Medical Assistant Schools in Montana - MT

Once candidates complete a program from a Montana medical assistant school, they can apply to take the CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) Certification Examination offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). An official application form, school transcript and a fee are necessary to apply. Candidates must apply at least four months prior to the preferred examination date. The exam is available every month. Students are highly encouraged to take practice exams to increase their familiarity with the test and subject matter.

After the application has been accepted, permission to schedule the examination will be sent to the candidate. Prometric Test Centers (www.prometric.com) in Helena and Billings are the locations for testing. The exam takes approximately three and a half hours to complete. Official results will be sent approximately 10-12 weeks after the exam, however unofficial scores are ready upon finishing the exam. After successfully completing the examination, candidates will receive certification of their credentials.

Medical Assistants must recertify their credentials every five years. There are two options for recertification: Pass the CMA (AAMA) Recertification Examination or earn a minimum of 60 continuing education units, half of which must be AAMA approved. Of the 60 units, 10 must be in the Administrative category, 10 in Clinical, and 10 in General. The remaining 30 units can be a combination of the three categories. For AAMA members, the cost of recertifying is $125 to take the recertification exam or $65 to do continuing education units. For non-AAMA members, the costs are $250 and $130 respectively.

Through campus based and online programs, aspiring Medical Assistants in Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, Butte, Bozeman and Helena, Montana may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including the Bozeman Deaconess Hospital, Kalispell Regional Medical Center, Northern Montana Hospital and St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center.

(aama-ntl.org)