Certified for Success: 10 Medical Assistant Credentials That Matter

Gain a competitive edge with these optional Medical Assistant certifications

Medical Assistants (MAs) are essential healthcare professionals who provide both direct patient care and critical clinical support. Their responsibilities range from preparing patients for exams, performing ECGs, and drawing blood to handling administrative tasks such as maintaining records, billing, and insurance processing. Often considered the backbone of healthcare facilities, MAs play a vital role in ensuring smooth operations and allowing doctors and nurses to focus on patient treatment.

As the healthcare industry evolves, the role of MAs continues to expand, incorporating more advanced administrative responsibilities and clinical tasks that were once exclusive to registered nurses. Due to these increasing demands, many employers now prefer or require MAs to obtain certification.

If you’ve completed an accredited MA program, you have the opportunity to earn one of six recognized Medical Assistant credentials. In this article, we’ll explore these six certifications, the skills they cover, and how they can enhance your career prospects. To learn more, read our career guide on how to become a Medical Assistant.

The 10 Top Medical Assistant Certifications

1. Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
2. Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
3. National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)
4. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
5. Podiatric Medical Assistant Certified (PMAC)
6. Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA)
7. Certified EKG Technician (CET)
8. Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)
9. Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)
10. Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPC/A)

Why Earn a Medical Assistant Certification?

While many medical assistants (MAs) are not legally required to hold a state license or certification to practice, earning one can significantly enhance your career. In fact, many employers prefer or require MAs with certification. This is because certifications represent a clear commitment to your profession, assuring employers that you meet industry-recognized standards for competence. In addition, some specialized roles—like phlebotomy, radiology, and ophthalmology—demand specific certifications to perform certain duties. Moreover, regulations like those from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services now mandate credentialed MAs to handle sensitive tasks such as laboratory work, radiology, and medical orders in computerized systems.

Even if certification isn’t a requirement, it sets you apart in a competitive job market. It demonstrates that you have invested in your professional development, signaling to potential employers that you are ready for greater responsibility and have the skills to excel in a medical setting. With certification, you unlock greater career opportunities, higher earning potential, and the chance to take your role to the next level. Whether you’re looking to increase your job security, expand your responsibilities, or move into specialized fields, certification is your ticket to a more rewarding and successful career.

Drill Down on the Top Certifications for Enhancing Your Medical Assisting Career

Obtaining one or more of these certifications can enhance your qualifications, increase job opportunities, and demonstrate your commitment to excellence in the medical assisting profession.

1. Certified Medical Assistant (CMA):

Offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), the CMA credential validates proficiency in both clinical and administrative tasks. Eligibility requires graduation from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). The certification is widely recognized and often preferred by employers.

• Exam Content: Covers clinical and administrative procedures, including patient care, anatomy, medical terminology, and office management.
• Exam Eligibility: Must have graduated from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program or have completed relevant work experience.
• Exam Locations: Available at Pearson VUE test centers nationwide.
• Detailed Guide: Read up on how to pass the CMA certification exam.

About AAMA

The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) is professional organization dedicated to advancing medical assistants through education, certification, and advocacy. It offers the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential, requiring completion of a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program. Beyond certification, AAMA provides continuing education, networking opportunities, and industry updates to help medical assistants maintain competencies and stay informed. Its mission is to support medical assistants through credentialing, professional development, and advocacy for quality patient care.

2. Registered Medical Assistant (RMA):

Administered by American Medical Technologists (AMT), the RMA certification recognizes competence in medical assisting. Candidates can qualify through various pathways, including completing an accredited MA program or accumulating relevant work experience. The RMA is acknowledged nationwide and emphasizes both clinical and administrative skills.

• Exam Content: Focuses on clinical skills, patient care, medical office procedures, and general medical knowledge.
• Exam Eligibility: Graduates of an accredited program or those with relevant work experience or graduated from a military program.
• Exam Locations: Administered at Pearson VUE test centers across the country.
• Detailed Guide: Read up on how to pass the RMA certification exam.

About AMT

American Medical Technologists (AMT) is a member-led, non-profit organization dedicated to credentialing and supporting allied health professionals. Its mission is to promote competence in healthcare delivery. Beyond certification, AMT offers members a range of benefits to support their professional development. These include access to affordable continuing education opportunities, career development tools, and networking platforms to connect with peers in the medical community. AMT also provides scholarships to members seeking to advance their education and recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to their professions. By maintaining high standards and offering ongoing support, AMT ensures that its members are well-equipped to deliver quality healthcare services.

3. National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA):

Provided by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), the NCMA certification assesses a candidate’s knowledge in clinical procedures, medical office management, and patient care. Eligibility criteria include completing an NCCT-approved MA program or possessing relevant work experience.

• Exam Content: Includes patient care, clinical skills, medical law, and office management.
• Exam Eligibility: Graduates from an NCCT-approved program or those with professional work experience.
• Exam Locations: Offered at Pearson VUE and Pearson testing centers nationwide.
• Detailed Guide: Read up on how to pass the NCMA certification exam.

About NCCT

The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) is an independent, nonprofit certification organization that provides credentialing for allied healthcare professionals. Founded in 1989, NCCT is recognized by employers across the U.S. and is known for its competency-based exams that assess both knowledge and practical skills.

4. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA):

Offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), the CCMA certification focuses on clinical tasks such as assisting with examinations, administering medications, and performing EKGs. Candidates must have completed a training program or possess relevant work experience to be eligible.

• Exam Content: Includes clinical skills like EKG, patient care, infection control, and medical terminology.
• Exam Eligibility: Must complete an NHA-approved program or have relevant work experience.
• Exam Locations: Available at Pearson VUE centers across the United States.
• Detailed Guide: Read up on how to pass the CCMA certification exam.

About NHA

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is a leading certification organization dedicated to advancing the careers of healthcare professionals through nationally recognized credentials. Founded in 1989, NHA offers certifications in a variety of allied health fields, including medical assisting, phlebotomy, billing and coding, and patient care. With a focus on improving the quality of healthcare services, NHA provides rigorous competency-based exams that assess both technical and administrative skills. In addition to certification programs, NHA supports professionals with continuing education, study materials, and career development resources. Many employers prefer or require NHA-certified professionals, as these credentials demonstrate a strong commitment to industry standards and patient care excellence.

5. Podiatric Medical Assistant Certified (PMAC):

Administered by the American Society of Podiatric Medical Assistants (ASPMA), the PMAC certification is tailored for MAs specializing in podiatry. It covers areas like foot anatomy, podiatric procedures, and patient care specific to podiatry practices.

• Exam Content: Focuses on podiatric-specific tasks such as foot anatomy, podiatric procedures, and patient care in podiatry settings.
• Exam Eligibility: Graduates of a podiatric medical assisting program or those with relevant experience in podiatric offices.
• Exam Locations: Available through ASPMA at various test centers.
• Detailed Guide: Read up on how to pass the PMAC certification exam.

About ASPMA

The American Society of Podiatric Medical Assistants (ASPMA) is a professional organization dedicated to supporting and advancing the careers of podiatric medical assistants. ASPMA provides education, certification, and networking opportunities to enhance the skills and knowledge of those working in podiatry practices. In addition to certification, ASPMA offers continuing education programs, resources for professional growth, and opportunities to connect with other podiatric healthcare professionals. By maintaining high standards and promoting excellence, ASPMA plays a crucial role in elevating the quality of podiatric patient care.

6. Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA):

Offered by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO), the COA certification is designed for MAs focusing on eye care. It encompasses knowledge in ocular anatomy, basic eye care procedures, and patient interactions related to ophthalmology.

• Exam Content: Covers topics related to ocular anatomy, basic eye care, patient interactions, and ophthalmic procedures.
• Exam Eligibility: Must complete an accredited ophthalmic assisting program or have at least one year of clinical experience.
• Exam Locations: Available at Pearson VUE centers across the U.S.

About the JCAHPO

The International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (IJCAHPO) is a globally recognized organization dedicated to certifying and educating allied health professionals in ophthalmology. It aims to enhance the quality of eye care by ensuring that ophthalmic assistants, technicians, and medical personnel meet rigorous competency standards. In addition to certification, IJCAHPO provides continuing education, training workshops, and professional development resources to support lifelong learning in the field of ophthalmology. By maintaining high standards for ophthalmic professionals, IJCAHPO plays a crucial role in improving patient care and the overall quality of eye health services.

7. Certified EKG Technician (CET):

Offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), this certification is designed for healthcare professionals who seek to demonstrate expertise in patient care. This certification validates the holder’s ability to perform a range of duties, including basic medical tasks, EKG monitoring, and phlebotomy, while also emphasizing the importance of soft skills such as communication and empathy.

• Exam Content: Focuses on EKG skills, patient care, equipment handling, and electrical conduction in the heart.
• Exam Eligibility: Must complete an accredited EKG training program or have practical work experience.
• Exam Locations: Available at Pearson VUE centers nationwide.

About NHA

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is a leading certification organization dedicated to advancing the careers of healthcare professionals through nationally recognized credentials. In addition to certification programs, NHA supports professionals with continuing education, study materials, and career development resources. Many employers prefer or require NHA-certified professionals, as these credentials demonstrate a strong commitment to industry standards and patient care excellence.

8. Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT):

Offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), this credential validates an individual’s expertise in phlebotomy, the practice of drawing blood for diagnostic testing, transfusions, and blood donation. This certification focuses on ensuring proficiency in safety procedures, proper patient identification, specimen handling, and processing.

• Exam Content: Focuses on blood collection techniques, infection control, anatomy, and medical terminology.
• Exam Eligibility: Completion of a phlebotomy program or relevant work experience in phlebotomy.
• Exam Locations: Available at Pearson VUE test centers across the U.S.

About NHA

As mentioned previously, the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is a leading certification organization dedicated to advancing the careers of healthcare professionals through nationally recognized credentials. In addition to certification programs, NHA supports professionals with continuing education, study materials, and career development resources. Many employers prefer or require NHA-certified professionals, as these credentials demonstrate a strong commitment to industry standards and patient care excellence.

9. Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM):

Offered by the Practice Management Institute (PMI), this certification equips individuals with the expertise to efficiently manage medical offices. It focuses on developing core competencies in healthcare office management, including regulatory compliance, medical billing, staff management, and health information systems.

• Exam Content: The CMOM exam covers medical office management, including topics such as office policies and procedures, staff management, financial management, regulatory compliance, and patient relations.
• Exam Eligibility: Applicants should have at least two years of experience in a medical office management role or have completed a medical office management program.
• Exam Locations: The CMOM exam is available at various testing centers across the country, and it’s administered by the Practice Management Institute (PMI). You can find available test locations through PMI’s website.

About the PMI

The Practice Management Institute (PMI) is a leading organization dedicated to training and certifying medical office professionals in essential administrative and managerial roles. PMI provides nationally recognized certifications in areas such as medical office management, coding, billing, and compliance, helping healthcare professionals advance their careers while improving the efficiency of medical practices. In addition to certification programs, PMI provides live and online training courses, workshops, and continuing education to help professionals stay up to date with industry regulations and best practices. By equipping healthcare administrative staff with essential skills and knowledge, PMI plays a vital role in enhancing medical office efficiency and patient care.

10. Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPC/A):

Offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), this certificationis designed for healthcare professionals who seek to demonstrate expertise in patient care. This certification validates the holder’s ability to perform a range of duties, including basic medical tasks, EKG monitoring, and phlebotomy, while also emphasizing the importance of soft skills such as communication and empathy.

• Exam Content: The CPC/A exam focuses on patient care skills, including taking vital signs, performing blood draws, assisting with medical procedures, infection control, and patient mobility. It also covers topics such as medical terminology, anatomy, and ethics.
• Exam Eligibility: Candidates must have completed an accredited Patient Care Technician program or have relevant hands-on experience in a healthcare setting.
• Exam Locations: The CPC/A exam is offered at Pearson VUE test centers across the United States. Test locations can be found through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) website.

About NHA

As mentioned previously, the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is a leading certification organization dedicated to advancing the careers of healthcare professionals through nationally recognized credentials. In addition to certification programs, NHA supports professionals with continuing education, study materials, and career development resources. Many employers prefer or require NHA-certified professionals, as these credentials demonstrate a strong commitment to industry standards and patient care excellence.

Key Insights Comparison

• CMA, RMA, NCMA, and CCMA exams generally have a balanced split between clinical and administrative topics, with a focus on patient care procedures.
• Certifications like CET and CPT are highly specialized in clinical competencies, with a strong emphasis on technical skills such as EKG and phlebotomy.
• PMAC and COA exams focus heavily on their respective specialized fields (podiatric and ophthalmic care), while still covering basic office administration and general knowledge.
• The CMOM exam is uniquely focused on administrative aspects of healthcare management, making it ideal for those interested in managing medical practices.
• CPC/A emphasizes clinical patient care but also incorporates patient interaction and safety protocols.

Begin Your Journey by Earning an MA Diploma from Eagle Gate College!

Choosing the right certification is a crucial step in advancing your career as a Medical Assistant. The top 10 certifications—ranging from the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) to specialized credentials like the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) and Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)—each provide unique opportunities to enhance your skills, increase your job prospects, and expand your earning potential. Whether you’re looking to specialize in a specific area of healthcare, improve your administrative expertise, or boost your credibility in the job market, earning a recognized certification will set you apart in this competitive field.

The demand for highly skilled and certified Medical Assistants continues to grow, with employers actively seeking professionals who demonstrate expertise, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. A well-earned certification not only validates your knowledge but also opens doors to new opportunities, higher salaries, and greater job security. As healthcare evolves, certified Medical Assistants play an increasingly critical role in delivering quality patient care and ensuring efficient medical office operations.

At Eagle Gate College, we are committed to helping you achieve your career goals. Founded in 1979, we have empowered thousands of graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the healthcare industry. Our Medical Assisting program is designed to provide a well-rounded education, blending virtual instruction with hands-on lab exercises and a supervised externship to ensure real-world readiness. In as little as 9 months, you can gain the skills and confidence to step into a meaningful and rewarding healthcare career. With modern labs, experienced faculty, and multiple campus locations in Utah and Idaho, Eagle Gate College provides healthcare education tailored to meet industry needs.