How to Become a Certified Medical Assistant
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Becoming a medical assistant is a great entry-level role and one of the fastest ways to enter the medical field. These essential team members work with physicians, nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, and nurses to care for patients.
The job market for medical assistants is promising — the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 15% increase in medical assistant openings in the next decade, which is much higher than average. Getting certified isn’t always a requirement, but it can advance your resume and open the door for new opportunities. Here’s how to become a certified medical assistant.
What Is a Certified Medical Assistant?
A certified medical assistant (CMA) has training to assist with basic medical and administrative skills, as well as additional certification that verifies their skills. Though the CMA scope of practice is limited, they help the clinical team by performing essential tasks while helping patients feel at ease during their care.
Medical assistants can work in a variety of care settings, such as:
- Clinic
- Post-acute care facility
- Clinical trials and research
- Surgical center
- Doctor’s office
- Hospital
Full-time and part-time jobs for this role are common, though you may choose to work per diem CMA shifts if you need a more flexible schedule.
What Is a Medical Assistant?
A medical assistant (MA) is also someone who may perform basic medical and admin tasks under the supervision of a doctor or nurse, but they have not passed a certification exam. These individuals receive on-the-job training provided by their employer.
There are numerous reasons why an MA may want to become certified, such as:
- The additional training advances your skill set.
- Certification verifies that you are qualified to do this job.
- Employers tend to prefer hiring CMAs over MAs.
- A CMA may earn more money than an MA.
What Does a Certified Medical Assistant Do?
Medical assistants are valuable across a range of settings because they’re trained to do both clinical and administrative skills, such as:
- Gathering patients’ vital signs.
- Answering phone calls in an office or unit setting.
- Serving as unit secretary.
- Administering electrocardiogram tests.
- Updating patient status in the electronic health record (EHR).
- Insurance coding.
- Wound care and dressing changes.
- Scheduling patient appointments.
To get a deeper look at the requirements of this role, check out our sample certified medical assistant job description.
CMA vs. CNA
You might be wondering how a medical assistant’s duties compare to those of a certified nursing assistant (CNA). While there is some overlap in the tasks these professionals might do in a day, their overall job goals are slightly different. CNAs tend to assist in direct nursing care in acute care hospital units and skilled nursing facilities. Medical assistants work more closely with medical teams in a broader range of care settings.
Medical Assistant vs. Medication Aide
Another title that might be confused with medical assistants is certified medication aides, also known as certified medication technicians. These professionals are typically CNAs with additional training to give scheduled medications to patients. Again, they have some similar job duties, but medical assistants don’t always give medications, and they work in different job environments.
Is a Medical Assistant Degree Required?
Medical assisting is one of the few medical professions that doesn’t require a college degree, and there are no formal requirements to become one in most states, so it’s a great way to get experience without a lengthy educational commitment. Still, getting a degree or training could help launch your career.
If you don’t live close to a technical college, you’re probably wondering if you can become a certified medical assistant online. Many programs are fully remote, and certification exams typically have a remote option as well, so it’s completely possible to find an online medical assistant course and get started in this role without commuting to school.
Here are the main education tracks for medical assistants:
- Associate degree in medical assisting (2 years)
- Associate degree in health sciences (2 years)
- Medical assistant with a certificate of achievement (9 months)
- Medical assistant training program (5–6 months)
How to Become a Certified Medical Assistant
Step 1: Complete the Requirements for Certification
Every medical assistant certification has basic requirements you’ll need to meet before taking the exam. For example, the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification requires either one year of experience or completion of a training program within the past five years.
Completing a certified medical assistant program will help you gain a baseline understanding of the medical system and how to work within it. Do some research — especially if it’s an online program — to ensure it’s accredited by one or more of these organizations:
- United States Department of Education (USDE)
- Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
Step 2: Apply for a Medical Assistant Certification
When it’s time to seek certification, you’ll have a few options to choose from. Here are some of the leading certifications for medical assistants:
- National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) certification is offered by the National Center for Competency Testing.
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) is offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants.
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) is offered through National Performance Specialists.
- Registered Medical Assistant Certification (RMA) through American Medical Technologists.
Before scheduling your certification exam, you’ll need to submit documentation to show you meet the certification requirements. Not sure which certification to pursue? Try calling a hospital or clinic in your area, and ask if they have a preferred certification for medical assistants.
Step 3: Take a Certified Medical Assistant Exam
Here’s your final step — pass an exam. You’ll need to complete this step before you can list your certification on your resume. Here are the fees for the leading medical assistant exams:
- NCMA: $119
- CMA: $125 for qualifying students, $250 for non-students
- CCMA: $160
- RMA: $150
Once you’re enrolled, do some research on the length and content covered by the certification test you’re planning to take. For example, the medical assistant certification from AAMA contains 200 multiple-choice questions on topics like infection control, healthcare delivery, patient safety, and health information management.
How Long Does It Take to Become a CMA?
If you have a high school diploma, going through training and becoming certified could take less than a year. You can go through the training to become a medical assistant in just a few months and pursue certification directly after.
How Much Does a Certified Medical Assistant Make?
The average certified medical assistant salary is $44,720 per year. Wondering how to make more? Additional education, years of experience, and location have the biggest impact on what you make in this role. According to BLS, here are the highest-paying areas for medical assistants:
To learn more about what you could make, look at the latest CMA jobs in your area.
FAQ: How to Become a Certified Medical Assistant
How fast can you get MA certification?
Depending on your level of education and work experience, you can complete certification in a few months. If you pursue an associate degree, it could take around two years.
Who gets paid more: CNA or CMA?
CMAs earn more, on average. The average annual CNA salary is $41,270 ($19.84 per hour). A CMA earns an average of $44,720 per year ($21.50 per hour).
Can I take the CMA exam without going to school?
No. In order to be eligible to sit for a certification exam, you must complete an accredited medical assistant certification program.
Do medical assistants draw blood?
It depends on the healthcare setting and the state in which you work. Generally, medical assistants are trained in phlebotomy and are able to draw blood under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider.
Curious About Jobs for Certified Medical Assistants?
Now that you know how to become a certified medical assistant, you’re probably curious about the roles for CMAs in your area. Need help finding the latest opportunities? IntelyCare can send you job openings that match your skills and interests. Learn more today!