There are many benefits of joining a professional organization and association. Professional associations consist of groups of people within the same profession who get together to network, to promote and to enhance the standards of the profession. Benefits to a member can include conferences, access to continuing education opportunities and certifications and updates on policies that impact the profession. Often, these professional associations and societies encourage students to join. Below are some of the professional organizations that are available.
American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) The AAMA was established in 1956 and its misson is to provide the medical assistant professional with education, certification, credential acknowledgment, networking opportunities, scope-of-practice protection, and advocacy for quality patient-centered health care. AAMA offers student membership at a reduced rate. To qualify for the student membership, student members must be enrolled in a medical assisting program and carry at least six credit hours each week. Benefits to AAMA include:
North Carolina State Society of Medical Assistants (ncsma) was organized and chartered in 1963 and is now affiliated with the American Association of Medical Assistants. The objectives of the North Carolina Society of Medical Assistants shall be to inspire its members to give honest, loyal, and efficient service to the profession and to the public which they serve; to provide educational service to increase the knowledge and professionalism of its members; to stimulate a feeling of fellowship and cooperation with the medical profession in improving public relations; and to encourage and assist all Medical Assistants in forming component chapters. Student discounted membership is available. Benefits include:
Medical Assistant Student Organization (MASO) is open to all Medical Assisting students at Cabarrus College. MASO promotes the profession of medical assistant and seeks to continually improve the knowledge and skills of its members. MASO holds scheduled monthly meetings during the academic year. The members' biggest focus in fundraising which is done to raise money to benefit the community and also to help MASO members attend the State Medical Assisting Conference help in April each year.