Attention Members: Please go to http://www.aama-ntl.org and update your contact information. Nonmembers: Go to http://aama-ntl.org and join today!

Education      Go to Membership Information

The CMA (AAMA) is considered the gold standard of medical assisting professionalism. Offered by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), the CMA (AAMA) represents a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) who has been credentialed through the AAMA. The CMA (AAMA) means a professional edge, increased prestige among peers and employers, better job security, and greater career advancement opportunities.

You must accomplish two things to become a CMA (AAMA).

First, graduate from an accredited medical assisting program. This program must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
 

The following is the only CAAHEP-accredited program in Arkansas:

     Arkansas Tech University, Russellville, Arkansas (http://www.atu.edu)

     Contact: Phyllis Cox at pcox@atu.edu or 479-498-6073

There are no ABHES-accredited programs in Arkansas; however, there is a ABHES institution in Arkansas that has a medical assisting program:

    Easter College of Health Vocations, Little Rock, Arkansas (http://echv.com)

    Contact: Joe Dalto at jdalto@echv.com or 501-568-0211

Second, pass the CMA (AAMA) Certification/Recertification Examination. This test is administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
 

Get more information: Go the AAMA page http://www.aama-ntl.org/becomeCMA/how.aspx. You can get a list of accredited programs in each state, apply to take the exam online, and get resources to help you pass the exam.

Membership

Membership in the state and national organization is voluntary. However, there are many benefits to membership:

The AAMA is the only association devoted exclusively to the medical assisting profession. If you are a medical assisting practitioner with administrative, clinical, managerial, or general duties, or if you are a medical assisting educator or a student, you will benefit from AAMA membership.

1. Get first-hand access to medical assisting news, continuing education articles and health care information, via CMA Today, AAMA's bimonthly magazine.
    
2. Have your Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for AAMA activities entered in the Continuing Education registry and access your transcript online.
    
3. Benefit from the value of in-person, AAMA educational events provided by local chapter, state society, and national meetings.
    
4. Belong to an organization that works to protect your right to practice as a medical assistant.
    
5. Get answers to your legal questions regarding job-related issues.
    
6. Apply for the prestigious CMA (AAMA) Certification/Recertification Exam at a reduced fee if you meet the eligibility categories.
    
7. Receive discounts on convention registration, workshop fees, self-study courses and become eligible to apply for an AAMA credit card.
    
8. Get special rates for professional liability, life, accidental death and disability, disability income, and cancer expense.
    
9. Volunteer for association activities at all levels and help shape the future of the profession.
    
10. Enhance professional credibility to peers and employers by affiliation with the AAMA.

For more information about the services that the AAMA provides, go to AAMA Services.

As a member of the AAMA, you will have the strength of the national association behind you, representing your professional interests. You will also benefit from the convenience and focus of your own local chapter and state AAMA affiliates. Our membership has expanded to over 250 local chapters, spanning 42 states. If you are currently a member, and not receiving information from the Arkansas Society of Medical Assistants, please go the the AAMA website, click on "Contact Info Changes" at the home page, and update your contact information, including an email address if you have one. If you are not currently a member, please consider membership! You can apply for membership online, or contact the ASMA for an application.

Go back to Education Information.

Send mail to cmerle@atu.edu with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 11/11/08