When can a student's NHA certificate be released?

A student's NHA certificate is released after passing the exam and completing all program requirements, especially externships, with the school notifying NHA; the certificate becomes active and viewable in your online account once the externship is verified, usually within days of the school's notification, allowing you to print it or share it digitally.

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:

How long until I get my NHA exam results?

Online Exams at an institution: Results will be available within 48 hours of your exam.

When must I have completed by externship hours by to have my NHA certificate released?

At the time you provide proof of completion to your school (within 180 days from your test date), your school will contact NHA to release your certificate.

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. 

What you need to know about NHA certification

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.
 

Which pays more, EKG or phlebotomy?

EKG technicians generally earn slightly more than phlebotomists, with EKG techs averaging around $35k-$59k+ (median $37.4k+) and phlebotomists averaging slightly lower, though salaries vary significantly by location, experience, and certifications, with EKG roles often requiring more training but offering higher potential with certifications like CCT. Both roles offer good entry points in healthcare, but EKG tech roles may offer higher earning potential due to specialized skills in cardiac monitoring. 

What is a good NHA score?

You need to score at least 390 out of 500 to pass.

As long as you prepare correctly, your chances are good: According to the NHA, the passing rate in 2024 was over 81%.

How do NHA candidates pay for their certification exam?

Most schools choose to include the cost of the exam as a part of their tuition cost and are invoiced for the student's exam fees. Options are also available for institutions that prefer to have students pay NHA directly. Contact your certification specialist to discuss options.

How long does your 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.

Do you get notified if you fail the NCLEX?

The NCLEX CPR is an individualized, two-page document sent to candidates when they fail the exam. For those who fail, it provides information on their performance across various aspects of the examination, categorized by the test plan content area and clinical judgment categories.

How do I check my NHA score?

See how to monitor or download your program, learner, and group exam results here.

1. Log into your administrative account at NHANOW.com.
2. Under the Candidates section in your left-hand navigation, select View Exam Results.
3. Individual candidate exam results will populate per candidate and per date.

Is it hard 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 are generally found in California, especially cities like San Francisco, with potential for even higher earnings as travel phlebotomists or in specialized roles within large hospital systems in high-demand states like Washington, New York, and Massachusetts, where top earners can exceed $50,000-$60,000 annually, particularly in specialized or travel positions.
 

Are NHA certifications 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 fastest you can become a medical assistant?

The fastest way to get a Medical Assistant (MA) certificate is through an accelerated online or hybrid program, with some finishing in 4-8 months, or even as quickly as 6-12 weeks, by focusing on self-paced learning, immediate enrollment, and prompt exam preparation, ensuring the program includes required externships and hands-on labs for certification eligibility (like NHA's CCMA). 

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. 

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. 

How soon do you get your NHA exam results?

1. Get your exam results. Fortunately for you, if you took an NHA exam online, you'll get your results within 48 hours!

How many questions can you get wrong on the NHA?

You only need a 390 to pass which is 78%. That would be a lot of missed questions. That's like getting 40 questions wrong at 78%.

What is the highest level of phlebotomy?

The highest level in phlebotomy usually involves advanced certifications like Certified Phlebotomy Technician II (CPT II) (California) for arterial punctures or advanced roles like Phlebotomist III/IV, focusing on complex tasks, training, and supervision, though progressing further often means moving into related lab roles like Laboratory Technician or Technologist.
 

Is NHA worth it?

Achieving an NHA certification shows employers they have the knowledge and skills to do the job, and certification holders often tell us that it boosts their confidence and pride knowing they are #NHAcertified.

Can you make 100k as a Phlebotomist?

It's highly unlikely to make $100k as a standard phlebotomist, with average salaries often around $40k-$50k, but reaching higher figures (up to $70k) is possible in specialized roles like traveling phlebotomist, supervisory positions, or working in high-cost areas like California, especially with extensive experience and overtime, though $100k usually requires moving into related fields like Laboratory Technologist (MLS) or Pathologists' Assistant. 

Who gets paid more, EKG or CNA?

Yes, EKG Techs often make more than CNAs, especially with combined skills, as EKG roles involve more specialized monitoring and can lead to higher pay, though CNA roles offer more patient contact; however, some EKG tech roles (like monitor techs) can pay less, so the specific role and location are key, with combined CNA/EKG/Phlebotomy roles often boosting earning potential significantly.
 

Is MA higher than Phlebotomist?

In general, medical assisting programs must be more comprehensive than phlebotomy training, meaning MA programs usually take longer to complete. Phlebotomy can be a part of an MA's job, but phlebotomists are specialists whose scope of practice does not include additional MA responsibilities.