Can I get NHA certified online?

Yes, you can get NHA certified online by taking the official certification exam remotely through live proctoring at home or work, in addition to in-person options at test centers. The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) offers this live remote proctoring (LRP) option, allowing you to take exams like the CCMA or CPT from your own compatible computer with a camera and microphone, overseen by a proctor via chat.

Can you take the NHA online?

NHA exams can be taken online or in person at approved testing centers across the United States.

How do I get my NHA certification?

To get an NHA certificate, you must meet eligibility (high school diploma/GED + training/experience), create an account at NHANOW.com (or use your school's link), apply for the specific exam, study using NHA resources (like test plans, practice tests). You then schedule and take the exam (usually multiple-choice), and upon passing, you receive your certification, which you can print from your online account. 

Can I take the certified medical assistant exam online?

Earning your National Medical Assistant certification doesn't have to be so complicated. AAH now offers medical assistant certification online via our secure, virtual computer-based testing (CBT) portal. You've already completed a medical assistant course or have job experience, now it's time to show what you know.

How much is NHA certification?

Some training programs include exam fees in their tuition. To maintain your certification, you have to pay a fee of $179 every two years. If you have multiple certifications through the NHA, each additional certification can be renewed for a discounted rate of $60 every two years.

What you need to know about NHA certification

Can you take the NHA exam without going to school?

Training Program: Candidates must successfully complete a training program in the health field covered by the NHA certification exam offered by an accredited or state-recognized institution or provider.

How fast can I become a certified medical assistant?

Becoming a certified medical assistant (CMA) typically takes 9 months to 2 years, depending on the program, with certificate/diploma programs being faster (9-12 months) and associate degrees offering more depth (18-24 months). Shorter, accelerated programs can be as fast as 4 months, while some might take a year. The key is completing an accredited program and passing a certification exam, like the AAMA's CMA exam or NHA's CCMA, after training. 

How hard is the NHA exam?

The NHA exam (like the CCMA) is considered challenging because it covers extensive material with a mix of straightforward and complex, scenario-based questions, but it's manageable with dedicated study, focusing on practice exams, and mastering core clinical and administrative concepts, with pass rates around 70-80% indicating success is achievable. Many test-takers find it harder than practice tests, but resources like SmarterMA.com and Ms. K on YouTube can significantly boost preparedness, even if practice scores vary. 

Who gets paid more, an MA or CNA?

Generally, a Medical Assistant (MA) gets paid more than a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), with MAs earning higher median salaries (around $42k-$44k/year) compared to CNAs (around $38k-$39k/year), reflecting MAs' broader administrative and clinical duties, though specific pay varies by location, experience, and facility. MAs often have higher earning potential, while CNA programs are typically shorter, making it a faster entry into healthcare. 

Is CMA or CCMA better?

Neither CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) nor CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) is inherently "better"; the best choice depends on your career goals, as the CMA offers a broader scope including more administrative tasks, while the CCMA focuses more intensely on clinical patient care. Choose CMA for a mix of administrative and clinical duties (scheduling, billing, patient care) or CCMA if you prefer hands-on clinical work (vitals, lab, EKGs) and faster certification pathways, but always check local employer needs, as some prefer one over the other.
 

What is a good salary with NHA certification?

A good salary with NHA certification varies by role, but generally, expect certified medical assistants to earn around $18-$22/hour, while phlebotomists might see $19-$20/hour, with higher figures for more experienced staff or in high-demand areas, potentially reaching $25+/hour or $40k-$50k+ annually, significantly more than uncertified peers. The specific NHA certification (like CMA, Phlebotomy Tech) and location heavily influence earnings, with higher averages in major cities. 

Do hospitals accept NHA certification?

Yes, hospitals widely accept NHA (National Healthcareer Association) certifications, like for Medical Assistants or Pharmacy Technicians, as they are nationally recognized, NCCA-accredited credentials that demonstrate competence, giving candidates a significant advantage and meeting employer needs for skilled allied health professionals across the U.S. While generally accepted, it's always best to check specific hospital job descriptions for their exact requirements, as some roles or locations might have state-specific preferences.
 

Do NHA courses expire?

If you're a Medical Assistant certified through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), your certification must be renewed every two years.

How do I get my NHA certificate?

Need a copy of your certification? Follow these simple steps to download or print.

1. Log into your Candidate account at NHANOW.com.
2. Select View My Achievements from your home page or choose My Achievements on the left-hand side of your screen.
3. Here you can: ...
4. Choose the Paper Icon to Print your Certification:

What is the highest paid medical assistant?

The highest-paid medical assistants work in specialized fields like cardiology, dermatology, or oncology, in hospitals or research settings, and in high-cost-of-living areas (like NYC, SF) or leadership roles, potentially earning $65,000 to over $80,000 annually, with specialized skills, certifications, and union benefits boosting pay for complex duties like assisting with EKGs, minor surgeries, or managing clinical operations. 

Is the NHA exam open book?

Candidates are not allowed to bring any additional materials into the testing area. No textbooks, reference books or electronics of any kind are allowed.

Can a CNA become a medical assistant?

Given the expanded scope of duties, becoming a medical assistant requires additional education beyond what's required to work as a CNA.

Who makes more money, a RN or CNA?

Registered Nurses (RNs) make significantly more money than Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) because RNs require much more education, have greater responsibilities (like administering medications, assessments, and care plans), and can work in more varied settings, while CNAs provide basic patient care and have shorter training, leading to lower pay, though both roles are in demand. RN salaries can range from around $80,000 to over $90,000+ annually, while CNAs typically earn closer to $30,000-$40,000, depending on location and experience, according to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Is a CMA higher than a CNA?

Yes, a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) generally holds a "higher" position than a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) because CMAs have broader training, can perform more advanced clinical tasks (like giving injections/meds) and administrative duties, work more independently, and typically earn a higher salary, though both roles are crucial and require less education than a Registered Nurse (RN). The key difference is scope: CNAs focus on basic patient care (bathing, vitals), while CMAs blend clinical support for doctors with office tasks, making them more versatile.
 

What if I fail the NHA exam?

If you didn't pass your NHA certification exam, you might be feeling discouraged. It happens, and the best thing you can do is prepare and try again. You can reapply to sit for the exam up to three times, with at least 30 days between each test.

What is the NHA passing rate?

NHA's CCMA Exam

The exam takes 3 hours and covers topics ranging from clinical patient care to administrative assisting. There are 180 multiple-choice questions and you must score at least 390 out of 500 to pass. The nationwide passing rate is 77%.

Can you take the NHA exam online at home?

Utilize Live Remote Proctoring (LRP)

NHA received approval by its accrediting body, National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), to offer LRP during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we're proud to continue making this an option for your candidates.

Can a medical assistant become a nurse?

If you are already a medical assistant or are planning to become one, you may be wondering how to transition from medical assisting to nursing. Medical assistants can't just take the NCLEX to become an RN. They must first complete an accredited nursing program, which take 2 to 4 years, before taking the exam.

What are the benefits of NHA certification?

Better Job Prospects – NHA credentials obtained through our training programs will prepare you for and may increase your chances of being hired in a variety of workplaces. Even if the position you applied for is filled, employers may find another position that you are qualified for.

What is the shortest medical assistant program?

The fastest medical assistant programs can be completed in as little as 6-12 weeks, with online or hybrid options from providers like Clinical Skills Institute, Stepful, CareerStep, and CALRegional, though these often require self-pacing or specific schedules, while others offer 4-6 month programs balancing speed with structure, focusing on essential clinical and administrative skills for certification exams like the CCMA, often including externships for hands-on practice.