How To Get Your CCMA Certification In 5 Easy Steps

A certified clinical medical assistant, or a CCMA, is an important healthcare team member. Doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals rely on the training and experience of these assistants — and so do patients.

If you enjoy working with people in need and are interested in making a difference in their lives, it’s worth exploring what it takes to earn a CCMA certification. Once you’ve passed the exam, you’ll be prepared to be hired and embark on a fast-paced and exciting career in the medical field.

A CCMA certification allows you:

• A competitive advantage against other new professionals starting in healthcare

• Confidence in your qualifications and competency as a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant

• A faster ability to learn the processes of the facility in which you work

• Better pay

• Possible quick advancement and promotions

Plus, a post-secondary degree isn’t necessary to earn this certification. The only educational requirement to start a CCMA course is a high school diploma or equivalent. You can achieve the certification and continue your education while working to gain real-world experience.

Here are the five steps it takes to get your CCMA certification:

1. Define your goals, skills, and interests

If you’re going to work for certification, first give some thought to whether this is the type of career you would enjoy. Write down your professional goals. They could range from earning a certain amount to creating direct opportunities to care for others.

Next, assess the strengths and skills you would bring to the healthcare industry. Medical Assistants must possess:

• Strong analytical skills to understand and utilize electronic health records with associated diagnosis and procedure codes

• Good attention to detail, especially when taking vital signs and recording medical histories

• Excellent interpersonal skills, as you’ll be working as part of a team as well as directly with patients who require a calm and professional demeanor

• Technical skills, which you can learn through training

If this work interests you, you’re ready for the next step.

2. Research the Medical Assistant career field and how it aligns with your goals

Medical assistants often gain a lot of experience, which can be helpful if they want to advance their careers. They can become registered nurses, physician assistants, or nurse practitioners with additional training. Learn more about what day-to-day life is like for a CCMA, so you can feel prepared as you embark on the work toward certification.

3. Find and apply to a reputable training program

One way to learn about Medical Assistant roles is to research training opportunities. The MedCerts CCMA course takes 28 weeks to prepare students to pass the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant exam to be nationally certified healthcare professionals through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

4. Speak with a student support mentor/advisor

Many students learn online through MedCerts, as it offers extensive support and assistance to jumpstart careers in healthcare and other growing industries. Prospective students can contact an Educational Consultant for a one-on-one meeting about the process toward certification and long-term success.

5. Plan and create a schedule for studying

Finally, once you’ve enrolled in the class, you’ll need to make time in your schedule to focus on your future. Set yourself up for success with a clear desk in a relatively quiet space at home, where you can complete the online training and study.

CCMA Certification: A Path Toward Professionalism

If you’re interested in working as a medical assistant, a CCMA certification will help you position yourself more favorably to future employers. It will take some effort, but it will be worth it.