Medical assistants are in high demand across New York. According to U.S. Department of Labor-sponsored site Projections Central, employment for medical assistants is expected to grow 13.8% nationally from 2022 to 2032 — but in New York, that figure jumps to 26.8%.
If you are considering pursuing a career in this fast-growing field, you may be wondering what qualifications are required for medical assistant certification in NY. While professional certification is voluntary for medical assistants in the state, earning one can be a smart move. Completing an accredited medical assisting program can help you qualify for certification and prepare you for entry-level roles in the field.
Benefits of Gaining a Medical Assistant Certification in New York
New York does not require medical assistants to have a license or certification. However, 83% of medical assistants hold a professional certification, according to a National Healthcareer Association (NHA) survey of allied health employers.
Pursuing a medical assistant certification in New York may lead to broader opportunities within the field. Here are some potential benefits of becoming a certified medical assistant.
Demonstrate expertise: To earn a certification as a medical assistant, candidates must meet certain education and experience requirements. Certifying bodies also require a passing score on an exam that covers core topics such as clinical procedures, administrative responsibilities, and patient care. By holding a certification, medical assistants can demonstrate their knowledge and skills to potential employers.
Expand job eligibility: Certified medical assistants may qualify for a wider range of positions. According to the NHA survey, 87% of allied health employers either require or prefer certification when hiring.
Prepare for advancement opportunities: Some employers offer additional responsibilities or advancement opportunities to certified medical assistants.
5 Medical Assistant Certifications for NY Professionals
What certifications can NY medical assistants earn? There are several certifying organizations that offer credentials recognizing the clinical and administrative knowledge that medical assistants bring to their field.
Registered Medical Assistant
The registered medical assistant (RMA) credential, offered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT), is one of the most popular certification options. To become a registered medical assistant, candidates must first complete an accredited medical assistant program that includes at least 720 instructional hours and 160 externship hours. Current students nearing graduation and those who have graduated within the past four years meet this requirement.
Candidates who have met the eligibility requirements can schedule a 210-question exam that covers anatomy, physiology, administrative medical assisting, clinical procedures, and patient care. Those who pass this exam earn the RMA credential.
Certified Medical Assistant
The American Association of Medical Assistants administers the certified medical assistant (CMA) credential. This certification evaluates a candidate’s knowledge of clinical, administrative, and general medical assisting responsibilities. To qualify, individuals must complete an accredited medical assisting program. Students nearing graduation can register for the exam while finishing their externship requirements.
The CMA exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions, divided into four 40-minute sections. It covers topics such as pharmacology, infection control, clinical workflows, health information management, and other core areas of medical assisting.
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
The certified clinical medical assistant (CCMA) credential, offered by the National Healthcareer Association, accepts applications from candidates who have completed a medical assistant program within the past five years. Candidates must submit an application and pass a 180-question exam.
The CCMA certification exam covers patient care, laboratory procedures, administrative assisting, medical law, and other core medical assistant competencies. CCMAs must renew their credential every two years.
Clinical Medical Assistant Certification
The clinical medical assistant certification (CMAC), awarded by the American Medical Certification Association, requires a passing score on a 175-question exam. The test is available online or in a paper-and-pencil format, and it can be taken at a school, testing center, or remote locations with live proctoring.
Candidates answer questions on clinical and administrative medical assisting, professional conduct, and medical law and ethics.
National Certified Medical Assistant
Offered by the National Center for Competency Testing, the national certified medical assistant (NCMA) credential is available to medical assisting students and recent graduates. The certification exam focuses on key competencies required in the field, based on a nationwide job analysis.
To earn the NCMA credential, candidates must pass a 150-question exam that assesses their knowledge and practical skills.
How to Earn a Medical Assistant Certification in NYC
Before pursuing a medical assistant certification in NYC, candidates must meet the eligibility requirements for their desired certification. Completing an associate degree program in medical assisting can help professionals build the clinical and administrative knowledge needed to pass a certification exam.
Step 1: Take Medical Assisting Classes
Saint Paul’s School of Nursing offers a medical assisting associate degree program at its campuses in Queens and on Staten Island. The program, which can be completed in as little as 18 months (72 instructional weeks), combines lectures with hands-on learning. Prospective medical assistants take core classes in anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology, among others, before advancing to more complex clinical topics and gaining supervised clinical experience.
These courses help students develop the skills needed for front office administrative work and direct patient interaction. Medical assisting students also study clinical and laboratory procedures. Courses also cover safety and infection control, confidentiality laws, medical ethics, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.
Step 2: Complete a Supervised Externship
After completing their coursework, medical assisting students gain hands-on experience in real healthcare settings through a supervised externship. This training helps students apply their knowledge, build clinical skills, and prepare for entry-level roles. Some programs, such as the one at Saint Paul’s School of Nursing, work with students to arrange a supervised externship placement.
Step 3: Pass a Certification Exam
Candidates must earn a passing score on a national certification exam to qualify for the credential. Eligibility guidelines and the application process vary depending on the organization issuing the credential.
Several certifying bodies allow students to begin the certification process before they have completed their education requirements. For example, students in their final semester or externship placements may be able to schedule their certification exam. Most medical assistant students study for their certification exam to increase their chances of passing.
Step 4: Apply for the Certification
After passing the certification exam, some candidates automatically receive their credential, while others may need to submit an additional application. Certified medical assistants typically need to renew their credentials regularly.
Prepare for a Medical Assistant Certification in NY With Saint Paul’s School of Nursing
You can prepare for a NY medical assistant certification exam by earning your Associate of Occupational Studies in Medical Assisting at Saint Paul’s School of Nursing. The program helps students develop clinical and administrative competencies through classroom instruction and an externship. With an associate degree, graduates qualify for multiple certification paths and entry-level medical assistant jobs.
The program is available at Saint Paul’s Queens and Staten Island campuses and is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
Contact Saint Paul’s School of Nursing today to learn how the medical assisting program can help you take your next step.
Recommended Readings
Clinical Medical Assistant Duties and Skills
Exploring the Role of a Medical Assistant
How to Become a Registered Medical Assistant