Medical assistant certification comes in two forms: the national medical assistant certificate and state licensure. Though they are similar, each has different requirements. It is essential to understand these when looking for your first job or advanced position in medical assisting.
So, we decided to write this article about Medical Assistant certifications with the assistance of MedAssistantEdu to ensure that we deliver the most accurate information on the subject.
National Medical Assistant Certification vs State Licensure
What’s the Difference?
State licensure requires that you pass a state-administered exam at an approved testing center, usually through Pearson Vue (formerly National Allied Testing System), Sylvan Prometric (once Applied Measurement Professionals), or another third-party exam provider. You will also need to provide transcripts showing completion of courses taken within the last five years, usually at accredited schools associated with agencies such as AMT (American Medical Technologists) or AAS (American Association of Medical Assistants). The licensure is valid for a certain amount of time, depending on the state’s laws and your qualifications. Most states require continuing education to maintain certification.
National Certification does not require coursework taken from an accredited school. Instead, you will need to take two exams: the NAHQ medical assisting exam and one other such as AMT’s Med-Tech or IAHCSMM’s Certified Clinical Medical Assistant. You will receive a certificate after passing both tests and submitting an application for review by approved third-party certifying organizations such as those mentioned above. Your state may recognize this designation, but it is not required by law, so check with your licensing board before deciding which certification to pursue.
National certification is less time-consuming and costly, but it does not guarantee employment. It is essential to consider which type of certificate will best suit your career goals. Remember, you must meet all the national medical assistant certification requirements before you can take the state exam. If you decide to get licensure and certification, do so after you have completed your initial certification process. This way, your application will be considered for both certificates at once. National medical assistant certification may provide a more powerful professional framework within which to work and expand your career opportunities; however, having only one or the other (licensure or certification) does not preclude you from job offers or advancement opportunities.
State licensure allows employers more discretion in hiring. At times, they may choose to hire licensed medical assistants only or offer additional incentives to the most qualified candidates regardless of their certification status. This can be advantageous if you are currently employed and looking for new opportunities in another state.
Certification can also help with your salary projections — certified medical assistants are often paid more than non-certified peers in similar jobs across healthcare facilities. You should expect pay equity when applying at different work sites, but be aware that some employers may not initially equate national certification with licensure. However, it is always wonderful to have both! When replacing a former employee who has left for another job, many employers prefer the previous employee’s replacement to have similar credentials (i.e., same certification).
State licensure is widely recognized as an essential requirement for medical assistants who wish to work in any state. National certification is gaining recognition, but not all states require it. Employers are starting to take note of accreditation, but licensure is still more important when considering job offers or promotions. Your choice of which one to pursue may depend on your current employment status and career goals.
Work-study programs involve national certification and state licensure requirements because they often prepare students for careers in public health or other fields regulated by government agencies. If you plan on working for the Federal Government after graduation, check with them about their hiring practices before making plans to get either certificate — if you are already certified through an approved third-party agency, it will be acceptable.
National certification may provide a more powerful professional framework within which to work and expand your career opportunities; however, having only one or the other (licensure or certification) does not preclude you from job offers or advancement opportunities. State licensure allows employers more discretion in hiring. At times, they may choose to hire licensed medical assistants only or offer additional incentives to the most qualified candidates regardless of their certification status. This can be advantageous if you are currently employed and looking for new opportunities in another state. When replacing a former employee who has left for another job, many employers prefer the previous employee’s replacement to have similar credentials (i.e., same certification). Certification can also help with your salary projections — certified medical assistants are often paid more than non-certified peers in similar jobs across healthcare facilities. You should expect pay equity when applying at different work sites, but be aware that some employers may not initially equate national certification with licensure. However, it is always wonderful to have both! State licensure is widely recognized as an essential requirement for medical assistants who wish to work in any state. National certification is gaining recognition, but not all states require it. Employers are starting to take note of accreditation, but licensure is still more important when considering job offers or promotions.
