How to Be Registered Medical Assistant - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 26, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) is increasingly important in the healthcare industry. Their responsibilities include providing patient care, performing administrative duties, and managing medical records. By performing these duties, they help to ensure the quality of care provided to patients.

Furthermore, their actions can have a positive impact on the overall efficiency of the healthcare system. For instance, RMAs are responsible for maintaining accurate medical records, which can lead to more accurate diagnosis and treatment of illnesses. they are often tasked with scheduling appointments and filing insurance claims, which can improve the patient experience and reduce wait times.

the work of a Registered Medical Assistant is invaluable to the modern healthcare system and its ability to provide effective care to its patients.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. Most employers require medical assistants to have at least a high school diploma or GED.
Consideration of a Medical Assistant Program. Many employers prefer to hire medical assistants who have completed a medical assistant program. These programs are typically offered at community colleges, vocational schools and universities.
Become Certified. Most employers prefer to hire medical assistants who have earned certification, such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential. There are also other certifications available such as the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential.
Get On-the-Job Training. Many employers provide on-the-job training for medical assistants. This can include both classroom instruction and hands-on experience.
Obtain Additional Licensure. Depending on the state, medical assistants may need to obtain additional licensure in order to perform certain tasks, such as taking X-rays or giving injections.
Maintain Certification. Once certified, medical assistants must maintain their certification by completing continuing education courses.

Being a reliable and competent Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) requires dedication and hard work. It starts with having the right education and training, such as obtaining a certification from an accredited institution. Continuing education is also important to stay up to date on new techniques and advances in the medical field.

having strong communication skills, both verbal and written, is essential for communicating effectively with patients and colleagues. Being organized and detail-oriented is also key for performing the many tasks associated with the job. Finally, having a positive attitude and a strong desire to help others is essential for providing quality care.

With these qualities, an RMA can ensure they are providing reliable and competent care to their patients.

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Job Description

Assist physicians and nurses in providing patient care.
Prepare patients for examination and treatments.
Take vital signs and document patient medical histories.
Perform routine laboratory tests and specimen collection.
Administer injections, medications, and immunizations as directed.
Clean and sterilize medical instruments and dispose of contaminated supplies.
Provide patient education on topics such as medical conditions and health maintenance.
Prepare and maintain medical records and filing systems.
Schedule patient appointments and maintain appointment calendars.
Answer telephones and direct calls to appropriate personnel.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of medical terminology and anatomy
Ability to take vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature
Familiarity with medical office procedures and protocols
Proficiency with computer applications, including Electronic Medical Records (EMR)
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to provide patient education
Understanding of basic laboratory procedures
Ability to collect and process specimens
Knowledge of infection control and safety protocols
Ability to perform basic first aid and CPR

Having a strong knowledge of medical terminology and procedures is essential for any Registered Medical Assistant. As a Registered Medical Assistant, it is important to have excellent communication skills in order to effectively interact with patients and other healthcare professionals. being organized, detail-oriented and having the ability to multitask are key skills that can help ensure efficient patient care.

having a patient-focused attitude and the ability to stay calm in stressful situations are also important qualities for a Registered Medical Assistant. All these skills are essential in providing quality medical care, as they allow the Registered Medical Assistant to accurately and efficiently interact with patients, understand their medical needs, and take appropriate actions. With the right set of skills, a Registered Medical Assistant can help ensure the best possible patient care experience.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as a Registered Medical Assistant?
What tasks did you perform as a Registered Medical Assistant?
How do you handle difficult or challenging situations in a medical setting?
What are your strongest skills as a Registered Medical Assistant?
Describe a situation where you had to provide excellent patient care.
How do you stay organized while working with multiple patients?
What techniques do you use to ensure accuracy in medical documentation?
What do you think are the most important qualities of a successful Registered Medical Assistant?
Describe a time when you had to juggle multiple tasks at once.
How do you stay motivated in a fast-paced medical environment?

Common Tools in Industry

Medical Records Software. A software that allows medical assistants to track and manage patient records electronically. (eg: Practice Fusion)
Electronic Health Records (EHR). A digital version of a patients medical history, including records, treatments, and test results. (eg: Epic Systems)
Telemedicine Platforms. A platform that allows medical professionals to communicate with patients remotely. (eg: Teladoc)
Clinical Decision Support Systems. Software that helps medical providers make decisions based on evidence-based medicine. (eg: UpToDate)
Electronic Prescribing Software. Software that enables medical assistants to electronically prescribe medications. (eg: RxNT)
Medical Reference Software. Software that allows medical assistants to quickly access medical information such as drug interactions and treatment protocols. (eg: Lexicomp)
Medical Billing Software. Software that allows medical assistants to process and manage medical billing. (eg: Kareo)
Patient Scheduling Software. Software that allows medical assistants to manage patient appointments and scheduling. (eg: Athena Health)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
American Medical Technologists (AMT)
National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
American Medical Billing Association (AMBA)
Professional Association of Health Care Office Management (PAHCOM)
Medical Group Management Association (MGMA)
National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM)
American College of Medical Scribe Specialists (ACMSS)
American Society of Podiatric Medical Assistants (ASPMA)

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Common Important Terms

Clinical Skills. The ability to use medical knowledge and techniques to assess and treat patients.
Patient Care. The providing of medical services to patients in a variety of settings.
Medical Terminology. The use of specialized words and phrases related to medicine and health care.
Anatomy. The study of the bodys structure and systems.
Physiology. The study of the bodys functions and how its parts work together.
Pharmacology. The study of drugs, their uses, and how they interact with the body.
Pathology. The study of diseases and their causes.
Clinical Documentation. The recording and maintenance of patient information in medical records.
Informatics. The use of technology to manage and analyze medical data.
Compliance. The practice of following laws, regulations, and standards in medical practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to become a Registered Medical Assistant?

To become a Registered Medical Assistant, you typically need to complete a medical assisting program at an accredited institution and pass the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) certification exam.

What does a Registered Medical Assistant do?

Registered Medical Assistants typically help physicians with patient care, perform administrative duties such as scheduling appointments and maintaining medical records, and provide patient education and support.

What is the average salary of a Registered Medical Assistant?

The average salary of a Registered Medical Assistant is around $35,000 per year.

How many Registered Medical Assistants are there in the US?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 330,000 Registered Medical Assistants currently employed in the US.

What is the job outlook for Registered Medical Assistants?

The job outlook for Registered Medical Assistants is very positive, with an expected growth rate of 23% from 2018 to 2028.

Web Resources

Registered Medical Assistant - University at Buffalo www.buffalo.edu
Registered Medical Assistant | Beaufort County Community College www.beaufortccc.edu
Becoming a Registered Medical Assistant - CET cetweb.edu