NSOMA is for medical assistants, orthopedic support staff, and practice teams working in orthopedic clinical settings.

Full access membership [$127 thru December 31, 2027] includes our educational resources (pdfs, videos, slides etc), bi-weekly Fracture Forum newsletters, certification examination access, and ongoing professional development guidance in your OMA journey with our supportive community. Thereafter annual renewal is $97 with updated certificates, online badges, continued access to all of the above. Your NSOMA Team is constantly updating and revising content and resources to stay consistent with best practices..

No. NSOMA is designed for both new and experienced medical assistants who want to build orthopedic knowledge.

The OMA pathway helps medical assistants develop specialty knowledge and move toward recognition as an Orthopedic Medical Assistant.

Yes. Our members receive access to orthopedic education and resources related to casting, splinting, bracing and fracture care.

Yes. Orthopedic practices can use NSOMA to support training and professional development for their MA team. Contact NSOMA Support at [email protected]

No. NSOMA is open to medical assistants and orthopedic clinical support staff interested in orthopedic education.

You will receive an email from the support team regarding membership term, access to NSOMA resources, educational updates and guidance on your next steps in the OMA certification pathway.

There is no fee for the OMA examination. If you are an NSOMA member in good standing the OMA exam is free. Only NSOMA members are eligible to take the OMA certification exam. The exam is offered through the National Board for Certification in the Orthopedic Specialties (NBCOS). The NBCOS will email you within 3-5 business days with your login/password to the exam portal.

NOTE: You can challenge the OMA exam through your membership expiration date.  Your OMA certificate expiration will align with your current NSOMA membership date.  For example, your NSOMA membership expiration is December 31 2027 and you wait until November 2027 to take the OMA exam and pass…therefore, your OMA certificate “expiration” date will also be December 31 2027.  Remember your NSOMA membership and OMA expiration date will always be the same.  

The exam is taken online or it can be proctored by your facility if they wish (may require up to 3 hours to complete). You are expected to answer all questions.  Collaboration with others is not permitted.   Once you start the exam you should complete it at one sitting.  If you fail the exam you can repeat it.  Passing is 70%.

All NSOMA members will receive access to our educational resources area [CLICK HERE] which includes a 200-page online orthopedic study guide orthopedic lecture series, several orthopedic casting videos and much more. 

Continuing Education is not required for your first NSOMA - OMA renewal. At your second renewal, 12 hours of continuing education is required every year. Continuing Education hours can be in any medical field including radiology, athletic training, infection control, CPR, etc. Keep records using the CEU form on the NSOMA Education webpage. Any continuing education you do for other certifications or state licenses you may hold will also count towards your NSOMA CEU requirements.

Use the CEU form on the EDUCATION page to keep track of your hours. Do not send the CEU form to NSOMA at your renewal unless requested by the Support Team. By renewing your membership / certification, you attest to acquiring your 12 hours of continuing education per year, as applicable.

Initial NSOMA membership for $127 is valid through December 31 2027.

Ongoing renewal will be $97 (not auto-subscription) by December 31 of the following year. Rest assured, reminders will be sent 90 days in advance. As long as your membership is good standing you will receive a new certificate that reflects updated expiration date.

NOTE: You will have through your membership term/cycle to challenge/complete the exam.  Your OMA certificate expiration will align with your current NSOMA membership date.  For example, your NSOMA membership expiration is December 31 2027 and you wait until November 2027 to take the OMA exam and pass…therefore, your OMA certificate “expiration” date will also be December 31 2027. 

Remember your NSOMA membership and OMA expiration date will always be the same.