Becoming a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) is a critical step for anyone aspiring to establish a career in healthcare. The CCMA certification is not just a piece of paper—it’s a credential that signifies competence, trustworthiness, and employability in the competitive healthcare industry. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about obtaining your CCMA certification, including details about the exam, costs, preparation tips, and more.
Why Is CCMA Certification Important?
Certification matters. According to a recent industry outlook survey, nearly 80% of employers require certifications for medical assistants. This means that obtaining the National Healthcare Association’s (NHA) CCMA certification is more than just a professional milestone—it’s a necessity for most job opportunities in this field.
Founded in 1989, the NHA is a pioneer in setting standards and developing certification exams for allied health professionals. Its reputation as a leading credentialing organization ensures that the CCMA certification holds significant weight in the healthcare industry.
Achieving this certification builds trust in your skills, increases your employability, and showcases your dedication to maintaining the highest professional standards.
What Is the CCMA Certification Exam?
Exam Overview
To become a certified clinical medical assistant, you must complete a formal medical assistant training program and pass the CCMA exam. Here’s what you need to know about the exam:
- Duration: The exam lasts for 3 hours.
- Structure: It includes 150 scored questions and 30 pre-test questions that do not count toward your final score.
- Format: Questions are divided into seven main domains.
Exam Content Breakdown
- Clinical Patient Care (56% of the exam – 84 questions)
Focuses on hands-on patient care, a critical skill for medical assistants. - Foundational Knowledge and Basic Science (10% of the exam – 15 questions)
Covers basic scientific principles and foundational healthcare knowledge. - Patient Care Coordination and Education (8% of the exam – 12 questions)
Examines skills in coordinating patient care and providing educational resources. - Administrative Assisting (8% of the exam – 12 questions)
Tests knowledge of administrative tasks like scheduling and medical record management. - Communication and Customer Service (8% of the exam – 12 questions)
Focuses on effective communication and patient interaction. - Anatomy and Physiology (5% of the exam – 8 questions)
Tests your understanding of human anatomy and physiological systems. - Medical Law and Ethics (5% of the exam – 7 questions)
Evaluates knowledge of legal and ethical responsibilities in healthcare.
How Is the Exam Scored?
The NHA uses a scaled scoring system, with scores ranging from 200 to 500. To pass, you need a score of 390 or above.
This system ensures fairness by accounting for slight variations in difficulty across different versions of the exam, so you can be confident that your score accurately reflects your performance.
Exam Costs and Certification Validity
Exam Fees
The CCMA exam costs $160 for most candidates, making it an affordable step toward certification.
Certification Renewal
The CCMA certification is valid for two years. To renew, you’ll need to:
- Complete 10 continuing education credits.
- Pay a renewal fee, typically around $179.
Where Can You Take the Exam?
You can choose to take your CCMA exam:
- At an authorized test center.
- Online, from the comfort of your home, under the virtual supervision of a live proctor.
This flexibility ensures that the certification process accommodates your schedule and preferences.
How to Prepare for the CCMA Exam
Preparation is key to passing the CCMA exam. The foundation of your success lies in enrolling in the right medical assistant training program.
Choosing the Right Program
Here’s what to look for in a training program:
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is offered through an accredited university.
- Flexibility: Self-paced, online medical assistant courses are ideal for balancing education with other commitments.
- Cost: Aim for a program that is affordable, ideally under $2,000.
- Comprehensive Support: Look for a program that includes:
- Preparation for the CCMA exam.
- Externship opportunities for hands-on experience.
- Job placement assistance to help you secure your first role.
Fast-Track Options
It’s possible to prepare for your CCMA certification in as little as four months through the right medical assistant program. These fast-track courses are designed for those who are serious about kickstarting their healthcare careers.
Benefits of CCMA Certification
Increased Employability
The CCMA certification is a trusted credential that assures employers of your competence, making you a more attractive candidate for job openings.
Professional Growth
Certification demonstrates your commitment to professional development and positions you as a reliable healthcare provider.
Industry Recognition
Holding a certification from the NHA ensures that your skills meet industry standards, giving you a competitive edge in the job market.
Why Preppy’s Medical Assistant Program is a Game-Changer
Preppy’s Online medical assistant program offers a solution for aspiring medical assistants who want to enter the field quickly without compromising on quality. With its comprehensive approach to training, including CCMA exam preparation, hands-on clinical experience, and a university-affiliated certificate, Preppy provides all the elements needed to succeed in the healthcare industry.
The program is also cost-effective. Unlike traditional programs that can cost tens of thousands of dollars, Preppy is available for less than $2,000, making it accessible to a broader range of students. Furthermore, its flexible online format allows students to learn at their own pace, potentially completing their training in as little as four months.
Conclusion
The CCMA certification is a gateway to a rewarding career as a medical assistant. By obtaining this credential, you align yourself with industry standards and position yourself for long-term success in the healthcare field.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to formalize your skills, the CCMA certification is a valuable step that can open doors to new opportunities. With affordable training programs and flexible exam options, there’s never been a better time to start your journey.
Also read: How To Become A Certified Medical Assistant
About:
Preppy was founded by higher education expert, Grant Aldrich, who’s work on college affordability and accessibility has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, Business Insider, American Express, AOL, MSN, Thrive Global, Reader’s Digest, Inside Higher Ed, Evolllution, EducationDive, and nearly 100 radio shows and podcasts.
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