How to become a Certified Medical Assistant
Education is a must. Start by checking out resources online to educate yourself on the different opportunities available in the certified medical assistant field. Then choose how you will go about getting your education, either by attending an accredited school where you can earn your degree or through a fully accredited online program. Once you've completed your formal schooling, in order to become fully certified you will need to take and pass an exam. The American Association of Medical Assistants gives you a step-by-step breakdown on eligibility, documentation, fees and dates that the exam is available.
Upgrade your resume
Get an expert review of your resume.
Typical qualifications for a Certified Medical Assistant
Certificates and licenses
About Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification
A certification awarded by an organization or association such as the American Heart Association or the Red Cross, upon completing a three hour CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) class.
Already have this certificate or license?
Add this certificate or license to your Indeed Profile to let employers know you have it.Note this is provided for informational purposes only. Adding this certificate or license to your Indeed Profile does not guarantee a job interview, opportunity, or an offer.
About Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Certification
Certification awarded after completion of training in conjunction with CPR training by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
Already have this certificate or license?
Add this certificate or license to your Indeed Profile to let employers know you have it.Note this is provided for informational purposes only. Adding this certificate or license to your Indeed Profile does not guarantee a job interview, opportunity, or an offer.
Skills employers are looking for
About Hospital experience
Skill or experience working in a hospital in an administrative or clinical capacity.
Already have this skill?
Add this skill to your Indeed Profile to let employers know you have it.Note this is provided for informational purposes only. Adding this skill to your Indeed Profile does not guarantee a job interview, opportunity, or an offer.
About Intake
Experience with intake assessments, including obtaining and reviewing prior medical records, performing patient intake interviews, and managing new patient forms.
Already have this skill?
Add this skill to your Indeed Profile to let employers know you have it.Note this is provided for informational purposes only. Adding this skill to your Indeed Profile does not guarantee a job interview, opportunity, or an offer.
About Physiology knowledge
Experience with or knowledge of physiology, the study of how living systems work.
Already have this skill?
Add this skill to your Indeed Profile to let employers know you have it.Note this is provided for informational purposes only. Adding this skill to your Indeed Profile does not guarantee a job interview, opportunity, or an offer.
About ICD coding
Skill or experience using the ICD (International Classification of Diseases) coding system to classify any disease or health problem.
Already have this skill?
Add this skill to your Indeed Profile to let employers know you have it.Note this is provided for informational purposes only. Adding this skill to your Indeed Profile does not guarantee a job interview, opportunity, or an offer.
About Medication administration
Skill or experience giving medication to patients, observing patient response, and completing any needed documentation.
Already have this skill?
Add this skill to your Indeed Profile to let employers know you have it.Note this is provided for informational purposes only. Adding this skill to your Indeed Profile does not guarantee a job interview, opportunity, or an offer.
Certified Medical Assistant jobs in United States
Career progression for Certified Medical Assistant
Education levels for Certified Medical Assistants
| required level of education | percent of job openings |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or GED | 3.0% |
| Associate's degree | 2.0% |
| Bachelor's degree | 1.0% |
| Master's degree | 0.0% |
Expected salary by experience
| Years of experience | Annual salary in USD |
|---|---|
| 0 - 4 | $27,400 |
| 4 - 8 | $29,200 |
| 8 - 12 | $30,500 |
| 12 - 16 | $31,500 |
| 16 - 20 | $31,500 |
| 20 - 24 | $32,100 |
Common questions about career advices for a Certified Medical Assistant
Is it possible to receive financial assistance while working towards medical assistant certification?
Yes, it is possible to receive financial assistance while working towards medical assistant certification. There are several scholarships available to those looking to study for a medical assistant certificate.
Are certified medical assistants in high demand?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that employment of certified medical assistants is projected to grow 23% from 2018 to 2028.
How to become a certified medical assistant?
To become a certified medical assistant, you need to first obtain a High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED). This is followed by completing the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) program from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
