Set the Record Straight: Learn How to Obtain Your Transcript from a Closed Program

8 May, 11:59 AM
Follow these steps to obtain your transcript from a closed program.

 

Originally published May 28, 2022
Updated May 18, 2026

 

You want to earn the CMA (AAMA)® credential, but your school closed several years ago. Now what?

The first thing you’ll need to do is determine whether you’re eligible for the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam. To confirm eligibility, call the AAMA at 800/228-2262 or send the following information to Certification@aama-ntl.org so that the Certification Department can assist you:

  1. Name of your medical assisting program
  2. Date you completed the medical assisting program
  3. Location of the program, including city, state, and ZIP code

If your school was accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools during the time that you attended your medical assisting program—and you find out that you’re eligible from the AAMA—that’s great news! You’ll be able to apply for the exam as a nonrecent graduate (candidate eligibility category 2).

Per the exam eligibility requirements in the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam Application, nonrecent graduates must provide an official transcript in order to sit for the exam. This can be a challenge for many, especially if your school is closed.

So how do you get your transcript from a closed school? Here are a couple ideas for how to obtain your transcript:

Option 1: Order your transcript online from Parchment (fee required) via their website: https://www.parchment.com/. Select “Order transcript” from the “Order & Status" drop-down menu on the home page.

When selecting where to send your transcript, select the 3rd party option. You can then search for and select the AAMA, and AAMA staff will be able to directly access your transcript online.

Option 2: Contact the Department of Education in the state in which you reside to see if they are able to assist you.

If you’re not able to get your transcript, then, unfortunately, you will not be able to sit for the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam.

However, you can still become an AAMA member to gain a professional edge. Membership not only offers discounts and a subscription to Medical Assisting Today, it also provides access to networking, education, and volunteer opportunities. Plus, it looks great on your résumé, showing employers you are serious about your career!

Additionally, you can achieve certificates in pediatrics, allied health education, and more! Check out the e-Learning Center on the AAMA website to see all certificate programs.

Have you discovered any other methods for obtaining your transcript from a closed-down institution? Share your solutions in the comments!

Set the Record Straight: Learn How to Obtain Your Transcript from a Closed Program

8 May, 11:59 AM
Follow these steps to obtain your transcript from a closed program.

 

Originally published May 28, 2022
Updated May 18, 2026

 

You want to earn the CMA (AAMA)® credential, but your school closed several years ago. Now what?

The first thing you’ll need to do is determine whether you’re eligible for the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam. To confirm eligibility, call the AAMA at 800/228-2262 or send the following information to Certification@aama-ntl.org so that the Certification Department can assist you:

  1. Name of your medical assisting program
  2. Date you completed the medical assisting program
  3. Location of the program, including city, state, and ZIP code

If your school was accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools during the time that you attended your medical assisting program—and you find out that you’re eligible from the AAMA—that’s great news! You’ll be able to apply for the exam as a nonrecent graduate (candidate eligibility category 2).

Per the exam eligibility requirements in the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam Application, nonrecent graduates must provide an official transcript in order to sit for the exam. This can be a challenge for many, especially if your school is closed.

So how do you get your transcript from a closed school? Here are a couple ideas for how to obtain your transcript:

Option 1: Order your transcript online from Parchment (fee required) via their website: https://www.parchment.com/. Select “Order transcript” from the “Order & Status" drop-down menu on the home page.

When selecting where to send your transcript, select the 3rd party option. You can then search for and select the AAMA, and AAMA staff will be able to directly access your transcript online.

Option 2: Contact the Department of Education in the state in which you reside to see if they are able to assist you.

If you’re not able to get your transcript, then, unfortunately, you will not be able to sit for the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam.

However, you can still become an AAMA member to gain a professional edge. Membership not only offers discounts and a subscription to Medical Assisting Today, it also provides access to networking, education, and volunteer opportunities. Plus, it looks great on your résumé, showing employers you are serious about your career!

Additionally, you can achieve certificates in pediatrics, allied health education, and more! Check out the e-Learning Center on the AAMA website to see all certificate programs.

Have you discovered any other methods for obtaining your transcript from a closed-down institution? Share your solutions in the comments!