CMA - Certified Medical Assistant

Company: Adventist Health Mendocino Coast
Location: Fort Bragg
Posted on: April 4, 2026

Job Description:

ChatGPT said:\nJob Description: Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)\n\nPosition Overview: A Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) plays a critical role in supporting healthcare teams by performing both administrative and clinical tasks in various medical settings. As a CMA, you will be responsible for assisting healthcare providers in patient care, ensuring smooth operations in the office or clinic, and promoting positive patient experiences. CMAs must be certified by an accredited program and demonstrate knowledge in medical procedures, patient interaction, and medical office management.\n\nCommon Duties and Responsibilities:\nClinical Tasks:\n\nPatient Preparation: Prepare patients for examination by taking vital signs (e.g., temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respiration rate), height, weight, and other relevant health metrics.\n\nAssisting with Procedures: Assist healthcare providers during examinations, minor surgeries, and procedures.\n\nSpecimen Collection: Collect and process laboratory specimens (e.g., blood, urine, stool) and send them to laboratories for testing.\n\nAdministering Medications and Injections: Under the guidance of a physician, administer prescribed medications and vaccinations, and record dosages.\n\nPatient Education: Educate patients on medication usage, treatment plans, and home care instructions.\n\nPerforming Diagnostic Tests: Assist in diagnostic procedures, such as EKGs, spirometry, and other routine medical tests.\n\nHandling Medical Equipment: Properly maintain and sanitize medical equipment and ensure its readiness for patient care.\n\nAdministrative Tasks:\n\nScheduling Appointments: Schedule patient appointments, follow-ups, and referrals in a timely and organized manner.\n\nMedical Records Management: Accurately enter and update patient medical information into electronic health records (EHR).\n\nInsurance and Billing Support: Assist with insurance verifications, billing inquiries, and coding for services rendered.\n\nPatient Communication: Answer patient phone calls, provide test results, and relay physician instructions or recommendations.\n\nGeneral Office Duties:\n\nMaintaining Cleanliness: Ensure examination rooms and office areas are clean, stocked, and organized.\n\nInventory Management: Monitor and maintain inventory of medical supplies and equipment.\n\nTeam Collaboration: Work closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare staff to ensure efficient patient care and office flow.\n\nCertification and Licensing Requirements:\nCertification:\n\nA CMA is required to have completed an accredited medical assistant program and passed a certification exam from a recognized certifying body such as:\n\nAmerican Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)\n\nAmerican Medical Technologists (AMT)\n\nNational Healthcareer Association (NHA)\n\nNational Association for Health Professionals (NAHP)\n\nCertification Renewal:\n\nCMAs must maintain certification by completing continuing education (CE) and renewing certification every 5 years.\n\nStates Requiring Certification or Licensure: The certification and licensing requirements for medical assistants vary by state. While certification is not mandatory in every state, several states have regulations requiring medical assistants to be certified or licensed. States that may have certification or licensure requirements include:\n\nCalifornia – Medical assistants are required to complete a certification program and may need to be certified to perform certain tasks.\n\nWashington – Certification is required for medical assistants in specific roles, particularly those performing clinical tasks like administering injections or handling medications.\n\nOregon – Similar to Washington, Oregon requires certain clinical tasks to be performed by certified medical assistants.\n\nLouisiana – Medical assistants must be certified to perform specific clinical duties, such as administering medications or performing diagnostic tests.\n\nNorth Dakota – Requires medical assistants to have certification for certain tasks and to practice in a licensed medical setting.\n\nMassachusetts – Some areas of Massachusetts may require medical assistants to be certified to work in certain clinical roles.\n\nStates Without Specific Licensing or Certification Requirements:\n\nIn many states, medical assistants are not required by law to be certified to practice. However, employers often prefer certified candidates due to the assurance of their skills and training.\n\nSkills and Qualifications:\n\nEducation: Completion of an accredited medical assistant program.\n\nCertification: Must hold certification as a Medical Assistant (CMA) or equivalent.\n\nExperience: Experience in clinical and administrative tasks in a healthcare setting is preferred.\n\nSkills:\n\nStrong communication and interpersonal skills.\n\nProficiency with medical software and electronic health records (EHR).\n\nKnowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and patient care protocols.\n\nAbility to multitask, stay organized, and manage time effectively.\n\nCompassionate and patient-focused demeanor.

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