Do NHA courses expire?

Yes, National Healthcareer Association (NHA) certifications do expire every two years, requiring renewal through continuing education (CE) credits and a fee to stay current and avoid having to retake the exam. Renewal involves completing a specific number of CE credits (e.g., 10 for many roles, 20 for CPhTs) and paying a fee, though NHA members get discounts or free access to some CE.

How long does NHA certification last?

Your certification must be renewed every two years. To stay current, you must complete 10 continuing education credits and pay a recertification fee every two years.

What happens if I don't renew my NHA certification?

If your NHA certification expires: You can no longer work as a certified Medical Assistant. You lose access to NHA resources and benefits. You may fall behind on current best practices in your field.

How to renew NHA certification after expiration date?

You need 10 credits to renew a certification that has not expired. If you hold multiple certifications, you still only need 10 total CE credits. If you're certification expired within the last year, you can reinstate it by completing 15 total CE credits (additional fees will apply).

Is NHA certification worth it?

Yes, NHA certifications (National Healthcareer Association) are generally considered good and valuable credentials, offering wide employer recognition, better job prospects, increased earning potential, and faster career advancement in various allied health fields, backed by NCCA accreditation. While excellent for most U.S. roles, be aware some specific facilities or states might prefer other certifications (like RMA) or state-specific licenses. 

HOW TO RENEW YOUR NHA CERTIFICATION(S)

Does a medical assistant diploma expire?

No, a Medical Assistant Diploma does not expire. Just like any other diploma earned through schooling, once a person has earned their diploma, they keep it for life. No renewals and no expiration dates. Certifications, on the other hand, may expire.

Can I work as a CNA with an expired license?

Technically, in most states—and California included—once your CNA license has expired, you're not permitted to work, even if you've applied to renew your license. The system may indicate a pending status, but that's not legally considered active certification.

Can you take your NHA certification online?

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

What is the highest pay for a pharmacy technician?

The highest-paid pharmacy technicians often work in specialized roles like informatics, sterile compounding (infusion/chemotherapy), or management, typically in hospitals or outpatient centers, with top earners in California and Washington reaching $70k+ annually or even six figures in some areas, though specific figures vary greatly by experience and location, with higher pay generally found in Western states like California, Washington, and Alaska.
 

What is the highest paid phlebotomist?

The highest-paid phlebotomists work in states like California, Washington, and New York, with top cities including those in California (like San Francisco) and some areas in New York (like Syracuse) offering salaries well above the national average, reaching into the mid-$50k and even $60k+ range for experienced professionals in specialized roles or high-demand areas like teaching hospitals or trauma centers. Key factors for higher pay include location (high cost-of-living/demand areas), experience, and potentially working in larger hospital systems or specialized labs. 

Do hospitals accept NHA certification?

Yes, most hospitals and healthcare employers across the U.S. accept NHA (National Healthcareer Association) certifications, as they are nationally recognized and accredited by the NCCA, but acceptance can vary by specific hospital system, state, and the role (e.g., some roles might prefer AAMA for Medical Assistants). NHA credentials like CCMA, CPT, and CPhT demonstrate competence, giving you a competitive edge, though you should always check job listings for preferred certifications, as some larger facilities might favor other bodies like AAMA, or require state-specific licensure, notes Reddit users and another Reddit thread. 

How much does a NHA exam cost?

The cost for an NHA exam varies by certification, but popular ones like the CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) typically cost around $160-$165 per attempt, including the application fee, payable directly to the NHA Store for CCMA exam application or via a program, with fees potentially lower if bundled in a program like Penn Foster's Medical Assistant program. Expect costs around $129 for the CPT (Phlebotomy Technician) or CBCS (Billing & Coding Specialist) exam, with renewal fees for certifications like the CCMA being around $185 every two years.
 

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. 

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%.

How to put NHA certification on resume?

Adding Your Certification to Your Resume

Create a section near the top titled "Certifications" or "Certifications and Licensure" (not all allied health professions require a state license) to group your NHA certifications and similar achievements.

Is NHA hard to pass?

You shouldn't expect to pass it without studying. In 2021, NHA administered 44,588 CCMA exams. The pass rate was 77.08%.

Do employers recognize NHA certification?

Benefits of NHA certifications for our students include: Wide Recognition – Many employers require their employees to be certified from an accredited certifying body such as NHA, especially those with multiple credentials.

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 lose their certification?

Yes, a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) can lose their certification through actions like patient abuse/neglect, fraud (falsifying records), theft, practicing outside their license scope, or failing to meet work hour/continuing education requirements in their state. Losing certification means they become inactive and must meet specific state requirements, often including retesting, to regain active status. 

Should I put an expired CNA license on my resume?

Interview Guys Tip: Don't bury your CNA certification in a long list of credentials. Place it prominently in its own section near the top of your resume, including your state license number and expiration date.

What does a lapsed nursing license mean?

A license expires when a nurse: Misses the renewal date. Doesn't register a status change, such as inactive or retired.

Who gets paid more, CMA or MA?

CMAs (Certified Medical Assistants) generally earn slightly more than general MAs (Medical Assistants) because certification signals advanced skills, with CMAs often seeing a 10% pay bump, though both roles' salaries vary significantly by experience, location, and workplace, with national averages around $40k-$45k annually for certified roles. While a CMA (AAMA) earns around $22.42/hr, an uncertified MA might earn $17.59/hr, showing the value of certification, but other certifications (RMA, CCMA) are close, and experience is a huge factor.
 

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 uncertified medical assistants give injections?

The regulations for medical assistants vary state to state. In some states like California, they must undergo specialized training to give injections to patients. Thirty-five states allow medical assistants to give injections without any special training hours or additional certification.