Is It Possible to Earn Your Medical Assistant Certificate Online?

This guide provides insight into various medical assistant certifications, accredited online medical assistant certificate programs, and essential educational and professional resources.

Medical Assistant Salary Guide

Well-Known Online Medical Assisting Programs

To learn about program start dates, credit transfer options, availability of financial aid, and more, consider reaching out to the universities listed below.

Requirements for a Medical Assistant Certificate

While medical assistant certificate programs can be pursued in person and online, the hands-on nature of the job mandates that online students complete in-person practicums in their local areas. Obtaining a medical assistant certificate involves several steps.

Completion of an Accredited Medical Assistant Program

There are three types of medical assistant certificates, and you must attend an accredited program to obtain a credential. Any online certificate program you choose must meet specific standards.

Certified Medical Assistant (CMA):

This certification is offered by the AAMA and is the only one that uses the National Board of Medical Examiners to create its exam. Programs accredited by the AAMA must include a minimum of two semesters of education. The CMA credential is nationally accredited and widely recognized.

Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA):

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) administers this exam, which is less rigorous than the CMA assessment.

Registered Medical Assistant (RMA):

The American Medical Technologists (AMT) offers this credential to individuals who have completed an accredited program, have military training or work experience, or have been a medical assistant instructor for at least five years.

While each certificate examination has its advantages and disadvantages, the CMA certification is the most widely recognized for demonstrating a commitment to excellence. AAMA-accredited programs are available at colleges and career institutes. The AAMA maintains a searchable database of accredited schools by city and state.

Online learners are not limited by their geographical location. Flexible online medical assistant certificate programs are suitable for motivated students. To be eligible for AAMA certification, the institution must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.

According to the AAMA, accredited schools must offer a curriculum that includes:

– Human anatomy, physiology, and pathology
– Medical terminology
– Keyboarding and computer applications
– Record keeping and accounting
– Coding and insurance processing
– Laboratory techniques
– Clinical and diagnostic procedures
– Pharmacology
– Medication administration
– First aid
– Office practices
– Patient relations
– Medical law and ethics

Passing the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam

After completing an accredited program, you must pass the AAMA’s CMA certification exam. There are three ways you may be eligible to take the exam:

Category 1:

Students who have graduated within the last 12 months (or are 30 days from completion) from an accredited program.

Category 2:

Students who apply for the exam more than 12 months after graduating.

Category 3:

Students applying for recertification who have previously passed the exam at least once.

The exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions. Candidates are given 160 minutes to complete the exam in four 40-minute segments. The topics cover administrative, clinical, and general areas.

Requirements for an Online Medical Assistant Certificate

Accredited online medical assistant certificate programs generally require 35-60 credits, with 15 credits dedicated to hands-on, experiential learning.

Students gain clinical experience through 60-hour competency simulations and 50-60 hours of supervised skill-based learning at a program-approved medical facility or lab. Learners also complete 160-180 hours of supervised clinical and administrative experience during an externship in a healthcare setting.

Online programs include courses in cultural competence and communication, insurance and medical records, medical law and bioethics, and medical terminology. Students can complete their programs in 40-60 weeks.

Admission typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and a passing score on the Scholastic Level Exam.

Benefits of Becoming a Certified Medical Assistant

Once you’ve completed your online medical assistant program and earned your certificate, you can qualify to take the certified medical assistant (CMA) exam and obtain your certification.

The AAMA’s CMA exam is administered by PSI Services LLC, and test-takers complete the technology-based exam at a testing center. NHA’s CCMA exam and AMT’s RMA exam offer remote proctoring options.

While most states do not require medical assistant certification, many employers prefer hiring certified medical assistants. However, there are advantages to becoming a certified medical assistant beyond improving your employability:

Career Advancement

Accredited medical assistant programs provide the necessary skills to continue your education in healthcare, such as transitioning from a medical assistant to a nurse. Certification also demonstrates your commitment to professional excellence, which often leads to more career advancement opportunities.

Earning Potential

Certification enhances your value to prospective employers, potentially resulting in better starting pay as a medical assistant.

Flexibility to Work in Any State

National certification through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) allows you to work in any state.

Diverse Working Environments

While some healthcare professionals are limited to working in hospitals, certified medical assistants can work in various settings, including outpatient clinics, chiropractic offices, physician offices, community clinics, colleges and universities, diagnostic laboratories, nursing facilities, insurance companies, and more.

Job Stability

Although work hours can vary from one job to another, many medical assistants enjoy predictable hours with employers who require their skills.

Room for Growth

While some certified medical assistants perform a wide range of duties, others focus on specific areas. You can choose to work in a small clinic if you prefer to remain a generalist with skills in multiple areas. On the other hand, working in a larger facility may allow you to specialize in specific areas and develop a professional niche.

Finding an Online Medical Assistant Program

According to the AAMA, there are two online medical assistant certificate programs with ABHES or CAAHEP accreditation:

The College of Healthcare Professions:

This 40-week program includes a 180-hour, 4-credit externship in the final semester. The curriculum covers medical law and ethics, insurance billing, managing medical records, human relations, patient history and recording, phlebotomy, EKGs, and injections.

Purdue University Global:

This 15-month comprehensive program requires an externship to meet AAMA requirements. The online program offers small classes and a professional team of dedicated student advisors, admission advisors, and career specialists.

Resources for Medical Assistants

American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)

The AAMA offers CMA certification, continuing education resources, medical news, blogs, and an annual conference. Member benefits include practice rights protection, job listings, insurance, networking, and volunteer opportunities. Students can join at a significantly discounted rate and enjoy benefits like student groups and a career center.

American Medical Technologists (AMT)

AMT is an association of allied health professionals that offers medical assistant certifications. Member benefits include exam preparation resources, access to a career center, volunteer opportunities, and networking through local chapters and online communities. Certification grants membership, including access to AMT’s annual meeting and industry publications.

National Healthcareer Association (NHA)

NHA provides medical assistant certification as well as credentials in other areas, such as billing and coding specialist and electronic healthcare records specialist. NHA also advocates for frontline healthcare workers, maintains a job board, publishes a career blog, and provides research, publications, and case studies. Membership is not required to access online resources.