How to Become a Certified Medical Assistant
A certified medical assistant (CMA) works under registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and physicians, typically in an outpatient environment. They can draw blood, give injections, take vital signs, and often help with clerical tasks in their workplace.
Certified through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), CMAs must complete an accredited educational program. Aspiring certified medical assistants can follow this guide to discover how to earn certified medical assistant credentials and get a job in this field.
Become a Certified Medical Assistant in 4 Steps
To become a certified medical assistant, candidates must first earn a high school diploma or equivalent, complete an accredited CMA educational program, and take the CMA certification exam.
1
Earn the Equivalent of a High School Diploma
Before a candidate can apply for a CMA program, they must have a high school diploma or equivalent, like a GED, or completed the TABE test.
2
Complete an Accredited CMA Educational Program
CMA education can follow two main routes: an Associate in Medical Assisting or a CMA certificate. The certificate path takes 9 to 12 months, while an associate’s degree takes two years.
3
3. Take the CMA Certification Exam
After completing their education, aspiring CMAs must pass an exam offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Made up of 200 multiple-choice questions, the CMA exam is given over four 40-minute periods.
4
Find a CMA Position
Once a CMA passes their exam, they have earned their title and may apply for work. CMAs typically work in doctor’s offices but can also find some jobs in hospitals and other health facilities.
Schooling Requirements for Certified Medical Assistants
While a degree is not required for certified medical assistants, it is an option. First, they must earn their high school diploma or equivalent. Then, CMA candidates can choose between one of two ways to obtain their education: an Associate in Medical Assisting or a CMA certificate program.
The two options differ in time scale, cost, and curriculum. An associate’s degree will include some non-medical courses like English and math, while a certificate program focuses solely on medical assisting. Both programs include these curricula:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Medical terminology
- Computer applications and typing
- Basic accounting
- Insurance claims and coding
- Phlebotomy and first aid
- Healthcare ethics
All certified medical assistant programs are accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
Medical Assistant Certificate Program
Medical assistant certificate programs take up to a year and focus on skills needed on the job. Candidates can find CMA programs at local colleges, technical schools, or vocational schools.
Time to Complete
9 to 12 months
Pros
- Faster to complete than an associate’s degree
- Costs less than an associate’s degree
Cons
- May need more education to further career
- Can earn a lower salary than a CMA with an associate’s degree
*Varies depending on the institution
Sources: Illinois Valley Community College, Triton College
Associate in Medical Assisting
An Associate in Medical Assisting takes two years to complete but may offer a more beneficial path for CMAs who want to progress to another medical profession.
Pros
- May pursue a more advanced degree
- Can earn a higher salary than a CMA from a certificate program
Cons
- More expensive than a certificate program
- Takes more time to complete
*Varies depending on the institution
Sources: South Texas College, Fresno City College
Certified Medical Assistant Credentials
Once a certified medical assistant completes their certificate program or graduates with an associate’s degree, they must pass the CMA exam offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). This examination covers three main themes:
- Clinical Competency
- General (i.e., legal and ethical issues)
- Administrative (i.e., billing, coding, and insurance)
Certified medical assistants do not hold professional licenses but must get recertified every five years. CMAs may also be required to obtain a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification before they can begin working.
Where Do Certified Medical Assistants Work?
The majority of CMAs work in physician offices, where they guide patients to exam rooms, measure weight and vital signs, record a recent health history, and update current medications. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports these CMA workplace statistics:
Certified medical assistants can work in these facilities full or part-time. When their employer offers patient care on nights and weekends, CMAs may need to take some of these shifts.
Certified Medical Assistant Job Outlook
Certified medical assistants have a positive job outlook. The BLS predicts a 14% growth in the field through 2032, which is much higher than average. The current average salary for CMAs is $43,350, which equals about $20.84 an hour. This rate can be augmented by working extra shifts or taking on work during evening, weekend, or holiday hours.
FAQs: How to Become a Certified Medical Assistant
1. What does a CMA do?
Certified medical assistants work alongside nurses, nurse practitioners, and physicians and assist with assessments, medical procedures, and clerical work.
2. What is the difference between a certified medical assistant and a physician assistant?
Although their titles sound similar, CMAs earn a lower level of education than physician assistants. Physician assistants focus on patient care and can prescribe medications, assess patients, and perform minor medical procedures, while CMAs assist medical staff and patients.
3. What do most CMAs make an hour?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports CMAs make an average of $20.84 an hour, which is $43,350 per year.
4. What’s the fastest you can become a CMA?
The fastest way to become a CMA is through a medical assistant certification program, which can take as little as nine months.
