A medical assistant is a professional who handles both administrative and clinical responsibilities in healthcare settings. Their duties range from managing patient records to taking vital signs and assisting physicians during examinations. The profession is in high demand in Maryland, making it a promising career path. This guide outlines the steps and requirements to join this field within the state.
Maryland’s Legal Requirements for Medical Assistants
The state of Maryland does not require medical assistants to be licensed or certified to work. However, the scope of tasks they can perform is strictly regulated, which in practice makes professional credentialing a near-universal requirement for employment. The regulations are designed to ensure patient safety by defining what a qualified and properly trained medical assistant is permitted to do under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider.
The legal framework is detailed in the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) under 10.32.12. This regulation allows physicians, podiatrists, and nurse practitioners to delegate specific tasks to a medical assistant. Under this principle of “delegation,” the licensed provider is ultimately responsible for the tasks performed by the MA. The provider must ensure the assistant has the proper education, training, and documented competency for any delegated act.
Under these rules, medical assistants in Maryland can perform a range of duties once competency is established. Permitted tasks include preparing patients for examinations, taking medical histories, measuring vital signs, and collecting specimens like urine or blood. They can also perform basic laboratory tests, administer certain skin tests, conduct electrocardiograms (EKGs), and perform basic pulmonary function tests.
There are also clear prohibitions on the tasks a medical assistant can perform. MAs in Maryland are not allowed to conduct physical exams, dispense medication, or administer intravenous (IV) injections or contrast materials without direct physician supervision. They are also forbidden from providing medical advice, performing triage, or engaging in any activity that requires the professional judgment of a licensed nurse or physician.
Complete an Accredited Training Program
Pursuing formal education through an accredited training program is the first step to becoming a medical assistant in Maryland. These programs provide the knowledge and hands-on skills for both the clinical and administrative aspects of the job. The structure and length of these programs vary, offering different pathways to suit individual timelines.
Aspiring medical assistants can choose from several types of programs. Certificate and diploma programs are the most direct route, taking between nine and 14 months to complete. An Associate of Applied Science degree is a more extensive option, requiring about two years of study and providing a broader general education alongside the core MA curriculum.
A program’s accreditation status is an important factor, as it ensures the program meets established quality standards. The two primary accrediting bodies for medical assisting are the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Graduating from a program accredited by one of these organizations is required to be eligible for the major national certification exams.
The curriculum covers subjects such as human anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and pharmacology. Coursework also includes practical instruction in clinical procedures, laboratory techniques, and medication administration. Students receive training in administrative duties like medical records management and insurance processing. Most programs conclude with a clinical externship, providing real-world experience in a healthcare setting.
Obtain National Certification
After completing an accredited training program, the next step is to obtain a national certification. While not legally mandated in Maryland, certification has become the industry standard. Employers rely on it to verify an MA’s competency and knowledge, ensuring they meet the training requirements stipulated by state delegation laws.
Several nationally recognized certifications are available from different professional organizations. The primary credential is the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), awarded by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To be eligible for the CMA exam, candidates must have graduated from a CAAHEP or ABHES-accredited program. The exam covers both administrative and clinical topics.
Another respected credential is the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from American Medical Technologists (AMT). Eligibility for the RMA exam is more flexible, sometimes allowing work experience as a pathway. A third option is the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), which focuses more on clinical skills. All of these certifications require passing an exam and maintaining the credential through continuing education.
Maryland Medical Assistant Career Outlook
The career outlook for medical assistants in Maryland is strong. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a nationwide growth of 15% for medical assistant positions through 2033, a rate much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth reflects the expanding healthcare industry and the increasing reliance on MAs to support other healthcare providers.
In Maryland, medical assistants earn an average annual salary of approximately $44,100, or about $21.20 per hour. This figure is higher than the national average. Salaries can vary based on factors such as geographic location, type of healthcare facility, and years of experience. For instance, MAs in specialized areas or working in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson metropolitan area may command higher salaries.
The job market in Maryland is expected to remain strong, with around 1,750 job openings for medical assistants anticipated each year. This demand stems from both new job growth and the need to replace workers who retire or change careers. This provides a stable employment landscape for newly certified medical assistants entering the workforce.