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Why Become a CMA?

You can demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to professionalism by earning a CMA credential.

Be the Best of the Best: The Importance of Getting Certified

The CMA is awarded to candidates who have successfully completed the CMA Examination administered by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants. Like other professional designations, the CMA is evidence of competence in a demanding field. CMAs enjoy increased respect and recognition from their professional peers and are valued by their employers. CMAs also benefit from broader career advancement opportunities and job security.

The CMA Credential Goes Wherever You Go

The CMA credential is a national certification recognized by employers across the country.

Choose an Accredited Program

Woman Receiving Medical Examination Many employers of allied health personnel prefer or even insist that their medical assistants are Medical Assistants (CMAs). If you graduate from a medical assisting program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), you will be eligible to sit for the AAMA CMA Certification Examination. Upon successful completion of this examination, you will be awarded the CMA credential.

CAAHEP medical assisting programs are offered in postsecondary vocational/technical schools, community and junior colleges, and in colleges and universities. Programs usually last either one academic year (resulting in a certificate or diploma) or two academic years (resulting in an associate degree).

Students in CAAHEP medical assisting programs apply their medical assisting skills through a supervised clinical experience. This externship enables students to further develop their skills while working under the supervision of the physician and the medical office team.

Commission on Accreditation of
Allied Health Education Programs
35 W. Walker Dr., Suite 1970
Chicago, Illinois 60601-1970
(312) 553-9355

Here's What You Will Learn

Woman Receiving Medical Shot The curriculum in a CAAHEP medical assisting program provides both academic and clinical training in a variety of areas, including...
  • Human anatomy, physiology and pathology
  • Medical terminology
  • Keyboarding and computer applications
  • Recordkeeping 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

Job Opporunities Abound

As one of the fastest growing allied health care careers, medical assisting offers terrific opportunities for advancement. Certified Medical Assistants can advance to office manager, clinical supervisor or qualify for a variety of administrative support occupations. Some CMAs choose to teach medical assisting. Others choose to obtain a bachelor's degree in Human Services, Health Promotion or Health Services Management, to name a few.

Certified Medical Assistants are paid competitive wages and can receive valuable benefits. More importantly, CMAs have the satisfaction of knowing that they are helping others and making a positive difference in people's lives.

CMAs Give Health Care A Human Touch

Certified Medical Assistants are instrumental in helping patients feel at ease in the doctor's office and often explain the physician's instructions. If you have good communication skills and are often appreciated for our caring manner, then you might be well suited for a career in medical assisting.

Like Working With People?

Certified Medical Assistants enjoy contact with patients while working alongside physicians and other health care professionals.