Medical assistant certification renewal is extremely important to ensure that medical assistants are maintaining their knowledge and skills.
Medical assistants play a crucial role in the healthcare industry, providing essential support to physicians and other medical professionals. The frequency of renewal varies depending on the specific certification, but generally, medical assistant certifications need to be renewed every two to five years.
Certification Renewal for CMA (AAMA)
The Certification Renewal for the CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) credential, awarded by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), requires recertification every 60 months, or five years. This ensures that CMAs stay up-to-date with the latest medical practices and advancements. Moreover, recertification can be achieved through two methods:
- Continuing Education (CE): Earning 60 recertification points through AAMA-approved CE activities
- Retaking the CMA (AAMA) Exam: Retaking and passing the CMA (AAMA) certification exam
Medical Assistant Certification Renewal for RMA (AMT)
The Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential, awarded by the American Medical Technologists (AMT), requires recertification every three years. Recertification can be accomplished by:
- Continuing Education (CE): Earning 30 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through AMT-approved CE programs
- Maintaining Employment: Maintaining active employment as an RMA for at least 500 hours per year during the three-year recertification cycle
- Retaking the RMA (AMT) Exam: Retaking and passing the RMA (AMT) certification exam
Medical Assistant Certification Renewal for CCMA (NHA)
The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential, awarded by the National Health Career Association (NHA), requires renewal every two years. Renewal can be achieved by:
- Continuing Education (CE): Completing 10 NHA-approved CE credits
- Retaking the CCMA (NHA) Exam: Retaking and passing the CCMA (NHA) certification exam
Importance of Maintaining Certification
Keeping medical assistant certifications current is essential for several reasons:
- Demonstrates Commitment to Professional Development: Maintaining certification shows dedication to continuous learning and staying abreast of the latest medical practices.
- Enhances Job Prospects: Employers often prefer or require certified medical assistants, as it signifies competency and knowledge.
- Increases Earning Potential: Certified medical assistants generally command higher salaries compared to their non-certified counterparts.
- Ensures Patient Safety and Quality Care: Up-to-date knowledge and skills are crucial for providing safe and effective patient care.
In conclusion, it is an important step in maintaining professional competency and ensuring quality patient care. By staying current with certifications, medical assistants demonstrate their commitment to the profession as well as enhance their career prospects.
Which is why all medical assistants must prioritize medical assistant certification renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How often do I need to renew my medical assistant certification?
The renewal frequency for medical assistant certifications varies depending on the specific certification you hold.
What are the options for renewing my medical assistant certification?
Typically, there are two main options for renewing your medical assistant certification:
- Continuing education (CE) credits: Earn the required number of CE credits through approved courses or activities.
- Retaking the certification exam: Pass the certification exam again to demonstrate your continued competency.
How many CE credits do I need to renew my medical assistant certification?
The number of CE credits required for renewal varies depending on the certification. For instance:
- CMA (AAMA): 60 CE credits
- RMA (AMT): 30 CCP points (equivalent to 30 CE credits)
- CCMA (NHA): 10 CE credits
What happens if my medical assistant certification expires?
If your certification expires, you will no longer be able to use the credential or represent yourself as a certified medical assistant. You may also face limitations in employment opportunities or career advancement.
Can I renew my medical assistant certification early?
Yes, you can typically renew your certification early if you have accumulated the required CE credits or passed the certification exam again before the expiration date. This can also help you maintain continuous certification and avoid any gaps in your credentials.
