Is CCMA a good certification?
Asked by: Louie Monahan | Last update: April 4, 2026Score: 4.7/5 (28 votes)
Yes, the CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) certification is a very good credential, as it boosts job opportunities, often increases pay, provides national recognition, and serves as a strong foundation for career growth in healthcare by verifying essential clinical and administrative skills to employers.
Is a CCMA certification worth it?
Yes, a CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) certification is generally considered very worth it, boosting job prospects, increasing earning potential (around 63% of employers pay more for certified MAs), and providing crucial skills validation that employers value, with about 88% encouraging or requiring certification for better job readiness and security. While some argue pay isn't always high or certification isn't mandatory everywhere, it's a strong career stepping stone, making you a more competitive and versatile candidate for faster entry into healthcare.
Which is better, CCMA or CMA?
Neither CMA nor CCMA is inherently "better"; the best choice depends on your career goals, as CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) often implies a broader scope covering both clinical/admin tasks (from AAMA), while CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) emphasizes hands-on patient care (from NHA), though roles can overlap significantly in practice, with some employers preferring one over the other, making program accreditation and local job needs key factors.
Is the CCMA nationally recognized?
Certification Detail
Earning the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA Certification), nationally accredited through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), can help you stand out in the world of medical assistants.
What is the best certification for a medical assistant?
There isn't one single "best" MA certification, but the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the AAMA and the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from AMT are top choices, highly recognized by employers, covering both clinical and admin skills, with the CMA often preferred for its rigorous educational requirements. Other strong options include the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) (NHA) and National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) (NCCT) for those with work experience or different career paths, with the choice often depending on your goals and local employer needs.
CCMA - Certified Clinical Medical Assistant | All You Need To Know
Is RMA or CCMA better?
CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) vs. RMA (Registered Medical Assistant) primarily differ in their certifying body (NHA for CCMA, AMT for RMA) and slight focus, with CCMA leaning more clinical, RMA balancing clinical/admin, and CMA (AAMA) covering both broadly; all are recognized credentials for medical assistants, but specific employer preference or program requirements often dictate the choice, though RMA and CMA are often considered equivalent in overall scope despite testing differences.
Which medical assistant certification pays the most?
The highest-paid Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs) often work in specialized fields like Cardiology, Dermatology, Oncology, or Podiatry, and in high-demand, high-cost-of-living areas, particularly Washington, California, and Alaska, with potential earnings exceeding $60,000-$70,000 annually for experienced professionals in top locations, though general averages vary widely by source.
Who gets paid more, CNA or CCMA?
Generally, a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA/CCMA) makes more than a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) because CMAs have broader clinical and administrative duties, requiring more training, though actual pay varies by location, experience, and facility. CMAs often earn $5,000 to $10,000 more annually on average than CNAs, reflecting their higher skill set and longer education, with national median salaries often showing CMAs earning around $42,000-$47,000 compared to CNAs' $38,000-$41,000.
How hard is the CCMA exam?
The CCMA exam is challenging due to the vast amount of material but manageable with dedicated study; it's considered a difficult but fair test, with success depending heavily on preparation, practice questions, and understanding core concepts, not just memorization, as seen by its ~77% pass rate, where many test-takers find it requires focus and endurance, even using the full 3 hours.
Can I go from CCMA to RN?
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.
Are CCMAs in high demand?
Are CCMAs In High Demand? Certified Clinical Medical Assistants are in very high demand by employers across the healthcare industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 15% increase in Medical Assistant positions by 2033, which is faster than most other careers.
Can a CCMA do CNA work?
Medical assistants and CNAs perform different duties in different settings. Most states require CNA certification before you can legally work as a CNA. Some facilities may hire medical assistants for CNA-like roles under different titles.
Is a CCMA a good entry-level job?
The main perk of earning a CCMA certification is that it can be leveraged for entry into the healthcare field. Especially for anyone who's just starting out, certification is a way to gain valuable hands-on experience and build a foundation for a career in medicine.
What pays more, CCMA or CMA?
While both CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) and CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) offer similar earning potential, with CMAs sometimes having a slight edge due to broader recognition, there isn't a huge salary gap, as both lead to comparable pay increases over non-certified roles, averaging around $40k-$49k annually, but location, experience, and facility significantly impact actual earnings. The difference often comes down to the issuing body (NHA for CCMA, AAMA for CMA) and regional demand, with CMAs often preferred in larger practices, but CCMAs also highly valued.
What is the best certification for a contract specialist?
Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) - Best for advanced contract management professionals. This certification is the top credential from the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) for experts in contract management.
What jobs can you get as a CCMA?
With a CCMA certification, you can perform clinical and administrative tasks in various healthcare settings like clinics, hospitals, and labs, including taking vitals, assisting doctors with exams, drawing blood, performing EKGs, managing patient records (EHR), administering injections, and handling scheduling, making you a versatile support team member.
How long is CCMA certification valid?
The CCMA is valid for two years. Certification holders must earn ten continuing education credits and pay a fee in order to renew.
Is CMA higher than a CNA?
Yes, a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) generally holds a "higher" position in terms of broader responsibilities, more advanced skills (like administering medications), and higher earning potential compared to a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), who focuses on basic patient care under a nurse's supervision, though both are vital roles. CMAs have more varied tasks, mixing clinical duties (vitals, injections, lab work) with administrative tasks (scheduling, records), while CNAs provide direct personal care (bathing, feeding, toileting).
Is NHA ccma legit?
Founded in 1989, the National Healthcareer Association is a respected national resource for training, as well as the certifying body for eight different healthcare industry certifications. At ACT, our online medical assistant certification prepares students for a career as a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA).
What is the highest paid medical assistant?
The highest-paid medical assistants work in specialized fields like Cardiology, Dermatology, or in hospitals/surgical centers, often holding leadership roles (Lead/Senior MA), possessing multiple certifications, and residing in high-cost-of-living areas like Alaska, California, or Washington D.C., potentially earning $65,000-$80,000+ with experience and advanced skills. Factors like working in research, junior colleges, or with specialized technology (EKGs, laser treatments) also boost earnings significantly.
Is it quicker to become a CNA or medical assistant?
CNA programs are shorter than medical assistant programs, so if you are eager to get into the healthcare field quickly, opting for this beginning nursing career may be a better choice.
What position is higher than a CNA?
Above a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the nursing hierarchy are the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), and then the Registered Nurse (RN), who has broader responsibilities, administers medications, and helps develop care plans, with even more advanced roles like Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) above them. Progression from CNA to LPN/LVN, and then to RN, involves further education, training, and passing specific licensing exams (NCLEX-PN for LPN/LVN, NCLEX-RN for RN).
What job pays $400,000 a year without a degree?
Yes, jobs paying $400,000 without a degree exist, notably Walmart Supercenter Managers, who can earn that much with bonuses and stock, but other paths include high-stakes sales, software development, commercial real estate, skilled trades (like power plant operators), and successful entrepreneurship/influencing, all requiring expertise and performance over formal education.
What medical jobs pay $40 an hour?
Medical jobs paying around $40/hour often involve 2-3 years of training, including Dental Hygienists, Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (Ultrasound Techs), and Registered Nurses (ADN), offering quick entry into higher pay scales. Other roles like Paramedics, Radiologic Technologists, LPNs/LVNs, and specialized roles like Medical Lab Techs or Health Information Techs with certifications can also reach or exceed this rate, balancing skill with demand and often requiring less than a bachelor's degree for entry.
Which is better, RMA or CCMA?
CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) vs. RMA (Registered Medical Assistant) primarily differ in their certifying body (NHA for CCMA, AMT for RMA) and slight focus, with CCMA leaning more clinical, RMA balancing clinical/admin, and CMA (AAMA) covering both broadly; all are recognized credentials for medical assistants, but specific employer preference or program requirements often dictate the choice, though RMA and CMA are often considered equivalent in overall scope despite testing differences.