Do you have to renew MA certification?

Yes, you absolutely have to renew most Medical Assistant (MA) certifications, as they are valid for a set period (e.g., 2-5 years) and require continuing education (CEUs) or retesting to stay current, proving ongoing competency to employers and protecting patients. Renewal timelines and specific requirements vary by certifying body, such as the AAMA (CMA) needing 60 points over 5 years, while the NHA (CCMA) needs 10 CEUs in 2 years, with fees and processes differing, so always check with your specific organization.

Does your MA certificate expire?

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

How often do you have to renew a MA license?

Before you blow out the candles on next birthday cake, be sure to check the expiration date on your driver's license. Your Massachusetts license expires every five years on your birthday. The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles no longer mails out renewal notices.

How long is a MA certificate good for?

The most popular certification for general medical assisting is through the American Association of Medical Assistants. This Medical Assistant certification is good for 60 months and can be renewed by retaking the exam or by proving the completion of continuing education courses.

How long is a CMA certification good for?

CMA Recertification

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 to renew your clinical medical assistant certification through NHA

How often must a CMA be recertified?

CMAs (AAMA) must recertify every 60 months. Recertification standards for the CMA (AAMA) credential help you provide evidence of your continued competency and knowledge.

Who gets paid more, CMA or MA?

A Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) generally earns slightly more than a non-certified Medical Assistant (MA), often around $2-$4 more per hour, with CMAs averaging over $20/hour (e.g., $22.42/hr for AAMA CMAs) compared to uncertified MAs at around $17.59/hr, though specific figures vary by source, state, and experience, with the main difference being the added credentials and potential for better pay and broader roles. 

What's the typical MA salary?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for medical assistants is around $44,000, with top earners making more than $50,000 depending on location and experience.

How do you maintain CMA certification?

To maintain your certification you will need to complete 30 hours of continuing education courses per year. At least two hours must be in the area of ethics. You will also need to pay both your IMA membership and CMA maintenance dues each year.

Is CMA harder than CNA?

While it takes more training and time to become a CMA, if you decide to pursue this career option, you'll probably make more than you would as a CNA.

How do I renew my MA license?

If you are renewing an existing REAL ID or standard driver's license, you can complete the process online. Limited-term driver's license renewals require an in-person visit. You can renew your driver's license up to 1 year before it expires.

How much is a MA license renewal?

Visit Mass.Gov/RMV, login to your “myRMV” account, and find out if they are permitted to renew online. Renew online by August 12th – your new standard license or ID card will be sent to you via U.S. Mail. The cost for renewing a driver's license is $50.

What is the difference between a registered MA and a certified MA?

A Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) is very similar to a CMA. The main difference is that the RMA exam is offered by American Medical Technologists and the CMA by the American Association of Medical Assistants.

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 get my MA certificate 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. 

How long are MA certifications good for?

Different organizations have varying renewal policies. For example, the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) typically requires certification renewal every five years, while the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) may require it every two years.

Is a CMA harder than a CPA?

CPA vs CMA Exam Difficulty

Even so, the CMA exam has a slightly lower pass rate, at roughly 45% passing the two parts, collectively, while half (~50%) or better pass each section of the CPA exam. All CMA candidates have three years to pass both parts of the exam.

Is recertification the same as renewal?

Recertification applies to your board certification and is required every five years. It involves meeting continuing education requirements to demonstrate ongoing professional competence. While they may occur around the same time, renewal and recertification are separate processes with different requirements.

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 jobs pay $200,000 a year in California?

Jobs in California paying $200k+ are common in Tech (Software Engineer, Product Manager), Healthcare (Physician, Dentist, Veterinarian, Nurse Practitioner), Law (Attorney roles), and Executive/Sales (CFO, Sales Director, Account Executive), often requiring advanced degrees or specialized experience in high-demand fields like AI, with roles in SF Bay Area, LA, and San Diego often hitting this mark. 

Is MA lower than CNA?

CNAs require less training, but typically earn less income than a PCT or MA.

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.

Where do MA's make the most money?

Medical Assistants generally earn the most in states like Washington, Alaska, California, and the District of Columbia, often in high-demand urban areas like Seattle or Santa Rosa, and frequently in specialized settings such as outpatient care centers or hospitals, with higher pay reflecting cost of living and demand.