🩺 How to Become a Certified Medical Assistant Online (Step-by-Step Guide)
🩹 Introduction
If you’ve always dreamed of working in healthcare but don’t want to spend years in medical school, becoming a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) could be your perfect path. With online education now widely available, you can train for this in-demand career from home and get certified at your own pace.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know — from choosing the right school to landing your first job as a certified medical assistant.
🧠 What Is a Certified Medical Assistant?
A Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) is a healthcare professional trained to perform both administrative and clinical duties. They work alongside doctors and nurses in hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
Their responsibilities often include:
Taking patient vital signs
Assisting with medical examinations
Managing patient records
Scheduling appointments
Communicating with insurance companies
Having the CMA certification means you’ve passed a nationally recognized exam proving your competence and professionalism.
🎓 Step 1: Meet the Education Requirements
Before enrolling in any online program, you must have a high school diploma or GED.
Once you meet this, your next step is to choose an accredited medical assistant program.
Accredited schools ensure that your training meets the standards set by national boards like:
CAAHEP – Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
ABHES – Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
Pro Tip:
Always check that your online program is accredited by one of these organizations before you enroll. Without accreditation, you may not be eligible to take the CMA exam.
💻 Step 2: Choose the Right Online Medical Assistant Program
Online programs allow you to study anytime, anywhere, which is ideal for working adults or parents.
Most programs include:
Online lectures and study materials
Virtual labs or simulations
In-person clinical externships
🔍 Popular Accredited Online Schools
Purdue Global University – Offers flexible schedules and strong job placement.
Herzing University – Known for personalized support and hybrid learning.
Penn Foster College – Affordable, self-paced online courses.
Keiser University – Provides a well-rounded curriculum for both clinical and administrative training.
💵 Step 3: Understand the Cost of Certification
The total cost of becoming a Certified Medical Assistant online can range between $2,000 and $10,000, depending on the school and program duration.
Here’s a breakdown:
Expense
Estimated Cost
Tuition
$3,000 – $8,000
Books & Materials
$200 – $500
Certification Exam
Around $125
Externship Fees (if any)
$100 – $300
Many schools offer financial aid, scholarships, or monthly payment plans to make it more affordable.
🧾 Step 4: Complete Your Online Training
Online programs typically take 9 to 12 months to complete.
During training, you’ll learn:
Anatomy & physiology
Medical terminology
Clinical procedures
Patient communication
Electronic health records (EHR)
Laboratory skills and specimen collection
You’ll also complete a supervised externship at a healthcare facility to gain hands-on experience before certification.
🧪 Step 5: Pass the CMA Certification Exam
Once you finish your training, you can apply for the CMA (AAMA) exam through the American Association of Medical Assistants.
The exam tests your knowledge in:
General medical knowledge
Clinical procedures
Administrative duties
You can take the exam online or at an approved testing center.
Passing it officially earns you the title of Certified Medical Assistant (CMA).
💼 Step 6: Start Your Career as a CMA
After certification, you can work in various healthcare settings, including:
Hospitals
Outpatient clinics
Physician offices
Urgent care centers
Nursing homes
🏥 Average Salary (by State)
State
Average Annual Salary
California
$46,500
Texas
$41,200
Florida
$39,800
New York
$45,000
Illinois
$42,100
Average nationwide salary: around $43,000 per year, with growth expected to increase 14% through 2032 (faster than average).
⚖️ CMA vs. Non-Certified Medical Assistant
Feature
Certified MA
Non-Certified MA
Job Opportunities
More
Limited
Salary
Higher
Lower
Credibility
Recognized Nationally
Limited
Career Growth
Strong
Moderate
Getting certified gives you credibility, higher pay, and better career advancement.
💡 Tips for Success in Your Online CMA Journey
Choose an accredited and reputable program
Create a consistent study schedule
Join online forums or Facebook groups for CMA students
Take practice tests before your final exam
Network with healthcare professionals during your externship
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I become a CMA without going to school?
No. You must complete an accredited medical assistant program before taking the CMA exam.
2. How long does it take to become certified?
Most students finish within 12 months, depending on the program and your pace.
3. Can I work while studying online?
Yes! Most online programs are flexible enough to allow you to work part-time.
4. Is the CMA exam difficult?
It’s challenging but manageable with preparation. Use online resources and official practice tests.
🏁 Conclusion
Becoming a Certified Medical Assistant online is one of the fastest and most rewarding ways to enter the healthcare field.
With the right accredited program, dedication, and certification, you can launch a stable and meaningful career helping patients every day.
Start your journey today — the healthcare industry is waiting for you!