should rn keep medical assisting certification current?

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I am a certified medical assistant and I have two semesters of nursing school to go. Should a nurse also keep a medical assisting certification current? Since certified medical assistants have administration, coding, billing, insurance, etc training that isn't taught in a nursing program it seems like it could still be a valuable certification even after becoming an RN. Any thoughts? Also, would it be appropriate to use RN, CMA(AAMA) as credential?

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.

I keep it current because I write Certification Exam Questions and Continuing Education Articles for my state. Also, if I ever wanted to teach a MA program the the JC I think it would be good to keep my certification current even though I will never work as a CMA again.

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Specializes in ER/Trauma, Corrections, Consulting.

I work as a RN as a Risk Adjuster and had to take Coding Courses. When they hired me they asked if I had those certifications. I would keep it current if it's not too much hassle.

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I'm keeping my LPN active even after I pass my RN boards. You just never know what the economy can bring. I agree that you might as well keep it active if it isn't too much money or work.

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I would keep the license if I were you. You can keep cert. by doing home study courses which are about $50-$100 from the AAMA. Generally 2 or three courses for the total 60 CEU credits and you're done. The courses are pretty interesting and easy to do in spare time at home. I have done 3 of these classes . And in todays market you never know when it might come in handy. Plus you do learn more about codinog and admin. then you would with out. It would also be helpful if you were some day wanting to teach CMA courses.

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As others have said, you never know when having it current might come in handy. As long as you can afford renewal costs, it can't hurt to have it on your resume. Establishes that you are qualified in another area.

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Specializes in ER, ICU, Education.

It seems silly to me to keep a certification current (a medical assistant is NOT licensed as one

poster wrote) once you are a licensed nurse. WHY would you continue work at a lower level both in pay and responsibility?

It's like a MD who was first a nurse keeping a nursing license current after he or

she becomes a doctor.

Though now that I say that I think it might be illegal - you better call the nursing board in your state and find out.

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While I agree that calling the BON is probably a good idea, if it is legal, I don't see it as silly. But I'm an old bird and have seen lots of changes over the last 30+ years of working. You never know when you might need to work at a lower level just to eat. I did once go back to McD's in order to pay my bills when I got divorced. I call it survival - not silly. ;)

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Specializes in ER, ICU, Education.

I guess silly wasn't the right word. My point was that once you are a competent, experienced nurse you really shouldn't have to every worry about working at a lower level. And if anything look to the future and go on for your RN, it will open even more opportunities for jobs. I've been a nurse a long time and I've never not had a job.

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I am considering keeping my CMA once I finish school. I've done some teaching in MA programs in the past --both full and part-time -- and really enjoyed it. Being an RN does not qualify one to teach medical assistants in any school that is certified by CAAHEP. One never knows what the future (or economy) may hold so it seems prudent to me. What if something happens to me physically and nursing is not practical? I could do some teaching, writing, etc.

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.
I guess silly wasn't the right word. My point was that once you are a competent, experienced nurse you really shouldn't have to every worry about working at a lower level. And if anything look to the future and go on for your RN, it will open even more opportunities for jobs. I've been a nurse a long time and I've never not had a job.

Do you live in a hole? Are you not aware of the recession? Its not just affecting jobs for new grads but experienced nurses as well.

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I have many allied health certifications outside of nursing, I keep them since it is harder to get them back once they lapse. If you can keep up the continuing education and certificaiton fees I vote for keeping it.

Teaching, consulting, writing and other reasons to keep other credentials. If a RN wanted to keep a CNA that would not make sense to me since they are both in nursing, but medical assisting, EMT, and other allied health fields my vote is keep it if possible.

Jeremy

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