10 Reasons To Get Certified In Medical Assisting

Medical assistants (MAs) handle both clinical and administrative work in healthcare settings, and the field is growing fast. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 15% job growth from 2023 to 2033, much faster than average. National certification is not required everywhere, but it opens doors to better jobs and advancement. Here is what certification involves and why it pays off.

How MA certification works

Several MA certifications exist, but the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) offers the best-known exam for nationally certified medical assistants, covering both administrative and clinical duties.

The AAMA recognizes four eligibility categories:

• Category 1: Students may sit for the exam up to 30 days before completing an accredited program or within 12 months of graduating.
• Category 2: Candidates can apply 12 months after graduating from an accredited program, or if they graduated within 36 months before the program was accredited.
• Category 3: A candidate recertifying after passing the CMA exam.
• Category 4 (alternative pathway): A graduate of a qualified postsecondary MA apprenticeship that meets AAMA requirements.

Certified medical assistants (CMAs) recertify every five years, either by retaking the exam or submitting 60 continuing education units across administrative, clinical, and general categories. Here are 10 reasons certification is worth it.

1. Employers prefer certified MAs

Many employers prefer, and some require, the CMA credential. Certification signals professional credibility and can help shield an employer in a malpractice suit. A growing number of malpractice insurers now expect MAs to hold national certification, and many name the AAMA credential specifically.

2. It vouches for your knowledge and skill

Certification verifies that you have been educated and tested on the administrative and clinical skills the job requires, and your certification status is public record available to employers. The AAMA credential is the only MA exam that requires graduation from an accredited program or a qualifying apprenticeship. Coursework spans anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, administration, recordkeeping, coding, and office practice, plus an unpaid practicum.

3. It reflects quality training

The credential reflects completed accredited education and hands-on practicum training. Maintaining it through retesting or continuing education keeps your skills current and shows a commitment to professional standards and patient-centered care.

4. Certified MAs earn more

The 2023 CMA (AAMA) Compensation and Benefits Report surveyed more than 11,000 full-time MAs. Those with current certification averaged $21.64 an hour, compared with $20.84 for those without. Experience, location, work setting, and specialty all affect pay too. Among those surveyed, only 4% received no benefits.

5. It may be required where you work

Medical assisting is one of the few healthcare careers that does not require licensure or certification in most states, but that is changing, and certification gives you an edge regardless. In 2005, Family Practice Management reported that 15% of MAs were certified. In 2023, the AAMA reported 75,659 CMAs, and with 764,400 MA jobs in 2022 per BLS, that works out to roughly 10% certified.

The share has held steady, but more states now require formal education or certification, often to expand an MA's scope of practice. Check the AAMA for your state's rules.

States requiring formal education: California (training must meet requirements or be in a formal setting), Arizona, New Jersey, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington, and Massachusetts (not required but expands scope).

States requiring certification or competency assessment: Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Tennessee (each to expand scope), Nebraska (must pass a competency assessment), and Washington (four MA categories with defined scopes, including certification).

6. More job options

Most employers seek certified MAs because the credential shows commitment and quality training. Many MA skills transfer to other roles, so certification can also improve your odds as a patient services representative, medical clerk, medical office manager, or medical claims examiner.

7. Hospitals seek certified staff

In an increasingly litigious environment, hospitals hire certified personnel to lower their exposure. Certification shows dedication and specialized expertise. CMAs work in settings that carry malpractice risk, including physician offices, hospitals, outpatient and school clinics, nursing homes and residential facilities, clinical trials, diagnostic facilities, and correctional facilities.

8. It validates clinical judgment

MAs increasingly handle complex patients who need advanced technology and ongoing assessment. Certification through an accredited organization gives employers concrete evidence that you have the skills to do the job well and protect your patients.

9. Access to continuing education

CMAs need 60 CEUs to recertify through the AAMA, and some employers sponsor them. AAMA-certified MAs can earn CEUs through the organization's eLearning center, tests in the professional magazine, self-study courses, and the annual conference. Complete all your CEUs through the AAMA and you can recertify online or by phone; earn 30 from outside sources and you recertify online or by mail.

10. More respect from your team

MAs work alongside licensed and certified professionals on multidisciplinary teams. Certification shows your commitment to development and continuing education, which supports better patient outcomes and earns colleagues' respect. People who feel respected tend to be more satisfied and more loyal to their employer.