Eligibility Requirements for Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA)
In order to apply for Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA) exam, a candidate should have satisfied certain eligibility requirements. They may fall under the following categories:
Category-1
Those candidates who have fruitfully completed a medical assistant training program that is recognized by either the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) are considered to be the eligible or qualified candidates for attending the CMA (AAMA) certification exam.
- Eligible candidates can take the CMA(AAMA) exam not more than thirty days before finishing their official education together with a practicum session.
- Fresh graduates are those candidates who apply for the examination within twelve months of their graduation.
Category-2
Non-recent graduates who have fruitfully completed a medical assistant training program that is recognized by either the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Non-recent graduates are those candidates who apply for the CMA (AAMA) examination after the twelve month period of completing their graduation.
Only, those candidates who successfully complete the CMA (AAMA) certification exam will be given the CMA (AAMA) credential or a diploma. Subsequently, the CMA (AAMA) title is also given to those candidates. On the other hand, a CMA (AAMA) has got to re- certify their certification status once in every sixty months (or once in 5 years) by continuing their education or by taking a re-examination in order to keep up their certification.
Other options for CMA certification
A medical assistant shall opt for or prefer to take one more excellent certification in preference to the CMA (AAMA) certification. It is the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification. This certification is offered by American Medical Technologists (AMT). Basically, a medical assistant can develop into a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) by passing the examination as an alternative certification for CMA (AAMA). In some cases, candidates may aim to take and pass both CMA and RMA certifications in order to get more benefits and privileges in the medical assistant career.
Value of CMA certification
Having a CMA certificate has numerous long term benefits in the career path of medical assistance. The person has an additional positive point while applying to the job, which may get preference on selection. However, having a credential or certification in medical assisting is totally optional and depends on the candidates wish.