Chapter 2:
If you are wondering whether you should become certified or formally credentialed, the answer is yes! By being formally certified, you will have an edge in the job market and greater options for both a higher salary and continued professional growth. It is in your best interest to be certified in your field.
Table 2.1 gives an overview of the organizations that currently credential medical assistants. These credentialing agencies are approved by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) and are known and recognized by health care employer groups.
| Organization Name | Credential Offered | Term of Credential | Exam Fees | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) | CMA | 5 years | $125 recent grads & members, $250 others | Not-for-profit membership & certification organization (annual dues $25–$40 student, $77–$107 regular; varies by state) |
| American Medical Technologists (AMT) | RMA | 3 years | $120 initial | Not-for-profit membership & certification organization (annual dues $50) |
| National Healthcareer Association (NHA) | CCMA | 2 years | $155 | For-profit certification agency |
| National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) | NCMA | 1 year | $90 student, $135 regular | For-profit certification agency |
| American Medical
Certification Association (AMCA) |
CMAC |
2 years |
$169 |
For-profit certification
agency |
The AAMA awards the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential. Applicants must graduate from an approved medical assistant program and complete a certification examination. CMAs are required to renew their credential every five years through continuing education or by retaking the exam.
The American Medical Technologists (AMT) is a nonprofit certification agency and membership organization representing a variety of allied health care professionals. The AMT awards the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential to candidates who pass a computerized test that can be taken at a variety of locations in the United States and Canada.
The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is a for-profit certification agency that offers the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential. To take the test, candidates must have completed either a medical assistant training program or at least 12 months of work as a medical assistant. CCMAs must renew their credential every two years through continuing education.
The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) is a for-profit agency that awards the National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) credential. To take the test, candidates must have completed either an approved medical assistant training program or at least two years of on-the-job training under the direction of a physician. NCMAs must renew their credential annually through continuing education.
Finally, the American
Medical Certification Association (AMCA) is a for-profit agency that awards
multiple credentials, including Clinical Medical Assistant Certification
(CMAC). To qualify for this
exam, students must graduate from an approved training program for medical
assistants or have two or more years of current experience in the field. Credential renewal can be accomplished
through completion of 10 continuing education units every two years or by retaking the exam.