Comparing MA Certifications: NHA vs NCCT

Certification from a nationally recognized organization is hugely important for Medical Assistants, with 83% of employers noting it as a preference. But with so many certifications out there, which one is the best for your career? Here is a look at the difference between Medical Assistant certification from the NHA and NCCT.

NHA vs NCCT: What Is The Difference?

Medical Assistant certifications from the NHA and the NCCT have several differences in their certification requirements, eligibility criteria, and focus areas. Here’s a breakdown:

Certifying Organizations:

• National Healthcareer Association (NHA): Offers the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification.
• National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT): Offers the National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) certification.

Eligibility Requirements:

• NHA (CCMA):
  • Requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Must have completed a Medical Assistant program from an accredited institution within the past 5 years.
• NCCT (NCMA):
  • Requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Must have completed an NCCT-approved Medical Assistant program OR
  • Have two or more years of full-time work experience as a Medical Assistant within the past 10 years, verified by an employer.

Exam Format and Content:

• NHA (CCMA):
  • Focuses on clinical and administrative duties such as patient care, medical ethics, and office procedures. The exam includes questions on:
    • Anatomy and physiology
    • Infection control
    • Phlebotomy
    • Medical terminology
• NCCT (NCMA):
• Covers a broader scope, including clinical, administrative, and general healthcare knowledge. The exam includes:
  • • Medical office management
    • Clinical procedures
    • Pharmacology
    • Patient communication

Recognition and Accreditation:

• NHA (CCMA):
  • Widely recognized across the healthcare industry.
  • Focuses more on entry-level positions in clinical and administrative roles.
• NCCT (NCMA):
  • Also highly recognized and accepted by many employers.
  • Appeals to candidates with more diverse backgrounds, such as those with significant work experience in place of formal education.

Recertification:

• NHA (CCMA):
  • Requires renewal every 2 years.
  • Must complete 10 Continuing Education (CE) credits.
• NCCT (NCMA):
  • Requires renewal every year.
  • Must complete 14 Continuing Education (CE) hours.

Which MA Certification Is Right For Me?

At ACI Medical & Dental School, we are proud to offer Medical Assistant certification from the NHA. Through our program, you can get certified as a CCMA in just four months. Here are some advantages of NHA certification over NCCT certification:

1. Broad Industry Recognition. NHA certifications are widely recognized across the healthcare industry, particularly by larger healthcare networks, clinics, and hospitals. Some employers specifically prefer or require the CCMA certification for Medical Assistant roles, giving it an edge in certain regions or job markets.
2. Focus on Entry-Level Roles. The NHA CCMA certification is designed with a focus on the clinical and administrative duties of an entry-level Medical Assistant. This can make it more appealing to recent graduates from Medical Assistant programs who want to hit the ground running in patient care.
3. Simpler Recertification Process. The CCMA certification requires renewal every 2 years with 10 Continuing Education (CE) credits. This is a more manageable requirement compared to the NCCT’s annual renewal and higher CE hour requirements.
4. Emphasis on Clinical Skills. The CCMA exam places significant emphasis on clinical and patient care skills, including phlebotomy. This makes it more aligned with Medical Assistant roles that involve hands-on patient interaction, a key requirement for many employers.
5. Program Support and Preparation Resources. The NHA offers extensive preparation materials, such as study guides, practice tests, and online resources. These resources are often integrated into the curriculum of many accredited Medical Assistant programs, which can make preparation more seamless for students.
6. Accessibility. The NHA exam’s streamlined eligibility requirements make it more accessible for candidates who are new to the field. The path to NHA certification is often faster and more straightforward.
7. Higher Market Demand. Surveys and employer feedback suggest that CCMA-certified Medical Assistants are often in higher demand because the NHA’s certification aligns closely with core job responsibilities in outpatient settings, including administrative and clinical tasks.
8. Digital Badges and Career Advancement Tools. The NHA provides digital badges and other professional tools to help certified professionals market their skills and advance their careers. These resources can help a certified Medical Assistant stand out in job applications.

The NHA Medical Assistant certification is advantageous for those seeking entry-level roles in clinical settings, or wanting a certification that is widely recognized and supported by employers. Learn more about how you can be certified in just four months by contacting ACI Medical & Dental School today!