Are you looking to start a career as a medical office assistant and want to get certified? If so, you’re in the right place. This article will guide you through the process of obtaining your Medical Office Assistant Certification—also known as the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) certification—in as little as four months.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear roadmap to certification and a new approach that is helping students nationwide get certified without spending a fortune or going back to traditional school.
What Is a Medical Office Assistant Certification?
Before we dive into how to get certified, let’s first clarify what a certification actually is. Many people mistakenly believe that completing a training program automatically makes them certified, but that’s not the case.
When you complete a medical office assistant training program, you receive a certificate of completion. However, to be officially certified, you must pass a standardized exam conducted by a nationally recognized organization. For medical office assistants, the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) administers the CMAA certification.
The CMAA certification is widely considered the gold standard for medical office assistants. Once you pass the exam conducted by the NHA, you can proudly add the CMAA title to your name, making you a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant.
Why Is Certification Important?
You might be wondering if obtaining certification is really necessary. Here’s why it matters:
- Increases Job Opportunities: Employers prefer candidates who are certified because it demonstrates that they have the required skills and knowledge.
- Validates Your Expertise: The certification process ensures that you have been tested and approved by a nationally recognized body.
- Gives You a Competitive Edge: Entry-level candidates can set themselves apart from the competition by obtaining a CMAA certification.
- Boosts Earning Potential: Certified professionals often earn higher salaries compared to non-certified individuals.
For those serious about building a career as a medical office assistant, certification is highly recommended.
How to Prepare for the CMAA Certification Exam
The first step toward certification is enrolling in a training program that prepares you for both the job and the CMAA certification exam. You have two primary options:
1. On-Campus Training Programs
Traditional on-campus programs are available at colleges and universities. While these programs are well-established, they come with several challenges:
- High Cost: Tuition fees can go as high as $15,000.
- Lengthy Completion Time: Programs can take up to two years to complete.
- Inconvenience: Fixed class schedules require frequent trips to campus, making it difficult for busy adults to attend.
- Additional Expenses: You may have to pay for books, gas, parking permits, and other costs.
For those juggling work, family, and other responsibilities, on-campus programs can be difficult to manage.
2. Online Training Programs
Online programs are a more flexible and affordable option. However, not all online programs are created equal. Some of the challenges include:
- Lack of Comprehensive Curriculum: Some online programs don’t thoroughly prepare students for the CMAA exam.
- Credibility Issues: Some programs lack accreditation, raising concerns with potential employers.
If you’re considering an online program, it’s essential to choose one that combines flexibility with credibility.
The Preppy Approach: A Better Way to Get Certified
Many aspiring medical office assistants struggle to find a program that offers both the convenience of online learning and the credibility of traditional on-campus programs. That’s why a new method, called the Preppy Approach, was developed to address these concerns.
What Makes the Preppy Approach Different?
With the Preppy Approach, you can:
✔ Get your training 100% online ✔ Learn at your own pace and schedule ✔ Complete your training in as little as four months ✔ Receive a university-backed certificate ✔ Gain all the necessary skills to pass the CMAA certification exam ✔ Get an externship opportunity for hands-on experience ✔ Pay significantly less—costing under $2,000
Unlike other online programs, Preppy’s Online Medical Administrative Assistant program is designed to ensure that you are job-ready upon completion.
Steps to Getting Your Medical Office Assistant Certification in 4 Months
If you’re ready to start your journey, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Enroll in a Training Program
Choose a training program that prepares you for the CMAA certification exam. The Preppy Approach is a great option if you want affordability, flexibility, and credibility.
Step 2: Complete Your Coursework
During your training, you’ll learn essential skills, including:
- Medical office procedures
- Patient scheduling and communication
- Insurance and billing processes
- Medical terminology
Step 3: Gain Hands-On Experience
Some programs, like Preppy, offer externship opportunities to gain real-world experience. This hands-on training can give you an advantage when applying for jobs.
Step 4: Pass the CMAA Certification Exam
Once you complete your medical office assistant training, register for the CMAA exam administered by the NHA. Passing this exam will officially certify you as a Medical Administrative Assistant.
Step 5: Start Your Career
With your certification in hand, you can begin applying for medical office assistant jobs in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities. Certification increases your chances of securing a well-paying position in this growing field.
Fast-Track Your Career With Preppy’s Online Medical Administrative Assistant Training Program
For those eager to start quickly, Preppy’s online medical administrative assistant training program could be an excellent option. This program allows you to complete your training and certification within a few months.
Conclusion
Getiing a medical office assistant certification doesn’t have to be expensive or take years. With the right training program, you can earn your CMAA certification in as little as four months and start your new career quickly.
If you’re looking for a flexible, affordable, and credible way to get certified, the Preppy Approach may be the best option for you.
Start your journey today and take the first step toward a rewarding career as a medical office assistant!
Also read: How To Become A Sterile Processing Technician
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.
Time is money. Instead of programs that could take 2 years, Preppy provides you education in a few months through immersive online training.
Healthcare, IT, Business, Trades…Preppy gets you ready for the trending careers in our modern economy.
Our team of higher education and startup veterans have created the best solution so everyone can obtain the emerging careers of today and tomorrow.
We look forward to speaking with you. You may also call 800-729-1317.
