CAAHEP and ABHES Accredited Programs
Eligibility | Graduates of medical assisting programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) are eligible to take the CMA (AAMA)® Certification Exam.
About the Program | Your program will offer academic and clinical training in a variety of areas:
- Human anatomy, physiology, and pathology
- Medical terminology
- Keyboarding and computer applications
- Record keeping and accounting
- Coding and insurance processing
- Laboratory techniques
- Clinical and diagnostic procedures
- Pharmacology
- Medication administration
- First aid
- Office practices
- Patient relations
- Medical law and ethics
You also must complete a practicum (i.e., an unpaid, supervised on-site work experience in an ambulatory health care setting), which is part of the program.
Research the Program | Once you find a program, go to the institution's website, or contact the program director to answer specific questions. Here are sample questions you might want to ask:
- What are the tuition costs and financial aid options?
- What are the academic prerequisites?
- How long does it take to complete the program?
- What specific topics are covered?
- What does the practicum involve?
- What percent of the program’s students/graduates pass the CMA (AAMA) Exam?
- Will you contact the AAMA Certification Department and give them permission to share your exam pass rates with me?