Why Choose to Become a CMAA
If you are thinking about a non-clinical career in healthcare, you may want to explore becoming a medical administrative assistant, also known as a medical office assistant. If you have already completed training as a medical office assistant, there are reasons to choose to become certified. Becoming a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) has many potential benefits such as increased earnings, better employment opportunities, and overall career advancement.
CMAAs are in demand throughout the country and are among the fast-growing careers in the healthcare industry. It is also one of the top healthcare careers you can break into within a relatively short training period.
Reasons to Consider Becoming a CMAA
According to the National Healthcare Association (NHA), earning your CMAA credentials may be beneficial to you in a variety of ways:
- Maximize your earning potential. The Occupational Outlook Handbook notes that for medical assistants the median annual salary is $42,000.
- The career outlook for medical assistants is one of the fast-growing healthcare industry careers and is expected to increase 15% from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than other professions.
- Being certified as a CMAA can enhance your job outlook. Potential employers are more likely to hire a medical assistant with CMAA credentials. The NHA reports that 75% of employers recommend or require certification.
- Employers may have higher expectations for professionalism and responsibilities from those who hold CMAA credentials.
Understanding the Difference between CMAAs and CCMAs
Both CMAAs (certified medical administrative assistants) and CCMAs (certified clinical medical assistants) work in similar workplace settings, and although there are some commonalities between the two, there is a difference in core responsibilities.
A CMAA’s primary tasks are clerical. Job responsibilities involve scheduling and monitoring patient appointments, ordering supplies as needed, completing insurance forms, answering payment questions, assisting with billing, putting together medical charts for the visit, making sure that medical records are maintained, and acting as the first point of contact in the reception area.
Since there are no clinical or hands-on skills with patients involved in the training to become a CMAA, fully online training programs are available.
A CCMA’s duties are primarily clinical, and their training is different. CCMA’s tasks include taking a patient’s vital signs, helping healthcare providers with exams and some procedures, and updating electronic medical records. At times, there can be some clerical overlap between CCMAs and CMAAs in a medical office or clinic setting.
Also, CCMAs require completing a clinical externship as part of their training. Coursework and training can vary in length.
To learn more about the differences between CMAA and CCMA training, certification, and job responsibilities, check out a great article by NHA.
Preparing to Be a CMAA
An admissions requirement to enroll in Blackstone Career Institute’s online Medical Office Assistant program is to possess a high school diploma or GED.
Blackstone’s online training program—which can be completed in 4-12 months—prepares students to sit for the CMAA exam sponsored through the NHA. Tuition for the Medical Office Assistant program is a one-time payment of $2,493, but 18-month and 24-month payment plans are available. BCI also covers the registration cost for the CMAA exam to become certified and provides preparation materials for the CMAA exam once students complete their training coursework.
BCI’s Medical Office Assistant program curriculum includes medical terminology, using medical administration computer software and the internet, anatomy, medical and legal ethics, and skills needed for medical office practice efficiency, in addition to others. Upon graduation from the training program, you will earn a Medical Office Assistant certificate from Blackstone. The program is designed to prepare you for entry-level job opportunities.
BCI is a leader in distance education and has also been named a Military Friendly® School which means the school supports the educational endeavors of military members and veterans to enhance the workforce.
Choosing Wisely
Pursuing CMAA certification and taking an online program such as Blackstone’s Medical Office Assistant program allows you to experience whether the healthcare field is for you without a lot of expense and time commitment. Some suggested tips when considering if becoming a CMAA is right for you:
- Decide what skills you already have and what area ignites your interests and passion.
- Request to shadow or speak with someone who is working as a CMAA.
- Explore the CMAA’s professional organization, the American Association of Medical Assistants.
Obtaining a certificate through a career training program followed by certification in a specific healthcare field after successfully passing a certification exam can be a path to continuing education and advanced career opportunities.
To discuss your education and find out more information, you can schedule a call with an admissions advisor here.
Written by Jo Gambosi
Disclaimer: Blackstone Career Institute, an accredited school, cannot guarantee employment, job promotion prospects, or income increases. Please see our course pages for the most up-to-date details and pricing.
