Top 11 Medical Assistant Instructor Certifications

Certifications are important for a medical assistant instructor in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that the instructor has a high level of knowledge and training in the subject matter. Certified instructors tend to be more desirable candidates due to their proven expertise and commitment to continuing education. Additionally, certifications often provide access to additional resources, such as continuing education courses and professional development opportunities, which can further enhance an instructor's qualifications. Lastly, certifications can also be used as evidence of competence when applying for higher-level positions or promotions.

The purpose of this article is to review top certifications for Medical Assistant Instructors and explain how they can contribute to career growth and success.

What are Medical Assistant Instructor Certifications?

Medical assistant instructor certification is a program designed to help medical professionals become qualified to teach medical assistant courses. This certification program provides the knowledge and skills needed for teaching in a variety of educational settings, including traditional classrooms, online classes, and clinical settings. The program also covers topics such as curriculum development and evaluation, instructional methods, and the use of technology in the classroom.

Having medical assistant instructor certification is beneficial for those who wish to become instructors or educators in the field of medical assisting. With this certification, individuals can demonstrate their expertise and commitment to teaching and helping students understand the concepts necessary to succeed in their career. This certification also helps employers recognize potential instructors who have the necessary knowledge and training to provide quality instruction. Additionally, having this certification can open up new job opportunities in various healthcare settings that require instructors with advanced credentials.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements for medical assistant instructor certification in your state before beginning the process. Each state has different requirements for certification and you want to make sure you have all the necessary paperwork and qualifications in order to be approved.

Related: What does a Medical Assistant Instructor do?

Top 11 Medical Assistant Instructor Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Medical Assistant Instructors today.

1. Certified Medical Assistant Instructor (CM AI)

A Certified Medical Assistant Instructor (CM AI) is a professional who has been certified by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) to teach medical assisting courses. The CM AI certification is designed to ensure that instructors have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality instruction in medical assisting.

To become a Certified Medical Assistant Instructor, candidates must meet certain educational and experience requirements. These include having a high school diploma or equivalent, two years of full-time work experience as a medical assistant, and completion of an approved medical assistant training program. Candidates must also pass an exam administered by the AAMA.

The exam consists of two parts: Part One covers general topics such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, laboratory procedures, and clinical procedures; Part Two covers specific topics related to teaching medical assisting. Candidates must earn at least 80% on each part of the exam in order to pass.

It typically takes about six months for an individual to complete all of the requirements for becoming a Certified Medical Assistant Instructor. During this time, individuals should study for the AAMA exam and gain experience working as a medical assistant.

The cost of becoming a Certified Medical Assistant Instructor varies depending on where you live and how much preparation you need for the AAMA exam. In general, it can range from $100-$500 or more.

2. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Instructor (CCMAI)

A Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Instructor (CCMAI) is a professional designation that certifies an individual to teach and lead clinical medical assistant courses. This certification is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

The CCMAI certification requires applicants to have a minimum of two years of teaching experience, as well as a current certified clinical medical assistant (CCMA) credential from the NHA or another nationally recognized organization. Applicants must also pass a written exam and submit evidence of their teaching experience.

The exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as patient care, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, laboratory procedures, medical law and ethics, and healthcare documentation. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

To obtain the CCMAI certification, applicants must first register for the exam with the NHA. The registration fee is $125 for members of the NHA or $175 for non-members. After registering for the exam, applicants can schedule it at an approved testing center near them.

Once applicants have successfully passed the exam, they will receive their CCMAI certificate from the NHA. They will then be able to teach clinical medical assistant courses in accredited programs or institutions.

3. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant Instructor (CMAAI)

A Certified Medical Administrative Assistant Instructor (CMAAI) is a professional certification for individuals who are qualified to teach medical administrative assistant courses. The certification is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). To become certified, applicants must have at least two years of full-time experience in a medical office setting and complete a minimum of 30 hours of instructor-led training. The training must include topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical coding and billing, patient scheduling and insurance processing.

It typically takes about six months to complete the requirements for CMAAI certification. In order to get started, applicants must first create an account on the NHA website and pay the $50 application fee. Once approved, they can then purchase the CMAAI study guide and begin studying for the exam. After passing the exam with a score of 70% or higher, applicants will receive their official CMAAI certification.

The cost of becoming a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant Instructor varies depending on which materials you choose to use for studying. The NHA offers several different study options ranging from $100 - $200. Additionally, there is a one-time fee of $125 to take the certification exam.

4. Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist Instructor (CEHRSI)

Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist Instructor (CEHRSI) is a certification program offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). The CEHRSI certification is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and skills of individuals who teach electronic health records (EHRs) courses. This certification allows instructors to demonstrate their expertise in teaching EHRs, as well as their ability to effectively communicate and apply best practices in the classroom.

To become certified, applicants must have at least two years of experience teaching EHRs courses, pass an exam, and complete a minimum of five continuing education credits related to EHRs instruction. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as patient safety, privacy and security, data integrity, and technology standards.

The cost for taking the CEHRSI exam is $395 for AHIMA members or $495 for non-members. Once certified, individuals must renew their certification every three years by completing 10 additional continuing education credits related to EHRs instruction.

5. Certified Medical Coding and Billing Instructor (CMCBI)

Certified Medical Coding and Billing Instructor (CMCBI) is a certification program offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). This program is designed to provide healthcare professionals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to teach medical coding and billing courses.

The CMCBI certification requires applicants to have at least two years of experience in medical coding or billing, as well as a minimum of three years teaching experience. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, insurance policies and procedures, coding systems, reimbursement systems, documentation requirements, and more.

The CMCBI certification process typically takes about four months from start to finish. During this time, applicants must complete an online application form and submit required documents such as transcripts and proof of teaching experience. After submitting the application form and required documents, applicants will be sent an exam voucher which they can use to take the exam at their convenience.

The cost for the CMCBI certification varies depending on the applicant’s location. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 USD for the entire process including the application fee, exam fee, study materials fees (if applicable), etc.

6. Certified Professional Coder-Instructor (CPC-I)

Certified Professional Coder-Instructor (CPC-I) is a certification offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). This certification is designed for individuals who want to teach coding and billing courses in an academic setting. It requires a minimum of two years of coding experience, and it is recommended that applicants have at least five years of coding experience before taking the exam.

The CPC-I exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics such as medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, ICD-10-CM/PCS coding, HCPCS Level II coding, CPT® coding and Medicare regulations. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to become certified as a CPC-I, you must first pass the CPC-I exam with a score of 70% or higher. You can register for the exam online through the AAPC website. The cost of the exam is $399 USD. Once you have passed the exam, you will be eligible to receive your CPC-I certification.

The AAPC also offers continuing education courses and workshops that can help maintain your CPC-I certification status. These courses are available both online and in person and range in cost from $50-$200 USD depending on the course chosen.

7. American Association of Medical Assistants Instructor Certification Program (AAMAI)

The American Association of Medical Assistants Instructor Certification Program (AAMAI) is a certification program designed to recognize the expertise of medical assistant instructors. It is an opportunity for medical assistant instructors to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in teaching medical assisting.

The AAMAI certification program requires applicants to have at least three years of experience teaching medical assisting and must meet certain educational requirements. After meeting the requirements, applicants must submit an application along with supporting documentation such as transcripts and letters of recommendation. Once accepted into the program, applicants must complete an online course and pass a written exam. The entire process takes approximately six months to complete.

The cost of the AAMAI certification program varies depending on whether or not you are a member of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). If you are a member, the cost is $150; if you are not a member, the cost is $250. In addition to the application fee, there may be additional fees associated with taking and passing the written exam.

Overall, obtaining AAMAI certification can be beneficial for medical assistant instructors who want to demonstrate their expertise in teaching medical assisting. It can also provide them with additional job opportunities within their field.

8. National Healthcareer Association Certified Medical Administrative Assistant Instructor (NHA CMAAI)

The National Healthcareer Association Certified Medical Administrative Assistant Instructor (NHA CMAAI) is a certification program designed to help instructors in the medical field teach and train students on the fundamentals of medical administrative assisting. The certification is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), a leading provider of healthcare certifications and training programs.

To become certified, applicants must have at least two years of experience as a medical administrative assistant, as well as education or training related to the field. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as coding systems, reimbursement methods, patient confidentiality, and electronic health records.

The NHA CMAAI certification process takes approximately six weeks from start to finish. To get started, applicants must submit an application online or by mail along with proof of their qualifications and payment for the exam fee ($125). Once approved, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to access their study materials and register for their exam.

Once registered, applicants can begin studying for the exam using the study materials provided by NHA. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official NHA CMAAI certification within two weeks.

The cost of obtaining the NHA CMAAI certification is $125 for the initial application fee plus any additional fees required for study materials or other resources used during preparation for the exam.

9. National Center for Competency Testing Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Instructor (NCCT CCMAI)

The National Center for Competency Testing Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Instructor (NCCT CCMAI) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in teaching clinical medical assisting. This certification is offered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), an independent certifying organization that provides professional certifications in healthcare related fields.

To become certified as an NCCT CCMAI, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Possess a current Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification from NCCT
• Have at least two years of experience working as a clinical medical assistant
• Complete an approved instructor training program
• Pass the NCCT CCMAI exam with a score of 80% or higher

The instructor training program typically takes about 40 hours to complete and can be completed online or through traditional classroom instruction. The cost of the instructor training program varies depending on the provider. The cost of the exam is $145. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your NCCT CCMAI certification card and be able to use the credential after your name.

10. National Healthcareer Association Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist Instructor (NHA CEHRSI)

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist Instructor (CEHRSI) is a certification that validates an individual’s knowledge and experience in teaching and training healthcare professionals on the use of electronic health records. The CEHRSI certification is designed to help healthcare organizations meet the requirements of Meaningful Use and other federal regulations.

In order to become certified, individuals must complete an NHA-approved CEHRSI program, which typically takes between 6 to 12 months to complete. As part of the program, students must successfully complete a series of courses covering topics such as medical terminology, data entry, coding, and privacy/security. Upon successful completion of the program, individuals must pass an exam administered by NHA in order to receive their certification.

The cost for the CEHRSI program varies depending on the institution offering it; however, most programs range from $2,000-$4,000.

11. American Academy of Professional Coders Certified Professional Coder-Instructor Program (AAPC CPC-I).

The American Academy of Professional Coders Certified Professional Coder-Instructor Program (AAPC CPC-I) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to teach medical coding. The program requires applicants to have at least two years of experience in medical coding, including one year of teaching experience.

To become certified as an AAPC CPC-I, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, reimbursement systems, coding guidelines, and more. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the AAPC CPC-I certification program, applicants must first become certified as an AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC). Applicants must also complete at least 20 hours of continuing education credits within the past two years prior to taking the exam.

The cost for the AAPC CPC-I certification program is $449 USD for members of the AAPC and $549 USD for nonmembers. This fee includes access to all study materials needed to prepare for the exam, as well as a one-year membership in the AAPC upon successful completion of the exam.

Once certified, individuals are required to maintain their credential by completing 40 continuing education credits every two years in order to remain active.

Do You Really Need a Medical Assistant Instructor Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual's goals and career aspirations. If a person is looking to work as an instructor in a medical assistant program, then yes, they would need a medical assistant instructor certificate in order to do so. However, if they are simply looking to gain knowledge and experience in the medical assistant field, then no, they do not necessarily need a certificate.

Having a medical assistant instructor certificate can be beneficial for those looking to teach or train others in the field of medical assisting. With this certification, individuals will be better equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to properly instruct and mentor future generations of medical assistants. Additionally, having a certificate could also open up opportunities for higher-level positions within the field.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not they need a medical assistant instructor certificate. While it may be beneficial in some cases, it may not be necessary for everyone depending on their career goals and objectives.

Related: Medical Assistant Instructor Resume Examples

FAQs About Medical Assistant Instructor Certifications

Q1. What qualifications do I need to become a medical assistant instructor?

A1. To teach medical assisting courses, you will need to hold a valid certification as a Medical Assistant (MA) from an accredited program, and have at least two years of professional experience in the field. In some cases, additional qualifications may be required such as a bachelor's degree in health science or education.

Q2. How long does it take to complete a medical assistant instructor certification?

A2. The length of time can vary depending on the institution offering the certification, but typically it takes anywhere from six months to two years to complete the program.

Q3. What topics are covered in a medical assistant instructor certification program?

A3. Topics covered in the program may include anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, clinical procedures, patient care techniques, medical law and ethics, teaching methods and strategies for adult learners, communication skills, healthcare information systems and more.

Q4. What is the cost of obtaining a medical assistant instructor certification?

A4. The cost of obtaining a medical assistant instructor certification can range from $500 - $5,000 depending on the institution offering the program and any additional materials that may be required for completion of the coursework.

Q5. Are there any online options available for completing a medical assistant instructor certification?

A5. Yes! Many institutions now offer online programs that allow students to complete their certifications from home at their own pace without having to attend classes or seminars in person.