Top Tips for Success on the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Exam

Understanding the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) Certification

  • A Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) is a medical assistant who has earned a CCMA certification from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

  • The CCMA certification demonstrates that a medical assistant has met the highest standards for success in their field.

  • Certification can make you a stronger candidate for jobs in the rapidly growing medical assisting field and ensure a safe experience for patients.

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Understanding the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) Certification

What is a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant?

  • A certified clinical medical assistant is a medical assistant who has passed the NHA certification exam.

  • CCMAs have a high school diploma or GED and have typically completed a medical assistant training program at a postsecondary institution.

  • They work in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, private physician practices, and outpatient clinics.

CCMA Exam Overview

  • The CCMA certification exam is a national certification exam designed for Medical Assistants who work with or plan to work with patients directly.

  • The exam requires one year of relevant work experience, and applicants must have graduated high school or hold an equivalent certification.

  • The exam consists of 150 scored and 30 unscored multiple-choice questions, with a time limit of 3 hours.

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CCMA Exam Overview

Exam Format and Content

  • The exam tests students on clinical procedures, medical office procedures, and patient care.

  • The exam is taken on a computer at an authorized testing center or NHA-affiliated school.

  • The passing score is 390 or better.

Preparing for the CCMA Exam

  • To prepare for the CCMA exam, students should review the exam topics, identify their weak points, schedule study times, and take practice exams.

  • Students should familiarize themselves with the CCMA exam topics, including clinical procedures, medical office procedures, and patient care.

  • The NHA allows test takers to practice with a full-length practice exam to get a sense of what to expect on the actual exam.

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Preparing for the CCMA Exam

Study Strategies for Medical Assistants

  • Students should learn multiple choice strategies to help them answer questions correctly.

  • Students should decide ahead of time which topics they want to review during their study periods.

  • Students should spread out their study sessions to avoid cramming.

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Study Strategies for Medical Assistants

Effective Learning Techniques

  • Students should identify their weak points and review those topics more thoroughly.

  • Students should use flashcards to help them memorize key terms and concepts.

  • Students should create a study group to collaborate with other medical assistants.

Identifying Weak Points

  • Students should take practice exams to identify their weak points.

  • Students should review the exam topics and identify areas where they need more practice.

  • Students should focus on their weak points and review those topics more thoroughly.

Staying Focused and Motivated

  • Students should get plenty of rest, drink lots of water, and avoid stress to ensure they are in the best mental shape possible for the exam.

  • Students should take breaks during their study sessions to avoid burnout.

  • Students should reward themselves for reaching their study goals.

Time Management for Clinical Medical Assistants

  • Students should schedule study times and remove distractions to ensure they can focus on their studies.

  • Students should prioritize their study sessions and focus on the most important topics.

  • Students should use a planner or calendar to keep track of their study schedule.

Exam Day Tips

  • Students should arrive early at the testing center to avoid any last-minute stress.

  • Students should bring all required materials, including their ID and exam confirmation.

  • Students should read the exam instructions carefully and manage their time effectively.

What to Expect on Exam Day

On the day of the CCMA certification exam, it’s essential to be prepared and know what to expect. Here are some tips to help you feel more confident and prepared:

  • Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at the testing center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time. This will give you time to check in, complete any necessary paperwork, and get settled before the exam begins.

  • Bring Required Documents: Make sure to bring a valid government-issued ID and any other required documents, such as your exam confirmation email or a printed copy of your exam schedule.

  • Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable clothing and layers, as the testing center may be cold or hot.

  • Bring Snacks and Water: You may be allowed to bring snacks and water into the testing center, but check with the proctor beforehand to confirm.

  • Use the Restroom: Take a few minutes to use the restroom before the exam starts to avoid any discomfort or distractions during the test.

  • Review the Exam Format: Take a few minutes to review the exam format and instructions before the test begins. This will help you understand what to expect and how to navigate the exam.

By following these tips, you can ensure a smoother and less stressful experience on the day of your CCMA certification exam.

Maintaining Certification

  • Recertification with the National Healthcareer Association requires completing ten hours of continuing education credits every two years.

  • Certified Clinical Medical Assistants must complete continuing education credits to maintain their certification.

  • Continuing education credits can be earned through various sources, including online courses and workshops.

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Maintaining Certification

Continuing Education for Certified Clinical Medical Assistants

As a certified clinical medical assistant, it’s essential to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the medical field. Continuing education is required to maintain your certification and stay current with industry standards. Here are some ways to fulfill your continuing education requirements:

  • Attend Conferences and Seminars: Attend conferences and seminars related to medical assisting to learn about new developments and network with other professionals.

  • Take Online Courses: Take online courses or webinars to learn about specific topics, such as medical terminology, anatomy, or pharmacology.

  • Read Industry Publications: Read industry publications, such as the Journal of Medical Assisting, to stay current with the latest research and developments.

  • Participate in Workshops: Participate in workshops or training sessions to learn new skills or techniques.

  • Join Professional Organizations: Join professional organizations, such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), to access continuing education resources and networking opportunities.

By engaging in these activities, certified clinical medical assistants can ensure they remain knowledgeable and competent in their field, ultimately providing better care for their patients.

Career Opportunities and Salary

  • Successful students will be qualified for roles as Medical Assistants in physicians’ offices, clinics, chiropractic offices, hospitals, and outpatient facilities.

  • The median annual salary for a Medical Assistant in the United States is $38,270.

  • Certified Clinical Medical Assistants have an easier time getting hired, compared to non-certified medical assistants.

Job Outlook and Salary for Certified Clinical Medical Assistants

The job outlook for certified clinical medical assistants is excellent, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicting an 18% growth in employment opportunities through 2028. This growth is due to an aging population and an increased demand for healthcare services.

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for medical assistants was $38,270 in May 2020. However, salaries can vary depending on location, employer, and level of experience. Here are some average salary ranges for certified clinical medical assistants:

  • Entry-level: $30,000 - $35,000 per year

  • Experienced: $35,000 - $45,000 per year

  • Senior-level: $45,000 - $60,000 per year

Certified clinical medical assistants can expect a rewarding career with ample opportunities for growth and advancement. By obtaining certification and gaining experience, medical assistants can increase their earning potential and job prospects in this rapidly growing field.

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