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Job Description: Medical Assistant
A Medical Assistant serves as a critical bridge in healthcare settings—combining administrative and clinical skills to support patient care and healthcare operations.
Core Responsibilities:
- Conduct intake procedures: check vitals, take histories, and prepare patients for exams.
- Manage administrative duties: scheduling, EHR documentation, and regulatory compliance.
- Support clinical processes: administer medications, collect specimens, perform CLIA-waived tests.
- Ensure patient safety and ethical care through communication and professionalism.
Credential Overview: GCMA™ — Globally Certified Medical Assistant™ (GHCWCA)
The GCMA™ credential validates that practitioners meet both U.S. and international standards in clinical and administrative medical assisting. The credential aligns with ISO/IEC 17024, CMS, The Joint Commission, WHO, and global best practices. ghcwca.org
Exam Content & Weighting
- Healthcare Foundations (medical terminology, anatomy & physiology, infection control, patient safety) — 20%
- Administrative Responsibilities (scheduling, documentation, electronic health records, compliance) — 15%
- Clinical Procedures (vital signs, patient preparation, exam assistance, specimen collection) — 25%
- Pharmacology & Medication Support (basic pharmacology, medication administration, dosage calculations) — 15%
- Laboratory & Diagnostic Support (CLIA-waived testing, specimen handling, diagnostic preparation) — 10%
- Professional Standards & Ethics (patient communication, cultural competence, legal/ethical responsibilities) — 15%
Format: 125 multiple-choice questions, 2 hours, passing score 70% or higher. ghcwca.org
National vs. Global: GCMA™ vs. NHA CCMA vs. NCCT NCMA vs. NHCWA [Credential Name]
| Aspect | GCMA™ (Global — GHCWCA) | NHA CCMA (U.S. National) | NCCT NCMA (U.S. National) | NHCWA [Credential] (U.S. & Canada) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recognition | International recognition; mobility across global healthcare systems. ghcwca.org | Widely recognized in the U.S.; preferred by many employers. Stepful+1 | Accepted by U.S. employers; flexible eligibility. Goodwin University | Recognized in both the U.S. and Canada; regionally portable. |
| Global Alignments | ISO/IEC 17024, WHO, CMS, Joint Commission. ghcwca.org | Not globally aligned—U.S.-centric. | Not globally aligned—U.S.-centric. | North America–focused recognition. |
| U.S. Alignments | Meets domestic and international benchmarks. ghcwca.org | CCMA exam, CE requirements behavior recognized nationally. Stepful | NCMA recognized by training programs; offers flexible eligibility. Goodwin University | Accepted by employers and schools in U.S. & Canada. |
| Scope of Practice | Global-level administrative + clinical competencies. | U.S. focused (clinical orientation). | U.S. focused; includes clinical and administrative tasks. | US/Canada focused with both administrative & clinical scope. |
| Mobility & Portability | High—supported globally. | Primarily U.S. presence. | Primarily U.S. presence. | Strong within North America. |
| Exam & Renewal | 125 Qs, 2-hour exam with weighted domains; renewal every 2 years (CEUs, skills verification). | Exam: ~180 Qs, 3 hours; passing scaled score ~390; recertify with CEUs every 2 years. Stepful | NCMA requires CEUs annually; details vary. | Renewal likely similar to GCMA or region-specific CE model. |
| Training Focus | International best practices in care, admin, diagnostics. ghcwca.org | Clinical-heavy U.S. style training. | Broad eligibility including work-based learning. | Practical with regional applicability. |
Key Takeaways
- GCMA™ (Global): Best for medical assistants seeking dual competency—globally relevant and recognized, ideal for international and U.S. healthcare settings.
- NHA CCMA (U.S.): A strong clinical credential widely accepted in the U.S.; CE-based renewal every 2 years.
- NCCT NCMA (U.S.): Flexible eligibility and recognized by U.S. employers; annual CE requirements.
- NHCWA [Credential] (U.S. & Canada): Offers regional portability—excellent for those aiming to work across North America.