To answer the question in the title: Yes. If you are a trained phlebotomist, you can absolutely receive the training to become a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA). In fact, a medical assistant with a phlebotomy certification has a leg up in terms of career prospects.
It’s also important to talk about the time you’ll need to spend to return to the classroom. Our Medical Assisting Course is approximately four months long; however, if you have completed phlebotomy training, the coursework and hands-on training will be more familiar to you.
The bottom line is this: Having phlebotomy skills makes CMA training easier, and the highest-achieving CMAs are skilled in phlebotomy.
What is a certified clinical medical assistant?
CMAs are healthcare professionals with certifications from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). They perform a range of functions, combining office tasks and patient procedures.
- Record vital signs
- Update medical histories
- Assist with exams
- Schedule appointments
- Draw blood
That last bullet point is important: Drawing blood is a routine part of the day-to-day for CMAs, so a medical assistant with a phlebotomy certification brings additional skills to their workplace.
Certification is necessary for a successful career as a CMA.
As much as you may want to simply switch from a career in phlebotomy to one as a medical assistant, it’s best to go through the formal process of becoming a CMA.
Yes, you can work as a medical assistant without certification; however, training as a CMA offers better job prospects, a higher earning potential, and a broader skill set that helps you stand out.
Phlebotomists come prepared with skills that make CMA training and job skills easier.
Let’s take a look at three reasons why a medical assistant with a phlebotomy certification is uniquely prepared for success in training and in healthcare.
1. Trained phlebotomists have hands-on experience drawing blood.
They already know how to draw blood. It’s one of the trickier parts of being a CMA, so having that skill down makes the clinical aspect of training more straightforward.
2. They’re confident interacting with patients.
Phlebotomists know how to communicate with patients; it’s part of what they do every day. That skill translates to good communication in administrative duties and patient care.
3. And they’re comfortable in clinical settings.
Phlebotomists are often used to working in stressful clinical environments. From the fast pace to handling equipment and following strict procedures, phlebotomists who have undergone training or spent time in employment between certifications have an easier time thriving as CMA.
Phlebotomists who become CMAs see significant salary increases.
It’s a fact: A significant salary increase comes with the additional step of completing CMA coursework, passing the certification test, and retaining that knowledge.
In Texas, individuals holding the CMA credential earn approximately $40,200 per year. Phlebotomists, on the other hand, earn around $36,900. It’s a significant difference that continues to increase as you advance in your career.
Job candidates with both certifications have opportunities for growth.
CMA certification broadens your career options. It’s a nationally recognized certification that opens up opportunities to work as a general medical assistant or in a more specialized area, like pediatrics or cardiology, depending on your preference.
The combination of phlebotomy and medical assistant skills (and certification) makes you a more competitive candidate for any job that involves blood work and patient-facing duties.
Become a certified clinical medical assistant today.
You’re already a trained phlebotomist. Now it’s time to take the next step: CMA certification from NTX Training Institute.
