Why Get Certified?

Author: Emily Brooks, NRCMA

Why Get Certified?

In the world of healthcare, opportunities are abundant, but one factor often separates candidates for top positions: certification. Whether you're an aspiring medical assistant, phlebotomist, or any other healthcare professional, obtaining certification can be the boost that propels your career forward. But why exactly should you invest time and effort into certification? I mean, it is possible to work as an MA without being certified and a lot of people do it. Let’s take a closer look at the concrete benefits of becoming certified and the unique opportunities that certification can unlock.

1. Certification Opens Doors to Higher Pay and Better Job Prospects

Healthcare employers consistently prefer certified candidates, and for good reason: certification demonstrates that you have met a nationally recognized standard of skill and knowledge in the medical assisting field. When employers see “certified” on a resume, they know they’re looking at a dedicated professional who has put in the time to achieve a higher level of competence and training. As a result, certified medical assistants are often considered first in the hiring process.

That isn't to say there aren't brilliant uncertified medical assistants, but they may be overlooked by someone who is reviewing applications simply due to the fact that there is no way to prove this person is competent purely based on the cover of their resume. 

Certification can also increase earning potential. Many healthcare facilities offer higher wages to certified medical assistants, recognizing the value they bring to patient care. By becoming certified, you’ll be positioned to negotiate better pay and access a broader range of job opportunities.

2. Meet Legal and Regulatory Requirements

The healthcare industry is becoming more regulated, and depending on your state, certification might not just be a nice-to-have; it could be a legal requirement. Some states have laws mandating that medical assistants be certified if they’re working under the supervision of mid-level healthcare providers, such as nurse practitioners or physician assistants. Without certification, your job prospects may be limited in these states.

Checking your state’s regulations can help you understand whether certification is required for the positions you're interested in. Even in states where it isn't legally mandated, having certification demonstrates that you're up-to-date with industry standards and understand the best practices in patient care and safety.

3. Certification Without Formal Schooling: Experience Matters

One of the biggest misconceptions about certification is that you must attend a medical assisting program to become certified. In fact, there are multiple paths to certification. Many reputable organizations, like the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), allow candidates to sit for the certification exam based on work experience alone, bypassing the need for formal schooling. This path recognizes that real-world experience is as valuable as, if not more valuable than, classroom training.

Medical assistants who take this unconventional route are often just as qualified as their formally trained peers—and sometimes even have an advantage. Through hands-on experience, they’ve applied the skills and knowledge that traditional programs teach and have learned to navigate the dynamics of a medical practice in real time. Their practical expertise, combined with a certification, makes them strong candidates who can confidently step into a variety of medical settings.

4. Enhance Your Confidence and Patient Trust

Being certified brings an immense sense of personal satisfaction and confidence. Earning a certification means you've proven your skills and knowledge through rigorous training and testing. When you're certified, you can walk into any healthcare setting with the assurance that you have met recognized standards. This confidence not only improves your performance but also resonates with your patients.

Patients often feel more comfortable and at ease when they know their care provider has a recognized certification. It gives them an added layer of trust in the quality of care they’re receiving, which is crucial in the healthcare industry, where confidence and rapport with patients are essential.

5. Build a Stronger Resume and Expand Your Skills

Certification adds a key credential to your resume that stands out to employers, setting you apart from other candidates. With a CMA designation (or variant thereof), your resume shows that you’re committed to your profession and ready to meet the high demands of the healthcare industry. In some cases, certification might even qualify you for additional responsibilities and specialized roles, creating opportunities for growth within your position.

In the process of becoming certified, you’ll not only solidify your existing skills but may also develop new competencies in areas like patient communication, EKG, phlebotomy, and basic lab procedures. Certification requires staying up-to-date with medical advancements and patient care standards, which makes you a more knowledgeable and adaptable professional.

6. Join a Network of Certified Professionals and Access More Opportunities

Becoming a certified medical assistant means joining a network of other healthcare professionals who are similarly committed to excellence. Many certification bodies offer professional development resources, continuing education, and networking opportunities. Through these resources, you can stay current on industry standards and connect with others in your field.

These professional networks can provide access to career opportunities, mentorship, and further certification options to help you develop specialized skills. Additionally, some certifications require ongoing education, so you’ll be continuously enhancing your expertise and staying relevant in the ever-evolving healthcare industry.

Conclusion

Certification is a significant step, but it’s well worth the effort. It’s a decision to invest in yourself, in your future, and in the quality of care you provide to your patients. In a competitive field, certification is an effective way to stand out, meet regulatory standards, and feel a sense of pride in your work. So, if you’re considering whether to get certified, remember—it’s not just a credential, it’s a career-defining achievement.