Professional certifications play a critical role in boosting a medical assistant’s credibility, expertise, and overall employment opportunities. By obtaining recognized certifications, medical assistants demonstrate their commitment to maintaining high professional standards, thereby enhancing their career prospects. Several organizations provide reputable certifications, each with unique eligibility criteria, exam structures, and renewal requirements. This article explores these certifications, their benefits, and requirements to help medical assistants choose the best credential for their career advancement.
Common Certification Options
CMA (AAMA) and RMA (AMT)
The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential is issued by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To be eligible, candidates must complete a medical assisting program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). The CMA exam uses a scoring scale of 200 to 800, with a minimum passing score of 405. Recent exam pass rates stand at approximately 62%, indicating rigorous standards upheld by the AAMA. Certification must be renewed every 60 months through either continuing education or re-examination.
The Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential, administered by American Medical Technologists (AMT), offers several eligibility routes, including graduation from an accredited program, military medical training, or at least five years of relevant work experience. The RMA exam consists of 210 to 230 questions, with a passing score set at 70%. Recertification occurs every three years, requiring the completion of 30 continuing education points.
NCMA (NCCT) and CCMA (NHA)
The National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) certification, provided by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), has eligibility requirements including successful completion of an NCCT-authorized medical assistant program or at least two years of supervised medical assisting experience. Military training or apprenticeships may also suffice. Candidates pay an exam fee of approximately $119. Certification renewal is required annually, and medical assistants must complete 12 continuing education hours each year to maintain their credential.
The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) designation, offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), requires candidates to graduate from an approved training program or possess at least one year of supervised clinical experience. The CCMA examination includes 150 scored questions, and candidates must achieve a passing score of at least 390 out of 500 (approximately 78%). In 2023, the CCMA exam pass rate was around 77%, reflecting the exam’s challenging nature. CCMA holders must renew their certification biennially by completing 10 continuing education units.
Benefits of Certification
Demonstrated Competency
Holding a nationally recognized certification signifies to employers that the medical assistant possesses the necessary skills and knowledge required for effective practice. Certified medical assistants have validated their competencies through extensive examinations, which cover both clinical and administrative responsibilities, thereby increasing their credibility and reliability in professional healthcare environments.
Higher Earning Potential and Career Mobility
Certification substantially impacts a medical assistant’s earning potential. On average, certified medical assistants earn approximately 15% to 20% higher salaries compared to their uncertified counterparts. Furthermore, certified individuals have greater opportunities for career advancement, including supervisory roles, specialized medical assistant positions, and transitions into other healthcare careers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for medical assistants are projected to grow by 16% from 2021 to 2031, driven by rising demand in outpatient care settings.
Exam and Renewal Requirements
Preparation and Continuing Education
Exam preparation for medical assistant certifications typically involves structured training programs and focused study resources. Educational institutions like Goodwin University offer CMA-aligned programs, while ICEV Online provides comprehensive NCMA and CCMA exam preparation guides. Such resources help candidates familiarize themselves with exam content, question formats, and time management strategies.
Continuing education (CE) is integral to maintaining certification. The AAMA requires CMA holders to accrue CE credits or retake the examination every five years. AMT demands 30 CE points every three years for RMA renewal. NHA stipulates that CCMAs complete 10 CE units every two years, while NCCT mandates 12 annual CE hours for NCMAs.
Maintaining Active Status
Keeping certification active ensures sustained recognition of professional competence. Medical assistants must diligently track their CE credits and adhere strictly to renewal schedules set by their certifying organizations. Failure to renew certifications promptly can result in credential expiration, negatively impacting employment prospects and professional standing.
Certification Issuing Bodies and Contacts
Medical assistants seeking certification should contact the following organizations directly for detailed information:
- American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA): Located at 20 N. Wacker Dr., Suite 3720, Chicago, IL 60606. Contact via phone at 800-228-2262 or email [email protected]. Visit their official website at www.aama-ntl.org.
American Medical Technologists (AMT): Headquartered at 10700 W. Higgins Rd., Suite 150, Rosemont, IL 60018. Reach them via phone at 847-823-5169 or email [email protected]. Further details are available on their website at www.americanmedtech.org.
National Healthcareer Association (NHA): Contact by phone at 913-661-5562 or email [email protected]. Their website www.nhanow.com provides additional resources and certification information.
National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT): Located at 7007 College Blvd., Suite 385, Overland Park, KS 66211. Contact via phone at 800-875-4404. Additional certification details can be found at www.ncctinc.com.
Medical assistants can also explore scholarships like the AAMA’s Maxine Williams Scholarship, which supports students enrolled in accredited medical assistant programs, further emphasizing the value placed on professional education and certification.
Acquiring recognized certifications significantly enhances a medical assistant’s professional profile, validating their expertise and dedication to high standards of care. As demand for qualified medical assistants continues to rise, certified individuals gain a competitive edge, unlocking opportunities for career growth, increased remuneration, and enhanced professional recognition in the healthcare industry.