Staring at your recertification application and wondering exactly where your CPR certification fits in? You aren’t alone. Figuring out CPR points medical assisting requirements can feel like solving a riddle with no straight answer. Does it count toward your continuing education units (CEUs), or is it just a box to check? We’re going to break down exactly how your CPR certification fits into your CMA recertification so you can focus on your patients, not the paperwork.
Understanding Different CMA Certifying Bodies
Here is the thing: not all medical assistant certifications are created equal. The “Big Three” certifying bodies—AAMA, AMT, and NHA—each have their own specific rules regarding CPR. While they all agree that keeping your life-saving skills sharp is non-negotiable, they handle the reporting differently.
If you hold the CMA (AAMA) credential, your requirements are distinct from those holding the RMA (AMT) or CCMA (NHA). Mixing these up is a common mistake that can lead to application delays. Let’s look at a quick comparison to clear the air.
| Certifying Body | Credential Title | CPR Requirement Status | CEU Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAMA | CMA (AAMA) | Mandatory for exam & recertification | Generally 0 (separate requirement) |
| AMT | RMA | Mandatory for recertification | Typically 5-10 CEUs allowed |
| NHA | CCMA | Mandatory for exam & recertification | Generally 0 (separate requirement) |
Winner/Best For:
- AAMA: Gold standard for employers prioritating strict academic standards.
- AMT: Best for CMAs who want flexibility in how they accumulate CEUs (CPR counts!).
- NHA: Best for those entering the field quickly via accredited programs.
Clinical Pearl: Always verify the specific date range your CPR card must cover. Some bodies require the card to be valid through the entire recertification period, while others only require it to be current on the day you submit.
CPR Requirements for Initial CMA Certification
Before you can even call yourself a CMA, you have to prove you can save a life. Whether you are a student or a recent grad, the initial certification hurdle is the same: you must have a current, valid CPR card before you sit for the exam or receive your credential.
Imagine walking into the testing center, confident after months of studying anatomy and pharmacology, only to be turned away because your CPR card expired yesterday. It happens, and it’s heartbreaking.
For initial certification, the card must typically include:
- Hands-on skills evaluation (no online-only courses)
- Adult, Child, and Infant CPR
- AED (Automated External Defibrillator) training
- Choking relief (Heimlich maneuver)
Pro Tip: Don’t wait until the week of your exam to verify your CPR status. If you are in a fast-track medical assisting program, schedule your CPR course at least 30 days before your certification test date to allow for processing and mailing of the physical card.
CPR as CEU Points for CMA Recertification
Now, let’s answer the million-dollar question: How many points is CPR actually worth?
This is where it gets specific. If you are an RMA (AMT), you are in luck. AMT generally allows CPR certification to count for CEUs. Typically, you can claim anywhere from 5 to 10 CEUs for a CPR renewal course, provided it is a comprehensive course that includes a hands-on skills component. This is a huge boost toward your 30-point CEU requirement every 3 years.
However, if you are a CMA (AAMA), the rules are stricter. For the AAMA, current CPR certification is a condition of recertification, but it typically does not count toward the 60 recertification points (continuing education units) you must earn. You need the card to be eligible to recertify, but you still have to earn your 60 points through other clinical and general education credits.
Think of it this way: For AAMA, CPR is like the key to your car—you need it to start the engine (recertify), but it doesn’t add fuel (points) to the tank. For AMT, the CPR key does add a little fuel.
Accepted CPR Certification Types
Not just any CPR card will cut it. “I watched a video on YouTube” isn’t going to fly with any certifying body. You need a recognized, accredited provider.
The gold standard is almost always the American Heart Association (AHA) BLS for Healthcare Providers course. Alternatively, the American Red Cross CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers is also widely accepted.
Here is a quick checklist to ensure your course is accepted:
- [ ] Title includes “BLS for Healthcare Providers” or “Professional Rescuer”
- [ ] Includes an in-person, hands-on skills check-off
- [ ] Issues a physical card (not just a PDF certificate)
- [ ] Instructor is currently certified
Common Mistake: Many CMAs accidentally take “Heartsaver” or layperson CPR courses because they are cheaper or shorter. These are almost never accepted for medical professionals. Always verify the course level is for “Healthcare Providers.”
Timeline and Renewal Requirements
Here is a scenario that causes panic: Your CMA recertification is due in 5 years (AAMA), but your CPR card expires every 2 years.
You cannot rely on a single CPR card to cover you for your entire CMA cycle. You will likely need to renew your CPR at least twice during one CMA recertification period.
- CPR Validity: 2 years
- CMA (AAMA) Cycle: 5 years (60 CEUs)
- RMA (AMT) Cycle: 3 years (30 CEUs)
Let’s be honest: keeping track of these different dates is annoying. But letting your CPR lapse can put your license in jeopardy. Some employers will track this for you, but ultimately, it is your professional responsibility.
Key Takeaway: Set a recurring calendar reminder on your phone for 18 months after your last CPR course. This gives you a 6-month buffer to find a class and renew before the card actually expires.
How to Document Your CPR Certification
When it comes time to submit your recertification application, don’t let a clerical error hold you back. Proper documentation is key.
You usually do not need to send your original card (don’t lose it!), but you must have it available. Most applications require:
- A photocopy of the front and back of the card.
- The cardholder name (you) must match your certification name.
- The expiration date must be clearly visible and valid.
Imagine this: You are applying online, and you upload a blurry photo of your card where the expiration date is cut off. The application reviewer rejects it immediately. You now have a limited window to fix it, potentially with late fees.
Take a high-quality scan of your CPR card the day you get it. Save it to a secure folder on your computer and your phone.
Real-World Example: “The Lapsed Card”
Sarah, a busy CMA in a primary care clinic, realized her CPR had expired two months ago. She thought, “I’ll just take a quick online course tonight to fix it.” She paid for an online-only course, got a certificate, and submitted it. Her certifying body rejected it because there was no hands-on skills verification. She had to pay for a second, in-person course and wait for a new card to be mailed, causing her stress and差点 missing her CMA filing deadline. Don’t be Sarah—check the “hands-on” requirement first.
Common Questions About CPR and CMA Points
We hear the same questions pop up constantly in forums and study groups. Here are the straight answers you need.
Does online CPR count for medical assistants? Generally, no. For a medical assisting credential, you must complete a course that includes an in-person skills assessment. Purely online courses are rarely accepted for recertification purposes.
Does ACLS count for CPR requirements? Yes, usually. If you are ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) certified through the AHA, it typically covers the BLS requirement. However, check your specific body’s rules. ACLS is a great way to earn advanced clinical CEUs as well.
What if my card expires the month before my CMA recertification deadline? You must renew it before you submit your recertification application. You cannot submit an application with an expired CPR credential. Plan to take your renewal class at least 3 months before your CMA expires to account for processing times.
Can I use a CPR card from my employer? Yes, as long as the card meets the “Healthcare Provider” standard and is from an accepted provider like AHA or Red Cross. It doesn’t matter who paid for the training; it matters who provided it.
Conclusion & Key Takeaways
Navigating the maze of CPR points medical assisting requirements doesn’t have to be a headache. Whether your CPR counts for CEUs depends largely on your certifying body—AMT usually counts it for points, while AAMA treats it as a mandatory prerequisite separate from your CEU total. Regardless of the points, keeping your BLS for Healthcare Providers certification current is non-negotiable for your career. Always verify your card is accepted, ensure it includes hands-on training, and renew it well before the deadline. You’ve got the skills to save lives; just make sure your paperwork reflects that.
Your Next Steps
Have you ever had an issue with CPR documentation during your recertification process? Share your story (or your panic-save) in the comments below—let’s help each other avoid those mistakes!
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