2 answers
Erin
Student
Sedro-Woolley, Washington
2
Questions
Asked
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If I do CMA and Maa if I be able to go to college for Emt?
If I do CMA and Maa if I be able to go to college for Emt?
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2 answers
Cheri Hall
Physical Therapist
55
Answers
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Updated
Cheri’s Answer
Hello Erin,
A Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) is a healthcare professional who has successfully completed a specialized training program, typically available at local community colleges. After finishing this course, you'll need to clear a certification exam to officially become a CMA. These professionals work in a diverse range of healthcare environments such as hospitals, doctor's clinics, and rehabilitation facilities. Their responsibilities cover both administrative and clinical duties, including scheduling patient appointments, recording vital signs, assisting in medical procedures, and collecting and examining patient samples.
On the other hand, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are tasked with providing emergency medical care outside of hospital settings. They are responsible for the transportation of critical and emergency patients who require immediate medical attention. EMTs possess the essential knowledge and skills to stabilize and transport patients, whether it's for non-emergency medical transfers or life-threatening emergencies.
Obtaining your CMA certification can equip you with some basic skills that could be useful in an EMT role. However, it's not a prerequisite to become an EMT. You might find it beneficial to work as a CMA while you're working towards your EMT certification. To help you decide which career path suits you best, you might want to consider spending some time observing both roles. You could shadow a CMA in a medical office or hospital to understand their duties, and then spend some time with an ambulance crew to see what an EMT's responsibilities are. This could provide valuable insights to help you make your decision.
A Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) is a healthcare professional who has successfully completed a specialized training program, typically available at local community colleges. After finishing this course, you'll need to clear a certification exam to officially become a CMA. These professionals work in a diverse range of healthcare environments such as hospitals, doctor's clinics, and rehabilitation facilities. Their responsibilities cover both administrative and clinical duties, including scheduling patient appointments, recording vital signs, assisting in medical procedures, and collecting and examining patient samples.
On the other hand, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are tasked with providing emergency medical care outside of hospital settings. They are responsible for the transportation of critical and emergency patients who require immediate medical attention. EMTs possess the essential knowledge and skills to stabilize and transport patients, whether it's for non-emergency medical transfers or life-threatening emergencies.
Obtaining your CMA certification can equip you with some basic skills that could be useful in an EMT role. However, it's not a prerequisite to become an EMT. You might find it beneficial to work as a CMA while you're working towards your EMT certification. To help you decide which career path suits you best, you might want to consider spending some time observing both roles. You could shadow a CMA in a medical office or hospital to understand their duties, and then spend some time with an ambulance crew to see what an EMT's responsibilities are. This could provide valuable insights to help you make your decision.
Stephanie Hodges DNP MSN FNP-C CNEcl
Nurse Practitioner and Professor of Nursing
5
Answers
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
Hi Erin,
Becoming a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) may help you with some skills that you will also use as an Emergency Medicine Technician (EMT). For example, medication administration skills, however those two fields are very different.
Once you decide what EMT program you want to complete, check their requirements to apply to make certain that you meet those. Some programs may require certification as a CMA or CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), but again it would be specific to the program that you are applying to.
EMT’s are integral team members in emergency medicine, and function in basic or advanced roles at most hospital organizations. In addition, you may continue your studies to become Paramedic.
Best of luck to you as you pursue your goals!
Becoming a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) may help you with some skills that you will also use as an Emergency Medicine Technician (EMT). For example, medication administration skills, however those two fields are very different.
Once you decide what EMT program you want to complete, check their requirements to apply to make certain that you meet those. Some programs may require certification as a CMA or CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), but again it would be specific to the program that you are applying to.
EMT’s are integral team members in emergency medicine, and function in basic or advanced roles at most hospital organizations. In addition, you may continue your studies to become Paramedic.
Best of luck to you as you pursue your goals!