Because hands - on, psychomotor competencies can not be measured conclusively by a paper - and - pencil or computer - based test, the mandatory education requirement — which must include a practicum of 160 hours or more — distinguishes the CMA (AAMA) from all other
medical assisting credentials, and provides employers, patients,
malpractice insurance carriers, and third - party accrediting bodies such as The Joint Commission and the
National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) with tangible evidence that CMAs (AAMA) are not only knowledgeable about the multifaceted dimensions of the profession, but also competent in the clinical and administrative duties that are required in ambulatory care delivery settings.