Can I take my CCMA exam online?

Yes, you can take the NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam online through live remote proctoring, offering flexibility alongside traditional in-person testing at PSI or Prometric centers, but you must meet strict technical requirements, have a secure testing environment, and pass a proctor's review.

Can I take the CCMA exam at home?

You'll take the exam either at your school, a PSI testing center near you, or through live remote proctoring at the location of your choice.

Can you take the CCMA exam without doing a program?

Here's a quick breakdown of the medical assistant certification exams you can take without going to school: Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). To take the CCMA exam without going to school, you must have worked full-time as a medical assistant for at least 1 year.

Where do you take your CCMA exam?

NPS Remote Proctoring allows you to take your certification exam from the comfort of your home. Our advanced system provides you with 3 certification exam attempts and on-demand testing so you can test anytime without scheduling or going to a testing center.

Can you take your CMA exam online?

CMA candidates can register to take their exams either in-person at a Prometric Test Center or remotely using Prometric's ProProctor™ service. The exam fee is the same for in-person and remote testing. There are important technology and space requirements to be aware of before choosing remote testing for the CMA Exam.

Medical Assistant CCMA Exam 🩺 - HOW I PASSED (1st try) | By a Certified MA

How hard is it to pass the CCMA exam?

The CCMA exam (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) is considered challenging due to its broad material and time pressure, but it's manageable with dedicated study, as reflected by its roughly 77% pass rate. Success hinges on thorough preparation, understanding concepts rather than just memorizing, and using effective study materials like practice tests and review courses, with endurance being key for the 3-hour, 180-question format (150 scored). 

Can I get my CMA without going to school?

“To be eligible for the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam, you must be a student or graduate of medical assisting program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), previously CMA (AAMA) certified, or meet the ...

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.
 

How many times can you fail the CMA exam?

While you can retake the exam as many times as you'd like, the CMA program has a strict 3-year timeline you'll need to keep in mind. The countdown begins from the date you pay the CMA entrance fee. From that day, you have three years to pass both Part 1 and Part 2 of the exam.

What is the highest paid medical assistant?

The highest-paid medical assistants often work in specialized fields like cardiology, dermatology, or scientific research, or in high-demand areas like Alaska or Washington D.C., with top earners in specialized roles potentially exceeding $70,000-$100,000 annually, especially with advanced skills and certifications in complex settings like major hospital systems or research facilities. 

Who gets paid more, MA or CNA?

Yes, Medical Assistants (MAs) generally earn a higher median salary than Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), with MAs making around $44,200 and CNAs about $39,430 annually according to recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This difference reflects MAs' broader scope, combining clinical and administrative tasks, often in outpatient settings, versus CNAs' focus on direct patient care in long-term facilities, with pay varying by location and experience. 

What is the easiest healthcare degree to get?

The "easiest" healthcare degree depends on your definition, but Phlebotomy Technician and Medical Assisting are often cited as the quickest, taking months to a year for certifications or short programs, focusing on practical skills like drawing blood or clinical/admin support. Other fast options include Pharmacy Technician, EMT, and Medical Billing & Coding, while roles like Ultrasound Tech offer good pay with ~1-year programs, but still require specific skills. 

What is the fastest way to become a CMA?

The fastest way to become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) involves enrolling in an accelerated diploma or certificate program, which can take as little as 4 to 9 months (or even 6-12 weeks for intensive online options), followed by immediately scheduling and passing the certification exam (like the NCMA or CCMA), ideally after completing a short externship if required, to get you job-ready quickly, though some intensive paths exist for those already in healthcare. 

Can I take a proctored exam in my bathroom?

Generally, you will NOT be permitted to test from:

Bathroom/restroom. Floor. Public areas with other individuals like Coffee Shops. Outdoors.

Can we do CMA online?

Yes, you can become a Medical Assistant (MA) online through certificate or associate degree programs that offer flexible, self-paced coursework, but you must complete required hands-on clinical externships (often hybrid or arranged locally) and pass national certification exams like the NHA CCMA to work professionally. Online programs provide flexibility for theory (medical terminology, patient care, HIPAA) but need accredited providers that include clinical experience to meet industry standards. 

What's the fastest you can become a medical assistant?

The fastest way to get a Medical Assistant (MA) certificate is through an accelerated, accredited online or hybrid program that offers self-paced learning and immediate access, potentially completing coursework in as little as 4-8 months, including hands-on externships and preparing you for the CCMA or RMA certification exams, with some claims of programs finishing in 6-8 weeks. Speed depends on choosing a program with no waitlists, flexible externships, and studying diligently for your certification exam (like CCMA or RMA) right after program completion. 

Can you put CMA after your name?

If you see the CMA designation after your name, your CMA certificate number has been issued.

What is the passing score for the CCMA exam?

Requirements to Pass the NHA CCMA Exam

The scaled score ranges from 200 to 500, with a passing score of 390 or better. After your test, you receive a score report that includes a breakdown for each content category.

Who makes more money, CCMA or CNA?

A Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) generally earns more than a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) because CCMAs have broader clinical and administrative duties, requiring longer training, with median salaries often in the $44,000-$47,000 range compared to CNAs' $39,000-$41,000, though exact figures vary by location, experience, and employer.
 

Is a CCMA considered a nurse?

No, a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) is not a nurse; they are distinct healthcare roles with different education, licensing, and scopes of practice, though they often work together, with CCMAs providing administrative and basic clinical support under the direction of physicians and nurses. Nurses (RNs/LPNs) have a broader scope, providing independent patient care, assessing health, developing care plans, and administering medications, requiring extensive education and a nursing license. 

What pays more, CMA or CCMA?

Salaries for CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) and CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) are very similar, with both generally earning more than uncertified MAs, though specific figures vary by source, with averages often falling in the low $20s per hour or around $40k-$45k annually, influenced more by experience, location, and workplace than the specific CMA vs. CCMA credential. Some reports suggest CMAs might earn slightly more, while others find little difference, but both offer a significant pay advantage over non-certified roles. 

Can I take the CMA exam at home?

CMA Exam Dates Quick Facts

You schedule your CMA exam with IMA testing partner Prometric. The CMA exam can be taken in-person at a Prometric testing center or remotely using Prometric's ProProctor service. If needed, you can easily reschedule your exam through the Prometric website.

Can I be a CMA without being a CNA?

Yes, in most states, you do need to be a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and often work as one for a period (like 6 months) before you can become a Certified Medication Aide (CMA), as CMAs build upon CNA skills, but rules vary by state, with some allowing direct pathways or different requirements. Becoming a CMA means you're a CNA with extra training to administer medications, but you must first be a qualified CNA to start, ensuring foundational patient care knowledge.
 

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.