More information on the program is available at http://ow.ly/pKFG50DvywY.

About the AAMA

The mission of the American Association of Medical Assistants is to provide the medical assistant professional with education, certification, credential acknowledgment, networking opportunities, scope-of-practice protection, and advocacy for quality patient-centered health care.

For more information, visit www.aama-ntl.org or call the AAMA at 800/228-2262.

The AAMA Releases New Assessment-Based Certificate in Education Program

CHICAGO (November 2, 2020)— Medical assisting educators help shape the next generation of medical assistants. And to provide quality education for their students, educators must be prepared with an understanding of learning fundamentals, knowledge of best practices and methods, and the ability to teach a diverse population.

To help anyone interested in allied health education or medical assisting education acquire and demonstrate that knowledge, the American Association of Medical Assistants® (AAMA) has launched the Assessment-Based Certificate in Education (ABC-E) Program. Whether the learner is exploring an interest in medical assisting or allied health education, beginning a career in teaching, or looking for new professional development opportunities to improve as a longtime educator, completing the Assessment-Based Certificate in Education (ABC-E) Program is the right choice!

To earn the certificate, individuals must complete the following three courses and pass a final assessment:

Course 1: The Principles of Adult Learning
Course 2: Effective Classroom Instruction
Course 3: Assessment, Evaluation, and Other Aspects of Allied Health Education

The ABC-E courses are available to CMAs (AAMA)®, medical assistants, and all other health care professionals. The courses can be taken together as part of the ABC-E Program or individually for AAMA continuing education unit (CEU) credit. Altogether, the program is worth 27 general CEUs.

Learners save 10% by purchasing the course on or before January 31, 2021. And AAMA members can save even more!

More information on the program is available at http://ow.ly/YfM250CcSKi.

About the AAMA

For more information, visit www.aama-ntl.org or call the AAMA at 800/228-2262

The AAMA Announces 2020 Excel Award Winners

CHICAGO (December 30, 2020)—Congratulations to the winners of the 2020 Excel Awards! The Excel Awards highlight the most excellent publications, promotions, people, employers, and more. Although the 2020 AAMA Annual Conference was canceled to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the American Association of Medical Assistants® (AAMA) still recognizes the incredible medical assisting groups and individuals who participated in the 2020 Excel Awards.

The AAMA is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2020 Excel Awards.

The Awards of Distinction recognize individuals for their professional contributions and national AAMA service, while the student essay competition celebrates an outstanding medical assisting student:

2020 Golden Apple Award winner: Jennifer Williams, MS, BHA, AAS, CMA (AAMA)—for displaying outstanding dedication to and accomplishments in the field of medical assisting education
2020 Leadership and Mentoring Award winner: Mary Gambrell, CMA (AAMA)—for promoting the professional identity and stature of AAMA members and the medical assisting profession by having displayed outstanding leadership and mentoring abilities on the national level.
2020 Medical Assistant of the Year Award winner: Ramona Charlene Driggers, CMA (AAMA)—for being an exemplary professional medical assistant who has displayed an outstanding commitment to advancing the profession.
2020 Student Essay Award (sponsored by F.A. Davis) winner: Yolanda Estrada—for writing the winning essay that answered, “What is your vision for the future of medical assisting, and how will you contribute to providing safe and quality care for patients?”

The 2020 CMA (AAMA)® Employer of the Year Awards are given to medical institutions that employ CMAs (AAMA) and are strong supporters of professional growth, particularly in the areas of certification, recertification, professional membership, and networking. Nominees fall into one of four size categories based on the total number of employees in the medical institution: A (1–25 employees), B (26–50 employees), C (51–75 employees), and D (76 or more employees). This year, there is one winner:

TriHealth LLC from Cincinnati, Ohio (D)

The next set of awards are earned by AAMA state societies who fall into one of four size categories: A (200 members or fewer), B (201-500 members), C (501-800 members), and D (801 members or more).

2020 Excel Excellence in Publishing Award winners:
- CTSMA eMagazine, published by Connecticut (B), Rebecca Rivera, CMA (AAMA), editor
- The Helping Hands, published by Ohio (D), Melanie Shearer, CMA (AAMA), editor
2020 Excel Website Development Award winners:
- South Dakota (A), Maggie Olson, CMA (AAMA), web chair
- Connecticut (B), Rebecca Rivera, CMA (AAMA), web chair
- Michigan (D), Mistie Atkins, CMA (AAMA), and Cristle Weissmiller, CMA (AAMA), web chairs
2020 Excel Marketing, Promotion, and Recruitment Award winners:
- “Medical Assistants Fighting COVID-19,” conducted by Arkansas (A), Melinda Rhynes, MEd, CMA (AAMA), campaign director
- “Fantastic Fall Medical Assistants Recognition Week,” conducted by Texas (C), Angela Hensley, CMA (AAMA), Lisa Connelley, CMA (AAMA), and Tammie Hartman, CCMA, campaign directors
- “Post Card Campaign,” conducted by North Carolina (D), Betty Jones, campaign director
2020 Excel Community Service Award winners:
- “Seton Youth Shelter,” conducted by Virginia (B), Virginia Thomas, CMA (AAMA), campaign director
2020 Excel Membership Retention winners: South Dakota (A); New Hampshire (B); Nebraska (C); Iowa (D)—for AAMA state societies with the greatest retention rate
2020 Excel Membership Recruitment winners: Hawaii (A); Colorado (B); Maine (C); Florida (D)—for AAMA state societies with the greatest percentage increase in members
2020 Excel Student Membership Recruitment winners: Oklahoma (A); Idaho (B); Maine (C); Oregon (D)—for AAMA state societies with the greatest percentage increase in student members
2020 Excel CMA (AAMA) Certification: Oklahoma (A); New York (B); Texas (C); Washington (D)—for AAMA state societies with the greatest percentage increase of member CMAs (AAMA)

State society nominees earn Achievement Awards by being runners-up and meeting a certain points threshold.

See the full list of 2020 Excel Award and Achievement Award winners, learn more about each award, and read the winning student essay via the Excel Awards webpage of the AAMA website.

In lieu of the Awards Ceremony typically held at the AAMA Annual Conference, AAMA President Debby Houston, CMA (AAMA), CPC, hosted a Facebook Live event—sponsored by the AAMA Awards Committee—on Sunday, December 27, 2021, to announce the 2020 winners of the Awards of Distinction, the CMA (AAMA) Employer of the Year Award, and the student essay competition. All winners will still be celebrated in person during the 2021 conference. Furthermore, all 2020 winners will receive their certificates in the mail soon and will be featured on the AAMA website and in AAMA social media posts, AAMA e-blasts, and the January/February 2021 issue of CMA Today.

AAMA and NCCRT Partnership Brings New MARWeek Theme That Honors and Empowers Medical Assistants

CHICAGO (October 1, 2020)—Thousands of medical assistants across the country are being celebrated between October 19 and 23 in observance of Medical Assistants Recognition Week (MARWeek). Held every year during the third full week in October, MARWeek lauds the contributions of these professionals who are at the heart of health care.

And because medical assistants play a vital role in prevention and screening, the American Association of Medical Assistants® (AAMA) stands with the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT) to fight colorectal cancer and support the 80% in Every Community initiative. This NCCRT campaign aims to substantially reduce colorectal cancer as a major public health problem by increasing screening rates to 80% and higher in communities across the nation.

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. when men and women are combined. About 1 in 3 adults ages 50 and older are not up to date with screening as recommended despite the fact that colorectal cancer screening can prevent many cases through the detection and removal of precancerous growths. Thus, this year’s MARWeek theme is “Support Screening, Save Lives.”

To help everyone celebrate the medical assisting profession during MARWeek and promote colorectal cancer screening, the AAMA offers many complimentary materials through the AAMA website. An article on how medical assistants shine in the national effort to save lives from colorectal cancer, a social media messaging toolkit, a print-friendly poster, MARWeek observance suggestions, the official MARWeek logo, and more are available for download.

About medical assisting

Medical assisting is one of the nation’s careers growing much faster than average for all occupations, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. Medical assistants work predominantly in outpatient health care settings. Employers are seeking and recruiting these allied health professionals because of their uniquely diverse clinical and administrative patient-centered training.

About the CMA (AAMA)^®

The Certified Medical Assistant® (AAMA)—or CMA (AAMA)—credential represents a medical assistant who has been credentialed through the Certifying Board (CB) of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

The CB and its CMA (AAMA) Certification Program are the only medical assisting certifying body and certification program (respectively) that hold accreditation under both International Standard ISO/IEC 17024 and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). The National Board of Medical Examiners constructs and administers the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam.

To remain accredited, the CB must ensure that only candidates who have met the appropriate and necessary prerequisites should be eligible to obtain the CMA (AAMA) credential.

Certification status is a matter of public record and may be released. Every day the AAMA responds to more than 100 employer requests for CMA (AAMA) certification verification—for both current and potential employees.

About the AAMA

About the NCCRT

The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, established by the American Cancer Society and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 1997, is a national coalition of more than 150 membership organizations, including public organizations, private organizations, voluntary organizations, and invited individuals, dedicated to reducing the incidence of and mortality from colorectal cancer in the U.S., through coordinated leadership, strategic planning, and advocacy. For more information, visit www.nccrt.org.

AAMA Board of Trustees Authorized to Continue Serving

CHICAGO (September 2020)—After careful consideration of the ongoing spread of COVID-19, the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the American Association of Medical Assistants® (AAMA) canceled the 2020 AAMA Annual Conference. The conference was scheduled for September 11–14, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

In tandem with that decision, the 2019 House of Delegates has approved amendments to the AAMA Bylaws, which authorize the BOT to continue to serve until the House of Delegates elections at the 2021 AAMA Annual Conference.

The BOT is a group of dedicated, passionate individuals who represent medical assistants and CMAs (AAMA)® across the nation through their hard work:

Debby Houston, CMA (AAMA), CPC, President
Patty Licurs, CMA (AAMA), CPC, Vice President
Virginia Thomas, CMA (AAMA), Secretary-Treasurer
Susan Hawes, MBA, RHIT, CMA (AAMA), FACMPE, Immediate Past President
Deborah Novack, CMA (AAMA), Speaker of the House
Monica Case, CMA (AAMA), Vice Speaker of the House
Sherry Bogar, CMA (AAMA), Trustee
Shelley Gingrich, CMA (AAMA), Trustee
Claire Houghton, CMA (AAMA), Trustee
Rebecca Surratt, CMA (AAMA), Trustee
Aimee Wicker, CMA (AAMA), PCMH CCE, Trustee

Additionally, the BOT has determined that to maintain consistency the 2019–2020 delegates and alternates will continue to serve until the next House of Delegates is empaneled, which is expected to occur at the 2021 AAMA Annual Conference.

President Houston states, “It is a privilege to serve our members of the AAMA as the president. I look forward to serving the association, the profession, and all medical assistants this year during this time of great change in the health care environment. All CMAs (AAMA) play an integral role on health care delivery teams because of their unique blend of knowledge, competence, and versatility. Our profession is integral to the delivery of quality health care, and CMAs (AAMA) set the bar for excellence in medical assisting.”

Houston brings 48 years of experience in the medical field to her office. She began by working in a small hospital emergency room for several years and then for a family practitioner for another 25 years. She retired from the University of Virginia Physicians Group after 20 years of employment but stays involved as an adjunct member of Blue Ridge Community College’s medical coding program.

Houston has served in many capacities for the AAMA, including as a seven-year member of the Continuing Education Board and a nine-year member of the Board of Trustees. She has also served as AAMA Vice Speaker of the House, Speaker of the House, and Vice President.

About medical assisting

Medical assisting is one of the nation’s careers growing much faster than average for all occupations, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Medical assistants are multiskilled members of the health care team who perform clinical and administrative duties under the supervision of licensed health care providers. They work predominantly in outpatient health care settings. Employers are seeking and recruiting these allied health professionals because of their uniquely diverse clinical and administrative patient-centered training.

About the CMA (AAMA)^®

To remain accredited, the CB must ensure that only candidates who have met the appropriate and necessary prerequisites should be eligible to obtain the CMA (AAMA) credential.

About the AAMA

The AAMA Releases 2021 Content Outline for the CMA (AAMA)^® Certification Exam

CHICAGO (April 2020)—Beginning July 15, 2021, the Certifying Board (CB) of the American Association of Medical Assistants^® (AAMA) will follow an updated Content Outline for the CMA (AAMA)^® Certification Exam (Content Outline). The Content Outline acts as exam candidates’ navigation tool for study and lists the subject matter covered in the CMA (AAMA)^® Certification Exam by topic category.

In preparation for this change, the new Content Outline is now available on the AAMA website, along with the previously published version that will continue to be effective through July 14, 2021.

Access both versions on the Exam Content Outline webpage of the AAMA website:

The CB updated the Content Outline using the AAMA 2018–2019 Occupational Analysis of Medical Assistants. To ensure the currency and unsurpassed quality of the exam and the CMA (AAMA) credential, the CB undertakes an occupational analysis of the medical assisting profession approximately every five years by collecting and analyzing survey data. The findings from the occupational analysis give the CB direction to update the Content Outline, which enables the Task Force for Test Construction to write exam items that measure candidates’ knowledge and skills, confirming that they meet professional standards.

The results of the survey, which included information from approximately 4,000 medical assistants, required adjusting the percentage of questions for each category (clinical, administrative, general). Notably, the number of administrative and general questions has slightly decreased, while the amount of clinical competency questions has increased from 47% to 59%.

Exam candidates taking the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam before July 15, 2021, should continue to use the previously published Content Outline to study for the exam. Candidates who plan to take the exam on or after July 15, 2021, should use the updated Content Outline.

About medical assisting

About the CMA (AAMA)^®

To remain accredited, the CB must ensure that only candidates who have met the appropriate and necessary prerequisites should be eligible to obtain the CMA (AAMA) credential.

About the AAMA

The Certifying Board of the AAMA Achieves International Accreditation Again

CHICAGO (April 2020)—The Certifying Board (CB) of the American Association of Medical Assistants^® (AAMA) has received reaccreditation for Bodies Operating Certification of Persons (AC474) from the International Accreditation Service (IAS). Moreover, the CB has received—again—independent recognition that its criteria and processes for earning the CMA (AAMA)^® credential meet ISO/IEC Standard 17024:2012, the global benchmark for personnel certification bodies, distinguishing it from other medical assisting certifications.

“This recognition demonstrates AAMA’s commitment to ensuring that medical assistants with the CMA (AAMA) credential meet the highest standards,” says Donald A. Balasa, JD, MBA, CEO and legal counsel of the AAMA. “It also further ensures the integrity of the CMA (AAMA) credential for medical assistants, their employers and patients.”

In order to receive reaccreditation, the Certifying Board had to demonstrate that it operates in full compliance with the exacting requirements of ISO/IEC Standard 17024:2012. In so doing, the AAMA has established itself as the most respected and credible personnel certification organization for the medical assisting profession.

A rigorous credential, the CMA (AAMA) is the only certification that requires postsecondary (college-level) education. Only candidates who graduate from an accredited postsecondary medical assisting program are eligible to sit for the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam. The CMA (AAMA) must recertify every five years. In addition to ensuring the CMA (AAMA) represents a world class certification, IAS accreditation also validates the credential as an internationally recognized certification, enabling CMAs (AAMA) to obtain similar positions outside of the United States.

The CMA (AAMA) Certification Program is also accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), a body that reviews and accredits certification programs that meet its Standards for the Accreditation of Certification Programs. The NCCA is an accrediting arm of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE), formerly called the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA).

For more information about CMA (AAMA) certification or to verify CMA (AAMA) credentials, visit http://www.aama-ntl.org/.

About medical assisting

About the CMA (AAMA)^®

To remain accredited, the CB must ensure that only candidates who have met the appropriate and necessary prerequisites should be eligible to obtain the CMA (AAMA) credential.

About the AAMA

For more information, visit www.aama-ntl.org or call the AAMA at 800/228-2262.

The AAMA Releases New Assessment-Based Certificate in Pediatrics Program

CHICAGO (January 2020)—Parents want the best for their children, so employers need the best medical assistants to help them care for their pediatric patients. From infants to young adults, this patient population requires diverse, specialized health care.

To help providers ensure that they have knowledgeable medical assisting personnel on their staff, the American Association of Medical Assistants® (AAMA) has launched the Assessment-Based Certificate in Pediatrics (ABC-P) program. This program is meant to expand and advance the health care professional’s knowledge and understanding of important aspects of—and medical assistants’ role within—pediatric care.

To earn the certificate, individuals must complete the following four courses and pass a final exam:

Course 1: Well-Child Care
Course 2: Newborn Care
Course 3: Common Childhood Illnesses, Conditions, and Injuries
Course 4: Psychological Aspects of Pediatric Care

The ABC-P courses are available to CMAs (AAMA)®, medical assistants, and all other health care professionals. The courses can be taken together as part of the ABC-P program or individually for AAMA continuing education unit (CEU) credit. Altogether, the program is worth 16 CEUs.

More information on the program can be found at http://ow.ly/EAg350xQwWT.

About the AAMA

For more information, visit www.aama-ntl.org or call the AAMA at 800/228-2262.

The AAMA Announces the Launch of a New Education Pathway for CMA (AAMA)^® Certification Exam Eligibility

Opportunities Expand for Potential Certified Medical Assistants^® (AAMA)

CHICAGO (August 2019)—The Certifying Board (CB) of the American Association of Medical Assistants^® (AAMA) has announced a three-year pilot program that opens a new education pathway for graduates of medical assisting programs to become eligible to take the CMA (AAMA)^® Certification Exam.

Until now, the CB has required CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam applicants to be graduates of a postsecondary (college-level) medical assisting program accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

“The Certifying Board has taken notice of the fact that there may be other postsecondary medical assisting programs not accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES that may provide the requisite educational depth, breadth, and rigor,” says Berlene Farthing, CMA (AAMA), chair of the CB.

This three-year pilot program allows graduates of postsecondary medical assisting programs to take the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam if the program meets certain requirements, including, but not limited to, the program being part of an institution accredited by an accrediting body recognized by either the United States Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

“The purpose of the CB is to protect public safety by upholding the currency, reliability, and validity of the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam. Establishing the appropriate eligibility requirements for the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam is an essential element in accomplishing this purpose,” adds Farthing.

For details, see the Exam Eligibility Pilot Program section of the AAMA website or call the AAMA at 800/228-2262.

About medical assisting

About the CMA (AAMA)

To remain accredited, the CB must ensure that only candidates who have met the appropriate and necessary prerequisites should be eligible to obtain the CMA (AAMA) credential.

About the AAMA

For more information, visit www.aama-ntl.org or call the AAMA at 800/228-2262.

Medical Assistants Nationwide Gather in Greensboro

GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA (August 2019) — Medical assistants from across the country will meet Sept. 13–16 in Greensboro, North Carolina, to learn about health care trends affecting their profession. Sessions at the 63rd Annual Conference of the American Association of Medical Assistants^® (AAMA) will cover the latest in patient care featuring administrative and clinical topics on risk management, epilepsy, HPV misconceptions, emergency preparedness, cultural awareness, and more.

The AAMA Annual Conference will be held at Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons. Medical assistants who have not registered for the conference may register on-site.

With 50 CEUs offered, attendees who are CMAs (AAMA)^® will have the opportunity to select from a variety of educational offerings and earn up to 22 CEUs that will count toward recertification of their credential.

In addition, AAMA leaders will meet and make decisions that will help guide the future of the association, and exhibitors will display the latest in medical assisting products and services. Throughout the conference, opportunities for medical assistants to network and form connections with colleagues will abound.

Medical assisting is one of the nation’s careers growing much faster than average for all occupations, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Medical assistants work predominantly in outpatient health care settings. Employers are seeking and recruiting these allied health professionals because of their uniquely diverse clinical and administrative patient-centered training.

The Certified Medical Assistant^® (AAMA)—or CMA (AAMA)—credential represents a medical assistant who has been credentialed through the Certifying Board (CB) of the AAMA.

For more information, visit www.aama-ntl.org or call the AAMA directly at 800/228-2262.

The AAMA Renews Collaboration with UNR/CASAT to Spread Awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

CHICAGO (December 2018)—Since 2015, the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) has worked collaboratively with the Mountain Plains FASD Practice and Implementation Center (Mountain Plains PIC) as part of a coordinated national effort to prevent fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). Located at the University of Nevada, Reno’s (UNR) Center for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies (CASAT), the Mountain Plains PIC has joined forces with the AAMA to prepare medical assistants to reduce alcohol-exposed pregnancies (AEPs) and intervene with patients who engage in risky or hazardous alcohol use. This not-for-profit health initiative shared by the AAMA and Mountain Plains PIC was supported by grant funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC recently awarded new funding that will allow for the continued collaboration between the AAMA and UNR through 2022. This new collaboration, known as the Medical Assistant Practice Improvement Collaborative (MA-PIC), will build on the work started by the Mountain Plains PIC by developing, delivering, disseminating, and evaluating training and materials for medical assisting students and practitioners on how to conduct alcohol screening and brief intervention (SBI). These activities will (1) teach medical assistants to assist their overseeing providers in identifying patients’ risky drinking behaviors and provide health education to change those behaviors, especially among women of childbearing age to prevent AEPs and FASDs, and (2) be important for promoting primary prevention and sustained practice change by medical assistants and their overseeing providers working in primary care settings.

Prenatal alcohol exposure is a leading preventable cause of birth defects and developmental disabilities. The term FASDs is used to define the range of physical, mental, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities that can result from prenatal alcohol exposure. FASDs are completely preventable if a developing baby is not exposed to alcohol before birth.

In talking about the alliance with the AAMA, MA-PIC Project Director, Nancy A. Roget, MS, MFT, LADC, said, “As the leading certifying and accrediting body for medical assistants in the United States, the AAMA has been a tremendous national collaborating [teammate] in preparing and enhancing the role of medical assistants to routinely screen for and intervene with all patients who engage in unhealthy alcohol use, especially women who are pregnant.”

Screening and brief intervention for patients drinking alcohol at unhealthy levels is more effective when medical assistants are utilized as part of the health care team, especially with the skills and knowledge medical assistants have in providing patient education and prevention interventions. As active members of the health care team, medical assistants can play a key role in screening for unhealthy alcohol use because of their:

frequent interaction with patients;
role as liaison between patient and provider;
familiarity with electronic medical records/patient health history;
ability to connect with patients culturally and linguistically; and
scope of practice that allows them to be trained as health coaches, provide counseling and education to reinforce physician advice, and follow up with the patient.

Research has shown that using medical assistants to screen for alcohol use is more effective than provider-only care models, especially in areas where physician and other clinician shortages exist. Since physicians often lack time for alcohol screening and brief intervention, redistributing these tasks to medical assistants saves providers time, which in turn is beneficial to patients. To maximize efficiency, medical assistants can conduct screening as part of the routine patient intake, thereby increasing the chance of identifying risky drinking in patient populations. Making the provider aware of a patient's positive screening results facilitates follow-up and can improve integrated preventive care in health care teams.

AAMA CEO and Legal Counsel, Donald A. Balasa, JD, MBA, says the collaboration demonstrates the important role medical assistants play in advancing the goals of this national health initiative. “CMAs (AAMA) are the key communication links between patients and providers and are uniquely positioned to motivate patients to avoid or stop dangerous alcohol consumption. The AAMA is fully committed to this initiative and honored to again [team up] with UNR/CASAT and the CDC to prevent AEPs and FASDs,” said Balasa.

About the MA FASD PIC

The MA-PIC is based at the University of Nevada, Reno’s (UNR) Center for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies (CASAT), which is part of UNR’s School of Community Health Sciences. CASAT is a grant-funded center that develops and implements training and technical assistance products for individuals providing substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery support services. UNR/CASAT has been funded by the CDC as an FASD Training Center since 2008 to impact individual- and systems-level health care practice by providing trainings for medical and allied health care professionals.

About the AAMA

The mission of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) is to provide the medical assistant professional with education, certification, credential acknowledgment, networking opportunities, scope-of-practice protection, and advocacy for quality patient-centered health care. Medical assistants are multiskilled members of the health care team who perform administrative and clinical procedures under the supervision of licensed health care providers. The CMA (AAMA) is awarded to candidates who pass the CMA (AAMA) Certification/Recertification Examination. The National Board of Medical Examiners serves as test consultant for the exam. The CMA (AAMA) credential must be recertified every 60 months by the continuing education or re-examination method in order to use the credential.

For more information from AAMA: Visit www.aama-ntl.org or call the AAMA directly at 800/228-2262.

For more information about the MA-PIC: Visit www.mafasdpic.org; www.casat.org; or call the MA-PIC directly at 866/617-2816.

For more information on FASD Training & Education: Visit www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/training.html or call the CDC’s Information Line at 800/232-4636.

Medical Assistants Nationwide Honored in October

CHICAGO (October 2018)—Thousands of medical assistants across the country are being celebrated between October 15 and 19 in observance of Medical Assistants Recognition Week (MARWeek). Held every year during the third full week in October, MARWeek lauds the contributions of the profession at the heart of health care.

The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) offers materials online to help celebrate the week. A feature article, poster, observance suggestions, the official MARWeek logo, and more are available for download through the AAMA website.

Medical assisting is one of the nation’s careers growing much faster than average for all occupations, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Medical assistants work predominantly in outpatient health care settings. Employers are seeking and recruiting these allied health professionals because of their uniquely diverse clinical and administrative patient-centered training.

The Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA)—or CMA (AAMA)—credential represents a medical assistant who has been credentialed through the Certifying Board (CB) of the AAMA, the only medical assisting certifying body that has earned accreditation under ISO International Standard 17024, representing powerful evidence of quality, efficiency, and safety.

For more information, visit www.aama-ntl.org or call the AAMA directly at 800/228-2262.

Medical Assistants Nationwide Gather in Salt Lake City, Utah

SALT LAKE CITY (September 2018)—Medical assistants from across the country will meet Sept. 14–17 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to discuss trends that affect one of the nation’s fastest growing careers. Sessions at the 62nd Annual Conference of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) will cover the latest in patient care featuring administrative and clinical topics on health care fraud, occupational therapy, depositions, Medicare health assessments, workers’ compensation fraud, pharmacology, and more.

The AAMA Annual Conference will be held at Hilton Salt Lake City Center. Medical assistants who have not registered for the conference may register at the door.

With more than 50 CEUs offered, attendees who are CMAs (AAMA) will have the opportunity to select from a variety of educational offerings and earn up to 22 CEUs that will count toward recertification of their credential.

In addition, AAMA leaders will meet and make decisions that will help guide the future of the association, and exhibitors will display the latest in medical assisting products and services. Throughout the conference opportunities for medical assistants to network and form connections with colleagues will abound.

Medical assisting is one of the nation’s careers growing much faster than average for all occupations, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Medical assistants work predominantly in outpatient health care settings. Employers are seeking and recruiting these allied health professionals because of their uniquely diverse clinical and administrative patient-centered training.

The Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA)—or CMA (AAMA)—credential represents a medical assistant who has been credentialed through the Certifying Board (CB) of the AAMA.

For more information, visit www.aama-ntl.org or call the AAMA directly at 800/228-2262.

AAMA Representatives Elected to CAAHEP BOD

CHICAGO (April 2018)— The CEO of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) Donald A. Balasa, JD, MBA, and former Chair of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB) Jennifer Spegal, CMA (AAMA), MT, MEd, were elected to the Board of Directors (BOD) of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) at its annual meeting in Louisville this April. The term is three years.

The CAAHEP BOD, composed of 16 members, is the accrediting body that awards or denies accreditation after review of accreditation recommendations made by the Committees on Accreditation (COAs). It is also the primary governing body that oversees the business of CAAHEP and implements the mission and vision as adopted by the Commission.

The duties of CAAHEP BOD members include, but are not limited to the following:

Governing the organization by establishing broad policies and objectives
Making informed decisions on the accreditation status of education programs, as recommended by the Committees on Accreditation
Ensuring the availability of adequate financial resources
Approving annual budgets
Accounting to the stakeholders for the organization's performance

“I am looking forward to serving, and my presence on the CAAHEP BOD should be beneficial for the medical assisting profession and medical assisting programs,” states AAMA CEO Balasa.

Spegal is likewise enthusiastic, adding, “As an educator and administrator, I look forward to contributing to CAAHEP, serving the allied health professions, and advancing the mission of outcomes-based accreditation.”

The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs is a programmatic postsecondary accrediting agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and carries out its accrediting activities in cooperation with 23 review Committees on Accreditation. CAAHEP currently accredits more than 2,100 entry level education programs in 30 health science professions.

The Medical Assisting Education Review Board is a CoA of CAAHEP. MAERB is an autonomous unit within the American Association of Medical Assistants Endowment. The AAMA is a sponsoring organization of MAERB. MAERB makes accreditation recommendations for the status of accreditation of medical assisting programs.

The mission of the American Association of Medical Assistants is to provide the medical assistant professional with education, certification, credential acknowledgment, networking opportunities, scope-of-practice protection, and advocacy for quality patient-centered health care.

For more information, visit www.aama-ntl.org or call the AAMA directly at 800/228-2262.

CMA (AAMA) Recertification Policy Change to Take Effect January 1, 2020

CHICAGO (April 2018)—The CMA (AAMA) has always set the bar for excellence. Now, to better ensure current competence and knowledge, and thus better protect patients, the Certifying Board of the AAMA has made the following change in policy regarding the time limit for recertifying the CMA (AAMA) credential by continuing education:

Recertification by Continuing Education Time Limit. Effective January 1, 2020, an individual whose credential has been expired for more than 90 days forfeits the right to reactivate the credential by continuing education and must sit for the CMA (AAMA) Certification/Recertification Examination.

Candidates are allowed three attempts to sit for and pass the exam. If the candidate does not pass on the third attempt, the candidate is no longer eligible for the exam or to recertify the CMA (AAMA) credential. Payment of a $50 reactivation fee plus the current exam fee is required.

The Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA)—or CMA (AAMA)—credential represents a medical assistant who has been credentialed through the Certifying Board (CB) of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)—the only medical assisting certifying body that has earned accreditation under ISO International Standard 17024, representing powerful evidence of quality, efficiency, and safety.

Medical assisting is one of the nation’s careers growing much faster than average for all occupations, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Medical assistants work predominantly in outpatient health care settings. Employers are seeking and recruiting these allied health professionals because of their uniquely diverse clinical and administrative patient-centered training.

For more information, visit www.aama-ntl.org or call the AAMA directly at 800/228-2262.

Excelsior College Approves CMA (AAMA) Certification for Credit toward Health Sciences Degrees

CHICAGO (October 2017)—Certified Medical Assistants (AAMA) are versatile professionals whose breadth of knowledge and skills make them well-suited for a number of roles. Advanced degrees can help those medical assistants take on such new roles. To that end, Excelsior College in Albany, New York, has recently approved 26 semester hours for CMA (AAMA) certification toward the following undergraduate and select graduate health sciences degrees offered by the school:

AS in health sciences
BS in health sciences (all emphases)
BS in public health
BS in health care management
BS in health care management/MBA dual degree track
BS in health sciences/MS in health sciences dual degree track

Excelsior College offers distance learning, meaning that these degrees will be available to all CMAs (AAMA) nationwide.

Medical assisting is one of the nation’s careers growing much faster than average for all occupations, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Medical assistants work predominantly in outpatient health care settings. Employers are seeking and recruiting these allied health professionals because of their uniquely diverse clinical and administrative patient-centered training.

For more information, visit www.aama-ntl.org or www.excelsior.edu., or call the AAMA directly at 800/228-2262.

AAMA Joins Forces with Hundreds of Local and National Organizations to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screenings Rates across the Country

CHICAGO (October 2017)—Colorectal cancer screening has been proven to save lives. The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) has made the pledge to help increase colorectal cancer screening rates by supporting the 80% by 2018 initiative, led by the American Cancer Society (ACS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (a coalition cofounded by the ACS and CDC).

While colorectal cancer incidence rates have dropped in the United States among adults 50 and older, it is nonetheless the nation’s second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths. However, it is also one of only a few cancers that can be prevented. Through colorectal cancer screening, physicians can find and remove hidden growths, or polyps, in the colon, before they become cancerous.

The 80% by 2018 initiative is a National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT) campaign in which hundreds of organizations have committed to substantially reducing colorectal cancer as a major public health problem. These organizations are working toward the shared goal of 80 percent of adults ages 50 and older being regularly screened for colorectal cancer by 2018. The initiative consists of health care providers, health systems, communities, businesses, community health centers, government, nonprofit organizations, and patient advocacy groups, among others. If that 80 percent goal can be reached by 2018, 277,000 cases and 203,000 colorectal cancer deaths would be prevented by 2030.

As a primary point of contact for patients in the health care process, medical assistants are in an influential position to reduce barriers to screening through practice improvements and committed action. Medical assisting is one of the nation’s careers growing much faster than average for all occupations, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Medical assistants work predominantly in outpatient health care settings. Employers are seeking and recruiting these allied health professionals because of their uniquely diverse clinical and administrative patient-centered training.

For more information on the AAMA, visit www.aama-ntl.org or call the AAMA directly at 800/228-2262. For more information on colorectal cancer screening, visit www.cancer.org/colon.

Medical Assistants Nationwide to be Honored in October

CHICAGO (October 2017)—Thousands of medical assistants across the country are being celebrated between October 16 and 20 in observance of Medical Assistants Recognition Week (MARWeek). Held every year during the third full week in October, MARWeek lauds the contributions of the profession at the heart of health care.

Medical assisting is one of the nation’s careers growing much faster than average for all occupations, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Medical assistants work predominantly in outpatient health care settings. Employers are seeking and recruiting these allied health professionals because of their uniquely diverse clinical and administrative patient-centered training.

The Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA)—or CMA (AAMA)—credential represents a medical assistant who has been credentialed through the Certifying Board (CB) of the AAMA, the only medical assisting certifying body that has earned accreditation from the International Accreditation Service (IAS) Standard 17024, representing powerful evidence of quality, efficiency, and safety.

For more information, visit www.aama-ntl.org or call the AAMA directly at 800/228-2262.

Medical Assistants Nationwide Gather in Cincinnati, Ohio

CINCINNATI (October 2017)—Medical assistants from across the country will meet Oct. 6–9 in Cincinnati, Ohio, to discuss trends that affect one of the nation’s fastest growing careers. Sessions at the 61st Annual Conference of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) will cover the latest in patient care featuring administrative and clinical topics on audit compliance plans, phlebotomy techniques, the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act, colorectal screening, cyber security, team care, and more.

The AAMA Annual Conference will be held at Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza. Medical assistants who have not registered for the conference may register at the door.

In addition, AAMA leaders will meet and make decisions that will help guide the future of the association, and exhibitors will display the latest in medical assisting products and services. Throughout the conference opportunities for medical assistants to network and form connections with colleagues will abound.

Medical assisting is one of the nation’s careers growing much faster than average for all occupations, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Medical assistants work predominantly in outpatient health care settings. Employers are seeking and recruiting these allied health professionals because of their uniquely diverse clinical and administrative patient-centered training.

The Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA)—or CMA (AAMA)—credential represents a medical assistant who has been credentialed through the Certifying Board (CB) of the AAMA.

For more information, visit www.aama-ntl.org or call the AAMA directly at 800/228-2262.

AAMA Releases New Assessment-Based Certificate in Geriatrics Program

CHICAGO (September 2017)—The U.S. population continues to age at a considerable rate. By 2050, the number of adults ages 65 and older projects to be double what it was in 2012, according to An Aging Nation: The Older Population in the United States, a 2014 report by the U.S. Census Bureau. This change poses significant challenges for health care providers, who must adapt to meet the needs of the changing patient population.

To help providers address these challenges, the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) has launched the Assessment-Based Certificate (ABC) in Geriatrics program. This program is meant to expand the health care professional's understanding of certain conditions that manifest themselves in older patients. To earn the certificate, individuals must take and pass assessments on the following four courses plus a final exam:

Course 1: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) in Geriatric Patients
Course 2: Cardiovascular Diseases: Stroke in Geriatric Patients
Course 3: Depression in Geriatric Patients
Course 4: Advance Care Planning for Geriatric Patients

While the benefits of this program are applicable to all health care professionals, medical assistants possessing CMA (AAMA) certification will be able to take the courses for a total of 16 continuing education units (CEUs) toward recertifying their credential.

The courses may also be purchased and taken individually, but then may not be used for achieving the ABC in Geriatrics.

More information on the assessment-based certificate program can be found at http://bit.ly/2w1vj4J.

The CMA (AAMA) credential designates a medical assistant who has achieved certification through the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

Medical Assistants Nationwide Gather in Reston, Virginia

RESTON, VIRGINIA (September 2016) — Medical assistants from across the country will meet Sept. 16-19 in Reston, Virginia to discuss trends that affect one of the nation’s fastest growing careers. Sessions at the 60th Annual Conference of the American Association of Medical Assistants will cover the latest in patient care featuring administrative and clinical topics on ovarian cancer, transgender teens, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, Medicare audits, and more.

Medical assistants who have not registered for the conference may register at the door.

Medical assisting is one of the nation’s careers growing much faster than average for all occupations, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Medical assistants work predominantly in outpatient health care settings. Employers are seeking and recruiting these allied health professionals because of their uniquely diverse clinical and administrative patient-centered training.

The Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA)—or CMA (AAMA)—credential represents a medical assistant who has been credentialed through the Certifying Board (CB) of the AAMA.

The CB of the AAMA was awarded accreditation by the International Accreditation Service (IAS) under ISO 17024, the global benchmark for personnel certification bodies, thus ensuring the CMA (AAMA) represents a world-class certification.

The CMA (AAMA) Certification Program remains accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA)—an accrediting arm of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE). Consequently, the CB and its CMA (AAMA) Certification Program are the only medical assisting certifying body and certification program (respectively) that hold accreditation under both IAS and the NCCA.

A rigorous credential, the CMA (AAMA) also is the only certification that requires postsecondary education. Only candidates who graduate from an accredited postsecondary medical assisting program are eligible to sit for the CMA (AAMA) Certification Examination. The CMA (AAMA) must recertify every five years. The National Board of Medical Examiners—responsible for many national examinations for physicians—serves as test consultant for the examination. As a result, the reliability and validity of the CMA (AAMA) credential are of the highest order.

The Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants Achieves International Accreditation as a Personnel Certifying Body

CHICAGO—April 20, 2016—The Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants, Inc. (AAMA) has received independent recognition that its criteria and processes for earning the CMA (AAMA) credential meet ISO/IEC Standard 17024:2012, the global benchmark for personnel certification bodies, distinguishing it from other medical assisting certifications. The Certifying Board of the AAMA has earned accreditation for Bodies Operating Certification of Persons (AC474) from the International Accreditation Service (IAS).

“This recognition demonstrates AAMA’s commitment to ensuring that medical assistants with the CMA (AAMA) credential meet the highest standards,” says Donald A. Balasa, JD, MBA, chief executive officer and legal counsel of the AAMA. “It also further ensures the integrity of the CMA (AAMA) credential for medical assistants, their employers and patients.”

In order to receive accreditation the Certifying Board had to demonstrate that it operates in full compliance with the exacting requirements of ISO/IEC Standard 17024:2012. In so doing, the AAMA has established itself as the most respected and credible personnel certification organization for the medical assisting profession.

A rigorous credential, the CMA (AAMA) is the only certification that requires postsecondary education. Only candidates who graduate from an accredited postsecondary medical assisting program are eligible to sit for the CMA (AAMA) Certification Examination. The CMA (AAMA) must recertify every five years. In addition to ensuring the CMA (AAMA) represents a world class certification, IAS accreditation also validates the credential as an internationally recognized certification, enabling CMAs (AAMA) to obtain similar positions outside of the United States.

Medical assisting is one of the nation's careers growing much faster than average for all occupations, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. Medical assistants work in outpatient health care settings and perform both clinical and administrative patient-centered duties. They have knowledge of medical law and regulatory guidelines including HIPAA compliance. Clinical duties vary according to state law and may include taking medical histories, taking and recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examination and assisting the physician during the examination. The administrative duties may include maintaining medical records, including entering the provider’s orders into the electronic health record, managing insurance processes, scheduling appointments, arranging for hospital admission and laboratory services, and billing and coding.

For more information about CMA (AAMA) certification or to verify CMA (AAMA) credentials, visit http://www.aama-ntl.org/.

About the AAMA

About the CMA (AAMA)

The CMA (AAMA) credential is awarded to candidates who pass the CMA (AAMA) Certification/Recertification Examination. The National Board of Medical Examiners—responsible for many national examinations for physicians—serves as test consultant for the exam.

The CMA (AAMA) credential must be recertified every 60 months by the continuing education or re-examination method in order to use the CMA (AAMA) credential.

The CMA (AAMA) is the only medical assisting certification that requires graduation from a postsecondary medical assisting program accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Only graduates of medical assisting programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) are eligible to take the CMA (AAMA) Certification Examination.

American Association of Medical Assistants to Partner with University of Nevada, Reno to Prevent Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

RENO and CHICAGO—September 18, 2015—As part of a coordinated national effort to prevent fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and the Mountain Plains FASD Practice and Implementation Center (Mountain Plains PIC) of the Center for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies (CASAT) at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) will work collaboratively to prepare medical assistants to reduce alcohol-exposed pregnancies and intervene with patients who engage in risky or hazardous alcohol use. The AAMA/Mountain Plains PIC partnership is supported by grant funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Prenatal alcohol exposure is a leading preventable cause of birth defects and developmental disabilities. The term fetal alcohol spectrum disorders is used to define the range of physical, mental, behavioral and/or learning disabilities that can result from prenatal alcohol exposure. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are completely preventable if a woman does not drink alcohol during pregnancy.

The Mountain Plains PIC works with national medical societies, professional organizations, and other CDC-funded university-based PICs to develop, deliver, disseminate, and evaluate fetal alcohol spectrum disorders training and practice implementation programs for medical professionals. The goal of the Mountain Plains PIC program is to enhance awareness and change practice behaviors of medical assistants with regards to providing alcohol screening and brief interventions to patients to reduce risky and hazardous alcohol use. The AAMA will help the Mountain Plains PIC achieve these goals by contributing to the development and dissemination of training materials and practice resources.

Speaking about the decision to partner with the AAMA, Mountain Plains PIC Project Director, Nancy A. Roget, MS, MFT, LADC, said, “The AAMA was chosen as the designated national partner for the Mountain Plains PIC because they are the leading certifying and accrediting body for medical assistants in the United States, with over 82,000 CMAs (AAMA). This innovative partnership will result in better preparation for medical assistants to routinely screen for and intervene with women and men who engage in unhealthy alcohol use.”

AAMA Chief Executive Officer and Legal Counsel, Donald A. Balasa, JD, MBA, says the partnership will demonstrate the important role medical assistants play in advancing the goals of this national health initiative. “CMAs (AAMA) are the key communication links between patients and providers, and are uniquely positioned to motivate patients to avoid or stop dangerous alcohol consumption. The AAMA is fully committed to this initiative, and is honored to partner with Mountains Plains PIC and the CDC to combat fetal alcohol spectrum disorders,” said Balasa.

Funding for the AAMA partnership with the Mountain Plains PIC begins September 30, 2015, and both organizations look forward to an impactful collaboration to reduce fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. for medical and allied health care professionals to impacting health care practice at the systems level and focusing on prevention opportunities.

Medical Assistants Nationwide to Gather in Portland, Oregon

PORTLAND, OREGON—July 2015—Hundreds of medical assistants and CMAs (AAMA) are scheduled to attend the 59th Annual Conference of the American Association of Medical Assistants held this September 18 to 21 in Portland, Oregon, at the Doubletree by Hilton Portland. Attendees can choose from over 30 continuing education sessions on administrative and clinical topics, including maxillofacial prosthodontics, medical marijuana, the ICD-10 coding set, cataracts and glaucoma, and ethical issues in death and dying.

Medical assistants may pre-register before August 21, 2015 by calling 800/228-2262, or visiting the AAMA website at www.aama-ntl.org. They may also register at the door.

The mission of the American Association of Medical Assistants is to enable medical assisting professionals to enhance and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and professionalism required by employers and patients; protect medical assistants’ right to practice; and promote effective, efficient health care delivery through optimal use of the multiskilled CMA (AAMA).

The CMA (AAMA) credential is awarded to candidates who pass the CMA (AAMA) Certification/Recertification Examination. The National Board of Medical Examiners serves as test consultant for the exam. The CMA (AAMA) credential must be recertified every 60 months by the continuing education or re-examination method in order to use the CMA (AAMA) credential in connection with employment.

AAMA Announces Creation of Assessment-Based Recognition in Oder Entry Program

Program completion qualifies medical assistants to enter orders for the CMS EHR Incentive Programs

CHICAGO—On January 1, 2014, the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) created an Assessment-Based Recognition (ABR) in order entry program for electronic health records (EHRs). Individuals who are granted the ABR in order entry meet the “credentialed medical assistant” requirement under the September 5, 2012 rule of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs.

Medical assistants who hold a current CMA (AAMA) credential also meet the CMS “credentialed medical assistant” requirement.

As leaders of the medical assisting profession, the AAMA Board of Trustees believed it necessary to provide a means of meeting the CMS requirement for working medical assistants who may not be eligible to sit for the CMA (AAMA) Certification Examination administered by the Certifying Board of the AAMA. The ABR program provides such a pathway, and grants assurance to both patients and providers that EHRs will be handled appropriately.

Candidates for the ABR must meet certain knowledge and experience requirements and pass five, one-hour, online AAMA continuing education courses, which have met the strict standards of the AAMA Continuing Education Board.

The AAMA continues to emphasize the importance of the CMA (AAMA) credential, writes Donald A. Balasa, JD, MBA, AAMA Executive Director and Legal Counsel:

The AAMA remains firmly committed to proving, advocating for, and defending the fact that the CMA (AAMA) is the premier credential for medical assistants. There has been no change in the AAMA’s position that the CMA (AAMA) remains the superior and unmatched way of demonstrating knowledge of, and competency in, all facets of the medical assisting profession, through meeting these main requirements:

Graduating from a postsecondary academic medical assisting program accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)

Passing the CMA (AAMA) Certification Examination

Maintaining currency of the CMA (AAMA) credential by recertifying

Job Profile: Consider a Career as a Medical Assistant

January 2012—The last time you visited a physician’s office, you may have encountered a medical assistant. Perhaps it was the person who scheduled your appointment or who greeted you when you checked in. It could have been the person who escorted you to the exam room to ask routine health questions or to record your vital signs. A medical assistant may have helped you understand an item on your physician’s bill or called in a prescription to your pharmacist.

Those who enter the medical assisting profession enjoy contact with patients, experience a wide variety of responsibilities, and thrive in the fast-paced environment of a medical practice or clinic. Medical assistants also benefit from job security due to a growing and aging population. They perform a wide array of clinical and administrative duties with physicians of all specialties, including family practitioners, pediatricians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and optometrists, among others. Most medical assistants work a regular 40-hour work week—some work part time, evenings, or weekends.

Responsibilities vary depending on office location, size, and specialty. In small practices, medical assistants usually perform both clinical and administrative functions, reporting to an office manager, physician, or other health practitioner. In larger health care settings, medical assistants may specialize in one specific area, such as billing (administrative only) or clinical procedures (which may vary by state law).

Medical assistants answer telephones; greet patients; update and file patient medical records; fill out insurance forms; schedule appointments; arrange for hospital admissions and laboratory services; and handle correspondence, transcribing, and bookkeeping. They may take medical histories, explain treatment procedures to patients, prepare patients for examination, and assist the physician throughout the exam. Medical assistants also collect and prepare laboratory specimens or perform basic laboratory tests. They instruct patients about medications and special diets, prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician, authorize drug refills as directed, draw blood, prepare patients for X-rays, take electrocardiograms, remove sutures, and change dressings.

Most employers prefer to hire graduates of formal programs in medical assisting. Such programs are offered in postsecondary vocational schools, community and junior colleges, and in colleges and universities. Postsecondary programs usually last either one year, resulting in a certificate or diploma, or two years, resulting in an associate degree. Courses cover anatomy, physiology, and medical technology, as well as computer applications, transcription, record keeping, accounting, and insurance processing. Students learn laboratory techniques, clinical and diagnostic procedures, pharmaceutical principles, medication administration, and first aid. In addition, medical assisting students study office practices, patient relations, and medical law and ethics.

Earning the CMA (AAMA) credential is one way a medical assistant can demonstrate knowledge in the field and commitment to professionalism. Those who graduate from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) are eligible to sit for the national CMA (AAMA) Certification Examination by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants. Like other professional designations, the CMA (AAMA) is evidence of competence in a demanding field.

Quick Facts

According to the American Association of Medical Assistants, by embarking on a career as a medical assistant, you will be:

In demand: Medical assisting is one of the fastest growing professions in the U.S. Each year, more than 7,000 candidates earn the CMA (AAMA) credential.

Paid competitively: Medical assistants earn $20,810–$40,190 per year depending on location and experience, based on a 2010 report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median salary for medical assistants is $28,860 with some medical assistants earning up to $19.32 per hour.

Helping others: Medical assistants work side by side with physicians and other skilled practitioners making a difference in the lives of the patients they serve.

Visiting the Doctor? Valuable Tips to Remember

July 2010—Today, thousands of doctors and members of the medical community nationwide rely on the CMA (AAMA) to enhance the patient’s office visit. If you’ve recently been to the doctor’s office, you certainly encountered a medical assistant—taking your vital signs and patient history, drawing blood and administering medications, listening to your concerns, or scheduling your next appointment. The CMA (AAMA) represents a medical assistant who has been certified by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants.

The AAMA has compiled the following tips from CMAs (AAMA) across the nation to help patients have a positive experience during their next doctor’s visit:

Before your appointment, write down a list of questions or concerns you want to share with the physician. Put the most important ones first to make sure they get addressed up front.

Always remember to bring along any medications you are currently taking (or a list of medicines with dosages and strengths) including dietary supplements, vitamins, or herbal treatments. Speak up if you are having any complications.

Bring your personal calendar with you to make it easy when scheduling your follow-up appointment.

Provide the most up-to-date copy of your insurance card to the office so you minimize billing questions or issues.

When the medical assistant records your recent medical history and vital signs, make sure to speak up if you’ve had any changes in symptoms or health history that the doctor should know about.

If you’re having blood drawn, ask the medical assistant or health professional when you can expect a call with your lab results.

If you have questions about a physician’s orders, a medical assistant can assist by explaining them to you.

Call your physician’s office back if your symptoms get worse or if you have problems with any prescribed medication.

Medical assisting is one of the nation’s fastest-growing careers, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, due to the growing number of physicians’ offices and outpatient care facilities. Medical assistants often work side by side with physicians and other skilled practitioners, making a difference in the lives of patients they serve. All CMAs (AAMA) have passed a national certification exam and share a common commitment of providing a caring patient experience.

Sample Press Releases

These press releases serve as examples to use when creating an announcement. Tailor the samples to suit your needs and distribute at will (e.g., through social media, to state and local newspapers or an online newswire service, and employers and colleagues).

Award Recipient

Event Organization

Excel Awards Recipient

Job Announcement

Meeting/Workshop Announcement

Medical Assistants Recognition Week

MARWeek: Sample Press Release

MARWeek: Sample Proclamation

Press Releases

The AAMA Releases a Continuing Education Program on Telemedicine

The AAMA Releases New Assessment-Based Certificate in Education Program

The AAMA Announces 2020 Excel Award Winners

AAMA and NCCRT Partnership Brings New MARWeek Theme That Honors and Empowers Medical Assistants

AAMA Board of Trustees Authorized to Continue Serving

The AAMA Releases 2021 Content Outline for the CMA (AAMA)® Certification Exam

The Certifying Board of the AAMA Achieves International Accreditation Again

The AAMA Releases New Assessment-Based Certificate in Pediatrics Program

The AAMA Announces the Launch of a New Education Pathway for CMA (AAMA)® Certification Exam Eligibility

Medical Assistants Nationwide Gather in Greensboro

The AAMA Renews Collaboration with UNR/CASAT to Spread Awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Medical Assistants Nationwide Honored in October

Medical Assistants Nationwide Gather in Salt Lake City, Utah

AAMA Representatives Elected to CAAHEP BOD

CMA (AAMA) Recertification Policy Change to Take Effect January 1, 2020

Excelsior College Approves CMA (AAMA) Certification for Credit toward Health Sciences Degrees

AAMA Joins Forces with Hundreds of Local and National Organizations to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screenings Rates across the Country

Medical Assistants Nationwide to be Honored in October

Medical Assistants Nationwide Gather in Cincinnati, Ohio

AAMA Releases New Assessment-Based Certificate in Geriatrics Program

Medical Assistants Nationwide Gather in Reston, Virginia

The Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants Achieves International Accreditation as a Personnel Certifying Body

American Association of Medical Assistants to Partner with University of Nevada, Reno to Prevent Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Medical Assistants Nationwide to Gather in Portland, Oregon

AAMA Announces Creation of Assessment-Based Recognition in Oder Entry Program

Job Profile: Consider a Career as a Medical Assistant

Visiting the Doctor? Valuable Tips to Remember

Sample Press Releases

The AAMA Releases 2021 Content Outline for the CMA (AAMA)^® Certification Exam

The AAMA Announces the Launch of a New Education Pathway for CMA (AAMA)^® Certification Exam Eligibility