Pivoting into healthcare doesn’t have to take years. Medical assistant certificates offer a focused, faster path to patient-facing and front-office roles with programs that build clinical skills, billing/coding basics, and EHR know-how. Nearly four in five office-based physicians now use certified EHR systems, so programs that include digital workflows can give you an immediate edge.
In this guide, you’ll find the best undergraduate and graduate medical assistant certificates, how they differ from professional certifications, and what to compare before you enroll.
Key Takeaways
- Medical assistant college certificates are short, skills-focused programs; professional certifications (CMA, RMA, CCMA) are exam-based credentials.
- Accreditation (CAAHEP/MAERB or ABHES) matters because it can affect exam eligibility and externship standards.
- Most certificates finish in 8–12 months and include a supervised externship to build clinical confidence.
- Compare programs on accreditation, externships, stackability, and total cost of attendance, not just sticker tuition.
- Certificates can stack into associate degrees at some schools, reducing time and cost if you plan to keep going.
- Career paths span clinical and administrative roles; job outlook for medical assistants is projected to grow over the next decade.
What Is a Medical Assistant Certificate College Program?
A medical assistant certificate program teaches clinical and administrative skills for entry-level roles in outpatient and ambulatory settings.
- Look for accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP via MAERB) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
- Most programs include a supervised externship so you can practice vital signs, patient intake, phlebotomy, and front-office workflows before applying for jobs.
- Helpful search terms include “medical assisting certificate,” “clinical medical assistant,” “medical office assistant,” and “MA certificate externship.”
What’s the Difference Between a College Medical Assistant Certificate and Professional Certification in Medical Assistance?
A college certificate is education you complete; a professional certification is a standardized exam-based credential from a national body.
Certification Bodies & Eligibility (What to Know Before You Enroll)
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) — National Healthcareer Association (NHA): education/training or work experience plus a high school diploma.
Professional certifications are issued by national bodies with specific eligibility routes. Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) — American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA): requires graduating from a CAAHEP/ABHES program before sitting the exam.
Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) — American Medical Technologists (AMT): multiple eligibility routes including graduation from an approved program.
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) — National Healthcareer Association (NHA): education/training or work experience plus a high school diploma.
Accreditation & Certification Pathways — How Your Program Choice Affects Your Exam Options
Accredited medical assisting programs can align coursework to common exams like CMA, RMA, and CCMA.
- Planning for the CMA? Prioritize CAAHEP/MAERB or ABHES–accredited programs to meet eligibility more smoothly.
- Ask schools how their curriculum supports specific exams (C
Medical Assistant College Certificate vs Medical Assistant Certification: Key Differences
Use this chart to compare a college-issued certificate to a third-party professional certification.
Medical Assistant College Certificate vs Medical Assistant Certification: Key Differences
| Medical Assistant Certificate | Medical Assistant Certification |
|---|---|
| Students do not need prior knowledge or a healthcare background to start a certificate program. | As it is an assessment, students will have had to train and study medical assistance before taking the certification. |
| It takes 8 to 12 months to complete a certificate program. | Students must sit the length of an exam to get a certification. |
| It requires the completion of course credits. | It requires passing an examination. |
| Testing & Renewal Logistics (What to Expect) | |
|---|---|
| Expect one or more proctored exams with hands-on competencies; some certifications require verified clinical hours or externships as part of eligibility. | Plan for continuing education and periodic renewal to keep your credential active (requirements vary by exam body). |
How Long Does It Take To Get a Medical Assistant Certificate at College?
Most medical assistant certificate programs take 8–12 months, with an externship near the end.
It takes around 8 to 12 months to get a medical assistant certificate at college. The programs require 30 to 33 credits in most cases and can be taken online. Depending on the school, program, and formats offered, the program can be shortened or lengthened.
Program Pacing & Externship Clarification
Externships typically occur in the final term after you complete core clinical labs and safety training.
Many schools run daytime, evening, and hybrid cohorts so working learners can stay on track.
Best Medical Assistant Certificate Undergraduate Programs
Below are reputable undergraduate medical assistant certificates from colleges and universities.
| School | Program | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Baker College | Medical Assistant Certificate | $450/credit |
| California State University, San Bernardino | Medical Administrative Assistant with EHR | $3,295 total |
| Dakota College at Bottineau | Certificate in Medical Assisting | $5,490.96 (in-state), $6,408.44 (out-of-state) |
| Davenport University | Certificate in Medical Assisting | $2,495 total |
| Liberty University | Medical Office Assistant Certificate | $390/credit (full-time), $455/credit (part-time) |
| Muskegon Community College | Medical Assistant Certificate | $141/credit (in county), $369/credit (out-of-state) |
| Northern Essex Community College | Medical Assistant Certificate – Day Program | $346/credit (in-state) |
| Purdue University Global | Medical Assistant Certificate | $371/credit |
| Rockhurst University | Certificate in Medical Assisting | $560/credit hour |
| University Of California Los Angeles | Medical Assistant Program (MAP) | $23,000 total |
Best Undergraduate Medical Assistant Certificate Programs: Explained
These brief profiles summarize what each certificate covers and how it prepares you for entry-level roles.
The best medical assistant certificates are awarded by universities and colleges and will provide you with a comprehensive body of knowledge for various health careers. Keep reading to discover the best college certificate programs and the courses they offer. The information in the following section was sourced from the respective university websites.
Medical Assistant College Certificate Program vs Medical Assistant Associate Degree
Both paths prepare you for medical assisting, but certificates are faster while associate degrees add general education and more electives.
A medical assistant college certificate offers you the credentials you need to work as a medical assistant. It often includes lectures and fieldwork with direct supervision. A medical assistant training program usually prepares you to write a certification examination. On the other hand, the medical assistant associate degree is an undergraduate degree that prepares students for the workforce.
An associate degree is longer since it includes different electives and general courses on top of the core medical assistant courses. Associate degrees sometimes come with fieldwork or internships that can prepare graduates for certification. Here are some differences between the certificate and associate degree:
- Program length – Most medical assisting certificates can be completed in less than a year, at most a year and a half. A medical assistant associate degree requires two full-time years of study to get the award.
- Education – Due to the length of the program, associate degree holders get to learn more general education aside from their major. Certificate programs are shorter, so students get streamlined training that focuses mostly on medical assisting functions.
- Experience – Both associate degrees and certificate programs offer students an opportunity to gain experience during the program. Students get to work in clinics under the supervision of medical professionals. However, those in associate degree programs may have more time and opportunities because of the longer duration.
- Job opportunities – Certificate holders can easily find potential employers in clinical and administrative settings. However, it may become difficult to secure work in specialist offices as they require more education. Associate degree holders may have a better chance of specialization and preparation for advanced certification.
- Public perception. – The type of program you choose can be affected by public perception. For instance, some employers may prefer a candidate with an associate degree to one with a Certificate in Medical Assistance because of the perceived experience level. This does not apply to all employers.
Financial Aid Basics for Certificate Seekers
- Complete the FAFSA to see if you qualify for Pell Grants, work-study, or federal loans.
- Ask schools about payment plans, employer tuition assistance, and whether exam vouchers are bundled into program fees.
Best Online Associate Degrees
Healthcare Reimbursement / Revenue Cycle Management (AS)
Medical Assisting (AAS/AS, hybrid with clinicals)
Health Information Technology / Health Information Management (AS)
Medical Billing and Coding (AS)
Medical Office Administration (AS)
Healthcare Administration / Healthcare Management (AS)
Health Sciences (Allied Health) (AS)
Public Health (AS)
Health Informatics / Healthcare IT (AS)
Medical Administrative Assistant (AS)
Best Online Associate Degrees: Explained
- Medical Assisting (AAS/AS, hybrid with clinicals) – Blends anatomy, clinical procedures, phlebotomy/EKG basics, and medical office workflows. Expect on-campus labs plus a supervised externship. Graduates pursue entry-level roles in clinics and physician offices as medical assistants or patient care associates.
- Health Information Technology / Health Information Management (AS) – Covers medical data governance, privacy/security, coding/classification, and EHR workflows. You’ll work with documentation standards and release-of-information practices. Typical roles include HIM technician, medical records specialist, or data quality coordinator.
- Medical Billing and Coding (AS) – Focuses on diagnosis/procedure coding (ICD-10-CM/PCS, CPT, HCPCS), claims processing, and payer rules. You’ll learn audit fundamentals and denial prevention. Graduates become medical coders, billing specialists, or reimbursement analysts.
- Medical Office Administration (AS) – Emphasizes patient scheduling, insurance verification, customer service, basic bookkeeping, and records management. Soft skills and practice management software are core. Common roles include medical office coordinator, front desk lead, and patient access representative.
- Healthcare Administration / Healthcare Management (AS) – Introduces healthcare systems, operations, budgeting, HR, and quality basics. You’ll learn to support department workflows and vendor coordination. Graduates step into assistant manager, unit coordinator, or administrative support roles in clinics and ambulatory centers.
- Health Sciences (Allied Health) (AS) – A broad foundation—general education plus anatomy/physiology, microbiology, and health electives. Designed for exploration or transfer into specialized bachelor’s programs. Outcomes include entry-level allied health support roles or a transfer pathway to a BS.
- Public Health (AS) – Centers on community health, health promotion, environmental health, and intro epidemiology/biostatistics. Projects often involve needs assessments and outreach planning. Graduates work as community health workers, program assistants, or transfer into a BS/BA in public health.
- Health Informatics / Healthcare IT (AS) – Blends healthcare workflows with IT basics: EHR support, data literacy (spreadsheets/SQL fundamentals), interoperability concepts, and HIPAA/security. Roles include EHR support specialist, clinical data technician, or health IT help desk.
Healthcare Reimbursement / Revenue Cycle Management (AS) – Focuses on end-to-end claims: charge capture, coding touchpoints, payer policies, denial management, and compliance. You’ll analyze remittance data to improve collections. Graduates become revenue cycle specialists, patient financial services reps, or AR/denials analysts.
Medical Administrative Assistant (AS) – Prepares you for front-office leadership with scheduling, intake, medical terminology, documentation, and customer communication. You’ll practice using practice-management and EHR tools. Outcomes include medical receptionist, scheduler, and patient services lead.
Is an Undergraduate Medical Assistant Certificate Worth It?
An undergraduate medical assistant certificate can be a fast, affordable path into patient-facing and front-office roles.
Yes, an undergraduate medical assistant certificate is worth it because it prepares you for a career within a short period. The cost of this certificate is significantly lower and it gives you the skills needed to take the certification examination. Most of these programs are flexible and include hands-on training to increase your chances of securing a job.
EHR & Digital Health Readiness
Because most physician practices use certified EHRs, programs that teach charting, scheduling, and privacy workflows can help you contribute on day one.^1
Best Medical Assistant Certificate Graduate Programs
These programs deepen skills for those who already hold a degree or substantial prior coursework.
| School | Program | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| City Colleges of Chicago | Medical Assisting, Advanced Certificate | $157/credit (in-district), $518/credit (out-of-state) |
| Delta College | Clinical Medical Assistant Advanced Certificate | $7,043 total (in-district), $11,042 (out-of-district), $11,515 (out-of-state) |
| Lake Michigan College | Medical Assisting Advanced Certificate | $187/credit |
| University of Cincinnati | Medical Assisting Technical Certificate | $215/semester |
Best Graduate Medical Assistant Certificate Programs Explained
Program summaries below show focus areas, externships, and exam preparation.
The best medical assistant certificates are also available as graduate certificate programs. These advanced programs are for students with a bachelor’s degree or an associate degree who wish to expand on their knowledge and skills. We dive into the best Graduate Certificates in Medical Assistance below.
Medical Assistant Graduate Certificate Program vs Medical Assistant Master’s Degree
The main difference between medical assistant graduate certificate programs and medical assistant master’s degrees is completion time. Certificates are faster, most only lasting one year Although a master’s degree can last only one year, most take up to two. The earning potential is another factor that differentiates certificates and master’s degrees. Here are more differences between both:
- Completion time. Certificate students have a faster pathway to the workforce because some programs only last six months to one year. Master’s degrees can take two years for full-time students to complete.
- Curriculum. Master’s degrees in Medical Assistance encompass other important courses that shape your general knowledge. In certificate courses, the main focus is on medical assistant skills.
- Institution. To get a Graduate Certificate in Medical Assistance, you can enroll in a university, college, or institute that offers such certificate programs. However, master’s degree programs are only available in universities.
- Salary and employment outlook. Generally, graduates with master’s degrees earn more than their counterparts with lower degrees. Graduates can expect to make a healthy salary in outpatient care centers, physician offices, and hospitals. Certificate holders do not earn as much.
Medical Assistant Graduate Certificate Program vs Medical Assistant Master’s Degree
Graduate certificates are shorter and skills-focused, while master’s degrees add research or leadership depth.
The main difference between medical assistant graduate certificate programs and medical assistant master’s degrees is completion time. Certificates are faster, most only lasting one year Although a master’s degree can last only one year, most take up to two. The earning potential is another factor that differentiates certificates and master’s degrees. Here are more differences between both:
- Completion time – Certificate students have a faster pathway to the workforce because some programs only last six months to one year. Master’s degrees can take two years for full-time students to complete.
- Curriculum – Master’s degrees in Medical Assistance encompass other important courses that shape your general knowledge. In certificate courses, the main focus is on medical assistant skills.
- Institution – To get a Graduate Certificate in Medical Assistance, you can enroll in a university, college, or institute that offers such certificate programs. However, master’s degree programs are only available in universities.
- Salary and employment outlook – Generally, graduates with master’s degrees earn more than their counterparts with lower degrees. Graduates can expect to make a healthy salary in outpatient care centers, physician offices, and hospitals. Certificate holders do not earn as much.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
Applied Health Sciences / Allied Health (MS)
Healthcare Administration (MHA)
Public Health (MPH)
Health Informatics / Biomedical Informatics (MS)
Health Information Management (MS)
Nursing (MSN) — leadership/education tracks
Healthcare Management (MBA, Healthcare concentration)
Health Education & Promotion (MS/MEd)
Healthcare Quality & Patient Safety (MS)
Clinical Research / Clinical Trials Management (MS)
Occupational Health & Safety (MS)
Nutrition / Dietetics (MS)
Best Online Master’s Degrees: Explained
Applied Health Sciences / Allied Health (MS) – A flexible option for allied health professionals (e.g., respiratory therapists, radiologic technologists, paramedics) seeking advancement. Curriculum typically includes leadership, health education, evidence-based practice, and sometimes research methods. Graduates move into lead clinician, educator, coordinator, or manager roles within their specialty.
Healthcare Administration (MHA) – Focuses on running healthcare organizations: strategy, operations, finance, HR, and policy. Expect courses in budgeting, value-based care, revenue cycle, and service-line management, often capped by a practicum or capstone in a hospital or health system. Typical grads move into roles like practice manager, clinic director, service-line administrator, or operations manager.
Public Health (MPH) – Centers on population health with core work in epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, social/behavioral sciences, and health policy. Most programs require a supervised Applied Practice Experience and an Integrative Learning capstone. Graduates work in health departments, NGOs, global health, community health, or policy analysis.
Health Informatics / Biomedical Informatics (MS) – Blends healthcare and data: clinical data standards (HL7/FHIR), EHR workflows, interoperability, analytics, and sometimes basic scripting (SQL/Python/R). You’ll learn to translate clinical questions into data-driven insights and build dashboards or decision-support tools. Common roles: clinical informaticist, data analyst, interoperability specialist, or product roles at health tech firms.
Health Information Management (MS) – Emphasizes data governance, privacy/security, coding/classification, compliance, and enterprise information strategy. Programs often explore risk mitigation, release-of-information, and audit readiness; some CAHIIM-accredited tracks align with RHIA exam eligibility. Graduates lead HIM teams, compliance programs, and data integrity initiatives.
Nursing (MSN) — leadership/education tracks – For RNs aiming at nurse leadership, education, or informatics (not APRN/NP). Coursework spans organizational leadership, quality improvement, curriculum design, and clinical teaching; supervised practicum hours are typical. Roles include nurse manager, clinical educator, magnet/quality coordinator, or informatics liaison.
Healthcare Management (MBA, Healthcare concentration) – A business-first degree with healthcare electives: accounting, corporate finance, strategy, plus payer-provider economics, market entry, and healthcare innovation. Programs often feature consulting-style projects with hospitals, payers, or startups. Graduates pursue management, consulting, product, or business-development roles.
Health Education & Promotion (MS/MEd) – Trains you to design, implement, and evaluate health behavior change programs. You’ll study behavior theory, instructional design, community engagement, and program evaluation; many grads pursue CHES/MCHES eligibility. Careers include community health educator, corporate wellness lead, and public health program manager.
Healthcare Quality & Patient Safety (MS) – Built around quality science (Lean, Six Sigma), patient safety, human factors, and measurement. Expect hands-on improvement projects tied to HCAHPS, readmissions, infection control, or medication safety. Graduates often lead QI/PS offices, accreditation readiness, and system-wide safety initiatives.
Clinical Research / Clinical Trials Management (MS) – Covers trial design, ICH-GCP, FDA pathways, IRB/ethics, site management, and data monitoring. Many programs include a practicum with protocol development or study coordination. Outcomes include clinical research associate (CRA), study/project manager, regulatory specialist, or data management lead.
Occupational Health & Safety (MS) – Focuses on workplace health: industrial hygiene, ergonomics, risk assessment, toxicology, and OSHA/regulatory compliance. You’ll learn to investigate incidents, design prevention systems, and manage EHS programs. Graduates work as EHS managers, safety directors, industrial hygienists, or risk consultants.
Nutrition / Dietetics (MS) – Deepens expertise in medical nutrition therapy, metabolism, and lifecycle nutrition; some ACEND-accredited programs integrate supervised practice for RDN eligibility. Others emphasize research, community nutrition, or sports/performance. Careers range from clinical dietitian roles (with RDN) to wellness, industry, or public health nutrition.
Is a Graduate Medical Assistant Certificate Worth It?
A graduate-level medical assistant certificate can quickly validate advanced skills and support career mobility.
Yes, a graduate medical assistant certificate is worth it because it gives you a chance to enter a budding field with a great outlook. A quick certificate can position you in the high-demand medical assistance field.
Medical Assistant Certificate Program Coursework
Certificate curricula mix medical science, office systems, and hands-on clinical labs.
Medical assistant certificate programs offer common courses including anatomy and physiology, medical administration, introduction to billing and medical coding, and clinical and diagnostic procedures. Below, we detail what students learn in these core courses.
Anatomy and Physiology
This introductory course familiarizes students with medical terms by using suffixes, prefixes, abbreviations, root words, and pronunciation of words. The physiology aspect focuses on the organization of the cardiovascular, hematoxylin, integumentary, lymphatic, hematic, and immune systems in the body.
Medical Office Basics
This course introduces students to the daily activities of the medical office to prepare them as medical administrative assistants. Some topics in this course include law and ethics, professional behavior, telephone techniques, daily operations, and law and medicine. The course also covers correspondence, appointment scheduling, and HIPAA regulations.
Clinical and Diagnostic Procedures
This course covers the fundamentals of medical assisting. It focuses on vital signs, infection control, clinical laboratory, medication administration, pharmacology, nutrition, and immunology. Students learn about general physical examinations, surgical procedure assisting, phlebotomy, hematology, and emergency preparedness.
Medication Administration
This course introduces students to safe dosage calculations and medical administration based on factors such as the weight and age of the patient. They learn to administer injections and oral medications. Students will also learn about documentation, method of delivery, and rights of medication administration to prevent errors and follow the law.
Intro to Billing and Medical Coding
This course teaches students how to bill in the case of insurance companies. Students learn the guidelines, knowledge, and principles needed to work in this field. The course starts with an overview of medical billing, medical coding, coding terminology, and medical record documentation. Before the course ends, students will review different coding work environments.
Best Online College Courses for Credit
English Composition I
Anatomy & Physiology I (with lab)
Anatomy & Physiology II (with lab)
Medical Terminology
Pathophysiology
Microbiology (with lab)
Human Biology (with lab)
Pharmacology for Allied Health
Clinical Procedures for Medical Assistants
Phlebotomy Fundamentals
EKG/ECG Interpretation
Electronic Health Records (EHR) Basics
Health Information Management Fundamentals
Medical Billing & Coding I (ICD-10-CM, CPT/HCPCS)
Medical Billing & Coding II (Claims & Compliance)
Medical Law, Ethics & HIPAA
Medical Office Administration & Scheduling
Intro to Healthcare Systems
Communication for Healthcare Professionals
College Algebra or Statistics
What Can You Do With a Medical Assistant Certificate from College?
A medical assistant certificate qualifies you for entry-level clinical and administrative roles across ambulatory and outpatient settings.
With a medical assistant certificate from college, you can work in the health field and assist medical professionals. A graduate medical assistant certificate may increase your earning potential because it allows you to take a more advanced certification examination. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 12 percent over the next decade.15
Best Medical Assistant Jobs and Careers With a Certificate
| Job Role | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | $89,340 |
| Laboratory Technician | $41,972 |
| Certified Surgical Technician | $62,480 |
| Medical Office Assistant | $40,284 |
| Nursing Assistant | $39,430 |
Best Medical Assistant Certificate Jobs and Careers: Explained
The best medical assistant certificate jobs are well paid. Even though you cannot become a registered nurse by taking a medical assistant certificate program, there are other interesting and fulfilling roles you can fill. Read below to discover the best jobs for medical assistant certificate holders.
Should I Also Get a Medical Assistant Certification?
Yes, you should get a medical assistant certification because it can increase your chances of securing a job. This certification increases your credibility, helps you stand out, and shows that you have the administrative skills employers seek. Medical assistant certifications also help you to advance in your career.
Best Medical Assistant Certifications
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). The CMA certification is one of the most common ones and it is offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants. This certification allows medical assistants to handle administrative and clinical tasks.
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA). This certification shows that professionals have the interpersonal skills to work as medical assistants. American Medical Technologists offer it.
- National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA). This certification is like the CCMA but focuses on assisting physicians as opposed to office administration. It is offered by the National Center for Competency Testing.
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). This certification shows that medical assistants are skilled in clinical procedures. Their main focus is not office administration. The NHA offers it and is for professionals who want to specialize in clinical support.
- Podiatric Medical Assistant Certified (PMAC). This certification is for professionals who want to work as podiatrist assistants. It is recognized by the American Podiatric Medical Association.
Best Professional Certifications
Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider — AHA
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) — AAMA
Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) — AMT
National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) — NCCT
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) — NHA
Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) — NHA
Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) — NHA
Certified EKG Technician (CET) — NHA
Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) — NHA
Certified Professional Coder (CPC) — AAPC
Certified Coding Associate (CCA) — AHIMA
Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) — AHIMA
Best Professional Certifications: Explained
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) — AAMA: Gold-standard clinical+administrative MA credential. Typically requires graduating from a CAAHEP/ABHES–accredited MA program and passing the exam. Valued by outpatient clinics; renewal includes continuing education.
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) — AMT: Broad MA credential with multiple eligibility routes (education, work experience, or military training). Recognized across physician offices and ambulatory centers; maintained through AMT’s continuing certification.
- National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) — NCCT: Clinical MA certification covering patient care, pharmacology, EKG/phlebotomy basics, and admin tasks. Eligibility via approved training or verified experience; common in physician practices and urgent care.
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) — NHA: Clinical support focus (vitals, injections per state scope, EKG, phlebotomy). Suited to ambulatory care and specialty clinics; requires training/experience and exam, with periodic renewal.
- Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) — NHA: Front-office emphasis: scheduling, intake, billing basics, customer service, and EHR workflows. Ideal for medical reception/patient access roles; complements or substitutes for a clinical MA credential depending on job.
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) — NHA: Validates venipuncture, specimen handling, safety, and quality control. Useful for labs, hospitals, and donor centers; often stacked with an MA to expand duties.
- Certified EKG Technician (CET) — NHA: Covers lead placement, rhythm interpretation, stress/holter basics, and safety. Common in cardiology, telemetry, and diagnostic centers; pairs well with MA roles in cardiac clinics.
- Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) — NHA: Demonstrates EHR documentation, data quality, privacy/security, and release-of-information fundamentals. Strong fit for medical office, HIM, and revenue-cycle support roles.
- Certified Professional Coder (CPC) — AAPC: Industry-leading outpatient/professional-fee coding credential (CPT/HCPCS and ICD-10-CM). Signals job-ready coding skills for practices, ASC, and payer settings; often required for coder and auditor roles.
- Certified Coding Associate (CCA) — AHIMA: Entry-level, vendor-neutral coding certification for hospital and physician practice environments. Solid starting point before advancing to CCS or RHIT; demonstrates foundational ICD-10 and CPT knowledge.
- Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) — AHIMA: Advanced coding credential (inpatient/outpatient) emphasizing ICD-10-CM/PCS and CPT with DRG/MS-DRG understanding. Widely preferred for hospital coding and complex casework.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider — AHA: Core clinical safety certification (adult/child CPR, AED, choking relief) required for most patient-facing roles. Typically renewed every two years and often mandated by employers.
Is a College Certificate for Medical Assistant Worth It?
Yes, a College Certificate for Medical Assistants is worth it because it can carve a clear path into the medical support career. Some certificates can be applied to associate degrees or other advanced degrees, which reduces the time and cost needed to further your education. College certificates for medical assistants prepare you to take professional certifications to increase your chances of securing a job.
Medical Assistant Certificates FAQ
Which medical assistant certification is best?
The best medical assistant certification is the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification. It is one of the most popular ones today and is widely recognized nationwide. The American Association of Medical Assistants offers the certification to professionals who want to work as medical assistants.
How can you get your medical assistant certification fast?
The fastest way to get your medical assistant certification is to enroll in a medical assistant certificate program. This program often takes six months to a year to be completed. The training will give you the skills needed to work with healthcare teams and sit for the medical assistant certification examination.
Can a medical assistant work without certification?
Yes, a medical assistant can work without getting certified. However, the field is very competitive and busy. There will be other candidates vying for the same position. It is ideal to write the certification examination and stand out among others if you want to work on a health care team.
What states require certification for medical assistants?
Requirements vary by state. For example, Washington requires a state medical assistant credential (Certified, Registered, Phlebotomist, or Hemodialysis) to work in that role. Check your state’s health department or medical board for specifics before you apply.
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