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> About ARMA
About ARMA ARMA was incorporated on September 22, 1950 by the originators who were Registered Nurses and assistants in local medical offices, hence the title "Registered" applies to our members. We are registered with the Federal Government, Washington, DC, and have been designated a non-profit organization.
Being a national registry, we are represented in every state, including corpsmen and medics in military service hospitals and clinics, and currently have a membership in the many thousands. We are not an employment agency, training center or a school operating for profit, but rather an organization whose purpose is not only educational, but also to advance the status and professionalism of the Medical Assistant. Our members are represented in many areas within the medical allied health professions.
We are now seeing the results of our efforts in that many medical facilities now require registration (certification) prior to hiring new employees. This is manifesting itself into upgrading the "Medical Assistant" as a true professional as well as upgrading her/his salary scale.
The many schools and colleges with whom we are affiliated incorporate their students' registration with their graduation exercises.
Currently, the requirement for annual renewal is the accumulation of a minimum of 12 Continuing Educational Activities - equivalent to learning, or attendance in some area within the medical field - to maintain one's proficiency and professionalism.
Since, as stated earlier, many of our members are certified in other areas within the medical profession and are required by those organizations to obtain CEU's to comply, we will accept those acquired to satisfy our requirements.
Members in good standing are offered a low-cost liability (malpractice) insurance program and we are always on the lookout for additional areas, which may assist our members to a better way of life while keeping our fees as low as possible.
Sustaining members are honored each year. Those who have maintained active membership for 15 years receive an award certificate which, like the original issued at registration, is suitable for framing; at 20 years, another certificate is issued plus our official necklace (a stickpin for men); and having been a member in good standing over 35 years, a third certificate is awarded with life-time free membership. These names are printed in one of our publications each year so the entire membership may glory in the achievement of their peers.
The Registry is an independent organization in no way connected to other medical assisting certifying agencies or organizations. We operate with a Board of Directors of which the Director and Executive Secretary are the primary officers involved in the day-to-day operation of the office. Work performed by all Board Members is done without remuneration.
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