Networking Organizations for Medical Assistants and Allied Health Professionals
Few industries change as frequently as healthcare. Not only is healthcare regulated at the federal level, it is subject to oversight by each individual state. If you don’t stay up-to-date and federal changes in your career, you could miss out on new techniques and research that make your work easier and more effective.
Joining local and national professional organizations helps you keep your skills relevant, but that’s not all. Staying active in professional groups makes it easy to connect with other medical professionals. A strong professional network can help you find solutions to workplace challenges, look for your next job opening, or develop your own presence in this industry.
American Medical Technologists
Joining American Medical Technologists serves many purposes for medical assistants and other professionals in healthcare. This association runs the certification program that hospitals and clinics use to assess potential hires and their skills. In addition, they offer members access to continuing education opportunities and training seminars. Currently, this group represents over 60,000 medical professionals throughout the United States.
You may first learn about American Medical Technologists certification when you are a student. This program runs the certification program for medical assistants, phlebotomy technicians, dental assistants, medical technologists, allied health instructors, and other related positions. If you seek certification through this group, joining may give you lifelong access to the continuing education events you have to attend to keep your certification current.
Through American Medical Technologists, allied health professionals enjoy other student member benefits. AMT awards scholarships and grants on an annual basis. Some of these awards are reserved for working professionals who further the cause of AMT and make a positive impact on this field. The American Medical Technologists student scholarship program is an excellent resource for students at all levels of education.
As you enter the workforce, the membership benefits continue to add up. Career Connection is an online service that is free with your AMT membership. You may post your resumé, submit job applications, or send your resumé to specific employers. If you’re still building your career, you can make use of Career Connection’s other resources, including interview tips, resumé writing, and making a strong first impression.
Continuing education is one of the main areas of focus for the American Medical Technologists Association. No matter which one of their certified career paths you follow, continuing education is part of renewal. It is also an important part of providing patients with the highest level of evidence-based care. Some educational resources and events hosted by AMT include their annual convention, state-specific meetings, the Journal of Continuing Education Topics & Issues, online continuing education, and webinars.
Those who employ healthcare professionals benefit from the American Medical Technologists certification verification process. This membership benefit gives employers a quick way to ensure that future and existing staff have current certification.
If you’re ready to start building your professional network, AMT is a great place to start. It’s one of the largest professional associations in healthcare, offering you numerous ways to get established in this field at any level of education or experience.
American Association of Medical Assistants
As a new or aspiring medical assistant, you know how important it is to keep your education current and stay on top of legislative changes in healthcare. Depending on your current level of education and professional experience, you may have access to a variety of membership benefits through the American Association of Medical Assistants. Dues are set by each state group and your student or non-student status. Non-student dues range from $77 to $112. First-year student dues range from $25 to $40, and second-year student dues run from $45 to $75.
Students often join the AAMA when they start preparing to become Certified Medical Assistants. The American Association of Medical Assistants/AAMA runs the certification process for this title. As a student member, you enjoy a $125 discount on your testing fees, bringing your testing expenses down to $125. To take advantage of this member benefit, you must graduate from a school accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES.
While you transition from student to working professional, the AAMA continues to offer support. The connections you make in your community through AAMA may help you learn about job leads and discover openings that fit your skill set. Furthermore, AAMA membership can be a positive addition to your CV or resumé as you make a name for yourself in this field. If potential employers want to verify your skills and education, they can have your certification verified by the AAMA.
Throughout your career, your membership in the AAMA may help you protect your career and your professional status. The American Association of Medical Assistants Code of Ethics sets out clear, understandable standards for your work as a medical assistant. The legal department of the AAMA protects the rights of medical assistants and strengthens the role of medical assistants in the healthcare community.
What is the American Association of Medical Assistants? It’s the largest organization dedicated to the work of medical assistants. Whether you’re a medical assisting student or you’re already working in this field, take advantage of this organization’s continuing education events, certification discounts, and professional member benefits.
National Association for Health Professionals
Certification is a necessary career step for many healthcare professionals, which is why membership in the National Association of Health Professionals may benefit you as a student and as a healthcare employee. The National Association for Health Professionals manages certification programs for many in-demand healthcare careers, including administrative health assistants, EKG technicians, dental assistants, medical assistants, patient care technicians, and pharmacy technicians. This organization works closely with employers and professionals to see how healthcare employees use their time and skills. They develop their testing materials based on what your job duties may be after graduation, ensuring that you are tested on the proper material.
You may become active in this group when you apply to take your licensing exam. The candidate handbook outlines the educational standards you have to meet to qualify for testing. After passing your exam, you receive a certification packet that may help you qualify for jobs in your area of expertise.
The National Association for Health Professionals/NAHP maintains regulations on continuing education. As a certified health professional, you must get 10 hours of continuing education each year. The NAHP makes it easy for certified professionals to submit their continuing education hours and have them verified ahead of the renewal deadline.
Certification can strengthen your resumé and give credence to your education and experience. Membership in the NAHP may help you pursue certification and keep your certification valid.