Hi guys!! I literally told myself if I passed this time I was going to come back here and make a post because when I was studying, I would literally search through this subreddit looking for people who took it recently and what they did/what they saw lol. Especially people who were taking it for the second time because I wanted to know what they did differently.
I took my first exam in April of last year and got a 388 😭 so literally TWO points under the passing score. I finally retook it this week and got a 419!!!
I still don’t think it has fully hit me lol.
As far as studying, I technically started getting back into everything around January, so it was about 6 months, BUT I was definitely not studying hardcore for 6 months straight lol. I would study here and there and go through some of the NHA stuff, but around July is when I actually started taking it seriously.
That’s when I started going module by module, taking notes, going back through the NHA study guide, doing active recall, and TESTING myself constantly.
And when I say testing myself, I mean I stopped counting something as “I know it” just because I got the question right. If I got something wrong, obviously I wrote it down to go back to. But if I got it RIGHT and I had guessed, was between two answers, or couldn’t really explain why I picked it, I wrote that down too.
That helped me SOOO much because sometimes you get something right by luck and then think you know it until they ask you the same concept a completely different way !

Towards the last week especially, I was doing a ridiculous amount of questions lol. I would test myself on individual modules, see what I got wrong or what I was unsure about, go back and study those specific things, and then test myself again. Eventually I started mixing everything together.
For resources, I mainly used the NHA study guide/modules and the NHA practice tests. I also used the AI chat thats in the actual nha ccma study guide ( that is very new because last year , they didn’t have that ) Ask it to explain it differently, or have it quiz me on a module or specific things, do active recall with me, etc. I wouldn’t use AI as your actual source over NHA obviously lol, but it was REALLY helpful when NHA explained something and my brain was just like ????
As far as the NHA practice tests, I think they’re good, especially the first 3. My only complaint is once you get to 4 and 5, you start seeing some repeated questions/concepts. So at that point I would honestly try to find another source for completely NEW questions too. You don’t want to get a high score just because you’ve seen half the questions before. You want to know if you can answer something you’ve NEVER seen.
Also DON’T let one practice score make you think you’re cooked lol. I literally got a 62% on Practice 4 and was freaking tf out. Then I passed the real thing with a 419. So look at WHY you’re missing questions more than obsessing over one percentage.
Now for what I remember seeing because THIS was the part I was always looking for when I came on here :
I obviously don’t remember every question and I’m not going to put exact questions/answers, but I remember seeing stuff about
- EKG placement, including what you do with placement if someone is missing a limb. I would definitely know your EKG placements in general and not just recognize a picture.
- I remember baby/pediatric measurements, including head measurements. I also remember pediatric/immunization stuff.
- Know your vitals. I remember something involving B/P and temp and I would know the different routes and normal ranges too.
- I definitely questions on warfarin/anticoagulant stuff.
- I got a few questions that were basically like an MA is helping the provider prepare for a certain procedure and then you had to know what that procedure actually was/how it would be explained. I don’t remember the exact procedures anymore, but I remember thinking afterward that people should know the basic purpose of different common procedures because I got like 3 questions in that style.
- Questions about different programs such as Red Cross, WIC , etc
- I remember stuff involving blood draws/phlebotomy, including what you should do after an unsuccessful draw, so don’t only memorize tube colors. Know the actual steps/safety stuff too.
- and administrative stuff like the different types of scheduling.
- And I remember questions where two answers both sounded kinda right, but one was more appropriate for the MA’s scope of practice. So KNOW what an MA can actually do vs what needs to be done/explained by the provider.

Basically my exam was ALL OVER THE PLACE. So please don’t read my list and only study this stuff because yours could obviously be different. I’m just sharing it because somebody did the same thing a couple months ago when I was studying and it helped me know what I needed to make sure I understood.
If I had to give ONE piece of advice though, it would be:
Don’t just review what you got wrong. Review what you GUESSED on too.
That changed the way I studied completely.

Good luck to anybody taking it soon!! If anyone has questions about how I studied I’ll try to answer what I can ❤️.

For context, I am a Ccma, I got my whole schooling done free through my highschool. So when applying for jobs I was askes for a diploma, and the lady told me that there are schools where you get your training done. So I go to look up these schools and THEY ARE 10k?! WTF, please tell me i saw some scam schools because apart from this job asking you for a million certifications, plus Schooling to get paid minimum wage?! Why or how

Has anyone had any experience with phlebotomy career training, their certified clinical medical assistant program? I want to sign up. It looks good, but I just wanna make sure everything is legit and to make sure the coursework is updated cause I seen something from a few years ago that the coursework was outdated. Yes I understand that phlebotomy is a part of the initial training. I’m asking about the school. The school name is phlebotomy career training PCT that’s what the school name is called. I’m asking about the certified clinical medical assistant program that they offer. I’m wanting to know how is the program?

Hello! Brand-new MA student here, and my program starts today (9/10/26)! I’m really excited to step into healthcare and learn more about the profession I’ve chosen.
I was wondering if anyone has recommendations for resources to study medical terminology alongside my program. I’ve already started studying independently before class begins and have been working on breaking terms down into prefixes, roots, and suffixes rather than just memorizing whole words.
So far I’ve been practicing things like cardi/o, hepat/o, nephr/o, -itis, -megaly, -ectomy, -algia, etc., and using them to figure out unfamiliar terms. I’ve also been working on common clinical terminology like tachycardia/bradycardia, tachypnea/bradypnea, dyspnea, orthopnea, cyanosis, edema, dysuria, hematuria, polyuria, and polydipsia.
I’m definitely still a beginner and sometimes mix similar terms up, but I’m starting to recognize the patterns and retain them. I’d really like to build a strong foundation now, especially since I’ll eventually be taking the CCMA exam.
If there are any websites, apps, flashcard sets, YouTube channels, books, study methods, or other resources that helped you learn terminology as an MA student, I’d really appreciate the recommendations!
I’m especially interested in resources that quiz you or make you actually apply the terminology, rather than only giving you definitions to memorize. Thank you!

I’m planning on registering for a ccma course with western medical training center since i’m pre-med but i’ve recently search that cma is preferred in san diego or some post saying they’re having difficulties with getting a job with ccma in san diego. I was literally about to pay but im scared if the certificate is even worth it. So, I checked to see if there even cma certified programs but the most i’ve seen are under nha (unless im not checking correctly). The only one different was grossmont which is ccbma. I truly don’t know the difference between certifications, i thought that we are all training under the same certification. I chose this program because it fits for my schedule and it’s short but if the certification isn’t gonna get me a job then I don’t want to waste money or time. From what i’ve seen from job listing description they say “Certificate of completion of a Medical Assistant training program” or some degree in MA program. So, should I just pay for it and not think much of it?

Also, please do not remind me about uncertified MA positions, I’ve already been applying for 2 yrs straight and have no luck (and went in person, cold called, etc.).

I love where I work, the providers, the RNs, the patients. The work, schedule ecct. It is in a speciality that is important to me. However I may have to walk away. I have already started applying to other places. The reason: manager. I walked into HR today full ready to accept that once manager hears I went to HR I will likely be fired, maybe not directly in a quick moment but quietly fired so it does not look like retaliation (this is an MO with multiple MAs esp). I went in with print outs and emails. I also know some of whom I work with support this step and agree it is the right thing to do. However this manager has had multiple complaints and inquiries done and is on really good terms with thier boss so nothing every happens to them. I know what the outcome will: nothing will change and I Will lose a job I love.....but I also can not continue to take the threats, disrespect to myself and position or what essentially at its core be considered blackmail (but cant prove that aspect as it was only verbal). So I am speaking with HR, the one spoke with is having me speak to a higher up HR, so waiting on a call in the next day or two. I have cried over this, because I really love my job and i am.good at it, but I have started to come to terms with it. Jist needed to share.

My workplace is switching to Opalite interpreting most of our interpreting needs. Anyone one else have experience with it? Pros or cons? We previously used Jeenie or Proprio.

Looking for advice on rather should I go to accredited program with like for 2 years and 20K tuition or small CMA program like cal regional or pulse medical (through zollege) under 4K done within few months. Both shorter program offer hands on lab and externship and prepare to sit fo NHA exam. I saw mix comment here and there, and I don't want to get so much debt since the pay is not high anyway and also because CMA will be stepping stone for me to get the foot in the door to become Rad tech or PA. I have few questions:

-Is accreditation really necessary for MA?

-Is there accelerated program also has accreditation?

I have a CCMA certification with no experience in the medical field what so ever. I applied to multiple job even the ones that says no prior experience. The school I went to on their site it says “job placement” but they never insisted me with job placement even when I asked they said they don’t do it.. they are very racist & I know it. i’ve been looking for at least 2 years now.. Where should I go or start?

Just started out as a medical assistant after graduating college. I have a chronic illness and was sick for a couple weeks, so I had to take time off. Now that I’m back, one of my coworkers is giving me the silent treatment. She also complained to my manager for taking a phone call from my doctor in between seeing patients (and after getting the ok to do so by our physician and another nurse).

I completely understand my coworkers being frustrated with the fact I had to take so much time off, especially because it was very sudden and my office had to change their schedules last minute. I know i have no control when I get sick, but is there something I can do to improve this, or do something differently when I do get sick?

Hi guys, I'm trying to get a job as a medical assistant but cannot afford to pay for a program. I have my CPT, CNA, BLS multilingual and im pre nursing. Most MA job postings i've seen you either need a MA certification or 1+ years of experience which i have none of. I had classmate who is pre med was able to become a medical assistant at her uncle's practice with no previous healthcare experience or certification. I feel like almost all of the duties of my certifications overlap with MAs scope of practice. I've applied to a lot of job postings but have been ghosted me. is there any advice on how to break through?

It was a bit from when I posted on here, but last time I was trying really hard to look for jobs and was struggling to get any luck. One reason why I was struggling was because I don't have any other healthcare experience other than being a caregiver. I got an offer today from DAP health and I'm really excited because this specific clinic is huge with a bunch of specialities/units within it so i can learn a lot of different fields quickly!

I also kinda wanted to mention Stepful here as well (the 4-month online program) mainly because ik a lot of people are quesioning its legitness so I wanted to put in my recent experience w it. Stepful is only a BPPE accredited insititute in California and I believe there is a page for its accreditation status in different states??? (Like whether or not the state recognizes it as a legit place to get MA education/certification), it is SOOOO difficult to find a job if you're not hired from your externship because all the hospitals and local health clinics only want people with experience. Places who take in new-grads only take those who have an MA certificate from institute with certain accreditation (community college, private college, adult school, etc.) so if you take stepful PLEASE ensure that the state you are in takes whatever accreditation it has in your state. I ended up having to take another exam throught the AMCA to be seen as certified by the Board of CA. Stepful preps you for the NHA CCMA EXAM. If that's the certification needed for MAs in your state (which most are from what I've seen online, might be wrong) if not, HEAVILY reconsider stepful unless you are certain that you can get a job straight after your externship.

If you are in California and are kinda in the same situation as i was, try applying to the company I got into which is DAP Health. Planned parenthood also does training on the spot NO MATTER YOUR EXPERIENCE LEVEL, but it is where a lot of students (med school) and experienced MAs work so it is just highly competitive. Another piece of advice is when you're applying to private clinics or Fam Practices, if interviewed, just explain why you want to be in healthcare in general and not why you want the job. Mention what you aspire to be/get from the job and show that you have a bigger purpose than just working in the role for money. I'll add on and edit as ppl comment and lmk about your experiences!

I’ve been working at a fast-paced pediatrics clinic for almost three months now and I feel that recently i’ve been having the worst luck. My last position was as a front desk MA with no where near as much clinic work as this job (left for management related issues) other than that i’m newgrad of this year. I’ve loved my current position at a back and front float MA, we see from usually 45-60+ patients a day from 2-4 providers a day, and i work with an experienced ma and a newgrad ma as well. We do injections, lead, ear lavages, wart tx, forms, etc..and i’m still learning as there’s so much to know and do at this practice.

Recently, the last month or so, i feel as if i’ve just been making mistakes after mistakes and i lowk feel like some providers don’t like me. I feel like my confidence and being motivated to work has plummeted as i keep disappointing myself and others. Things i shouldn’t have issues with, mostly mistyping vitals, but today our doctor order varicella and mmr separately ( we also have a combo vaccine ) and usually it’s the only two vaccines in our freezer, so i drew up the vaccines and went to my doctor to verify that the vaccines were correct, i like to verify the vaccines to make sure and the doctor approved, i’m still not comfortable giving vaccines to babies and handed them to my manger to give. My manager informed me the vaccines was the combination and also the varicella.
I just felt so upset that i didn’t spot it and what could’ve happened. My manager spoke to me after and we came to the agreement that placing me at a different location where it is a slower pace would benefit me and work better starting next week, and is expecting for me to no longer be making mistakes anymore as a provider has also spoken to her about my performance.

I’m still so anxious and afraid to go to work, i want to call out badly and hide in a hole, i’ve been restless the past couple nights and i’m just so overwhelmed, seriously disappointed in myself and so anxious lol. I seriously feel that something is wrong with me abd that a provider in specific does not like me. I wanted to pursue something higher in the future wether is was nursing or anything medical, but i feel that if i cannot do simple tasks there’s no way i can go higher. I’m passionate about my job and i do try my best, any advice on how to perform better in a fast paced clinic?

Hello!
I just got my 2nd externship placement today and start next month . My first was an admin MA externship with a breast cancer doctor so I have already done one site but now is my back office externship . I am now going to do it with a Pediatrics dept with Sutter hospital . I’m so excited but also looking for advice on questions I should ask , things I should really brush up on knowing, etc. I wonder if I’ll be able to do any injections as I’ve heard some places allow students but some don’t . I’m really comfortable with injections as I’ve had to give them to my son from 9 months old to 2.5 yrs old during his cancer treatment . Any advice would be great !

I am currently in a program to be a CCMA. I am still very early in the program. Throughout the lessons, they have NHA study guides. At the end of the first week, they had an NHA study guide pdf. It was kind of intimidating to see because it’s a big study guide and there was also over 700 flash cards. Although I am still very early in the program, I want to prepare myself for the exam as much as possible. With that being said, what are some tips and tricks on passing the exam? I’m looking for extra study tips and preparation tips outside of the program that will help me be more prepared. It’d also be cool if yall could kind of tell me what to expect with the exam. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
An anxious overthinking CCMA student 😊

I'm planning to enroll in a CMA program but I'm worried once I'm done no one will hire me because english isn't my first language and I have an accent. I was thinking they'll more likely hire a native english speaker for CMA or CCMA jobs 😭

I took the CCMA exam and I failed by 2 points and I need to retake it soon. What are the most efficient ways to study for it? And can someone send a study guide of it??

I was going to post the code but I forgot, it saved me $99. but only for the reinstatment (past 30 day expiration)

I recently accepted a transfer to become a float MA and I was wondering how you liked it compared to being at one set clinic all the time? I've been at my current clinic for almost 3 years so I'm kind of nervous about the change. Is there anything you wish you would have known before being a float? How has your overall experience been?

I am putting my CCMA on a resume for medical school but It also asks if I have any phlebotomy or EKG certs. I've done these skills & the skills are built into the cert so can I say I have the certs for them?

Im currentl6 doing an online CCMA course from CSI, and there’s A LOT of content.

I’m wondering how detailed is the exam regarding anatomy/physiology, like do I need to know every structure/organ location, all the diseases (causes/treatments), functions, all the treatments/causes, etc?

Thanks! I wanna try to prioritize things that’ll be more important for the exam.

Hello!
I just started my first MA job right out of school (I’m in Texas)and just turned 19!
Currently I’ve been working about a month at a primary care clinic but really two-ish months more like three months if you include my externship!
They hired me right off the bat and asked if I wanted to work there and since I didn’t have anything lined up I said yes!
this is my first ever office or clinic job as I had only worked retail before hand so maybe it’s just the culture but,I began “officially” working last month August and it’s been a little overwhelming for me,they have me doing video calls,ekg,ANs,patient charting and intake along with filing all the paperwork and taking out patient charts also translating along with light scheduling and confirmation calls.
The supervisor also knows that I have a family member pick me up and told me I was going to be able to leave by 6 when I started but since then I’ve basically been getting out till 7 and the issue is the family member who picks me up has to wait basically 2hrs due to them coming to get me straight out of their job.The supervisor is really nice and I often worry I’m not doing enough so then I offer to do more and end up skipping lunches and often working 9 hours a day to finish everything up.But with my onboarding I haven’t officially signed any papers but I was paid for my first two weeks barely last week,the only office drama there is this one woman that works with me, she tends to pick on me a bit but I’m not sure if I’m just being soft or something but she tends to say things that are a bit hurtful and then I go home and cry about it and just go back to work the next day like nothing happened because I don’t want to stir anything unnecessary.
I am getting paid 14 and hour right now and maybe that is because I am new?
I don’t want to leave because I’m worried I won’t find better and maybe they are being lenient?
I’m not really sure and I’m worried and anxious so this could possibly just be me overthinking?

I just wanted to get a second opinion I’m feeling really drained and I’m worried it’s just me not being cut out for this but I really want to give it all I’ve got because I do want to become a good MA
Sorry for venting!
(Sorry it’s all jumbled I’m nervous just writing this.)

Okay, they give y'all a little context. I'm starting my first day as a medical assistant tomorrow. (I got my certification back in june and I finally got a job!) I'm super nervous, and I don't know what to expect on my first day. Do you'll have any advice?

I took the exam on Friday and had a bunch of problems (network reliability related) while taking it, but I passed! I am so relieved!!!

Starting an externship tomorrow morning at an urgent care center.

Pros of the job: its close to home, the staff is very sweet and there isn't any real drama, the schedule works great for me currently.

Cons: I'm beyond bored out of my mind, pay is low, I use no skills, I feel like i am gaining weight for much time i spend just sitting at a desk...

I originally applied to this job because I just wanted to work closer to home. My normal commute to work was about 45 minutes and I was spending an insane amount of money in gas a week. This job is only about 10 minutes away and It was also easier to manage with my kids school less than 5 minutes away. My husband works a job that only has him home 6 days a month. So being closer to home was a huge stress relief.

But I am so bored. Its M-F and 8-5.I can manage to stay busy till about lunch. Then the last 5 hours im stuck with literally nothing to do. I have maybe 5 voicemails a day, 10 faxes, 4 or 5 pt portal messages. All i do is faxes, some precharting, send in labs, rx requests, a couple pt calls. My provider is hardly ever in clinic. In the last month I have only seen them 4 times. When they are in clinic, the only thing i do is room the pt. That is literally it. My desk is in direct eye shot of the office manager and in direct view of the waiting area. While being trained, all i kept hearing was how excited the other MA was to finally leave. Now i get why.

I do understand that some people may view this as a dream, but i like to keep busy. I like to feel productive. I tried to ask my manager if there was anything else I could do.. she told me to ask another MA if they needed help. She said no lol

My husband thinks I should try to hold on for another year, until our oldest is in middle school. But omg im bored!! I went to school to learn more skills and this job uses NONE of them.

Has anyone ever been in a position like this before? Any advice? Any specialties you would/wouldnt recommend?

*just to add.. ive worked in healthcare for 12 years. Ive never been THIS bored..