Medical Assisting Certification: CMA vs. RMA Schools and Training

Medical assisting is a rapidly growing healthcare field, offering numerous opportunities for individuals seeking a fulfilling and stable career. Obtaining certification as a medical assistant demonstrates competency and professionalism, potentially leading to better job prospects and higher earning potential. Two primary certifications dominate the landscape: Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and Registered Medical Assistant (RMA). This article will help navigate the educational pathways, requirements, and distinctions between CMA and RMA certifications, aiding in informed decision-making for aspiring medical assistants.

Understanding Medical Assisting

Medical assistants (MAs) perform administrative and clinical tasks in healthcare settings, such as doctors' offices, hospitals, and clinics. Their responsibilities can vary based on the location, specialty, and size of the practice. These duties may include taking patient histories and vital signs, assisting with examinations and procedures, administering injections, drawing blood, scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and handling insurance billing. Because of the diversity of the role, formal education and certification are increasingly valued by employers.

CMA Certification: The Certified Medical Assistant

The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential is awarded by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) (https://www.aama-ntl.org/). The AAMA is a highly recognized and respected organization in the medical assisting field.

Eligibility Requirements for CMA Certification:

To be eligible to take the CMA exam, candidates must graduate from a post-secondary medical assisting program accredited by either:

The CMA Exam:

The CMA exam is a rigorous, computer-based test that assesses a candidate's knowledge and skills in three main areas:

  1. Clinical: Covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, patient care, pharmacology, and laboratory procedures.
  2. Administrative: Includes areas like medical law and ethics, insurance billing and coding, scheduling appointments, and managing patient records.
  3. General: Focuses on communication, psychology, professionalism, and basic office skills.

Maintaining CMA Certification:

CMA certification is valid for five years and can be maintained by either:

  • Re-taking the CMA exam.
  • Completing continuing education requirements.

RMA Certification: The Registered Medical Assistant

The Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential is offered by American Medical Technologists (AMT) (https://www.americanmedtech.org/). AMT is another reputable organization that offers certification for various healthcare professions.

Eligibility Requirements for RMA Certification:

Several pathways exist to qualify for the RMA exam, including:

  1. Graduation from a medical assisting program accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
  2. Graduation from a formal medical assisting program not accredited by a recognized accrediting agency, plus 1 year of full-time work experience as a medical assistant.
  3. Five years of full-time work experience as a medical assistant.
  4. Instructor qualification: Individuals who have instructed medical assisting courses for at least five years.

The RMA Exam:

The RMA exam assesses knowledge and skills in the following areas:

  1. Medical Terminology
  2. Anatomy and Physiology
  3. Medical Law and Ethics
  4. Patient Care
  5. Pharmacology
  6. Laboratory Procedures
  7. Administrative Assisting
  8. Clinical Assisting

Maintaining RMA Certification:

RMA certification requires annual renewal and the completion of continuing education credits to stay current with advancements in the field.

CMA vs. RMA: Key Differences and Similarities

While both CMA and RMA certifications demonstrate competency as a medical assistant, some significant differences exist:

  • Accreditation Requirements: The CMA certification requires graduation from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program, whereas the RMA certification offers more flexible eligibility pathways, including non-accredited programs and work experience.
  • Organizational Focus: The AAMA (CMA) is specifically dedicated to the medical assisting profession, while AMT (RMA) certifies a broader range of allied health professionals.
  • Exam Content: Although both exams cover similar topics, the emphasis and specific content may vary. It is essential to review the detailed exam content outlines provided by each organization.
  • Reciprocity: Some states or employers may prefer or require one certification over the other. Researching local requirements is important.

Both CMA and RMA certifications:

  • Demonstrate a standardized level of knowledge and skills to employers.
  • Require passing a certification exam.
  • Require ongoing education to maintain certification.
  • Generally lead to improved job opportunities and earning potential compared to non-certified medical assistants.

Medical Assisting Schools and Training Programs

Choosing the right medical assisting school or training program is an important first step toward certification. Consider the following factors:

  • Accreditation: If pursuing CMA certification, ensure the program is accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES. For RMA certification, look for accreditation from a recognized agency.
  • Curriculum: Evaluate the program's curriculum to ensure it covers the necessary knowledge and skills for the certification exam and the demands of the profession.
  • Hands-on Experience: Look for programs that offer hands-on training through externships or clinical rotations.
  • Faculty: Research the qualifications and experience of the instructors.
  • Cost and Financial Aid: Compare tuition costs and explore financial aid options.
  • Location and Schedule: Consider the location and schedule to ensure they fit your needs.
  • Job Placement Assistance: Inquire about the program's job placement assistance services.
  • CMA or RMA pass rates: Ask for information on the program's graduate's pass rates for the CMA or RMA exams.

Making the Right Choice

Deciding between CMA and RMA certification depends on your individual circumstances and career goals. If you are seeking a program with strict accreditation standards and want to join an organization focused solely on medical assisting, the CMA certification may be the better option. If you prefer a more flexible pathway to certification or have already gained significant work experience, the RMA certification could be a suitable choice. Researching job opportunities in your desired location and contacting local employers can provide insight into their preferences regarding certification.