What Is a Certified Medical Assistant
A certified medical assistant (CMA) is a professional who has passed a national certification exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). The CMA (AAMA) credential is widely recognized across the United States and is often preferred by employers in outpatient clinics, hospitals, and specialty practices. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants held about 764,400 jobs in 2023, and certification is a key differentiator for hiring and pay. The certification exam covers clinical and administrative competencies, including patient intake, vital signs, medical records, and basic laboratory procedures. For more details on the CMA credential, see the official AAMA overview page AAMA Certification.
To become a CMA, candidates must graduate from a medical assisting program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). After graduation, they must pass the CMA Certification Examination, which is computer-based and proctored. The credential must be renewed every 60 months through continuing education or re-examination. Many employers list CMA (AAMA) as a preferred or required qualification in job postings on platforms such as Indeed and LinkedIn. The credential focuses on standardized clinical and administrative skills that apply across most healthcare settings.
What Is a Registered Medical Assistant
A registered medical assistant (RMA) is a medical assistant who has earned the Registered Medical Assistant credential from American Medical Technologists (AMT). The RMA certification is another nationally recognized option, and AMT reports that tens of thousands of medical assistants hold the RMA credential. The RMA exam covers similar areas to the CMA, including patient care, administrative tasks, and medical law and ethics. The AMT website provides eligibility requirements and exam details at AMT RMA Certification. The RMA is often accepted by employers in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities as proof of entry-level competency.
Eligibility for the RMA can be met through several pathways, including graduation from an accredited medical assisting program, a military medical assisting training program, or a combination of work experience and education. Candidates must pass the AMT RMA Certification Examination, which includes questions on anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and clinical procedures. The credential requires ongoing certification maintenance through continuing education or re-examination. While both CMA and RMA are respected credentials, the RMA is administered by a different organization and may have slightly different eligibility routes and renewal requirements.
Key Differences in Certification, Salary, and Career Outlook
The main difference between a certified and registered medical assistant lies in the certifying body and specific eligibility requirements. The CMA (AAMA) is issued by the American Association of Medical Assistants, while the RMA is issued by American Medical Technologists. Both credentials require passing a national exam and meeting education or experience standards, but the exams differ in structure, content emphasis, and renewal policies. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for medical assistants was $38,270 in May 2023, with certification often associated with higher starting pay and more job opportunities. The BLS projects employment of medical assistants to grow 16 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Employer preference varies by region, facility type, and state regulations. Some healthcare systems and large hospital networks list CMA (AAMA) as their preferred credential, while others accept RMA or both. The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) accredits both the CMA and RMA exams, which adds a layer of standardization and credibility. For professionals deciding between the two paths, factors such as program accreditation, exam readiness, career goals, and state scope