Online Medical Receptionist Certification Information

Medical receptionists work in hospitals, physicians' offices, clinics and other medical facilities. They greet patients, schedule appointments, keep medical records and check patients' insurance coverage. Online medical receptionist certification information is available through industry-approved professional organizations. Although tests cannot be completed online, candidates can access study materials for certification exams through the Web.

Medical Receptionist Certification

Although certification is voluntary for those who want to become a medical receptionist or medical administrator, many employers prefer to hire individuals who hold certification from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

American Association of Medical Assistants

The AAMA offers the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) designation, which requires students to pass an exam consisting of 200 multiple-choice questions covering areas such as administrative procedures, medical terms, healthcare law and anatomy. The AAMA provides online study aides, including an exam content outline and practice tests. The National Board of Medical Examiners verifies and approves the content of this exam.

Certification Requirements

Certification is available to individuals who complete medical assistance programs at schools accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Candidates must take the exam within 30 days of completing medical receptionist training. Recertification is necessary every 60 months as of 2012.

National Healthcareer Association (NHA)

The NHA offers the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) credential. Its exam tests candidates on their medical receptionist skills, such as patient communication, scheduling and recordkeeping. Individuals who register for the certification exam may download study materials, including sample tests and questions. Those who don't register may pay a nominal fee for an electronic study guide delivered via e-mail or through traditional mail service.

Certification Requirements

Candidates must hold a high school diploma or its equivalent. Then, they must either complete an NHA-approved certification training program within a year before taking the exam or have at least one year's experience in medical reception. Recertification is necessary every two years.