Specialty Certifications and Their Benefits

By SCMA On 26/04/2018  

The Specialty Certified Medical Assistant (SCMA) is a second level certification that validates the clinical knowledge of the medical assistants in a particular specialty.

Specialty Medical Assistants act as the backbone of the healthcare industry and play an integral role in the maintenance and care of patients with their expertise in the industry. From booking appointments and taking care of patients to preparing them for advanced medical procedures, these medical assistants are trained well to handle it all.

Why should I be a Specialty Certified Medical Assistant?

As the healthcare industry is growing day-by-day, the need for highly educated medical assistants is also growing. Specialty Certified Medical Assistants understand the intricacies that are involved in their field and are able to add value to their workspace and the healthcare industry from day one. They are equipped with all the means to assist their physicians and help take better care of their patients. With such skill sets and with rising demand for specialized professionals, they can expect better salaries.
Medical Assistance provides a rewarding global career and is ideal for those looking to make a difference in the world. With unlimited opportunities, now would be the ideal time to get certified in your specialty of choice.

Medical assistant certifications are available in the following specialties:

1) Cardiology – Cardiology Medical Assistants specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions of the heart and blood vessels. The certification benchmarks their learning in cardiovascular procedures, accurately recording heart test results, conducting tests like ECG, and understanding of medication and nutrition

2) Dermatology – The certification program tests the medical assistant on common dermatology diagnostics and medical administration and covers different aspects of clinical knowledge like the anatomy of the skin, functions of the skin, diseases, medication, and procedures

3) Endocrinology – The certification tests the medical terminology along with diagnostic capabilities in the therapeutic care of Endocrinology. A number of conditions are covered in this program including hormonal and hypothalamus conditions, pancreatic conditions, pituitary conditions, kidney conditions etc.

4) Family Medicine – The Family Medicine Medical Assistant certification covers knowledge of treatments, diseases, and procedures conducted by the Physician Doctor and tests candidates on common diagnostic environment preparation methods. The program covers common medical conditions like cardiac conditions, endocrine conditions, gastrointestinal conditions, genetic conditions, infant conditions, and procedures related to maternity, family planning etc.

5) Geriatrics – The Geriatrics Medical Assistant certification covers diagnostic testing and medication imparted to patients in case of general conditions. The Medical Assistants work in various fields that deal with geriatrics or caring for the elderly. When working with the elderly, their responsibilities go much deeper than the basic tasks, like giving injections, scheduling appointments and assisting with examinations

6) Internal Medicine – A certified Internal Medicine Medical assistant has the basic knowledge of terminology, medication, diagnostic methods and post-trauma care. The program covers common conditions related to cardiac, endocrine conditions, gynecological and obstetric, hematology, infectious diseases etc. The Medical Assistants are also well aware of the  common measures and procedures performed in an Internal Medicine Practice

7) OB/GYN – In the Obstetrics and Gynecology Medical Assistant certification the common medical terminology in the therapeutic care is covered like Anemia, Antibiotic, Cervix, Estrogen etc. The Medical Assistant assists the physician with simple procedures like pap smears, breast exams and prepping pregnant women for check-ups and ultrasounds. In addition to preparing charts, taking down medical data and vital signs, and performing clerical duties, the medical assistant draws blood and records lab

8) Oncology – The Oncology Medical Assistant certification tests candidates on medical terminology, routes to administer medication, the frequency of medical administrations and common laboratory and diagnostics like biopsy, colonoscopy, breast MRIs, Mammography etc.

9) Orthopedic Surgery – Orthopedic Medical Assistants organize patient charts and collect data like vital signs, medical histories, and allergy alerts. They have a thorough understanding of wound care, suture/stitches/staple removal, sterilization practices and splints, casts and medical first aid as they often assist Orthopedic Surgeons in the care of patients

10) Pediatrics – Specialty Certified Medical Assistant in Pediatrics work daily with children. They measure and monitor patients' vitals from time to time for changes in growth and development, collect lab work, give immunizations, educate patients and parents on new policies and health information, and most importantly, ensure that these young patients feel safe and secure in a medical environment

11) Transplantation Surgery – A Specialty Certified Medical Assistant in Transplantation Surgery works closely with the transplant coordinator, office, and medical staff, assisting with administrative essentials, vital information, and recording, lab specimens and results, treatment and recovery. Due to the seriousness of the field, medical assistants are crucial to ensuring the success of the team with the various details, donors, patients, and surgeries

12) Urology – Specialty Certified Medical Assistants in Urology check patients' vital statistics, relay doctor's instruction on diet, exercise, and medication, and prepare patients for surgeries, x-rays, and lab work as well as removing bandages and stitches. The certification covers common diagnostics like basic metabolic panel, blood urea nitrogen, prostate-specific antigen etc.

13) Women's Health – Medical Assistants certified in Women’s Health helps women's health care providers diagnose and treat health issues that need to be addressed to prevent and correct the challenges women are facing with their bodies. These medical assistants help with preparing patients for exams and procedures, take samples and assist with sonograms and other tests, and help new mothers care for their babies.