How to Become a National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)

If you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant you may be wondering how to become a National Certified medical assistant (NCMA). The NCMA credential is a national credential offered by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical assistants (AAMA). To earn the NCMA credential, candidates must pass a computer-based exam.

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Introduction

The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) provides a certification program for Medical Assistants who want to demonstrate their skills and knowledge. The National Certified medical assistant (NCMA) credential is recognized nationwide and is a valuable asset for those seeking employment or career advancement.

To qualify for the NCMA exam, candidates must have completed an accredited medical assisting program and have at least five years of work experience. Candidates must also submit an application to the NCCT and pay a fee.

The NCMA exam consists of two parts: a written examination and a skills demonstration. The written examination covers topics such as Medical Terminology anatomy and physiology, and medical office procedures. The skills demonstration requires candidates to perform various medical assisting tasks, such as taking patient vital signs and performing phlebotomy.

Candidates who pass the NCMA exam will be awarded the credential “National Certified Medical Assistant” and will be listed in the NCCT’s national registry. The NCMA credential is valid for five years, after which time candidates must retake the exam to maintain their certification.

What is a National Certified medical assistant (NCMA)?

National Certified Medical Assistants (NCMAs) have completed a medical assisting program and passed a national exam administered by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To become credentialed, candidates must graduate from a medical assisting program that has been accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

The requirements to become an NCMA

There are a few requirements to become an NCMA.

The benefits of becoming an NCMA

The National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) credential is a voluntary certification awarded by the National Healthcare Association (NHA) to medical assistants who have successfully completed a written exam. The NCMA credential is one way for medical assistants to demonstrate their commitment to the profession and their commitment to providing quality patient care.

There are many benefits to becoming an NCMA, including:
-Proof of your commitment to the profession: Holding the NCMA credential demonstrates to employers, patients and colleagues that you are committed to providing quality patient care and to the medical assisting profession.
-Increased opportunities for career advancement: The NCMA credential can give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs or promotion and may lead to increased responsibility and higher wages.
-Greater job satisfaction: Medical assistants with the NCMA credential often report greater job satisfaction, as they feel a sense of accomplishment and professionalism in their role.
-Personal satisfaction: The sense of pride and accomplishment that comes with passing the NCMA exam can be very rewarding.

The process of becoming an NCMA

The National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) credential is a voluntary, national certification for medical assistants. The NCMA is administered by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

To become an NCMA, candidates must:
-Be a current medical assistant or have graduated from a medical assisting program within the past five years
-Pass the NCMA exam
-Submit a completed application and fee

The NCMA credential is valid for five years and can be renewed through continuing education or recertification exams.

The exams you will need to take to become an NCMA

There are three different types of exams that you will need to take in order to become an NCMA.
The first type of exam is the National Certified Medical Assistant Exam, or the NCMA exam. This is a multiple-choice exam that tests your knowledge of medical assisting.

The second type of exam is the Clinical Skills Assessment, or the CSA. This is a hands-on exam that tests your ability to perform clinical tasks.

The third and final type of exam is the National Clinical Medical Assistant Exam, or the NCMAs. This is a multiple-choice exam that tests your knowledge of medical assisting in a clinical setting.

The cost of becoming an NCMA

The cost of becoming an NCMA can range from $120 to over $1,000, depending on the training program you choose and the materials you need to purchase. Some training programs may offer discounts if you pay for your tuition in full upfront, so be sure to ask about payment options when you’re looking into schools.

In addition to the cost of tuition, you will also need to factor in the cost of books and other course materials, as well as any fees associated with taking the NCMA certification exam. Most schools will require you to purchase a student membership with the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), which costs around $50 per year.

Once you have completed your training and taken the NCMA exam, you will need to renew your certification every five years. The process for renewing your certification is generally much less expensive than the initial certification process, and typically only requires that you submit proof of continuing education credits and pay a small renewal fee.

The time it takes to become an NCMA

The time it takes to become an NCMA can vary depending on your educational background and past medical experience. Medical assistants with a degree or certificate from an accredited medical assistant program can earn their credential in as little as 6 to 8 weeks. However, if you have no prior medical experience, you can expect to complete a training program that lasts about 12 weeks.

The job outlook for NMCAs

The National Certification Board for Medical Assistants (NCMA) is a non-profit organization that provides certification to medical assistants who have completed an accredited medical assisting program and pass the NCMA certification exam.

The NCMA credential is recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA) as demonstrating that an individual has the knowledge and skills to perform the duties of a medical assistant. In order to be eligible for certification, candidates must graduate from a medical assisting program accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

Individuals who already hold a CMA credential from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) are also eligible to take the NCMA exam. The NCMA credential is valid for five years, after which point recertification will be required.

Those interested in becoming a certified medical assistant can find programs at many community colleges and technical schools across the country. The job outlook for NMCAs is expected to be positive in the coming years, with an estimated growth rate of 31% between 2010 and 2020.* This demand will likely be driven by advances in technology and an aging baby boomer population, both of which will require increased assistance in healthcare settings.

Conclusion

There are many ways to become a national certified medical assistant (NCMA). You can attend a certified training program, complete an accredited certification exam, or earn a two-year degree in medical assisting.

Additionally, you must have completed a minimum of five years of work experience as a medical assistant and have passing scores on both the written and practical portions of the NCMA exam.