How to Become Certified in Medical Assisting
With an increasing number of medical assistants in the field of health care, many employers now look for and even insist on candidates who are certified, or CMAs. The Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) administers the test, and the National Board of Medical Examiners acts as a test consultant. Passing the exam gives you the CMA credential, which you must recertify every 60 months.
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Instructions
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Determine your eligibility. You must have completed, or be within 30 days of completion of, a medical assisting program that is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health (CAAHEP) or have previously passed the CMA certification exam. If you have been found guilty of or pled guilty to a felony, you are ineligible to take the certification exam unless you receive a waiver from the Certifying Board.
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Search for an accredited school in your area if you haven't already completed a medical assisting program. Enroll in and complete the program and the required practicum.
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Apply for the exam. Fill out the application, and pay the test fee of $125 for recent graduates, students completing an accredited program and AAMA members, $250 for all others as of March 2011 by money order, cashier's, certified or institutional check, credit card or debit card. If you are not a recent graduate, you will need to provide official transcripts. If you are taking the exam for recertification, you will need to provide proof of CPR certification and a photocopy of your CMA certificate.
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Schedule your exam after your application has been approved. Use the scheduling permit to make an appointment at a nearby Prometric testing center.
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Study for the exam. Download the exam content outline from the AAMA website. Review your knowledge of anatomy and physiology and medical terminology. Local chapters of the AAMA offer CMA exam review courses and can connect you to other medical assisting students with whom you can study. Some accredited medical assisting programs offer study courses as well.
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Pass the exam. You will be awarded an official certificate and wallet card to prove your CMA certification and will be able to list the credential on your resume and any applications. Potential employers will be able to confirm your certification at the AAMA website.
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References
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