Are You Eligible for the Alternative Pathway?

The alternative pathway is for graduates of a qualified postsecondary medical assisting program or postsecondary medical assisting apprenticeship program that meets specific requirements.

Review the Requirements

Determine if you're eligible and what documentation you will need to submit for review and approval. If approved, you will be able to register for the CMA (AAMA) Exam.

Learn about the Requirements

Candidates must have graduated from a postsecondary medical assisting or postsecondary medical assisting apprenticeship program which meets the following criteria:

  • Is the equivalent of two semesters and includes a minimum of 560 academic contact hours (not including practicum/externship)
  • Includes a minimum of 160-hour practicum/externship (or 1,000 hours of medical assisting experience following program completion) completed in an outpatient setting
  • Awards a diploma, certificate, or associate degree

  • Is offered by an institution accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)

Has a required curriculum that includes the following:

  • Basic anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, infection control and applied mathematics
  • Theory and techniques of intramuscular, intradermal, and subcutaneous injection administration
  • Theory and techniques of phlebotomy

Knowledge and application of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and mathematics must be demonstrated to the extent and degree necessary to reasonably ensure practices that meet or exceed the current standard of care.

Demonstrates clinical competency in phlebotomy and injections.

Understand What You Need to Submit

At a minimum, the following documentation will be required:

1. Transcript (an unofficial transcript may be submitted for initial review, but if approved, an official transcript will be required) documenting successful meeting of all the above academic criteria, including the curriculum requirements

2. Attestation Form signed by the appropriate authority (see the Attestation Form for details) confirming successful completion of a postsecondary medical assisting program postsecondary medical assisting apprenticeship program that met the eligibility criteria and that included:

  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Infection control
  • Pharmacology
  • Applied mathematics (including dosage calculations and metric conversions)
  • Successful preparation and administration of a total of at least 10 intramuscular, intradermal, and subcutaneous injections in any combination
  • Successful performance of phlebotomy a minimum of 10 times
  • Knowledge and application of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and mathematics must be demonstrated to the extent and degree necessary to reasonably ensure practices that meet or exceed the current standard of care
  • Injection and phlebotomy must be performed successfully a sufficient number of times to demonstrate clinical competence and reasonably ensure practices that meet or exceed the current standard of care
  • Documentation review is free but CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam fees will apply if you’re approved to sit for the exam
    • $125 for AAMA members
    • $250 for nonmembers
Apply Today

Next Step: Wait for Approval

Once you receive approval you will be able to apply to take the exam. Before registering, review the policies and learn how to prepare.

Ineligible Candidates
If you do not meet the exam eligibility requirements, your application will be canceled.


Have Questions? Contact Us