Accreditation-process of meeting a state standard or being evaluated and recognized by a

national organization as meeting predetermined standards.

American association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)-National association of medical

assistants, medical assisting students, and medical assisting educators with both state and
local chapters: recognized by the American medical association.

American Medical Technologists- Association that features a registered medical assistant

program for certification as well as student membership.

Caduceus- Symbol of the medical profession. The winged, snake-entwined staff carried
by mercury depicting Hermes, the greek god of science, commerce , eloquence,
invention, cunning, and guide of departed souls to Hades

Certification –statement issued by a board or association that verifies that a person meets
professional standards.

Certified Medical Assistant-Title received after appropriate training and passing a

certification examination administered by the American association of medical assistants.

Clinical Medical Assistant -Back office medical assistant who performs clinical and
laboratory duties.

Continuing Education (CE)-Formal education pursued by working a professional

intended to improve or maintain professional competence.

Flextime - System that allows employees to choose their own times for starting and
finishing work within a broad range of available hours.

Licensure- Credentialing sanctioned by the state legislature (the government) , which

passes laws making it illegal for an individual who is not licensed to engage in activities
of a licensed occupation.

Medical Assistant- Multi-skilled allied health professional whose practitioners work

primarily in ambulatory settings such as medical offices and clinics , medical assistants
function as members of the health care delivery team and perform administrative and
clinical procedures.

Multi-Skilled Health Practitioner (MSHP)- Persons cross-trained to provide more than

one function, often in more than one discipline. These combined Functions can be found
in a broad spectrum of health related jobs, ranging in complexity from the non-
professional to the professional level, including both clinical and administrative function.
The additional functions (skills) added to the original health care workers job may be of a
higher, lower or parallel level. The terms multi-skilled, multi-competent, and cross-
trained can be used interchangeably.
Non-verbal Behavior-Communication without words, expressed through body posture ,
hand movements, manner of walking, and facial expressions ; also called body language.

Oral Communication Skills- Ability to articulate and express oneself verbally.

Pessimistic- Having negative Feelings with a tendency to expect the worst.

Recertification- Renewal of AAMA certification after a specified time.