Top 11 Certified Medical Assistant Certifications

Certifications are an important way to demonstrate a medical assistant’s professional knowledge and abilities. They provide evidence of a medical assistant’s commitment to their career and show employers that they have the necessary skills and qualifications to do the job. A certified medical assistant can expect to have more job opportunities, higher pay, and better job security than someone without a certification. Certified medical assistants also often get preference in hiring because they are seen as being more knowledgeable, experienced, and reliable. Certifications also offer the opportunity for continuing education, which can help ensure that certified medical assistants stay up-to-date on the latest practices and technologies in their field.

The purpose of this article is to review the most beneficial certifications for Certified Medical Assistants and explain how they can help enhance their career prospects.

What are Certified Medical Assistant Certifications?

Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification is a professional credential given to medical assistants who have met certain educational and work experience requirements, as well as passed an examination administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). The CMA Exam is based on the knowledge and skills required for entry-level medical assistants. Certified Medical Assistants are highly trained healthcare professionals who provide assistance to physicians in a variety of settings.

Having a CMA certification can help medical assistants advance their careers and demonstrate their competence to potential employers. It also provides recognition of the individual’s hard work and dedication to the profession. A CMA certification is considered an important asset for any medical assistant, as it shows that they have taken the time and effort to become certified and prove their skills in a competitive job market. Additionally, having a CMA certification can open up more career opportunities in fields such as research, teaching, consulting, or management positions within healthcare organizations. Finally, having a CMA certification can benefit employers by providing assurance that they are hiring qualified individuals who are knowledgeable about current trends in healthcare practice.

Pro Tip: When seeking certification as a Certified Medical Assistant, make sure to research the requirements for each state and the certifying body you plan to use. It is important to understand what specific certifications are accepted in your area and how long they are valid for. Additionally, keep up with continuing education requirements to maintain your certification.

Related: What does a Certified Medical Assistant do?

Top 11 Certified Medical Assistant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Certified Medical Assistants today.

1. Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)

Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) is a professional certification that recognizes medical assistants who demonstrate excellence in their field. The CMA credential is awarded to those who have successfully completed an accredited medical assisting program and passed the CMA Certification/Recertification Exam.

It typically takes one to two years to complete a medical assistant program and become eligible for the CMA certification exam. After completing the program, individuals must submit an application to take the exam, which includes providing proof of graduation from an accredited program, passing a criminal background check, and paying an exam fee.

The CMA Certification/Recertification Exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, clinical procedures, laboratory procedures, administrative procedures, patient education and communication skills. To pass the exam and earn the CMA credential, candidates must score a minimum of 500 out of 800 points.

The cost for taking the CMA Certification/Recertification Exam is $125 for AAMA members or $150 for nonmembers. Additionally, there is a $50 recertification fee every five years to maintain your certification status.

2. National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)

The National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) credential is issued by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). It is a nationally recognized certification that validates a medical assistant’s knowledge and skills in providing patient care. The NCMA credential demonstrates that an individual has met the standards of practice required to provide quality healthcare services.

To become certified, applicants must meet eligibility requirements, including completion of an accredited medical assistant program or two years of full-time equivalent experience as a medical assistant within the past five years. They must also pass the NCMA exam, which consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, clinical procedures, and administrative duties.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for the NCMA exam. During this time, applicants should review their educational materials and study guides provided by NCCT and other relevant sources. Additionally, they can participate in online courses or workshops offered by NCCT or other organizations to gain additional knowledge and skills needed to pass the exam.

The cost of taking the NCMA exam is $115 for members of NCCT and $150 for non-members. This fee covers registration and administration costs associated with taking the exam. After passing the exam, individuals will receive their NCMA certificate from NCCT in approximately four weeks.

3. Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from the American Medical Technologists (AMT)

Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from the American Medical Technologists (AMT) is a professional certification that demonstrates a medical assistant’s knowledge and skills in the field of healthcare. The RMA credential is recognized across the United States as a mark of excellence for medical assistants.

To become an RMA, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having completed an accredited medical assisting program or having equivalent work experience. Once you have met these requirements, you can apply to take the RMA exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, clinical procedures, patient care techniques, and administrative duties.

The cost to take the RMA exam is $125 for AMT members and $175 for non-members. The exam typically takes around three hours to complete. After passing the exam, you will receive your RMA certification within four weeks of submitting your application. You will also need to renew your certification every two years by completing continuing education courses or retaking the exam.

4. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)

The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is a nationally recognized certification for medical assistants who have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in the clinical setting. The CCMA certification is designed to recognize those individuals who have achieved a high level of competency in performing clinical tasks such as taking vital signs, administering injections, performing EKGs, and more.

To become certified as a CCMA, you must meet certain educational and experience requirements. To be eligible for the exam, you must have completed an accredited medical assisting program or have at least one year of full-time work experience as a medical assistant within the past five years. You must also submit proof of your education or experience when registering for the exam.

The CCMA exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, patient care procedures, laboratory procedures, administrative duties, professional ethics and law, infection control practices, and safety protocols. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and is administered on computer at NHA-approved testing centers throughout the United States.

The cost to take the CCMA exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically ranges between $130-$200. After successfully passing the exam with a score of 70% or higher you will receive your official certification from NHA. Your certification will remain valid for two years after which time you must recertify by either retaking the exam or submitting proof of continuing education credits related to medical assisting topics.

5. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)

The Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is a nationally recognized certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in medical office administration. The CMAA is designed to help individuals seeking to advance their career in medical office administration, as well as those who are already working in the field.

To become certified, individuals must pass an exam that covers topics such as medical terminology, filing systems, coding and billing procedures, patient privacy laws and regulations, and more. The exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions and takes two hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CMAA certification exam, applicants must have at least one year of experience working in a healthcare setting or have completed an NHA approved training program. Applicants must also submit proof of education or work experience when registering for the exam.

The cost of taking the CMAA certification exam is $125 USD. In addition to this fee, there may be other costs associated with preparing for the exam such as study materials or review courses.

Once you have passed the exam, your certification will remain valid for three years before needing to be renewed. To renew your certification you will need to retake the examination or complete continuing education activities related to medical office administration.

6. Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)

The Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is a certification that validates the knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals who are responsible for managing electronic health records (EHRs). This certification demonstrates proficiency in understanding EHR technology, data security and privacy standards, and the ability to use EHR systems to improve patient care.

To become certified as a CEHRS, individuals must pass an exam administered by NHA. The exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions and has a three-hour time limit. Candidates must score at least 70% on the exam in order to pass.

In order to be eligible for the CEHRS exam, applicants must have either a high school diploma or equivalent, or two years of experience working with EHRs in a healthcare setting.

The cost of the CEHRS exam is $199 USD, which includes the application fee and all materials needed to take the test. Once an individual passes the exam, they will receive their certification within four weeks.

The CEHRS certification is valid for two years and can be renewed by taking continuing education courses or retaking the CEHRS exam.

7. Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)

The Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is a certification program designed to provide healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to accurately process and manage insurance claims. The CBCS certification demonstrates mastery of coding, billing, reimbursement, compliance, and other related topics.

To become certified as a CBCS, you must pass the NHA’s comprehensive exam. The exam covers topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, coding systems, claim filing processes, government regulations and more. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

In order to take the CBCS exam, you must first submit an application to the NHA along with proof of your high school diploma or GED equivalent. You will also need to pay an application fee of $115 for U.S.-based applicants or $135 for international applicants. Once your application is approved by the NHA, you will be able to schedule your exam at one of their approved testing centers.

The cost of taking the CBCS exam is $199 for U.S.-based applicants or $219 for international applicants. In addition to this fee, there may be additional costs associated with taking the exam at certain testing centers such as proctor fees or parking fees. After passing the exam, you will receive your official CBCS certification from the NHA which is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

8. Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT I or II )from the American Society for Clinical Pathology

Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT I or II) from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a level of competency in the practice of phlebotomy. The CPT I and CPT II certifications are designed to provide recognition for those who have demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in the areas of specimen collection, processing, and handling.

The CPT I certification requires successful completion of an accredited phlebotomy training program and passing the ASCP exam. It is valid for three years and must be renewed every three years by completing continuing education credits. The CPT II certification requires successful completion of an accredited phlebotomy training program, one year of full-time work experience as a phlebotomist, and passing the ASCP exam. It is valid for five years and must be renewed every five years by completing continuing education credits.

To get certified as a CPT I or CPT II, you must first complete an accredited phlebotomy training program. These programs typically take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year to complete depending on the type of program you choose. After completing your training program, you will need to register with ASCP to take the certification exam. Once you pass the exam, you will receive your certification and can begin working as a certified phlebotomist.

The cost of getting certified as a CPT I or CPT II varies depending on which type of program you choose and whether or not it includes taking the ASCP exam. Generally speaking, most programs range from $500-$2,000 including registration fees for taking the ASCP exam.

9. Certified EKG Technician from Cardiovascular Credentialing International

Certified EKG Technician from Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) is a professional certification program for those who wish to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in electrocardiography. The certification is designed to verify the competency of individuals who perform electrocardiograms, interpret results, and provide patient care.

The certification process consists of a written exam and a practical skills assessment. To become certified, applicants must have completed an accredited educational program in electrocardiography or have at least one year of full-time experience performing EKGs.

To get the certification, applicants must first register with CCI and pay the required fee. Once registered, they will receive instructions on how to complete the exam application and submit it along with any required documents. After submitting the application, applicants will receive an email notification that includes information about scheduling their exams.

The written exam takes two hours to complete and consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, electrocardiogram interpretation, patient safety protocols, equipment operation and maintenance, and other related topics. The practical skills assessment requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to correctly identify EKG waveforms on an oscilloscope monitor.

The cost for the Certified EKG Technician certification varies depending on whether you are taking the exam for the first time or renewing your existing certification. For first-time applicants, the cost is $200 USD plus applicable taxes; for renewal applicants it is $150 USD plus applicable taxes.

10. Certified Ophthalmic Assistant from Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) is a certification program offered by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, skills and abilities in ophthalmic patient care. This certification is earned through successful completion of a comprehensive written and practical examination.

The COA certification requires applicants to have at least one year of full-time clinical experience as an ophthalmic assistant, or two years of part-time clinical experience within the past 36 months. Applicants must also be able to demonstrate competency in areas such as patient history taking, vision testing, instrumentation, contact lens fitting and basic ocular pharmacology.

In order to become certified, applicants must complete an application form and submit it along with the appropriate fees. The application fee for the COA exam is $300 USD for members of JCAHPO and $400 USD for non-members. Once the application has been approved, applicants will receive a candidate handbook which outlines all requirements necessary to take the exam.

The COA exam consists of two parts: a written component and a practical component. The written portion consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as anatomy & physiology, pathology & disease processes, optics & refraction, instrumentation & imaging devices, patient care procedures and ocular pharmacology. The practical portion assesses skills in areas such as vision testing, contact lens fitting and instrumentation use. Candidates are given three hours to complete each portion of the exam.

Successful completion of both components will result in certification as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA). Certification must be renewed every three years through continuing education activities or by retaking the exam.

11. Certified Medical Office Manager/Administrator from Professional Association of Health Care Office Management

Certified Medical Office Manager/Administrator (CMOM) is a professional certification offered by the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management (PAHCOM). It is designed to recognize and promote excellence in medical office management. The CMOM credential demonstrates a commitment to professional development, knowledge and expertise in the field of medical office management.

The CMOM certification requires applicants to have at least two years of experience in the medical office management field. Applicants must also successfully complete an exam that covers topics such as financial management, human resources, patient relations, and health care regulations.

To get certified, applicants must submit an application form and fee along with proof of their experience in the medical office management field. Once approved, they will be sent an exam registration form which they must fill out and submit with payment for the exam fee. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CMOM certification.

The cost for getting certified varies depending on whether you are a PAHCOM member or non-member. For members, it costs $200 for the application fee and $150 for the exam fee; for non-members it costs $300 for the application fee and $250 for the exam fee.

It typically takes about four weeks from submitting your application to receiving your results from taking the exam.

Do You Really Need a Certified Medical Assistant Certificate?

Yes, it is important to have a certified medical assistant certificate if you plan to work in the medical field. This certification will demonstrate that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to perform your job duties effectively and safely. In addition, having a certified medical assistant certificate can open doors to more career opportunities and higher pay.

Employers prefer to hire individuals with a certified medical assistant certificate because they know that the person has been trained and tested on their knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, patient care techniques, laboratory tests and procedures, and other aspects of working in the healthcare field. This means that employers are confident that those with a certified medical assistant certificate are more likely to be able to handle any situation they may come across while on the job.

Having a certified medical assistant certificate also gives individuals an edge when applying for jobs or promotions. Employers will often view those with a certification as being more qualified than those without one. Additionally, having this certification can help individuals stand out from other applicants who do not have it.

Finally, having a certified medical assistant certificate can lead to better pay as employers tend to offer higher salaries for those who have this credential. Those with this certification may also be eligible for additional benefits such as bonuses or tuition reimbursement for continuing education courses related to the healthcare profession.

In conclusion, it is important to obtain a certified medical assistant certificate if you want to pursue a career in the healthcare field. Having this certification demonstrates that you possess the necessary skills and knowledge required for success in this profession, which can lead to better job opportunities and higher pay.

Related: Certified Medical Assistant Resume Examples

FAQs About Certified Medical Assistant Certifications

1. What is a Certified Medical Assistant?

Answer: A Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) is a professional healthcare worker who has been certified by an accredited organization to provide clinical and administrative support in a variety of medical settings, such as hospitals, doctor's offices, and long-term care facilities.

2. What are the requirements for becoming a Certified Medical Assistant?

Answer: In order to become a CMA, you must pass a certification exam administered by either the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). You will also need to complete an approved educational program and have at least one year of relevant work experience.

3. How long does it take to become certified as a Medical Assistant?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified as a CMA depends on your individual situation. Generally speaking, it can take between six months and two years to complete the required education, training, and experience necessary to sit for the certification exam.

4. How much does it cost to become certified as a Medical Assistant?

Answer: The cost of becoming certified as a CMA varies depending on which organization you choose for certification and whether or not you need to take continuing education courses. Generally speaking, you should plan on spending around $500-$1,000 in total fees associated with obtaining your certification.

5. What type of job opportunities exist for Certified Medical Assistants?

Answer: Certified Medical Assistants can find employment in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, private physicians offices, nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. They often perform administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments and maintaining patient records; they may also provide clinical assistance such as taking vital signs or assisting with minor procedures under the supervision of a physician or nurse practitioner.