What CMA and RMA Certifications Mean for Finance and Accounting Roles
CMA stands for Certified Management Accountant, offered by the Institute of Management Accountants. RMA stands for Registered Medical Assistant, a credential for clinical support roles. Both certifications verify specialized skills and can influence hiring and pay decisions. In finance and accounting, CMA is the primary credential for management accounting and corporate finance positions.
The RMA credential is common in healthcare settings and is distinct from the CMA finance certification. Employers in finance, healthcare administration, and corporate accounting often list one or both in job requirements. For finance focused roles, CMA is the relevant certification to pursue.
Requirements, Exam Structure, and Maintenance for CMA and RMA
CMA requires a bachelor degree or a qualifying professional certification, two years of continuous experience in management accounting or financial management, and passing two exam parts. Part 1 covers financial planning, performance, and analytics. Part 2 covers strategic financial management. Candidates must maintain active IMA membership and complete continuing education.
RMA certification for medical assistants typically requires graduation from an accredited program or equivalent experience and passing an exam administered by the American Medical Technologists. In finance contexts, CMA is the standard advanced credential. Candidates should verify current eligibility rules on the official IMA website for CMA or the AMT site for RMA.
Career Impact, Salary Data, and Top Employers
IMA reports that CMA holders often earn higher median total compensation than non-certified peers in accounting and finance roles. Companies across public and private sectors, including large corporations and financial institutions, value CMA for management accounting and FP&A positions. Specific salary figures vary by region, experience, and industry.
For RMA holders, healthcare systems, hospitals, and outpatient clinics are major employers. In finance focused career paths, CMA is the more directly relevant credential. Professionals pursuing CMA can target roles in corporate finance, cost accounting, and financial planning. Those interested in clinical support roles can pursue RMA through AMT.