Final answer:
A medical assistant (MA) who passes the American Association of Medical Assistants examination can display the credential 'Certified Medical Assistant' (CMA). Credentialism in healthcare emphasizes the relevance of such certifications, assuring that the MA has the competence to perform their professional duties.
Step-by-step explanation:
After qualifying for, taking, and passing an examination offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants, the medical assistant (MA) can display the credential of Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). The CMA designation signifies that the individual has met certain standards of competence and acknowledges the completion of education as well as the ability to perform specific tasks associated with medical assisting professionally.
In the field of healthcare, displaying credentials like the CMA is a form of credentialism, which highlights the importance of certificates or degrees in showcasing an individual's skills, level of education, or qualification for a job. The significance of credentialism in healthcare is crucial as it ensures that healthcare providers like medical laboratory technicians (MLT) and medical laboratory assistants (MLA) possess the necessary skills and training to perform their duties effectively, albeit different educational paths may lead to similar roles within the laboratory setting.