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Medical Assisting Certification vs. Accredited Degree: Which Do You Need for Your CMA Career? 

Jacquelyn Harris

Published: | Last Updated:

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If you’re researching a career as a certified medical assistant, you’ve probably come across two terms that can feel a little confusing at first: medical assisting certification and accredited degree. Are they the same thing? Do you need both? Which one should you pursue first? 

The short answer is that they’re different and for most people, the degree comes first. Here’s what you need to know. 

What Is a Medical Assisting Certification?

A medical assisting certification is a credential issued by a third-party organization that validates your competency in specific areas of medical assisting. Having one tells employers that you’ve met a nationally recognized standard of knowledge and skill. 

According to National Healthcareer Association (NHA)‘s 2025 Industry Outlook, 96% of employers require or encourage certification for medical assistants, which makes it one of the more important credentials you can hold in this field.1 

There are three main certifications to know about: 

CCMA — Certified Clinical Medical Assistant

The CCMA is issued by the NHA and focuses on clinical duties. As a CCMA, you’ll check patients’ vital signs, review medical records, assist physicians and nurses during examinations, and administer treatments and medications. 

CMAA — Certified Medical Administrative Assistant

Also issued by the NHA, the CMAA focuses on the administrative side. In this role, you’d greet patients, answer phones, verify insurance, schedule appointments, and manage patient charts — with less direct patient care than a CCMA. 

RMA — Registered Medical Assistant

The RMA is issued through the American Medical Technologists (AMT) and covers a blend of both clinical and administrative responsibilities, similar in scope to the CCMA and CMAA combined. 

To earn any of these credentials, you register through the certifying body, pay an exam fee, and sit for a proctored exam.  

Click here for a more in-depth guide on medical assisting certifications.  

What Is an Accredited Medical Assisting Degree?

An accredited medical assisting degree is an academic credential earned through a college or university, either in person or online. The most common options are a certificate and an associate degree, though some students continue on to a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration. 

An accredited program is where you develop the actual hands-on skills the job requires.  

Coursework covers medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, vital signs, blood draws, injections, electrocardiograms, diagnostic imaging, equipment sterilization, medical billing and coding, and electronic health records. You’ll also complete an externship component that puts those skills to work in real-world clinical scenarios. 

Some programs, like Bryan University’s Clinical Medical Assistant Undergraduate Certificate, are designed so that all credits stack directly into an Associate Degree in Medical Assisting. That means you can enter the workforce after earning your certificate while continuing to work toward your degree at the same time. The programs also include an at-home medical kit with equipment like a stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, practice arm, venipuncture kit, and IV kit, so you can practice hands-on skills from home throughout your coursework. 

Upon graduating, you’d be qualified to pursue roles in surgery centers, urgent care clinics, rehabilitation facilities, public health agencies, mental health facilities, home health agencies, physician offices, and hospitals.  

Which Comes First: The Degree or the Certification?

This is the most common question people have, and the answer is straightforward: the degree, or undergraduate certificate, generally comes first. 

Why? To sit for the NHA CCMA exam, you must meet one of two eligibility requirements:  

  1. Have completed a medical assistant training or education program within the last five years; OR 
  1. Have one year of supervised work experience in a medical assisting field within the last three years, or two years within the last five years  

For most people, that means you can’t jump straight to certification without the educational foundation in place first.  

The good news is that completing an accredited program doesn’t just check the eligibility box, it genuinely prepares you to pass the exam. Some programs, including Bryan University’s, cover the NHA exam fees so you’re not facing that cost out of pocket after graduation.  

Do You Need Both a Degree and a Certification?

Technically, you can find work as a medical assistant with just an accredited degree and no certification. But in practice, certification makes you significantly more competitive. 

With 96% of employers requiring or encouraging certification, showing up to the job market without one puts you at a disadvantage, especially as more graduates enter the field with both credentials in hand. Certification also opens the door to more advanced responsibilities and, in many cases, higher starting pay. So does working in clinical specialties, like cardiology or ophthalmology.   

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a medical assisting certification without a degree?

You don’t need a formal degree, but you do need either an accredited training program or verified work experience to be eligible for most certification exams. A structured program is the faster and more reliable route for most people entering the field. 

How long does it take to become a certified medical assistant?

Program length varies. Certificate programs can take as little as 10 months online. Associate degree programs typically run 18 to 24 months. Some schools offer dual enrollment so you can pursue both simultaneously. 

What’s the difference between a CCMA and a CMA?

The CCMA is issued by the NHA. The CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) is issued by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and requires graduation from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program. Both are nationally recognized, check which credential is preferred by employers in your target market before choosing. 

How often do you need to renew a CCMA certification?

CCMA certification must be renewed every two years and requires completion of 10 continuing education credits within each two-year cycle. 

Can you complete a medical assisting program online?

Yes, fully online programs are widely available and accredited. They’re particularly well-suited for working adults and parents who need flexibility. Look for programs that include a virtual externship component, as hands-on application of skills is an important part of exam readiness and job preparedness. 

What jobs can you get with a medical assisting degree and certification?

Graduates typically qualify for roles including clinical medical assistant, medical office assistant, healthcare support worker, medical records specialist, and certified medical administrative assistant across settings ranging from physician offices and hospitals to urgent care clinics, surgery centers, and public health agencies. 

  1. National Healthcareer Association, Your path to medical assistant certification, at https://www.nhanow.com/certification/nha-certifications/certified-clinical-medical-assistant-(ccma). ↩︎

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