CMAA vs. CCMA: Which medical assistant certification is right for you?
May 9, 2023 | Heather LeBlanc
If you're interested in a career in medical assisting, you've likely come across two popular career certifications: CCMA and CMAA. While both certifications demonstrate competency in medical assisting, they each have unique differences that can affect your career path Which one is right for you? Below is a comparison of the CCMA and CMAA certifications to help you decide.
CMAA vs CCMA: What is the difference?
The key difference between CMAA and CCMA certifications is the focus of their training and ultimate job responsibilities. A certified medical administrative assistant (CMAA) primarily focuses on administrative tasks, including managing patient records, handling insurance claims and scheduling appointments. Certified clinical medical assistants (CCMA) are more involved with direct patient care and clinical tasks like taking vital signs, administering medications and assisting with procedures.
What education or training is required to become a certified medical assistant?
To become a CCMA or a CMAA, individuals must also complete a medical assisting program from an accredited institution and pass an exam through a certifying organization such as the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
What is the employment outlook for medical assistants with these certifications?
The employment outlook for medical assistants with certifications is quite favorable. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistant employment is projected to grow 16 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. Depending on one's interests and skills, either certification can lead to a successful and rewarding career pathway. Both CMAA and CCMA certifications can increase employment opportunities for medical assistants.
What is a CMAA?
A certified medical administrative assistant (CMAA) can play many diverse roles depending on their medical facility or clinic. However, some common responsibilities include managing medical records, billing and coding, managing finances, communication and administrative tasks. A CMAA's primary job duties involve managing patient records, billing and coding, managing finances, communication and providing general administrative support.
What is a CCMA?
Certified clinical medical assistants (CCMA) are trained to perform administrative and clinical tasks in medical offices, clinics and other healthcare facilities. Some of the typical job duties of a CCMA include assisting physicians and nurses during patient exams and treatments, taking patient medical histories and vital signs, preparing patients for medical exams and procedures, collecting and processing specimens for laboratory testing, updating and maintaining patient records and medical histories, scheduling patient appointments and managing patient flow in the clinic and coordinating referrals and communicating with other healthcare providers as needed.
What potential career pathways are available for someone with a CMAA certification?
A medical administrative assistant with a CMAA certification can pursue various career pathways in the healthcare industry. Some options include working as a medical office manager, medical receptionist, medical transcriptionist and medical records technician. With additional education and experience, individuals can also advance into positions as healthcare administrators or healthcare executives. Obtaining a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration can also lead to higher earning potential and career advancement opportunities.
What potential career pathways are available for someone with a CCMA certification?
A certified clinical medical assistant (CCMA) certification can open up several career pathways in the healthcare industry, including Clinical Medical Assistant, Phlebotomist, Medical Lab Assistant, EKG Technician, Medical Billing and Coding Specialist. With additional education and training, medical assistants can also move into leadership roles as office managers or healthcare administrators.
What are some advancement opportunities for medical assistants?
Some common career pathways include transitioning into medical billing and coding, medical assisting management, nursing or healthcare administration. With additional certifications and education, medical assistants can also specialize in a certain area of healthcare, such as oncology, dermatology or podiatry. Medical assistants can also become supervisors or managers within a healthcare facility or work as educators, teaching future medical assistants. Alternatively, you may choose to advance your career by becoming a supervisor or manager within your organization. Some medical assistants may also pursue further education through nursing or physician assistant programs.
What are some tips for a successful career as a medical assistant?
To succeed as a medical assistant, it is important to have strong communication skills, attention to detail and the ability to multitask. Medical assistants should also have a good understanding of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology. Finally, empathy and compassion are important qualities for medical assistants as they may be required to assist patients who are anxious, in pain or have emotional needs.
Are continuing education credits required to maintain these certifications?
Continuing education credits are required to maintain CMAA and CCMA certifications. The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) requires credential holders to complete ten continuing education units (CEUs) every two years to maintain their certification. The CEUs can be earned through various activities, including attending conferences, completing online courses and participating in professional development activities.
At UWF Continuing Education, we offer online medical assisting programs to help you prepare for the CCMA and CMAA certification exams. Our programs provide hands-on training and convenient scheduling to fit your busy lifestyle. Register now to take the first step toward your rewarding career in medical assisting.
