To become a certified medical assistant, earn a high school diploma, complete a medical assistant program, and pass a national certification exam. Choose an accredited medical assisting program, gain hands-on clinical experience, and register for exams such as the CCMA or CMA to validate your skills and improve job opportunities in healthcare.
What Does a Certified Medical Assistant Do?
You can find medical assistants in:
- Hospitals
- Urgent care clinics
- Doctor’s offices
- Outpatient centers
- Specialty clinics
This role includes both clinical and front office work. Medical assistants handle phones, schedule appointments, and update medical charts. They also help with clinical procedures, such as blood drawing and dressing wounds.
A clinical medical assistant also:
- Takes medical histories
- Prepares rooms for exams
- Assists during minor surgeries
- Gives injections (under supervision)
In the growing medical field, certified medical assistants are in high demand. Over 760,000 people hold medical assistant positions in the U.S., with strong job growth expected through 2032.
[Image: A certified medical assistant preparing a patient for a blood pressure check]
What Education Do You Need?
You need a high school diploma or GED to start any medical assistant training program. After that, you’ll complete a medical assisting program approved by a national accrediting body.
These programs cover:
- Medical terminology
- Basic laboratory procedures
- Medical law and ethics
- Anatomy and physiology
- Pharmacology
Choose an accredited medical assisting program through CAAHEP or ABHES. This is required to sit for the certification exam.
Some students take an online medical assistant program, while others attend classes on campus. Most medical assistant programs last 9–12 months and include clinical internships.
Programs can be:
- Full-time or part-time
- In-person or online
- Short-term certificate or associate degree tracks
What Certifications Are Available?
You must pass a certification exam after completing your medical assistant program. This shows you’re qualified for most medical assistant jobs.
Common options:
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) – from AAMA
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) – from NHA
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) – from AMT
- National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) – from NCCT
Each test has different requirements. The CCMA exam is popular among students who take an NHA-accredited ma program. The CMA exam requires graduation from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited school.
Most employers prefer candidates who hold a recognized national certification. These tests include both clinical knowledge and medical terminology.
You must:
- Graduate from an accredited training program
- Pay a testing fee (typically $90–$200)
- Pass a national certification exam
- Meet continuing education requirements
How Long Does It Take to Become Certified?
Most students complete their medical assistant course in 9 to 12 months. Some associate degrees take up to 2 years.
Program duration depends on:
- School format (online vs. campus)
- Credit hours required
- Clinical hours
Some online medical assistant programs allow faster completion. Others may extend due to externship scheduling.
Sample Timeline:
- High school diploma: 4 years
- Medical assistant training program: 9–12 months
- Certification preparation: 1–2 months
Many students pass their certification exam within 1 year of starting school.
Where Do Medical Assistants Work?
Certified medical assistants work in many healthcare facilities:
- Family medicine practices
- OB/GYN offices
- Pediatric clinics
- Urgent care centers
- Hospitals
You’ll perform clinical tasks and administrative duties in both small and large settings.
Some medical assistants specialize in:
- Cardiology
- Dermatology
- Orthopedics
Job duties vary, but may include:
- Scheduling appointments
- Assisting with x-rays
- Explaining medications
- Preparing patients for exams
Medical assistants also support healthcare providers by tracking vital signs, collecting samples, and documenting medical histories.
How Much Do Certified Medical Assistants Make?
Salary depends on location, experience, and certification. The national average salary for a certified medical assistant is about $38,000 per year or $18 per hour.
See the table below for more details.
Certified Medical Assistant Salary and Career Data
Here is a summary of key statistics about the certified medical assistant career path.
Salary, Education, and Growth for Certified Medical Assistants
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| National Average Salary | $38,270 (BLS, 2023) |
| Program Length | 9–24 months depending on certificate or degree |
| Entry-Level Education | High school diploma + medical assistant program |
| Exam Pass Rate (CCMA) | Around 77% (NHA, 2023) |
| Job Growth (2022–2032) | 14% increase – much faster than average |
| Top States for Employment | California, Texas, Florida, New York, Georgia |
| Common Work Settings | Clinics, hospitals, urgent care, private offices |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, NHA.org
Why Become a Certified Medical Assistant?
This career is ideal for people who want a rewarding career in healthcare without attending medical school.
Benefits include:
- Quick entry into the medical field
- Job security due to high demand
- Competitive pay and career growth
- Ability to help patients daily
Many students pursue this field to get a head start on a long-term healthcare career.
Personal story: Ashley, a mom of two, completed an online medical assistant program in 10 months while working part-time. She now works in a pediatric office helping children with vaccinations and check-ups. She values the balance between a good salary and flexible work hours.
What Skills Will You Learn in Training?
Your medical assistant program teaches both hard and soft skills.
Hard skills:
- Taking vital signs
- Blood drawing
- Performing basic laboratory procedures
- Understanding clinical procedures
- Charting medical histories
Soft skills:
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Customer service
- Time management
These valuable skills help in many medical assistant positions and can lead to new roles such as:
- Front office coordinator
- Patient care tech
- Medical records clerk
Training also includes:
- Medical law
- HIPAA guidelines
- Safety procedures
Most Popular Questions About Becoming a Certified Medical Assistant
These are the questions we get asked the most often in regard to how to become a certified medical assistant.
What is the fastest way to become a certified medical assistant?
Enroll in an accredited medical assistant program that offers a 9-month certification track. Online options let you work at your own pace. Pass a certification exam like CCMA or CMA to get certified quickly.
Do I need a high school diploma to start?
Yes. A high school diploma or GED is required before enrolling in any medical assistant course or training program. This is also needed to qualify for the national certification exam.
What does a clinical medical assistant do?
A clinical medical assistant assists with patient care, performs basic tests, takes vital signs, prepares rooms, and supports healthcare providers during exams. This role is key in most healthcare facilities.
Is an online medical assistant program accepted?
Yes, if it’s from an accredited medical assisting program. Make sure it is recognized by CAAHEP or ABHES. Many certified medical assistant exams accept online graduates.
How long does it take to get certified?
Most people complete school and pass their certification exam within 12 months. Accelerated programs may take 9 months, while associate degrees can take up to 2 years.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a certified medical assistant is a smart choice for anyone starting a new career in healthcare. You’ll build valuable skills, earn a steady income, and help patients every day. With many training options and job opportunities, it’s easier than ever to start.
