What’s the Difference Between a Registered Medical Assistant and a Certified Medical Assistant?

The title of medical assistant is not regulated by any governmental agency. This means that there is no difference, legally, between a medical assistant who has the title “registered medical assistant” (RMA) and a medical assistant who has the title “certified medical assistant” (CMA).

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Job duties of a medical assistant

The duties of a medical assistant may vary depending on the state in which he or she works and the policies of the specific medical facility. In general, Medical assistants perform both administrative and clinical tasks. These may include but are not limited to greeting patients, answering phones, scheduling appointments, taking and recording medical histories and vital signs, preparing patients for examination, assisting the physician during the exam, performing diagnostic tests and laboratory procedures, instructing patients on medications and special diets, drawing blood, changing dressings, removing sutures and staples, handling correspondence and billing.

The difference between a registered medical assistant and a certified medical assistant

The title “medical assistant” is not regulated, which means that anyone can call themselves a medical assistant regardless of their training or experience. However, there are two nationally recognized medical assistant credentialing organizations: the National Healthcare Association (NHA) and the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To earn either credential, candidates must pass a standardized exam.

Registered medical assistants (RMAs) are those who have earned their credential through the NHA. Certified medical assistants (CMAs) are those who have earned their credential through the AAMA. Both RMAs and CMAs have completed an accredited medical assisting education program and have passed a standardized exam.

There are some differences in the exams that RMAs and CMAs take. The CMA exam covers more clinical skills than the RMA exam, and the CMA exam is longer and more difficult. CMAs are also required to complete continuing education credits every year to maintain their credential, whereas RMAs are not.

In terms of job duties, both RMAs and CMAs perform similar tasks, such as taking medical histories, measuring vital signs, administering injections, scheduling appointments, and handling billing and insurance paperwork. The main difference between RMAs and CMAs is that RMAs tend to work in smaller medical practices where they have more generalist duties, while CMAs tend to work in larger medical practices where they specialize in one or two areas of patient care.

The education and training required for a medical assistant

While both medical assistants and certified medical assistants (CMAs) need to complete an accredited training program, there are some key differences in the education and certification required for each role.

Medical assistants typically have a postsecondary certificate or diploma from a community college, vocational school, or accredited program. Some states also require medical assistants to be licensed or registered. In contrast, certified medical assistants must have completed an accredited medical assisting program and passed a national exam administered by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

Both registered medical assistants (RMAs) and CMAs perform administrative and clinical tasks in doctors’ offices, clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare settings. They may take patient histories, schedule appointments, bill insurance companies, answer phones, stock examination rooms, prepare patients for examination, assist physicians during examinations, and perform basic laboratory tests. Many medical assistants specialize in areas such as ophthalmology or podiatry.

Although both types of medical assistant can perform many of the same duties, CMAs typically have more clinical responsibilities than RMAs. In addition to completing an accredited education program and passing the AAMA’s national exam, CMAs must also complete continuing education credits every year to maintain their certification.

The skills needed to be a successful medical assistant

Medical assistants are multi-skilled health professionals specifically trained to work in outpatient care facilities such as medical offices and clinics. They perform administrative and clinical tasks that support the work of physicians and other health care providers. They are also known as clinic assistants, medical office assistants, and health care assistants.

The duties of medical assistants vary from office to office, but there are some specific skills that all successful medical assistants share.

above all, medical assistants must be able to multitask. They may be required to answer phones, schedule appointments, maintain patient records, handle correspondence, and perform other administrative duties while also assisting physicians with patient examinations and treatments.

Medical assistants must have excellent communication skills. They interact with patients, families, physicians, and other health care professionals on a daily basis and must be able to communicate effectively in both written and verbal formats.

In order to perform their job duties effectively, medical assistants must have a strong understanding of basic Medical Terminology anatomy, and physiology. They should also be familiar with common diagnostic tests and procedures as well as the medications used to treat various conditions.

Other important skills for medical assistants include excellent customer service skills, strong organizational abilities, attention to detail, and the ability to work well under pressure. Medical assistants who are bilingual or have experience working with specific populations such as pediatrics or geriatrics may have an advantage in the job market

The job outlook for medical assistants

The job outlook for medical assistants is expected to grow by 29% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow because of the continuing need for cost-effective preventive care and the expansion of healthcare services to rural and inner-city areas.

The average salary for a medical assistant

The average salary for a medical assistant in the United States is $15.76 per hour. Medical assistants can be either certified or registered, but there is no significant difference in salary between the two. Certification is not required to work as a medical assistant, but it may give you an advantage when applying for jobs.

The benefits of becoming a medical assistant

There are many benefits to becoming a medical assistant. Medical assistants are in high demand and the job outlook is very positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 29 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Medical assistants perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians and other health practitioners running smoothly. The duties of medical assistants vary from office to office, but they generally include taking and recording medical histories and vital signs, preparing patients for examination, helping to conduct tests, scheduling appointments and assisting with office procedures.

There are two types of medical assistants: registered medical assistants (RMAs) and certified medical assistants (CMAs). RMAs are trained on the job or through formal postsecondary education programs, while CMAs must graduate from accredited programs and pass a national certification exam. Either type of medical assistant can perform clerical and clinical tasks in a healthcare setting.

The challenges of being a medical assistant

Medical assistants are one of the most versatile and in-demand Allied health professions. They perform both clinical and administrative tasks in hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics, and other healthcare settings.

Since they play such a vital role in the day-to-day operations of healthcare facilities, medical assistants must be well-trained and able to handle a variety of tasks. They must be able to work closely with patients, doctors, and other members of the healthcare team.

Although there is no one “right” way to become a medical assistant, most will need to complete an accredited training program. Upon completion of their training, they may choose to take a certification exam to earn the title of Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). Other medical assistants may choose to become registered medical assistants (RMAs) instead.

Both CMAs and RMAs perform similar duties, but there are some key differences between the two roles. To help you decide which path is right for you, we’ve outlined the key differences between CMAs and RMAs below.

10 reasons to become a medical assistant

If you’re considering a career in healthcare, you may be wondering what the difference is between a registered medical assistant (RMA) and a certified medical assistant (CMA). Both RMAs and CMAs perform many of the same tasks, such as taking patient medical histories and vital signs, assisting with examinations, and performing basic laboratory tests. Here are 10 reasons why you should become a medical assistant:

1. Medical assistants are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of medical assistants will grow 29 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.
2. Medical assistants can earn a good salary. The median annual wage for medical assistants was $32,480 in 2016.
3. Medical assistants have many job opportunities. They can work in doctor’s offices, clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities.
4. Medical assistants can choose from many different specialties. Some specialize in working with children, while others may choose to work in ophthalmology or surgery.
5. Medical assistants can find job satisfaction in helping others. They often form close relationships with their patients and their families and can take great satisfaction in knowing that they have helped make someone’s life better.
6. Medical assistants can have a flexible work schedule . Many medical assistants work part time or full time .
7 . Medical assistants usually work during regular business hours . This allows them to have evenings and weekends free for family or other personal pursuits .
8 . Medical assistants generally have good benefits . Many employers offer health insurance , paid vacation , and sick days , as well as retirement plans .
9 . Medical assistants can receive on-the-job training . Many employers will provide training for new employees who have no prior experience working as a medical assistant .
10 . After completing an accredited education program , many states require that medical assistants take an exam to become certified or licensed to practice medicine . This certification demonstrates that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their duties safely and effectively

5 things you didn’t know about medical assistants

1. Medical assistants can be either registered or certified. The main difference between the two is that registered medical assistants must complete an accredited training program and pass a national exam, while certified medical assistants only need to pass a national exam.

2. Medical assistants are trained to perform both administrative and clinical tasks. This means they can work in a variety of settings, from doctor’s offices and hospitals to clinics and nursing homes

3. Most medical assistants have an associate degree or certificate from a community college or vocational school. However, some employers may require certification from an accredited program.

4. Medical assistants are in high demand! The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment of medical assistants will grow 29 percent from 2016 to 2026—much faster than the average for all occupations.

5. Medical assistants typically make between $12 and $18 per hour, with the median salary being $14.50 per hour.