Medical Assistant Certification
What you need to know about medical assistant certification and licensing.
Why Pursue Medical Assistant Certification?
There is no law requiring medical assistants to be licensed or certified, but 90 percent of medical assistants still choose to become certified. In large part, this may be due to the fact that most employers require their medical assistants to hold certification, and some states require certification to perform specific job duties, such as performing x-rays or drawing blood.
First, Graduate from a Medical Assistant Training Program
In order to be eligible for medical assistant certification, you must first graduate from a medical assistant training program that is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP).
Pick the Type of Medical Assistant Certification You Want
There are several different organizations offering medical assistant certification. Some of the most recognized medical assistant certifications are offered by the following agencies:
- American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
- American Medical Technologists (AMT)
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
The AAMA awards the Certified Medical Assistant credential. You must renew the CMA credential every 5 years. The AAMA Certification/Recertification Examination is offered year-round. However you must set up an appointment to take the test and pay an enrollment fee.
Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
AMT is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) to award the RMA credential as well as certifications for several other health care careers. In order to maintain your registered medical assistant credential, you will need to pay a nominal annual fee. You'll also need to complete a specific number of continuing education hours every 3 years.
Education Guide
Medical Assistant Training
Time to completion, classes and more...
Accreditation
Learn about the importance of accreditation.
Choosing a Degree
Diploma or associate's? What's best for you?
Student Interview
What it's like in medical assistant school.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Got questions? We've got answers.
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Career Guide
Career Intro
Find out what a medical assistant career is like.
Top 5 Medical Assistant Duties
Learn about typical medical assistant duties.
Salary Information
What to expect in a medical assistant salary.
Top 5 Reasons to Become a Medical Assistant
Learn why a medical assistant career may be for you.
Certification
90% of medical assistants are certified. Find out what's required.
Professional Interview
Read a first-hand account about a medical assistant career.
Professional Terms Glossary
The guide to sorting it all out.