Renew Your Medical Assistant Certification

As a medical assistant, renewing your certification is crucial to keep up with the latest developments in the field and maintain your professional status. With the convenience of the internet, it’s now easier than ever to renew your certification online.

In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into everything you need to know about medical assistant recertification.

Understanding the Medical Assistant Recertification Process

Recertification ensures that medical assistants maintain their knowledge and skills at the same level during their initial certification. This process is necessary for med assistants to maintain their certification and continue working in the healthcare field.

To be eligible for recertification, medical assistants must:

Have successfully completed an accredited medical assistant training program with a passing score or have equivalent on-the-job training
Hold a current medical assistant certification from an accredited organization
Complete a specified number of continuing education units (CEUs) within a certain timeframe.

The specific recertification requirements may vary depending on the certifying organization.

3 Steps to Renew Your Medical Assistant Certification

Each type of medical assistant certification has its own unique requirements and timelines for recertification. We cover the steps to renew each MA certification below:

Step 1: Determine your certification type and renewal timeline

Before beginning the renewal process, it’s important to determine the timeline for your specific certification.

Certified Medical Assistant (CMA): recertify every 60 months (5 years)
Registered Medical Assistant (RMA): recertify every 3 years
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA): recertify every 2 years
National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA): recertify every year

Step 2: Know the specific renewal requirements

As stated previously, different certifying bodies have different recertification requirements for medical assistant certifications. However, they typically require you to complete a specified number of continuing education units, pay a recertification fee, and submit proof.

Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)

You can maintain your certification either by retaking the exam or completing continuing education units.

To recertify by continuing education: you must earn 60 CEUs, 30 of which must be approved by AAMA. You’ll need to submit an online recertification application and pay a renewal fee of $65 (for AAMA members) or $130 (for non-members).

To recertify by retaking the exam, you must pay a renewal fee of $125 (for AAMA members) or $250 (for non-members).

Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)

To renew your RMA certification, you need to pay an annual fee of $75 to maintain your status year to year and earn 30 CCP points. You can earn these points by completing continuing education courses or working as a medical assistant.

Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

This certification can be renewed by completing 10 continuing education points, paying a $179 renewal fee, and submitting a renewal request to NHA.

Step 3: Complete the renewal process

The final step is to complete your recertification application by submitting the required documentation and fees to the certifying body. It’s important to complete your renewal application before the certification expiration date to avoid any lapse in certification.

Tips for completing the renewal process smoothly

Keep track of renewal deadlines and gather documentation and fees well in advance to avoid any last-minute stress.
Consider taking CEUs throughout the certification period to avoid having to complete them all at once during the renewal process.
Always double-check all information and documentation before submitting the renewal application.

How to Renew Medical Assistant Certification Online

Renewing your medical assistant certification online is much more convenient and faster than in-person options, allowing you to receive your renewed certification sooner.

While in-person certification renewal options are available, they can be inconvenient if you live in a remote area or have a busy schedule. Online renewal options, on the other hand, are often more flexible.

To do this, follow these steps:

Determine your certification renewal deadline and eligibility requirements based on your medical assistant certification type.
Visit the website of the certifying organization that issued your certification.
Log into your account and follow the prompts to complete the online renewal application. This may include uploading documentation of continuing education credits or work experience.
Pay any required fees, which can usually be done securely online.

Here are some tips for preparing for the online renewal process:

Ensure you meet all the eligibility requirements and have any necessary documentation ready to upload.
Ensure you have a stable internet connection to complete the recertification process online.
Reach out to the certifying organization if you have questions or concerns.

Maintaining Your Certification After Renewal

Once you’ve renewed your medical assistant certification, it’s important to maintain it in good standing. You can do this by consistently educating yourself on your specialization.

There are multiple ways to do this, such as attending conferences, workshops, or seminars related to your specialty. You can conduct research projects to contribute valuable health-care insights. Moreover, you can consider pursuing additional medical assistant training or certification programs to enhance your knowledge and skills.

By maintaining your MA certification, you’ll remain up to date with the best practices for direct patient care and can demonstrate growth and dedication.

FAQs

What are the requirements for renewing my medical assistant certification?

The requirements will vary depending on the type of certification (such as a CMA or RMA) and the certifying body. Generally, medical assistants will need to complete a certain number of continuing education credits and pay a fee.

How much does it cost to renew my medical assistant certification?

The cost will vary depending on the certifying body and the type of certification. For example, the renewal fee for recertification as a certified medical assistant is $65 (for AAMA members) or $130 (for non-members).

How long does it take to renew my medical assistant certification online?

The process is relatively quick depending on how close you are to the deadline for your recertification. It could take a few days or a couple of weeks for the certifying body to review your application and verify that you meet all the requirements for recertification.

Can I renew my medical assistant certification if I have let it lapse for several years?

The specific requirements after a lapse may vary between certifying bodies and the type of medical assistant certification you hold. For example, if you were certified by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and your certification lapsed over 90 days since it expired, you’ll need to sit for the AAMA medical assistant certification exam.

Bottom Line

If you wish to maintain your professional status and enhance your career opportunities as a medical assistant, then renewing your certification is a must.

The process of renewing your certification can vary depending on the type of certification you hold and the certifying body that issued it. Nevertheless, it’s essential to keep up-to-date with the requirements and deadlines to avoid letting your certification lapse.

If you’re a medical assistant, we encourage you to take action and renew your certifications to continue your professional growth and success in the field.