How to Verify Your Medical Assistant Certification

Get tips on how to verify your medical assistant certification so that you can be sure you’re properly credentialed and can begin your career.

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Introduction

Medical assistants are integral members of the healthcare team. They perform administrative and clinical tasks to keep medical offices and clinics running smoothly. While certification is not always required, many employers prefer to hire certified Medical Assistants

There are several certification organizations that offer certification exams for medical assistants, such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), the National Healthcare Association (NHA), and the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). Certification from one of these organizations verifies that a medical assistant has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their job duties.

Once you have passed your certification exam, you will receive a certificate or diploma, which you can then use to apply for jobs. You will need to renew your certification every few years, and you may need to complete continuing education credits to stay up-to-date on new developments in healthcare.

What is medical assistant certification?

medical assistant certification is not required in all states, but many employers prefer to hire candidates who are certified. Becoming certified demonstrates that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the job.

There are multiple certification options available, but the two most popular are the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credentials. The CMA is offered by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants, and the RMA is offered by the American Medical Technologists.

Both credentialing organizations require candidates to pass a written exam. The CMA exam has 200 questions, while the RMA exam has 150 questions. Candidates for both exams must also complete a clinical skills portion.

If you’re interested in becoming certified, check with your state’s regulations to see if certification is required or preferred. You can also contact either credentialing organization to learn more about their requirements and process.

Who offers medical assistant certification?

There are several organizations that offer certification for medical assistants, including the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), the National Healthcare Association (NHA), and the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). To be eligible for certification, candidates must graduate from an accredited medical assistant program and pass a certified medical assistant exam.

What are the requirements for medical assistant certification?

To become a certified medical assistant, you must complete an accredited medical assistant program and pass the Certification Examination for Medical Assistants (CMA) exam, administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Candidates who have completed a non-accredited medical assistant program or who have not taken the CMA exam may be eligible to take an equivalent exam administered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT).

How do I verify my medical assistant certification?

The best way to verify your medical assistant certification is to contact the certifying organization that granted you your certification. Each organization has different procedures for verification, but most will require you to submit a request in writing. You may also be required to provide additional documentation, such as a copy of your certification certificate or identification card.

How often do I need to renew my medical assistant certification?

Medical assistants are credentialed by either passing an exam or earning a certificate from an accredited program. Once you have your MA certification, you must renew it periodically to maintain your credentials. The frequency of renewal varies by organization, but it is generally every 2-3 years.

The reason for this requirement is to ensure that medical assistants keep up with the latest developments in the field and remain knowledgeable about medical regulations and practices. By renewing your certification, you are demonstrating your commitment to providing quality care to patients.

To renew your medical assistant certification, you will need to complete a certain number of continuing education (CE) credits. CE credits can be earned by taking courses, attending workshops or conferences, or reading articles or books related to the medical field. Once you have completed the required number of CE credits, you will need to submit an application to your certifying organization. Once your application has been approved, you will be issued a new certificate with an updated expiration date.

What are the benefits of medical assistant certification?

There are many benefits to becoming a certified medical assistant. Certification ensures that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform your job effectively. It also demonstrates your commitment to your career and can help you stand out from other medical assistants who are not certified.

In addition, many employers prefer to hire certified medical assistants. Certification can also help you earn a higher salary. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for medical assistants was $33,610 in May 2019. The top 10 percent of earners made more than $48,720, while the bottom 10 percent earned less than $23,650.

If you are interested in becoming a certified medical assistant, there are several things you need to do. First, you must graduate from an accredited medical assistant program. Most programs take about one year to complete, although some may be longer or shorter. Once you have completed your training, you will need to pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as the American Association of Medical Assistants or the National Healthcare Association. Once you have passed the exam, you will be awarded your certification.

What are the risks of not being certified as a medical assistant?

There are a few risks associated with not being certified as a medical assistant. First, you may not be able to find a job as a medical assistant. Many employers prefer to hire certified medical assistants, and some may require certification. Second, you may not be able to earn as much money as a certified medical assistant. Certified medical assistants generally earn more than non-certified medical assistants. Finally, you may not be able to pass the certification exam if you do not have the necessary training and experience.

How can I find out more about medical assistant certification?

There are several ways to verify your medical assistant certification. To start, check with your employer. Many times, employers will have information on their website or in their employee handbook about medical assistant certification and how to go about verifying it.

Another way to verify your medical assistant certification is to contact the certifying organization directly. The Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) can be reached at (800) 822-2778. You can also visit their website at http://www.aama-ntl.org/. The National Healthcare Association (NHA) can be reached at (888) 686-3272 or visited online at http://www.nhanow.com/.

Once you have verified that you are certified, you should keep your certification up to date by renewing it every few years. You will likely need to complete continuing education credits in order to renew your certification, but this will vary depending on the organization that issued your original certification.

Conclusion

There are many organizations that offer certification for medical assistants, but not all of them are legitimate. To avoid being scammed, only get certified through an accredited program like the one offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants. With a little research, you can be sure you’re getting a certification that will be respected by employers and patients alike.