Do NHA courses expire?

Yes, National Healthcareer Association (NHA) certifications do expire every two years (unless provisional) and require renewal through continuing education (CE) credits and fees to stay current, with specific requirements varying slightly by credential like CPhT (Pharmacy Tech) needing more hours. Failing to renew can lead to needing to retake the exam after a reinstatement period.

What happens if your NHA certification expires?

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 long is NHA certification good for?

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.

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.

Does your Medical Assistant certification expire?

Recertify Your CMA (AAMA) Certification. Recertifying your CMA (AAMA) credential demonstrates your commitment to ongoing learning, staying up-to-date with the latest medical assisting practices and effective patient care. CMAs (AAMA) must recertify every 60 months.

HOW TO RENEW YOUR NHA CERTIFICATION(S)

How much to renew Medical Assistant certification in Nha?

Renewing Your NHA CCMA Certification

Once you earn your CCMA certification, you will need to renew it every two years. To do this, you need to complete two things: Finish 10 continuing education credits (CE) Pay the $179 renewal fee.

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.
 

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. 

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. 

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 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. 

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. 

Can I still work if my CNA license expires?

No, you generally cannot legally work as a CNA with an expired license, as it's considered practicing without a valid certification, which can lead to penalties for you and your employer, but specific rules, grace periods, and reactivation options (like retraining or retesting) depend heavily on your state's Nurse Aide Registry rules, so you must check your state's Department of Health website immediately. Some states offer short grace periods or allow work under direct supervision if renewal is pending, while others require immediate cessation of work.
 

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 happens if you fail the NHA?

The NHA allows those who do not pass the certification exam on the first attempt will be allowed to retake the exam after a 30-day waiting period. The NHA will allow three attempts to successfully pass the exam, with a waiting period of a minimum of 30 days between each examination attempt.

How long is a CMA valid for?

The CMA certification is valid for five years. To maintain this credential, medical assistants must complete a minimum of 60 continuing education requirements or retake the certification exam.

How hard is it to pass 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. 

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. 

Can I be a CMA without 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.
 

What is a passing score on NHA?

To pass an NHA (National Healthcareer Association) certification exam, you generally need a scaled score of 390 or higher out of a possible 500 points, though the specific number of correct answers to achieve this can vary slightly by exam version due to scoring adjustments for difficulty. This 390/500 threshold applies to popular exams like the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) and Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exams.
 

What is the best phlebotomy certification to get?

The best phlebotomy certification depends on your goals, but the National Healthcareer Association's Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) (NHA) and the American Medical Certification Association's Phlebotomy Technician Certification (PCT) (AMCA) are top, widely recognized choices, with NHA CPT being excellent for beginners and AMCA PCT good for those in online programs. For more advanced skills, consider a Certified Phlebotomy Technician II (CPT II) for arterial draws, often requiring state-specific training like California's programs. 

Can a CMA call themselves a nurse?

Medical assistants and other unlicensed, non-nurse personnel should never call themselves “nurses,” even generically. State laws prohibit anyone without a valid nursing license from using “nurse” or other variations of this title. Violators can face criminal prosecution and regulatory action.

Is it better to be a registered or certified medical assistant?

Most physicians prefer to hire certified medical assistants because there is some assurance that they have the skills and knowledge to safely treat patients. CMAs typically make about 10% more than MAs and have the same scope of practice and workload.