Medical Assistant Certification

Starting a career as a medical assistant in the booming health care industry isn’t difficult, but it’s become harder than ever to stand out among the many applicants who are seeking employment in hospitals, private clinics, and other health care institutions. There are many ways to boost your competitiveness in the medical assisting job market, the most basic being education. Earning a certificate or associates degree in medical assisting demonstrates solid training and commitment to the field that employers look for in prospective hires. However, to ensure the highest earning potential and career mobility, consider pursuing national certification as a medical assistant.

The benefits to becoming certified are numerous. Besides setting you apart from other candidates, certification has become the preferred credential for most large-scale employers all over the country. Currently over 90% of medical assistants choose to become certified by the American Association of Medical Assisting (AAMA) in order to more readily rise to the top of their industry. Achieving certification is very easy and if you’ve completed a certificate or associates degree program, you’ve already done half the work! You can choose to pursue different types of certification, based on what your field of interest is. Currently, you can choose to become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), or a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA).

Why Become Certified?

Certification is the gold standard of medical assisting. Certification assures future employers that the candidate meets the guidelines set by the AAMA, which oversees the quality of education, training, and extent of work experience for medical assistants. Although certification is not currently required by law in order to be hired as a medical assistant, most employers prefer to work with individuals who have demonstrated mastery of their field on a national level. It is generally accepted that the highest compensation, benefits, and positions are given to medical assistants who are certified.

To work as a clinical medical assistant, certification is almost always compulsory. In order to assist the physician with such tasks as drawing blood, suturing wounds, and administering medicine, certification is advisable, if not mandated by State law.

How To Become Certified

Certification to medical assistants is granted by a few different associations. The most recognizable is the American Association of Medical Assisting (AAMA), although there are also other organizations such as the American Medical Technologists (AMT) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) among others. Each association has different requirements for certification, so be sure to investigate the guidelines before applying for certification. You should also be aware of what type of certification you wish to earn. If you want to earn certification as a clinical medical assistant, the pre-requisites will be different than if you simply want the basic CMA credential.

Generally, all medical assistants who wish to become certified must first complete some form of education at an institution accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). The AAMA requires that all candidates for certification complete courses in the following subjects: anatomy, physiology, pathology, medical terminology, keyboarding, accounting, laboratory techniques, first aid, pharmacology, diagnostic procedures, medical ethics, law, office management and patient relations, among others. Accredited degree and certificate programs will meet the requirements of the AAMA, making it easy for students to pursue certification immediately after graduation.

After completing their education, medical assistants must pay an enrollment fee and sit for an exam. This exam is usually computer based and includes multiple choice questions. The certification exam is offered year-round by the AAMA. Passing the exam results in national certification as a medical assistant (CMA). To remain certified, medical assistants must re-take the exam every 5 years in order to prove mastery of new medical knowledge. Other associations offer different credentials and may require passage of one or more exams. The best way to learn about certification is to check out the websites of the different associations and speak with representatives to determine which credential will serve you best in your career as a medical assistant.

Top Medical Assistant Schools

  • Penn Foster Career School

    Having the right skills is vitally important in today’s super-competitive job market. With online training from Penn Foster Career School, students are assured of learning up-to-date career skills that will prepare them for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Students at Penn Foster Career School can get the training they need quickly, conveniently, and affordably.

    Penn Foster is one of the world’s largest and most respected online education providers. Their programs are job focused, and they offer training for employment in the fastest-growing fields in business, technology, health care, and the trades.

  • Everest College

    Everest Colleges, Institutes and Universities provides postsecondary education programs that prepare students for careers in some of America’s fastest growing industries, including health care, business and technology. Everest takes a very personal approach to career education, offering small classes, intimate work groups and support systems designed to help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Even after students graduate, Everest’s Career Services department is there to provide ongoing career coaching and help locating local employment opportunities. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

  • Everest Institute

    Everest Colleges, Institutes and Universities provides postsecondary education programs that prepare students for careers in some of America’s fastest growing industries, including health care, business and technology. Everest takes a very personal approach to career education, offering small classes, intimate work groups and support systems designed to help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Even after students graduate, Everest’s Career Services department is there to provide ongoing career coaching and help locating local employment opportunities. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

  • Concorde Career College

    With over 15 years of experience in preparing adults for rewarding careers, Concorde is a recognized leader in training Healthcare Professionals. We offer short, manageable programs with day and evening classes to fit your busy schedule.

  • American Career College

    American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC“s programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree. All ACC programs include access to trained faculty, a full student services department committed to helping students succeed, and career guidance and services after graduation. ACC is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools; some programs also hold programmatic accreditation or approvals.

    Programs vary by campus. Program lengths vary by session and schedule. Financial aid available to those who qualify. ACC cannot guarantee employment. American Career College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.

  • Carrington College

    Carrington College®, a recognized leader in private education, opened in 1976 and currently provides practical, real-world education to more than 4,000 students annually. Carrington College® offers small classes with hands-on learning taught by experienced faculty.

  • Kaplan College

    A college education is important in today’s workforce. Kaplan College gives you the right mix of professional experience and classroom instruction in our accelerated programs to help you succeed in your new career!

    Kaplan College can help you train for a new career with diploma programs ranging in just a few months.. Take advantage of all the benefits Kaplan College offers today!

    Kaplan College is pleased to offer discounts on tuition for qualifying active military personnel, veterans and military spouses. Please ask for more information on these discount opportunities.

    Kaplan Higher Education or its authorized agents and representatives may contact me via email or telephone to discuss these and other educational opportunities in the future.

  • Carrington College California

    Now you can earn your associate degree and can get started in the career field you’ve always dreamed of more conveniently than ever by attending the online Campus of Carrington College California. Considered a leader in education, Carrington College California has a long history of helping students succeed in real world careers.

  • Heald College

    Heald College provides hands-on educational programs that can help students prepare for careers in healthcare, business, legal and technology. Heald takes a very personal approach to career education, offering small classes, intimate work groups and support systems designed to help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Even after students graduate, Heald provides career services assistance for life. We help locate employment opportunities anytime throughout our graduates’ careers. Financial aid is available for those who qualify. High school diploma or GED required.

  • Porter and Chester Institute

    Get the Career Training you need in as little as 9 Months! Looking for a new career but traditional college isn’t your thing? We understand. That’s why Porter and Chester Institute provides you with the hands-on training to prepare you for the career you deserve.