Your certification brings you automatic membership in the AMT professional association, which in turn brings opportunities for leadership experiences and wider professional relationships. How are you maximizing your AMT membership? See one RMA’s story of how she built a rewarding career starting locally and going national.
Based on an article by Jill Carlson, RMA (AMT), from the AMT Pulse, Fall 2023. Currently, Jill is an AMT national board member, EQS committee member, an evaluator for the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education and a columnist for AMT Pulse.
I want to give you a view into how I got to where I am today. One day, a very long time ago, I was a single mom and didn’t know what to do with my life, so I followed my sister to PPI Health Careers School in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to check out the medical assistant program. I hadn’t even heard of a medical assistant, but my sister was insistent that I tag along—thank you, Jancina. After completing my program, I was scheduled to take the RMA exam. Again, I had no idea what it was or why I needed it. The exam was the final step before graduating and moving into a medical assisting career.
Over the years, I was fortunate to work in many medical specialties, including family practice, oncology and pediatrics. I have also had the opportunity to work as an allied health instructor, externship coordinator and director of career services at different career colleges.
In the early years of my AMT certification, I became involved with my state society. At my first state society meeting, I became president—that was back in the day for sure. For that, I thank my friend Barbara Garrido. I asked her how I could get involved, so she got me involved. I haven’t stopped since.
Since I was an RMA, I was asked if I would like to be an evaluator for the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). This led to an appointment to the Board of Commissioners for ABHES as Practitioner in a Specialty Area. After completing three terms on the commission, I was asked to run for the AMT Board of Directors. I jumped at the opportunity to serve the members of AMT at the highest level.
Just a few years ago I was able to complete my Bachelor of Science in healthcare administration. As a military wife, I found myself as a “single” mom again while my husband was overseas. Thanks to the support of family and friends, I was able to meet the demanding schedule of work, kids and other commitments.
As a member of AMT, I have had the honor and privilege to serve as the co-chair of the RMA EQS subcommittee, as well as many other state and national committees. I have been able to mentor many members, or maybe bugged them, to jump in and become active AMT members.
“Active member” means something different to everyone. It is not just about showing up at a state society meeting, the Annual Meeting or serving on committees.
Being active is keeping up with your CE requirements, paying renewal fees and inspiring others to do their best every day. Being active is being proud to be an AMT member.
It has not always been smooth sailing in my career. Although, after I became a military wife and started moving around the country, it was comforting to know that no matter where I landed, I had one constant in my life: AMT. Now’s the time to get involved in something you might love, too.
Related Links: