Are you ready to become a medical assistant? Not sure if you should get your certification before beginning your new career? There are many reasons to get a certification, but are you asking yourself, “Which certification do I need to become a medical assistant?”
What Certification Do You Need to Become a Medical Assistant?
To become a medical assistant, you can get a certification that validates your skills and knowledge in the field. While certification is not always required, many employers prefer certified medical assistants. Why? For many reasons, one being that there are some tasks that only a certified medical assistant can perform for legal reasons. However, there are many other reasons to get a certification. Let’s start by looking at the different certifications offered to medical assistant graduates.
What Certifications are Available to Medical Assistants?
There are many options for medical assistant certification. They include:
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
Offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), the CCMA certification focuses heavily on the clinical side of medical assisting. It’s ideal for individuals who want to prioritize hands-on patient care. Completion of an NHA-approved training program, like the Medical Assistant program at CyberTex, or one year of supervised work experience in the medical field, is needed to qualify. The exam reviews a graduate’s knowledge and skillset in regard to vital signs, infection control, assisting with medical procedures, and patient documentation.
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) offers the CMA credential, which is one of the most widely recognized and respected in the field. It focuses on both clinical and administrative skills, making it ideal for individuals who want a comprehensive certification.
Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
Administered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT), the RMA is another highly respected certification that focuses on professional standards and patient care. It allows multiple pathways to eligibility, including work experience, making it accessible for non-traditional students.
National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)
How Do You Pick a Medical Assistant Certification?
Choosing the right certification as a medical assistant is an important decision that can shape your career path. Here are some considerations to help you select the certification that best fits your goals, background, and aspirations.
Career Goals
If you prefer office work, billing, coding, or managing patient records, certifications like the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) might suit you best. If you enjoy hands-on patient care, such as taking vitals, assisting with procedures, or performing diagnostic tests, consider certifications like the CCMA or CMA. If you’re drawn to alternative healthcare jobs, like cardiology or phlebotomy, consider obtaining additional specialized certifications (e.g., Certified Phlebotomy Technician or EKG Technician Certification). Curriculum for phlebotomy and EKG are included in the Medical Assistant program at CyberTex.
Employer Preferences
Look at job postings in your area. Employers in some regions or settings (e.g., hospitals, outpatient clinics) might prefer certain certifications, like the CMA, over the RMA, or vice versa. Reach out to current medical assistants or hiring managers to learn which certifications they value most.
Scope of Certification
Certifications like the CMA or RMA cover both clinical and administrative skills, giving you flexibility in the workplace. Specialized certifications narrow your focus but make you highly skilled in a particular area.
Flexibility in Eligibility
If you’re already working or have prior experience, the RMA allows eligibility through work experience or military training, which may be advantageous if you’ve gained on-the-job skills. If you’re entering the field directly from school, the CCMA might be a better fit as it is designed for recent graduates of accredited programs.
Cost and Renewal Requirements
Some certifications, like the CCMA, require periodic renewal and continuing education. Consider whether you’re willing to invest in ongoing maintenance of your certification.
Exam Content and Format
Review the exam structure and topics for each certification. For example, the CMA emphasizes both clinical and administrative knowledge with a rigorous exam process. The CCMA focuses more on clinical skills, which may align better with certain career paths. Choose an exam that aligns with your strengths and training.
Continuing Education and Growth Opportunities
Some certifications, like the CCMA, encourage professional growth through continuing education and recertification, which can keep your skills up-to-date and expand your career options.
When Making That Final Decision
Take Inventory of Your Skills and Interests: Do you enjoy interacting directly with patients, or do you prefer behind-the-scenes work? Answering this can narrow down your choices.
Consider Future Goals: If you plan to further your career in nursing or another advanced healthcare role, certifications that emphasize clinical skills, like the CCMA, provide a strong foundation.
Why is Certification Important for Medical Assistants?
Certification is crucial for medical assistants because it validates skills and enhances credibility in the healthcare field. Here are the key reasons why certification matters:
Demonstrates Competence
Certification verifies that you possess the necessary clinical and administrative skills required for the job, such as taking vital signs, assisting with medical procedures, and managing patient records. Passing a certification exam ensures you meet national standards, which helps establish consistency and quality in patient care.
Increases Job Opportunities
Many healthcare employers prefer certified medical assistants because they trust the training and expertise certification represents. In a competitive job market, certification can make your application stand out compared to non-certified candidates.
Builds Trust with Patients and Employers
Certification reassures employers and patients that you are qualified to perform your role. Patients are more likely to trust medical staff who have proven credentials.
Expands Career Flexibility
Certified medical assistants may have more responsibilities, such as assisting in minor surgical procedures. Certification allows you to work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, urgent care centers, and specialty practices.
Ensures Legal Compliance
In some states, certification is required to perform specific tasks, such as administering injections or drawing blood. Being certified ensures you can legally perform a wider range of duties.
Offers Higher Earning Potential
Although salaries vary by location and experience, certification often correlates with better job offers and opportunities for advancement, as employers recognize the value of certified professionals.
Supports Career Advancement
Many certifications require ongoing education to stay current, which helps you continually improve and expand your knowledge. Certification can serve as a stepping-stone for pursuing advanced roles or specialties, such as phlebotomy, EKG technician, or even nursing.
Enhances Professional Pride
Holding a certification signifies your dedication and professionalism in the healthcare industry. It boosts your self-confidence, knowing you’ve met rigorous standards to achieve your credentials.
Aligns with Industry Trends
As healthcare becomes more complex, the demand for certified medical assistants will increase. Certification ensures you’re prepared for the evolving demands of the job. They often include training in the latest medical software and techniques, keeping you ahead in a tech-driven industry.
Provides Long-Term Career Security
Certified professionals are more likely to retain their positions during economic shifts, as employers view them as more reliable and skilled. Certification establishes you as a committed professional, making you more likely to be considered for promotions or new opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Certification is more than just a credential—it’s an investment in your career and your future. It sets you apart as a qualified, dedicated, and professional medical assistant who is ready to deliver exceptional patient care. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance your career, earning certification opens doors to new opportunities and supports your role in the healthcare field.
Want to know how to become a certified medical assistant? This article will explain the process step-by-step.
Want to Learn More?
The Medical Assistant Training Program at CyberTex Institute of Technology prepares you for the CCMA from the National Healthcare Association. The curriculum is centered around the knowledge and skills you will need when you take the CCMA exam which is accepted nationwide.
At CyberTex, we take excellent care of you by providing hands-on training, practical experience, and the support it takes to get started in a medical assisting career without spending years in school. You will learn clinical and administrative skills and prepare to work in physician’s offices, hospitals, and other medical facilities.
Contact us today to learn more about our Medical Assistant Program at our Austin and Killeen campuses.
