Becoming a medical assistant is 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. 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.
Medical assisting is one of the few medical professions that doesn’t require a college degree, so it’s a great way to get experience without a lengthy educational commitment. And the job market for medical assistants is promising — the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 14% increase in medical assistant openings in the next decade, which is much higher than average.
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. 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:
- Clinics and doctors’ offices
- Post-acute care facilities
- Hospitals
- Clinical trials and research
- Surgical centers
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?
You don’t need a degree to be a medical assistant, and there are no formal requirements to become one in most states. Still, getting a degree or training could help launch your career. 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 Much Does a Certified Medical Assistant Make?
The average certified medical assistant salary is $43,350 per year. Wondering how to become a certified medical assistant that makes more income? 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 states for medical assistants:
- Washington
- Alaska
- District of Columbia
- California
- Minnesota
To learn more about what you could make, look at the latest CMA jobs in your area.
How to Become a Certified Medical Assistant
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.
If you don’t live close to a technical college, you’re probably wondering how to 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 get started in this role without commuting to school.
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 5 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 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 in how to become a certified medical assistant — 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.
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. Sign up for job notifications to start getting alerts for roles that need your skills and background.
