How do you become a CMA?

Becoming a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) requires a high school diploma or equivalent and completion of an accredited assisting training program. These programs, offered by vocational schools and community colleges, typically take one to two years to complete and cover lab techniques, medical terminology, patient confidentiality, and medical office procedures. After finishing the program, you can take the CMA licensing exam administered by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). While certification is not mandatory, many employers prefer CMAs due to the high standards required to earn certification.