The top three organizations that offer certifications are the American Medical Technologists, National Health career Association and American Association of Medical Assistants. All of these healthcare organizations have its own requirements and programs specially made for certified medical assistants.
The medical assistants that acquire certification from AAMA are required to complete 60 CEUs every 5 years. This also includes taking courses in general, administrative and clinical education. A medical assistant is able to obtain AAMA award points by completing sessions, self-study courses and workshops.
It is required by AMT that RMAs, or Registered Medical Assistants, obtain 30 points within a 3 year period, using their Certification Continuation Program. Registered Medical Assistants can earn these ppints through in-service training, conferences or online modules.
Another association that has a continuing education program is the NHA. Here you will find volumes of self-study courses and online classes. Medical assistants that are certified must take at least 3 courses annually to gain the 5 mandatory credits.
To be a Medical assistant having a certificate isn’t always mandatory, but those that have certificates and are able keep them updated and are able to qualify for higher paying jobs in the healthcare field. Some even upgrade their certification to a registration in medical assisting, which offers a higher pay grade.
