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Best medical assistant certifications
The best certifications for a medical assistant are Medical Assistant, Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), and Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT).
Medical assistant certifications demonstrate your competency as a medical assistant to employers. However, not all medical assistant certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best medical assistant certifications. Obtaining a medical assistant certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
20 best certifications for medical assistants
| Rank | Medical assistant certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Medical Assistant | ASPT |
| 2 | Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) | American Red ... |
| 3 | Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) | NHA |
| 4 | Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (NHA) | NHA |
| 5 | Registered Medical Assistant | APA |
| 6 | Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) | NHA |
| 7 | Nationally Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) | NCCT |
| 8 | Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) | NREMT |
| 9 | HIPAA Professional (HIPAAP) | HIAA |
| 10 | Certified EKG Technician (CET) | NHA |
| 11 | Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) | PMI |
| 12 | Patient Care Technician | APA |
| 13 | Medication Aide Certification (MACE) | NCSBN |
| 14 | Nationally Certified Medical Office Assistant (NCMOA) | NCCT |
| 15 | Dental Assistant (RDA) | AMT |
| 16 | First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor | NSC |
| 17 | Medical Administrative Specialist (CMAS) | AMT |
| 18 | Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) | AAMA |
| 19 | Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) | NBSTSA |
| 20 | Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI) | National Boar... |
20 best medical assistant certifications
1. Medical Assistant
The medical assistant job description varies depending on the employer's needs. A medical assistant is a multi-skilled professional and an asset to a physician.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
2. Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)
Train to be a certified nurse assistant working with other health care professionals to provide quality care for elderly or sick individuals in nursing homes and hospitals and at home.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
3. Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)
A Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) draws blood from patients or donors in hospitals, blood banks, or similar facilities for analysis or other medical purposes.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
4. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (NHA)
A Certified Clinical Medical Assistant is an unlicensed multi-skilled healthcare practitioner who is competent in both a wide variety of clinical and laboratory procedures, as well as many administrative roles. A CCMA may perform some or all of the following duties. However, they are not limited to just these responsibilities:Interviews patients and measures vitals signsPrepares treatment roomsGives injections or treatments and performs venipuncture and laboratory testsCleans and sterilizes equipment.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
5. Registered Medical Assistant
Registered Medical Assistant : EDUCATION or Experienced 1. Completion of an Approved Medical Assistant Program 2. Minimum of 200 Hours Lecture 3. Minimum of 80 Clinical Rotation In Physician's Office or Urgent Care Center 4. Or A Minimum of 1 Year of MA Experience in Physician's Office 5. High School Diploma or G.E.D 6. Successful Completion of Certification Exam
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
6. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)
A Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) performs routine administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices and clinics of physicians running smoothly.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
7. Nationally Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)
Medical Assistants typically perform both clinical and administrative tasks that keep the offices of physicians and other health care practitioners running smoothly. The exact duties of medical assistants will vary by employer, depending upon the specialty of the practitioner, and the location & size of the practice. Administrative office responsibilities may consist of handling insurance forms, billing and bookkeeping; updating and filing medical records; scheduling appointments and arranging for hospital admissions; and more. Clinical duties will vary according to State law. They may range from taking medical histories and vital signs, to collection of laboratory specimens, to providing basic patient instructions, and all such duties are generally under the supervision of a licensed health care provider.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
8. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
9. HIPAA Professional (HIPAAP)
The Center's HIPAAP designation imparts the knowledge you'll need to attain the goal of becoming a HIPAA privacy officer-focusing in on the administrative simplification provisions, particularly the policies and procedures that providers and organizations need in place to comply with privacy and security standards. This program will provide you with a solid grounding in HIPAA terminology, as well as the implications of HIPAA for the insurance industry.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
10. Certified EKG Technician (CET)
A Certified EKG Technician (CET) produces recording or electromotive variations in a patient's heart muscle, using electrocardiograph machine, to provide data for the diagnosis of heart ailments.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
11. Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)
Experienced medical office professionals with exceptional administrative skills are eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) exam. To attain CMOM certification, all candidates must demonstrate a high level of knowledge in financial management, managed care contracting, personnel, and time management. Risk management, medical record keeping and facility management issues should also be mastered.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
12. Patient Care Technician
1. Completion of an Approved Patient Care Technician Program 2. Minimum of 80 Hours Lecture 3. Minimum of 80 Clinical Rotation In Phlebotomy 4. Must Be Certified Nursing Assistant 5. High School Diploma or G.E.D 6. Successful Completion of Certification Exam
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
13. Medication Aide Certification (MACE)
The Medication Aide Certification Examination (MACE) is a national medication aide certification examination administered to nurse aides who choose to receive additional training to become certified medication aides. NCSBN develops the MACE examination and administers the exam with the contractual assistance of Pearson VUE. Once certified, these medication aides serve an important role in hospitals and long-term care facilities by helping distribute medications and monitoring for adverse reactions.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
14. Nationally Certified Medical Office Assistant (NCMOA)
Medical Office Assistants typically perform administrative duties for health care providers in office settings, although some may also perform basic clinical tasks (as allowed by state laws). Their responsibilities will vary by employer, but may include answering telephones, greeting patients, updating and filing medical records, completing insurance forms, handling correspondence, scheduling appointments, and handling billing or bookkeeping.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
15. Dental Assistant (RDA)
A Dental Assistant is an integral member of the dental health team, competent via education, experience, and understanding of patient welfare. The Dental Assistant is qualified to provide support in administrative duties: chairside, laboratory, and radiological procedures, as defined by existing state laws. As an agent of the Dentist, the Dental Assistant strives to cultivate good will and confidence within the dental practice.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
16. First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor
Knowing how to respond to a first aid or CPR emergency is one of the most important skills a person can possess. The Standard First Aid, CPR and AED course meets the OSHA requirements and is your tool for training employees or the general public on the latest skills, techniques and expertise in life-saving procedures. The practice and feedback of using related skills in a realistic situation is integrated into the actual teaching experience.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
17. Medical Administrative Specialist (CMAS)
This certification is for medical administrative specialists who serves a key role in medical office, clinic and hospital settings. This multi-skilled practitioner is competent in medical records management, insurance processing, coding and billing, management of practice finances, information processing, and fundamental office management tasks. A medical administrative specialist is very familiar with clinical and technical concepts required to coordinate administrative office functions in the healthcare setting.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
18. Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
The CMA (AAMA) is considered the gold standard of medical assisting professionalism. This credential represents a medical assistant who has been certified by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). The CMA (AAMA) means a professional edge, increased prestige among peers and employers, better job security, and greater career advancement opportunities.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
19. Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
The choice to become certified demonstrates pride in the profession and a desire to be recognized for mastery of skills unique to surgical technology, as well as an on-going commitment to quality patient care.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 4 year(s)
20. Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI)
The mission of the National Board is to foster improved healthcare outcomes, patient safety and patient/provider communication, by elevating the standards for and quality of medical interpreting through a nationally recognized and accredited certification for medical interpreters.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
What is the best certification for a medical assistant?
The best medical assistant certification is Medical Assistant. The Medical Assistant is awarded by the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians. This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this medical assistant certification:
- To become a certified Medical Assistant, you need to pass the exam.
- Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 1 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for medical assistants?
The most in-demand medical assistant certification is Medical Assistant based on all active job postings. Having this medical assistant certification will give you access to more medical assistant jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a medical assistant career and salary?
The Certified Surgical Technologist certification will help you to secure a surgical technician position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A surgical technician's average salary is $52,709 whereas medical assistants make an average salary of $34,900.
The most common combination of medical assistant certifications include: Medical Assistant, Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), and Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT).
Online courses for medical assistants to earn certifications
1. Medical Emergencies: Airway, Breathing, and Circulation
In this course, you will develop the knowledge and skills to assess and stabilize certain types of patients for transport. By the end of this course, you will be able to: 1) assess a basic medical patient 2) describe general pharmacologic principles and the skills associated with medication administration, 3) explain airway physiology, the assessment of the airway and available interventions for airway management, 4) identify, assess and formulate a plan to stabilize a patient with a...
2. Medical Terminology II
This is the second course of the Medical Terminology specialization. It builds on the basic concepts of medical terminology with the introduction of new roots, terms, and abbreviations specific to the endocrine system (hormones). The body's transportation and defense systems (cardiovascular, blood, and lymphatic) will also be covered as well as the respiratory system (lungs)...
3. ICD 10 & 11 Medical Coding and Billing
Preparation for Medical Coding Certification Exam...
4. Medical Terminology
Introduction to the meaning of various roots, terms and combining forms that are components of medical words...
5. A Specialty Approach to Learning Medical Billing and Coding
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6. AMCI Introduction to Medical Coding (I2MC) Course
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7. Medical Coding: ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code Training
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8. Introduction to Medical Imaging
Your guide to the history, science, math, and economics of medical imaging systems (e.g., X-ray, CT, MRI, Ultrasound)...
9. Medical Device Regulation (MDR): Intro for Device Designers
An introduction to the EU's Medical Device Regulation (MDR) for those involved in developing medical devices...
10. Medical Device Regulation 2017/745 EU regulatory affairs.
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11. ISO 13485:2016 - Design and Development of Medical Devices
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12. Deep Learning with PyTorch for Medical Image Analysis
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13. EU Medical Device Regulatory Affairs explained Simply
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14. Medical Writing for Healthcare Professionals
Launch your scientific and medical writing career today. Learn from an experienced medical writer!...
15. Practical Regulatory Affairs 2020 - European Medical Devices
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16. Medical Terminology 101
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17. Medical Devices Quality Management System - ISO 13485:2016
Awareness and Application for the requirements of ISO 13485:2016 for Medical Device Development and QMS...
18. ISO 13485 Demystified - Medical Devices' QMS 360° Insights
Deep dive into the world of ISO 13485 international standard for medical devices' QMS, basic concepts & requirements...
19. Practical Regulatory Affairs 2020 - US FDA Medical Devices
A practical course discussing the US FDA Medical Device regulations for real-world situations...
20. Medical Writing Skills for Beginners
Medical writing skills to help you create content for an online audience...