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

    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.

  • Vista College El Paso

    Vista College offers numerous programs in Business, Healthcare and Technology that will give you a much needed edge when looking for a new career or seeking to move up in your existing career. The focused instruction and hands-on training offered at Vista College prepares you for the day-to-day challenges you’ll face in an exciting career.

  • Vista College Longview

    Vista College offers numerous programs in Business, Healthcare and Technology that will give you a much needed edge when looking for a new career or seeking to move up in your existing career. The focused instruction and hands-on training offered at Vista College prepares you for the day-to-day challenges you’ll face in an exciting career.

  • Blue Cliff College

    Blue Cliff College is committed to using its human and physical resources to provide services facilitating personal growth, professional development and a sense of responsibility to our students.

    The primary purpose of Blue Cliff College is to help students develop a high level of competency, which is accomplished through the pursuit, assimilation, and dissemination of knowledge in academic programs.

  • Anthem College

    Anthem College delivers accredited, career-focused diplomas and degrees in a wide variety of fields to help you meet the challenges of these fast growing and ever changing industries.

    At Anthem College, you will find professionals ready to support your quest for a successful career. Anthem College offers programs to students who are entering the workforce for the first time as well as those who are looking to expand their existing career skills.

  • Heritage College

    Every Heritage school (Heritage Institute & Heritage College) helps real people build real careers. Our schools offer programs and degrees for a career as an X-Ray Medical Technician®, Medical Assistant, Massage Therapist, Esthetician, Surgical Technologist, Personal Trainer, Pharmacy Technician, or Cosmetologist. Please note that all programs may not be offered at all schools.

  • Akron Institute of Herzing University

    With a wide variety of career programs including Technology, Business, Healthcare, Design, and Public Safety, Herzing University has helped students pursue rewarding careers for more than 40 years. Akron Institute students benefit from hands-on preparation that helps them stand out to potential employers. Akron Institute is conveniently located at 1600 South Arlington in the heart of Akron.

  • ATA College

    We make sure nothing stands in your way. Our day and evening classes are designed for the working adult. We offer the flexibility of continuing with your work schedule while allowing the necessary time for school. And, our programs are less than 2 years. It’s time to create your own success. Get started today!

  • Kaplan Career Institute

    At Kaplan Career Institute, we provide affordable, career-focused programs that not only meet the demands of the market, but also the demands of your busy life. We offer day and evening classes to accommodate your busy schedule. Our accelerated curricula give you the opportunity to earn a diploma in as little as 9 to 15 months or an associate’s degree in less than 2 years. Our instructors have professional experience and provide an inside look into some of today’s hottest careers.

    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.

  • Ultimate Medical Academy

    Train for your new career today! Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) provides you the hands-on education and credentials you need to start a career in the fast-growing health care industry. We have two convenient campuses in Clearwater and Tampa, Florida and our sole focus is helping you succeed as an Allied Health Care professional.