how to become a traveling medical assistant

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If you’re someone who loves to travel and has a passion for healthcare, then a career as a traveling medical assistant may be the perfect fit for you. As a traveling medical assistant, you will have the opportunity to work in a variety of healthcare settings, from hospitals to clinics, assisted living facilities, and even private practices. In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to become a traveling medical assistant and the necessary qualifications required to succeed in this career path.

Education and Training

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Most traveling medical assistant positions require a candidate to have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. However, having an associate degree in medical assisting or a related field can increase your chances of getting hired for a traveling position. Formal education and training programs typically take between nine months to two years to complete.

It’s important to note that the majority of medical assistant programs require both classroom and clinical training. In the classroom, students learn various topics related to medical assisting, including anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and medical law and ethics. During clinical training, students will get hands-on experience in performing basic medical procedures, such as taking vital signs, drawing blood, and administering medications.

Certification and Licensure

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Most states do not require medical assistants to be licensed; however, certification is highly recommended. The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential, offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), is the most recognized and highly regarded certification in the medical assistant field. To become a CMA, you must pass the certification exam, which covers a range of topics related to medical assisting.

Other certification options include the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential, offered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT), and the National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) credential, offered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).

Experience

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Having prior work experience in the healthcare industry can increase your chances of landing a traveling medical assistant position. Employers are more likely to hire someone who has prior experience in the field and can hit the ground running. Interning or working as a medical assistant in a hospital or clinic can provide valuable experience and networking opportunities.

Job Search

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Once you have completed your education, passed the certification exam, and gained valuable experience, it’s time to start your job search. Many staffing agencies specialize in placing traveling medical assistants in healthcare facilities across the country. These agencies handle all the logistics of travel and accommodations, allowing you to focus solely on your job duties.

Another option is to search for traveling medical assistant positions directly on job boards or the websites of healthcare facilities. Be sure to research the company or staffing agency thoroughly before accepting a position to ensure they have a good reputation and offer competitive compensation and benefits.

Conclusion

Becoming a traveling medical assistant requires dedication, hard work, and a passion for healthcare. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can gain the necessary education, certification, and experience to embark on a rewarding career as a traveling medical assistant. With the demand for healthcare professionals on the rise, there has never been a better time to pursue this career path.

Pros Cons
Opportunities to travel and explore new places Requires a significant amount of education and training
Competitive salary and benefits May require long hours or working weekends or holidays
Flexible work schedule and the ability to work in a variety of healthcare settings Traveling may become tiring and feeling homesick is common

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a traveling medical assistant?

A traveling medical assistant is a professional who provides administrative and clinical support to healthcare facilities across the country. They typically work on a temporary contract basis and may travel to multiple states or regions during their career.

What qualifications do I need to become a traveling medical assistant?

To become a traveling medical assistant, you will need a high school diploma or GED, formal education and training in medical assisting, certification, and prior work experience in the healthcare industry.

What are the benefits of becoming a traveling medical assistant?

Traveling medical assistants have the opportunity to work in a variety of healthcare settings, explore new places, and receive competitive compensation and benefits. They also have a flexible work schedule and the ability to work on a temporary contract basis.

What is the job outlook for traveling medical assistants?

The job outlook for medical assistants, in general, is excellent, with a projected growth rate of 19% from 2019 to 2029. The demand for healthcare professionals, including traveling medical assistants, is expected to increase in the coming years due to the aging population and advances in medical technology.