Fast Track to Success: Top-Rated Online CMA Certifications in 2024
Medical assistants are crucial in various healthcare settings, such as physicians' offices, hospitals, and clinics. Their roles vary from patient care to administrative tasks, making them indispensable in our healthcare system.
If you're contemplating a career as a medical assistant, obtaining a certification is a significant step. The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential is among the most recognized, but other certifications are also available. Nowadays, you can complete your medical assistant certification partially or entirely online.
Many programs combine online coursework with hands-on clinical experience or externships. Some even allow you to earn your certification without in-person experience, suitable for those with existing on-the-job experience or plans to gain it independently. This guide will explore some of the top options for earning your medical assistant certification online based on our research.
Should You Pursue an Online CMA Certification?
If you're considering a career as a medical assistant, numerous training and certification pathways are available. While a certificate or on-the-job training can prepare you for the workforce, obtaining a certification can further qualify you for a broader range of job opportunities.
Pro Tip:
When considering medical assistant certification, seek programs that align with the specific certification you aim to achieve.
Types of Medical Assistant Certifications
Here, we outline four types of medical assistant certifications, including their costs and eligibility requirements. We'll also highlight some leading training options to help you prepare for these certifications.
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
The CMA credential is provided by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). The exam, administered by PSI Services LLC (PSI), consists of 200 questions divided into four 40-minute segments. The fee is $125 for AAMA members and $250 for nonmembers, and the exam must be taken at a designated test center. Only those who complete their medical assistant credential through the AAMA can use the CMA designation.
To qualify for a CMA certification, you must complete an accredited training program recognized by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. You can take the exam after graduation or up to 30 days before completing the program.
Typically, you'll need at least two semesters of relevant coursework, covering topics like anatomy, pharmacology, and physiology. You'll also need skills and knowledge in venipuncture and various types of injections.
The AAMA has different certification requirements for recent graduates, non-recent graduates, those renewing their certifications, and those choosing alternative paths, so it's essential to check their specific guidelines.
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
The CCMA credential is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). This examination includes 150 questions and has a three-hour time limit, costing $160. Exams can be taken at schools, PSI testing centers, or via live remote proctoring. The NHA provides study materials such as guides and online practice tests.
To be eligible for the CCMA exam, you need a high school diploma, GED, or an equivalent qualification, or you must be set to complete it within the next year. Eligibility requirements vary based on your training program and supervised work experience. Contact the NHA for detailed certification routes.
Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
The RMA credential is administered by American Medical Technologists (AMT). The exam consists of 200 to 230 questions, and you can take it at your school, a Pearson VUE Testing Center, or via live remote proctoring. The exam fee is $150. AMT provides study materials, exam content information, a fundamentals course, and a practice exam.
Various routes are available to earn your certification, depending on your training program, supervised work experience, and other factors. Check with AMT for specific requirements.
National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)
The NCMA credential is available through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). This exam features 150 questions and allows up to three hours for completion. The exam fee is $119.
NCCT offers practice exams and an interactive review system to help you prepare. The exam can be taken via remote testing.
Eligibility requirements for this exam depend on your training program, work experience, and other factors. Contact the NCCT for more information on the suitable certification route for you.
Online CMA Certification Program Options
When researching online medical assistant programs, ensure they are available in your state and accredited by the relevant accrediting body that matches your certification goal.
Your program should cover a comprehensive range of skills and knowledge, such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, ethics, and administrative skills pertinent to the medical field, along with some form of clinical experience. It should also meet your state's licensing requirements.
While program costs can vary significantly, some offer scholarships or grants that can help reduce expenses substantially. Always explore financial aid options to make your education more affordable.
In conclusion, becoming a certified medical assistant through online programs offers flexibility and accessibility, allowing you to balance education with other commitments. By choosing accredited programs that fit your career goals, you can set yourself on a path toward a rewarding career in the healthcare industry.