CMA (AAMA) Certification Examination case studies
CMA (AAMA) · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA (AAMA)) credential is the professional certification conferred by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and is one of the most widely recognized designations in the medical assisting field. It is designed for medical assistants who have completed an accredited medical assisting education program - the AAMA references CAAHEP- and ABHES-accredited programs - and who want to demonstrate that they meet a national standard of competence. The CMA (AAMA) case studies are 5 cases and about 2,910 words.
1Chest Pain Call While the Provider Is Roomed
You are the only clinical staff member at the front desk; the provider is roomed with a patient and the second MA called out. The phone rings: a 58-year-old established patient reports 25 minutes of pressure behind his breastbone that "spreads to my left arm." He is sweating and nauseated.
571 words, about 3 min2Positive Spore Test With a Full Weekend Ahead
The weekly biological indicator for the office autoclave (Geobacillus stearothermophilus) is positive. The log shows three loads since the last negative test: Monday (instruments for two restorative procedures), Wednesday (a minor excision tray), and Friday morning (prophy handpieces and mirror handles).
564 words, about 3 min3Divorced Parents, a Minor's Counseling Note, and a Subpoena
A woman presents asking for complete copies of her 16-year-old daughter's chart. The chart's registration note, updated last year, says the mother has physical custody and the father has joint legal custody.
611 words, about 3 min4Four Overnight Messages, One Provider, Two Double-Booked Hours
One provider, three 20-minute slots per hour. The answering service logged four overnight contacts: (1) a 72-year-old with new swelling of one calf and shortness of breath on exertion; (2) a mother reporting her 4-year-old has had a fever of 101.5°F for two days and keeps tugging at one ear; (3) an established patient who wants to "discuss the results of my screening colonoscopy whenever, no rush"; (4) a request to reschedule a 45-minute annual wellness visit.
593 words, about 3 min5Consent Across a Language Barrier and a Request Outside Your Training
A 34-year-old Spanish-speaking patient arrives for an office procedure. He has brought his 12-year-old bilingual son to interpret, and the consent form is printed in English.
571 words, about 3 min