As far as I know, your CNA training won’t make you eligible for the CMA examination. To be eligible for the CMA (AAMA) Certification Examination, a candidate must meet the criteria for one of these three eligibility categories:
- You are a recent graduate or completing student of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited medical assisting program. You must have graduated from or be about to complete a medical assisting program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Completing students may take the CMA (AAMA) exam no more than 30 days prior to completing their formal education and practicum. Recent graduates are those who apply for the exam within 12 months of graduation.
- You are a nonrecent graduate of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited medical assisting program. A candidate who applies for the exam more than 12 months after graduation is a nonrecent graduate. Candidates who graduate from a CAAHEP or ABHES program that was accredited at any time during the student's enrollment, or who graduated within the 36 months prior to the program becoming CAAHEP or ABHES accredited, are eligible to apply for the CMA (AAMA) exam.
- You have previously passed the CMA certification exam and are applying to recertify the CMA (AAMA) credential.
The CMA training program offers academic and clinical training in a variety of areas and is not identical to a CNA training program:
- Human anatomy, physiology, and pathology
- Medical terminology
- Keyboarding and computer applications
- Record keeping and accounting
- Coding and insurance processing
- Laboratory techniques
- Clinical and diagnostic procedures
- Pharmacology
- Medication administration
- First aid
- Office practices
- Patient relations
- Medical law and ethics
You also must complete a practicum (unpaid, supervised on-site work experience in an ambulatory health care setting), which is part of the program. For additional help and to verify the information you should contact the American Association of Medical Assistants at 312-899-1500 or 800-228-2262.