Top 11 Medical Support Assistant Certifications

Certifications are important for medical support assistants in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise in the field. They show employers that the individual has a commitment to continuing education and staying up-to-date on industry standards. Additionally, certifications can provide an edge in a competitive job market, as they often carry more weight than resumes alone. Certifications also offer greater job security and increased earning potential.

The purpose of this article is to review the best certifications for Medical Support Assistants and discuss how they can improve job prospects and career advancement.

What are Medical Support Assistant Certifications?

Medical Support Assistant Certification is a professional certification program designed to provide medical support assistants with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully perform their job duties. The certification covers a broad range of topics, including medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical office procedures, medical insurance coding and billing, medical records management, patient scheduling and receptionist duties.

The certification can help medical support assistants demonstrate their commitment to the profession and make them more attractive to potential employers. It also helps them stay up-to-date on new technologies and industry trends. Having the certification can give an individual a competitive edge in the job market. In addition, it can increase their earning potential since employers are often willing to pay higher salaries for certified professionals. Furthermore, having the certification may make it easier for individuals to advance within their organization or switch jobs within the field.

Pro Tip: When pursuing a Medical Support Assistant Certification, make sure to research the different certifications that are available and what each one entails. This will help you to decide which certification is best for you and your career goals. Additionally, take advantage of any online resources or classes that may be offered to help you prepare for the exam.

Related: What does a Medical Support Assistant do?

Top 11 Medical Support Assistant Certifications

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

1. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills required to perform administrative duties in a medical office setting. The certification is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the requirements for this certification. To get certified, applicants must first meet the eligibility requirements, which include having a high school diploma or equivalent and at least one year of work experience in a medical office setting. Applicants must then pass an exam administered by the NHA.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on how you choose to prepare for the exam. The cost of taking the exam itself is $125, but additional fees may be charged if you opt to take an online course or purchase study materials.

2. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

A Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) is a professional medical assistant who has completed an accredited program and passed the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) certification exam. The CCMA is trained to perform both administrative and clinical duties in a healthcare setting, such as taking vital signs and assisting with patient exams.

The length of time it takes to become a CCMA depends on the individual. Generally, it takes between 6 months and 1 year to complete the necessary coursework and training requirements for certification. After completing the required courses, individuals must pass the NHA certification exam in order to become certified.

In order to get certified as a CCMA, individuals must complete an accredited medical assistant program at an approved institution or school. These programs typically include courses in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, clinical procedures, laboratory techniques, medical law and ethics, office procedures, and more.

The cost of becoming a CCMA varies depending on where you take your classes and which certification exam you choose to take. Generally speaking, the cost of tuition for an accredited program ranges from $2,000-$4,000. Additionally, there is an additional cost for taking the NHA certification exam which ranges from $125-$200 depending on which version of the test you choose to take.

3. Certified Medical Office Assistant (CMOA)

A Certified Medical Office Assistant (CMOA) is a professional who has completed specialized training and passed an exam to become certified in the medical office setting. This certification is designed to help medical office assistants demonstrate their knowledge and skills in areas such as medical coding, billing, patient scheduling, insurance processing, and other administrative duties.

To get the CMOA certification, applicants must first complete an accredited medical office assistant program. Depending on the program and type of degree earned, this can take anywhere from six months to two years. After completing a program, applicants must then pass the CMOA exam administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The NHA offers both online and in-person exams for those interested in obtaining their CMOA certification.

The cost of obtaining a CMOA certification varies depending on the type of program chosen and how long it takes to complete it. Generally speaking, tuition for a medical office assistant program ranges from $2,000-$10,000. Additionally, there is an exam fee of $115 that must be paid when registering for the CMOA exam.

4. Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS)

A Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) is a professional who has been certified by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) to demonstrate expertise in the use of electronic health records (EHRs). CEHRS certification provides recognition of an individual's knowledge and experience in the implementation, maintenance, and utilization of EHR systems.

To become a CEHRS, individuals must complete an NHA-approved training program and pass an exam. The length of time it takes to complete the program varies depending on the type of program chosen; however, most programs can be completed within one year.

To get certified as a CEHRS, individuals must first register with NHA and pay an application fee. After registering, they will need to choose a training program approved by NHA that meets their needs and complete it successfully. Once they have completed the training program, they can then take the certification exam.

The cost for becoming a CEHRS depends on the type of training program chosen and whether or not there are any additional fees associated with taking the exam. Generally speaking, most programs range from $500-$2,000 and include all materials necessary for successful completion of the coursework. Additionally, there is also an exam fee that ranges from $125-$200 depending on which package is purchased from NHA.

5. Certified Medical Coding Specialist (CMCS)

A Certified Medical Coding Specialist (CMCS) is a professional who specializes in medical coding and billing. Medical coding is the process of assigning codes to medical diagnoses and procedures for reimbursement, data collection, and research purposes. CMCSs are responsible for accurately translating medical information into standardized codes that can be used by insurance companies, government agencies, and other healthcare organizations.

In order to become a CMCS, an individual must complete a certification program. These programs typically take between six months and two years to complete depending on the type of program chosen. Most programs include coursework in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, ICD-10 coding systems, CPT coding systems, HCPCS coding systems, and reimbursement principles.

Individuals interested in becoming a CMCS can find certification programs through accredited institutions such as the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The cost of these programs vary depending on the type of program chosen but typically range from $1,000-$4,000 USD.

6. Certified Professional Coder (CPC)

Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is a certification offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in medical coding. The CPC credential is the most widely recognized and respected credential among medical coders and employers.

It typically takes between six months to one year to study for and pass the CPC exam, depending on an individual’s prior experience and knowledge in medical coding. To get certified as a CPC, you must first complete an accredited training program or have at least two years of professional coding experience. You will then need to pass the AAPC’s CPC Exam which consists of 150 multiple-choice questions about medical coding principles, guidelines, and regulations.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on whether you are a member of AAPC or not. For non-members, it costs $399 to take the exam while members pay only $299. Additionally, there may be additional fees for online practice exams or other resources used to prepare for the exam.

7. Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS)

A Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) is a professional who specializes in medical billing and coding. They are responsible for accurately coding medical procedures and services, submitting claims to insurance companies, and ensuring that the correct reimbursement is received from insurance companies.

The certification process for a CBCS typically takes about three months to complete. To become certified, individuals must pass an exam administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The NHA offers two levels of certification: Certified Professional Biller (CPB) and Certified Professional Coder (CPC).

To prepare for the exam, individuals can take classes or study on their own with practice exams and other resources available online. Additionally, some employers may offer training programs or courses to help their employees prepare for the exam.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the type of program chosen. For example, self-study courses may range from $100-$500 while classroom courses may range from $1,000-$2,000. The cost of taking the actual exam also varies depending on which certification level you are pursuing; CPB exams typically cost around $200 while CPC exams typically cost around $300.

8. Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)

A Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) is a professional who specializes in managing and maintaining the accuracy, security, and confidentiality of health information. RHITs are responsible for ensuring that medical records are complete and accurate, as well as compliant with all legal requirements. They also use their knowledge of medical terminology and coding systems to accurately code diagnoses and procedures for billing purposes.

To become an RHIT, you must first complete an accredited associate degree program in health information technology or a related field. These programs usually take two years to complete and include coursework in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, coding systems, healthcare reimbursement methods, database management, healthcare law and ethics, quality assurance procedures, computer applications in healthcare settings, and more.

After completing your associate degree program, you must then pass the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). This exam consists of 170 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as data analysis, data integrity/security/privacy regulations/standards/principles; health information management processes; healthcare delivery systems; coding principles; clinical classifications systems; reimbursement methodologies; legal concepts; informatics; analytics; research principles; statistics; etc. The cost of the exam is $225 USD.

Once you have successfully passed the RHIT exam, you will receive your certification from AHIMA. This certification is valid for three years after which time you must renew it by completing continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

9. Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)

A Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) is a professional credential that is awarded by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) to individuals who have met specific educational and experience requirements. The RHIA credential signifies that an individual is knowledgeable in health information management, including medical coding, health data analysis, quality improvement, and patient privacy laws.

It typically takes two to four years to complete the educational requirements for the RHIA credential. Most programs include courses in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, healthcare delivery systems, health information technology, coding systems, and legal aspects of health information management. Upon completion of the educational requirements, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam administered by AHIMA to earn their RHIA credential.

To be eligible for the RHIA exam, applicants must have completed an accredited baccalaureate degree program in health information management or a related field from an accredited college or university. Additionally, applicants must have at least one year of full-time work experience in a clinical setting or two years of part-time work experience in a clinical setting within the past five years.

The cost of taking the RHIA exam varies depending on whether you are an AHIMA member or not. For non-members, the fee is $395 while members pay $295. After passing the exam and meeting all other eligibility criteria, there is an additional fee of $200 to apply for certification as a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA).

10. National Healthcareer Association Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (NHA-CEHRS)

The National Healthcareer Association Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (NHA-CEHRS) credential is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of individuals who are proficient in the use and management of electronic health records. This certification demonstrates an individual's ability to understand the principles of electronic health record systems, as well as their proficiency in using them to support patient care.

It typically takes approximately 6 months to prepare for and complete the NHA-CEHRS exam. To get certified, you must meet eligibility requirements, which include having a high school diploma or equivalent, passing a criminal background check, and completing an approved training program. Once you have met these requirements, you can apply for the exam online.

The cost of the NHA-CEHRS certification varies depending on where you take the exam. The cost typically ranges from $150-$200 for the exam fee alone. Additional costs may include study materials or courses necessary to prepare for the exam.

11. American Academy of Professional Coders Certified Professional Coder – Payer (AAPC-CPC-P).

The American Academy of Professional Coders Certified Professional Coder – Payer (AAPC-CPC-P) is a professional certification for medical coders who specialize in coding for insurance companies. The CPC-P credential is designed to demonstrate proficiency in the areas of knowledge and skills related to medical coding for payer systems, such as Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial payers.

To qualify for the AAPC-CPC-P certification, applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in medical coding for payer systems. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as reimbursement methodologies, healthcare compliance regulations, and coding guidelines specific to payer systems.

The exam typically takes about four hours to complete and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. The cost of the exam varies depending on the applicant's membership status with the AAPC but typically ranges from $300-$400.

Once an applicant has passed the exam and met all other requirements, they will be awarded their CPC-P certification. This certification is valid for two years before it must be renewed by taking continuing education courses or retaking the exam.

Do You Really Need a Medical Support Assistant Certificate?

The short answer is yes. A Medical Support Assistant Certificate is an important credential to have if you are planning on working in the medical field. This certificate demonstrates that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide medical support services such as patient registration, scheduling appointments, filing medical records, and more. It also shows employers that you have a commitment to your profession and are dedicated to providing quality care for patients.

Having a Medical Support Assistant Certificate can open up many doors for those looking for employment in the medical field. It can also be beneficial when applying for higher-level positions or promotions within the same organization. Most employers prefer candidates who have taken the time to complete this certification program, as it demonstrates their dedication and commitment to their profession.

In addition, having a Medical Support Assistant Certificate can give you an edge over other applicants who may not possess the same qualifications or experience. This credential will set you apart from others and show potential employers that you are knowledgeable about the duties associated with this position and understand how to perform them effectively. It will also demonstrate your ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with other healthcare professionals.

Overall, obtaining a Medical Support Assistant Certificate is highly recommended if you are seeking employment within the medical field. Having this certification will give you an advantage over other applicants by showing your commitment to your profession and dedication to providing quality care for patients.

Related: Medical Support Assistant Resume Examples

FAQs About Medical Support Assistant Certifications

1. What is a Medical Support Assistant Certification?

Answer: A Medical Support Assistant Certification is a certification that demonstrates an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to work as a medical support assistant in a medical office. It covers topics such as medical terminology, patient confidentiality, healthcare processes, and administrative procedures.

2. How do I obtain a Medical Support Assistant Certification?

Answer: To obtain a Medical Support Assistant Certification, you must complete an accredited program and pass an exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). The program typically takes between 6-12 months to complete and includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience.

3. What are the benefits of obtaining a Medical Support Assistant Certification?

Answer: Benefits of obtaining a Medical Support Assistant Certification include increased job opportunities in the medical field, higher wages due to increased expertise, recognition among peers and employers, and greater confidence in your abilities as a medical support assistant.

4. Is there an exam required to receive my certification?

Answer: Yes, you must pass an exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) in order to receive your certification. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as medical terminology, patient confidentiality, healthcare processes, and administrative procedures.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my Medical Support Assistant Certification?

Answer: Yes, you must complete at least 10 hours of continuing education every two years in order to maintain your certification. These courses should be related to medical assisting topics such as anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, laboratory procedures, coding systems or other relevant topics approved by the AAMA