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This question is about medical assistant.
How long does it take to become a certified medical assistant?
It can take from six weeks to two years to become a certified medical assistant, depending on the type of certification. The shortest medical assistant programs are only six weeks to three months long and offer a Medical Assistant Certificate or a certificate in Medical Billing and Coding.
Two years is the standard for an Associate of Science Degree, which leads to a Certification in Medical Assistance (CMA). Accelerated programs as fast as nine or ten months can also lead to this certification after passing the necessary exam.
The CMA is considered the highest standard and will take the longest to achieve. After graduating from a medical assisting program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), you can take a test through the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants.
This credential must be recertified every 60 months by examination or continuing education.
The CMA Certification exam is a rigorous test that requires a broad and current understanding of healthcare delivery. The certification becomes a matter of public record but is not required.
Increasingly employers are looking for this certification. Through certification, you become more employable, have more job and shift choices, get paid better, and will have demonstrated that you are dedicated to professional excellence.
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