Top 11 Clinic Assistant Certifications

Certifications are important for clinic assistants in the job market because they demonstrate a level of professional competence and commitment to their chosen field. Certifications provide proof that a clinic assistant has the necessary knowledge and skills to work effectively in their role. They also show that a clinic assistant is dedicated to continuing their education in order to stay up-to-date with best practices, new technologies, and current trends in the medical field. In addition, certifications can help to distinguish a candidate from other applicants who may not have taken the time or effort to pursue additional credentials. Ultimately, certifications can open doors for a clinic assistant by providing them with an edge over other candidates when it comes to getting hired or promoted.

The purpose of this article is to review the most beneficial certifications for Clinic Assistants and explain how they can help to advance a Clinic Assistant's career.

What are Clinic Assistant Certifications?

Clinic assistant certification is a credential that demonstrates a person's knowledge and skills in providing administrative and clinical support services to medical personnel. It is typically offered by professional organizations, such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), or through educational institutions. The certification can be used to demonstrate a person's qualifications for employment in the healthcare industry and to advance their career.

Having clinic assistant certification can help individuals stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs in the healthcare industry. It can also provide them with an edge over other job seekers who lack this specialized knowledge and experience. Furthermore, having this certification may give medical professionals more confidence when hiring someone to assist with patient care and administrative tasks in their practice. Additionally, it can show employers that the individual has a commitment to excellence and has taken the time to learn about the necessary skills needed for success in this field. Finally, having clinic assistant certification can help individuals gain access to higher paying positions as well as more advanced roles within the healthcare system.

Pro Tip: When considering a certification program for clinical assistants, make sure to research the accreditation status of the program. Accredited programs will provide you with the best educational resources and ensure that your certification is recognized by employers in the healthcare field.

Related: What does a Clinic Assistant do?

Top 11 Clinic Assistant Certifications

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

1. Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)

A Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) is a professional who works in the healthcare field providing administrative and clinical support to physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. CMAs typically work in medical offices, hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare settings.

It typically takes anywhere from six months to two years to become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). The length of time depends on the type of program you choose and whether or not you have any prior experience in the medical field. Most programs require students to complete courses in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, medical office procedures, laboratory procedures, patient care techniques, and more.

In order to become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), you must pass an exam administered by either the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The cost of taking the exam varies depending on which organization administers it; however, it typically ranges from $100-$200. Additionally, some states may require additional certification exams for CMAs that specialize in certain areas such as phlebotomy or radiology.

The cost of becoming a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) also includes tuition fees for any required courses or training programs. Tuition fees vary depending on the institution offering the program; however, they generally range from $500-$3000.

2. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

A Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) is a healthcare professional who assists physicians and other medical personnel in providing patient care. They perform administrative and clinical duties such as taking vital signs, preparing patients for examinations, drawing blood, administering medications, and collecting specimens. CCMAs also help with scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, and providing patient education.

To become a CCMA, individuals must complete an accredited medical assistant program at an accredited college or technical school. The program typically takes one to two years to complete depending on the type of degree pursued. After completing the program, students must pass a certification exam administered by the National Healthcare Association (NHA).

The cost of becoming a CCMA varies depending on the institution where you take your courses. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from $3,000 to $15,000 for a one-year certificate program or up to $20,000 for an associate’s degree program. Additionally, there is usually an exam fee of around $150 associated with taking the NHA certification exam.

3. Certified Clinical Administrative Specialist (CCAS)

Certified Clinical Administrative Specialist (CCAS) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the administrative and management skills necessary to provide quality healthcare services. The CCAS credential is awarded by the American College of Medical Administrators (ACMA).

In order to obtain the CCAS credential, an individual must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an examination. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in a clinical administrative setting and possess either a bachelor’s degree or associate’s degree in health administration or related field.

The examination consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as medical terminology, coding systems, reimbursement methods, regulatory compliance, risk management, patient privacy laws, and other healthcare administration topics. The exam can be taken online or at a designated testing center.

The cost of the CCAS exam is $395 for ACMA members and $495 for non-members. The fee includes access to study materials and practice exams. It typically takes 4-6 weeks to receive results after taking the exam.

4. Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)

A Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) is a professional who has completed a formal medical assisting program and passed a national certification exam. The RMA works in a variety of healthcare settings, including doctor’s offices, hospitals, and clinics.

It typically takes about one to two years to complete an accredited medical assistant program, depending on the type of school or institution you attend. After completing the program, you must then pass the American Medical Technologists (AMT) Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) Exam to become certified.

To get your RMA certification, you will need to first complete an accredited medical assistant program at a college or university that offers such courses. Once you have completed your studies, you will then need to register with AMT and pay the required fee for taking the RMA exam. After passing the exam, you will be awarded your RMA certification and can begin working as a registered medical assistant.

The cost of getting your RMA certification varies depending on where you take the course and how long it takes you to complete it. Generally speaking, tuition for an accredited medical assistant program ranges from $2,000 - $4,000 per year. Additionally, there is an application fee for taking the RMA exam which costs around $125 - $150 dollars.

5. National Healthcareer Association Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (NHA-CCMA)

The National Healthcareer Association Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (NHA-CCMA) is a nationally recognized certification for medical assistants. It is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of individuals in the field of clinical medical assisting. The certification is awarded to those who have successfully passed an exam that tests their knowledge and skills in the areas of patient care, medical office procedures, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, laboratory procedures, and medical law and ethics.

To become certified as an NHA-CCMA, you must first complete a formal education program in clinical medical assisting or have at least one year of experience as a clinical medical assistant. Once you meet either of these requirements, you can apply for the exam through the National Healthcareer Association website. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering all aspects of clinical medical assisting.

The cost to take the NHA-CCMA exam varies depending on your location and whether or not you are a member of the NHA. Generally speaking, it costs around $120-$150 to take the exam. You will also need to pay any applicable taxes or fees associated with taking the exam.

Once you have taken and passed the NHA-CCMA exam, you will receive your certification within 4-6 weeks after completing all required paperwork. After receiving your certification, you will be able to demonstrate your expertise in clinical medical assisting to potential employers and other healthcare professionals.

6. National Center for Competency Testing Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (NCCT-CCMA)

The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (NCCT-CCMA) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of medical assistants. The NCCT-CCMA certification is the only medical assistant certification accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

To be eligible for the NCCT-CCMA certification, applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete an accredited medical assisting program, and successfully pass the NCCT-CCMA exam.

The NCCT-CCMA exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions that cover topics such as patient care, clinical and administrative procedures, medical terminology, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, laboratory procedures, and safety protocols. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

To get certified as an NCCT-CCMA you must register with the NCCT website. After registering you can purchase a study guide which will help you prepare for the exam. You can then schedule your exam at a testing center near you.

The cost of taking the NCCT- CCMA exam is $115 USD. This fee covers both registration and testing fees.

7. American Association of Medical Assistants Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (AAMA-CCMA)

The American Association of Medical Assistants Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (AAMA-CCMA) is a certification program designed to recognize the professional knowledge and skills of medical assistants. This certification is awarded by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and is one of the most widely recognized certifications in the medical assisting field.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having graduated from an accredited medical assistant program or having completed at least five years of full-time experience as a medical assistant. Applicants must also pass a comprehensive exam that tests their knowledge and skills in various areas related to medical assisting, such as patient care, laboratory procedures, administrative duties, and more.

It typically takes about four months to complete the certification process from start to finish. During this time, applicants will need to submit their application materials and take the exam. The cost for taking the exam is $150 for AAMA members and $200 for non-members.

8. American Medical Technologists Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (AMT-CCMA)

The American Medical Technologists (AMT) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential is a nationally recognized certification for medical assistants. It is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of medical assistants who work in clinical settings. The AMT-CCMA certification validates that the certified individual has met rigorous standards and has demonstrated competency in performing tasks related to patient care.

It typically takes between 3-6 months to complete the requirements for AMT-CCMA certification, depending on how quickly you can complete the required coursework and pass the exam. In order to become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having a high school diploma or GED equivalent, completing an approved medical assistant program, and passing the AMT-CCMA exam.

The cost of becoming an AMT-CCMA varies depending on your chosen method of study and testing. Generally speaking, it will cost around $200-$400 for the application fee, exam fee, and any other associated costs such as books or online courses.

9. National Healthcareer Association Certified Phlebotomy Technician (NHA-CPT)

The National Healthcareer Association Certified Phlebotomy Technician (NHA-CPT) certification is a professional credential that verifies an individual’s knowledge and skills in the field of phlebotomy. This certification is designed to provide employers with assurance that their employees are qualified to perform phlebotomy procedures safely and accurately.

To become certified, individuals must pass the NHA-CPT exam. The exam consists of 125 multiple choice questions covering topics such as patient preparation, specimen collection, specimen processing and handling, quality assurance, infection control, and safety. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and can be taken at any authorized Pearson VUE testing center.

The cost for the NHA-CPT exam varies depending on the country in which you are taking it. In the United States, the cost is $125 USD. Once you have successfully passed the exam, there is an annual renewal fee of $50 USD to maintain your certification status.

In order to be eligible for the NHA-CPT certification, applicants must have completed a minimum of 60 hours of classroom instruction in phlebotomy or equivalent experience in a clinical setting within the past three years prior to applying for the certification.

10. National Center for Competency Testing Certified Phlebotomy Technician (NCCT-CPT)

The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) certification is a nationally recognized credential that verifies the knowledge and skills of phlebotomists. This certification demonstrates to employers and patients that the phlebotomist has met the necessary educational requirements and has demonstrated proficiency in the practice of phlebotomy.

To become certified as an NCCT-CPT, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including completing a phlebotomy program approved by the NCCT or another nationally accredited organization, having at least one year of full-time experience as a phlebotomist, and passing an NCCT-administered exam.

The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics such as anatomy and physiology, specimen collection techniques, laboratory safety, infection control procedures, communication skills, and patient care. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to apply for the exam, applicants must submit an application form along with supporting documentation such as proof of education and work experience. The cost of taking the exam is $125 USD. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their official NCCT-CPT certification card within four weeks.

11. American Society for Clinical Pathology Certified Phlebotomy Technician (ASCP-CPT).

The American Society for Clinical Pathology Certified Phlebotomy Technician (ASCP-CPT) is a certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skills of phlebotomists. A phlebotomist is a healthcare professional who draws blood from patients for laboratory testing, transfusions, donations, or research.

To become certified as an ASCP-CPT, you must meet certain educational requirements and pass the ASCP-CPT exam. The educational requirements vary depending on your level of experience in the field. If you have no prior experience in phlebotomy, you must complete an accredited phlebotomy training program before taking the exam. The length of these programs can vary from 6 to 12 months.

Once you have met the educational requirements and are ready to take the exam, you can register online through the ASCP website. The cost of registration is $125 for members and $175 for non-members. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official ASCP-CPT certification card which is valid for three years. To maintain your certification, you must complete 10 continuing education credits every three years in order to renew it.

Do You Really Need a Clinic Assistant Certificate?

No, you do not need a clinic assistant certificate to become a successful clinic assistant. A clinic assistant is an important role in the healthcare field and can be filled by someone with the right qualities, knowledge and experience. A certificate may give you an edge over other applicants, but it is not required to be considered for the position.

The most important qualifications for a successful clinic assistant are being organized, detail-oriented and having excellent interpersonal skills. These qualities will help you manage patient records, maintain accurate files and interact with patients in a professional manner. Additionally, it is beneficial to have knowledge of medical terminology and basic office skills such as filing paperwork or using computers. Having prior experience in the medical field or customer service can also be beneficial when applying for a clinic assistant job.

A certificate could potentially provide some additional skills or knowledge that would benefit you in your role as a clinic assistant; however, it is not necessary to obtain one. Employers may look favorably upon applicants who have completed additional training or education, but ultimately they are looking for someone who can demonstrate their aptitude for the job at hand. If you believe that obtaining a certificate could help your chances of getting hired then it would certainly be worth considering; otherwise, focus on demonstrating your qualifications through your resume and interview performance.

Related: Clinic Assistant Resume Examples

FAQs About Clinic Assistant Certifications

1. What is a Clinic Assistant Certification?

Answer: A Clinic Assistant Certification is an accreditation that proves the holder has the skills and knowledge necessary to work as a medical assistant in a clinic setting. It demonstrates an understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and health care procedures.

2. How do I obtain a Clinic Assistant Certification?

Answer: To obtain a Clinic Assistant Certification you must successfully complete an accredited program that offers classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience in areas such as patient care, administrative tasks, laboratory procedures, and more. Upon successful completion of the program you will be eligible to take the certification exam administered by a recognized certifying body.

3. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The length of time needed to become certified depends on the individual’s prior education and experience in the field. Typically it takes anywhere from six months to one year to complete the required coursework and training before taking the certification exam.

4. What are some common duties for a Clinic Assistant?

Answer: Common duties for a Clinic Assistant include performing basic patient care tasks such as taking vital signs or giving injections; assisting physicians with examinations or treatments; scheduling appointments; managing medical records; preparing medications; collecting specimens; sterilizing equipment; ordering supplies; billing insurance companies; providing customer service support; and more.

5. Is there continuing education required after becoming certified?

Answer: Yes, most certifying bodies require continuing education credits (CECs) every two years in order to maintain your certification status. CECs can be obtained through attending conferences or seminars related to your job role or completing online courses related to healthcare topics