Medical Assistant Terminology
Learn important medical assistant terms.
Medical Assistant Terminology and Organizations
As you start your medical assistant career, there are several terms, professional associations and certifications with which you should become familiar. Your medical assistant training will no doubt give you a vast vocabulary of medical terms and specialties, but beyond anatomy lessons and procedural definitions, you will want to become familiar with the following associations and medical assistant certifications that will help you take your career to the next level.
Industry Definitions and Medical Assistant Associations
Allied Health
Allied health is a vast field of health careers comprised of over 100 health care professions including physical therapy, medical assisting, radiologic technology and health information management.
American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
The American Association of Medical Assistants awards the Certified Medical Assistant credential.
American Medical Technologists (AMT)
Medical Assistant Certifications
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
The American Association of Medical Assistants awards the Certified Medical Assistant credential.
Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
American Medical Technologists (AMT) awards the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential.
Medical Assistant Accrediting Bodies
Accreditation Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
ABHES is the only agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a specialized accreditor of institutions focusing on health care education and training.
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
CAAHEP is the largest programmatic accreditor in the health sciences field.
Education Guide
Medical Assistant Training
Time to completion, classes and more...
Accreditation
Learn about the importance of accreditation.
Choosing a Degree
Diploma or associate's? What's best for you?
Student Interview
What it's like in medical assistant school.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Got questions? We've got answers.
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Career Guide
Career Intro
Find out what a medical assistant career is like.
Top 5 Medical Assistant Duties
Learn about typical medical assistant duties.
Salary Information
What to expect in a medical assistant salary.
Top 5 Reasons to Become a Medical Assistant
Learn why a medical assistant career may be for you.
Certification
90% of medical assistants are certified. Find out what's required.
Professional Interview
Read a first-hand account about a medical assistant career.
Professional Terms Glossary
The guide to sorting it all out.