Healthcare systems rely on more than doctors, nurses, and clinical assistants. Every patient encounter — from the first phone call to the last billing statement — involves someone who understands organization, accuracy, and communication. That role is filled by Administrative Medical Assistants.

The Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA, NHA) credential demonstrates to employers that you are trained to handle the critical front-office, scheduling, billing, and insurance responsibilities of a modern medical practice.

In 2025, as physician practices and hospitals expand their reliance on electronic health records (EHRs), insurance verification systems, and telehealth scheduling, the demand for credentialed administrative professionals has only grown stronger.

Employment Outlook

Administrative roles in healthcare continue to expand nationwide. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2023 update), employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 14% between 2022 and 2032 — nearly double the national average for all occupations.

What’s driving this growth?

• Aging U.S. population → higher demand for healthcare services.
• Preventive medicine → more check-ups and scheduled visits.
• Insurance & billing complexity → more trained staff needed to process claims.
• Digital health transformation → practices need staff who understand scheduling software and HIPAA-compliant EHR systems.

For students who prefer healthcare but want to focus on organization and coordination instead of direct patient care, the CMAA path is one of the most reliable career choices.

Education & Training

Unlike some certifications, CMAA candidates do not need years of medical school. Most follow this path:

• Step 1: Enroll in a medical assisting program (9–12 months for certificate, 18–24 months for associate degree).
• Step 2: Learn core administrative competencies — scheduling, records management, billing and coding, insurance verification, and HIPAA compliance.
• Step 3: Complete a supervised externship (160–200 hours) in a physician’s office, hospital, or outpatient facility.
• Step 4: Register for and pass the CMAA exam through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

Some students complete only an administrative assistant course, while others combine clinical + administrative training, making them more versatile.

CMAA Exam Details

The CMAA exam is offered year-round by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

As of 2025, here’s what to expect:

• Format: 110 scored multiple-choice questions + 20 unscored pretest items
• Duration: 2 hours
• Exam Fee: $125 (NHA, 2025)
• Passing Score: 390/500 (scaled)
• Testing Options: In-person at PSI centers or online with live remote proctoring
• Retake Policy: Candidates may retake the exam up to 3 times within one year, with a 30-day wait between attempts

Content Areas Covered:

• Scheduling and reception procedures
• Patient records, documentation, and EHR management
• Insurance basics, coding (ICD-10, CPT), and billing
• Medical ethics, HIPAA compliance, patient rights
• Communication and professional etiquette

Recertification

Like most NHA credentials, the CMAA certification is valid for 2 years. To stay active:

• Earn 10 continuing education (CE) credits every cycle
• Pay a $179 recertification fee
• Maintain an active NHA account for CE reporting

Credits can be earned through online modules, employer-provided training, or professional development seminars. Failure to renew requires retesting.

Salary & Job Opportunities

Administrative Medical Assistants earn competitive salaries across multiple industries. While they may earn slightly less than clinical counterparts, salaries remain steady, with many opportunities for advancement into office management or billing specialization.

According to the BLS May 2023 data, the median annual wage for all medical assistants is $39,610. CMAAs often earn $38,000–$39,000, depending on employer type and state.

Salary by Industry (BLS, May 2023)

Skills & Duties of CMAAs

Administrative MAs ensure smooth front-office operations. Common duties include:

• Scheduling patient appointments and managing provider calendars
• Handling phone calls, referrals, and check-ins
• Managing electronic health records (EHR/EMR)
• Insurance claim processing, coding, and billing
• Coordinating telehealth appointments
• Maintaining compliance with HIPAA and patient privacy laws

Employers increasingly look for CMAAs who are familiar with insurance coding systems (ICD-10, CPT), electronic billing, and telemedicine workflows.

CMAA vs CMA (Clinical Medical Assistant)

Students often ask: What’s the difference between CMAA and CMA?

• CMAA (NHA) → Specializes in administrative and office support. Renewal every 2 years, requiring 10 CE credits.
• CMA (AAMA) → Balances clinical + administrative duties. Renewal every 5 years, requiring 60 CEUs.
• Exam Fees: CMA ≈ $125 | CMAA ≈ $125
• Salary: CMA median ≈ $39,610 | CMAA median ≈ $38,000–$39,000

👉 If you enjoy organization, scheduling, billing, and patient interaction without direct clinical procedures, CMAA is an excellent path. If you want a broader role that includes taking vitals, injections, or assisting physicians, CMA may be the better fit.

FAQs

Q1: How long does it take to become a CMAA?
Most certificate programs last 9–12 months. Associate degree programs can take 2 years.

Q2: How much does the CMAA exam cost in 2025?
The exam fee is $125.

Q3: Is CMAA certification worth it?
Yes. Employers value NHA’s credential, especially in physician offices and outpatient centers.

Q4: What’s the recertification requirement?
Every 2 years, CMAAs must complete 10 CE credits and pay a $179 renewal fee.

Q5: What’s the job outlook for administrative medical assistants?
Projected job growth is 14% (2022–2032), much faster than average.

Conclusion

The Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA, NHA) is a recognized credential that opens the door to stable and growing employment in healthcare administration. With competitive wages, short training programs, and national recognition, CMAA certification is one of the fastest ways to enter the healthcare field without direct clinical duties.

By updating your skills regularly and renewing certification every two years, you can stay competitive in the workforce and build a long-term career in healthcare management.

Written by : Casey Gardner

Casey Gardner is both a healthcare support professional and an accomplished content creator.  She has been working as a certified health care professional with marketable skills as a physician assistant,  and a qualified medical assistant for last two decades. She has dedicated her nursing career to produce over hundreds of content pieces since 2001, and her work has been published both online as well as offline.