What is the Difference Between Registered and Certified Medical Assistants?

Considering a career in medical assisting? You’re not alone. Medical assisting is one of the most popular allied health care careers. But what exactly is the difference between a registered and certified medical assistant?

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Job duties of a registered medical assistant vs. a certified medical assistant

Medical assisting is one of the nation’s fastest-growing careers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Employment of Medical assistants is projected to grow 19% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. The BLS attributes this growth to an increase in the aging baby-boom population and continued expansion of healthcare services.

With such rapid growth comes great responsibility for those in the field, as well as a demand for higher education and certification. But what’s the difference between a registered medical assistant (RMA) and a certified medical assistant (CMA)? Let’s take a closer look.

Job duties of a Registered Medical Assistant vs. a certified medical assistant
Both RMAs and CMAs perform similar day-to-day tasks, such as greeting patients, updating medical records and scheduling appointments. However, there are some key differences in their job duties.

RMAs have more clinical responsibilities, such as taking patient vital signs and administering injections. They also may have more administrative duties, such as handling insurance paperwork and coding patient files. In contrast, CMAs have more patient interaction and often serve as a liaison between the patient and doctor. They may also be responsible for sterilizing equipment and stocking examination rooms.

Education and certification requirements for registered Medical Assistants vs. certified medical assistants
RMAs must complete an accredited medical assisting program that leads to an Associate’s degree or diploma from a community college or vocational school. Once they have completed their education, they must pass the Registered Medical Assistant Exam administered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT). To maintain their credential, RMAs must earn continuing education credits every two years through AMT-approved activities such as attending conferences or taking courses related to their field.

CMAs must also complete an accredited medical assisting program that leads to an Associate’s degree or diploma from a community college or vocational school. In addition, they must pass the Certified Medical Assistant Exam administered by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To maintain their credential, CMAs must recertify every 60 months by either passing the exam again or completing 60 continuing education credits through AAMA-approved activities such as attending conferences or taking courses related to their field.

The educational requirements to become a registered medical assistant vs. a certified medical assistant

There are two types of medical assistants: registered and certified. Registered medical assistants (RMAs) have completed an accredited postsecondary education program, while certified medical assistants (CMAs) have additionally passed a credentialing exam.

The educational requirements to become a registered medical assistant vs. a certified medical assistant are as follows:

Registered Medical Assistant: To become an RMA, you must complete an accredited postsecondary education program. There are many such programs available, both online and offline. Upon completion of your chosen program, you will then need to pass a credentialing exam in order to earn your certification.

Certified Medical Assistant: To become a CMA, you must first complete an accredited postsecondary education program. Once you have completed your schooling, you will then need to pass a credentialing exam in order to earn your certification. In addition to the educational requirements, CMAs must also have at least five years of full-time work experience as a medical assistant.

The certification process for registered medical assistants vs. certified medical assistants

There are two types of medical assistants: registered and certified. Each type of medical assistant has different requirements in terms of education and training.

Registered medical assistants (RMAs) must complete an accredited medical assistant program, which typically takes one year to complete. Upon completion of their program, RMAs must pass a national exam administered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT).

Certified medical assistants (CMAs), on the other hand, must complete an accredited medical assistant program as well as a clinical skills exam administered by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). CMAs must also agree to abide by the AAMA’s Code of Ethics.

The benefits of being a registered medical assistant vs. a certified medical assistant

There are two types of medical assistants: registered and certified. Here are the key differences between the two:

Certified medical assistants (CMAs) must complete an accredited medical assisting program and pass a nationally recognized certification exam, such as the Certified Medical Assistant exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Once certified, they must recertify every 60 months to maintain their credential.

Registered medical assistants (RMAs) are not required to complete an accredited medical assisting program or pass a national certification exam. However, many RMAs do choose to do so in order to enhance their skills and employment prospects. Those who do not complete an accredited program or pass a national exam must meet other requirements set forth by their state’s medical board in order to become registered.

The salary range for registered medical assistants vs. certified medical assistants

While the duties of a medical assistant are similar regardless of certification, there can be a significant difference in salary between registered and certified medical assistants. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for registered medical assistants was $33,610 in May 2016, while the median salary for certified medical assistants was $37,240.

The job outlook for registered medical assistants vs. certified medical assistants

The job outlook for registered medical assistants vs. certified medical assistants is very similar. Both types of medical assistants perform many of the same duties, such as scheduling appointments, taking medical histories, and recording vital signs. The main difference between the two is that certified medical assistants have completed an accredited training program and passed a certification exam, while registered medical assistants may or may not have completed a formal training program. In addition, certified medical assistants may have more responsibilities than registered medical assistants, such as giving injections or performing lab tests.

The states that recognize registered medical assistants vs. certified medical assistants

There are two types of medical assistants – registered and certified. Most states do not regulate medical assistants, so there is no legal difference between the two. In general, registered medical assistants have a higher level of training than certified medical assistants.

Certified medical assistants (CMAs) have completed a postsecondary education program that has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). CAAHEP and ABHES are both recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Registered medical assistants (RMAs) have completed a postsecondary education program that has been accredited by an organization that is not CAAHEP or ABHES.

The National Healthcare Association (NHA) offers a certification for medical assistants, which is available to both registered and certified medical assistants. The NHA certification is recognized by many employers, but it is not required in any state.

The professional organizations for registered medical assistants vs. certified medical assistants

While both registered medical assistants (RMAs) and certified medical assistants (CMAs) perform many of the same duties, there are some important differences between the two.

RMAs are licensed by a state regulatory board, while CMAs are certified by a national organization, such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). In order to become an RMA, one must graduate from an accredited medical assisting program and pass a state-administered exam. To become a CMA, one must graduate from an accredited medical assisting program and pass a national certification exam administered by the AAMA.

The scope of practice for RMAs and CMAs may vary depending on state regulations. In general, RMAs are allowed to perform more clinical duties than CMAs. For example, RMAs may take x-rays or administer injections, while CMAs may not.

The job market is competitive for both RMAs and CMAs. However, because RMAs are licensed by the state, they may have an advantage over CMAs when applying for certain positions.

Both RMAs and CMAs play an important role in providing quality patient care. When choosing between the two, it is important to consider your career goals and the requirements of your desired position.

The differences in scope of practice for registered medical assistants vs. certified medical assistants

The scope of practice for medical assistants varies from state to state. In some states, medical assistants are allowed to perform more invasive procedures, such as giving injections and performing minor surgery. In other states, the scope of practice is more limited.

There are two main types of medical assistants: registered medical assistants (RMAs) and certified medical assistants (CMAs). RMAs have completed a formal education program and have passed a national exam. CMAs have also completed a formal education program but have not passed a national exam.

In general, RMAs have a wider scope of practice than CMAs. However, this is not always the case. Some employers prefer to hire CMAs because they have more knowledge about specific tasks that need to be performed in the office.

The liability insurance requirements for registered medical assistants vs. certified medical assistants

Liability insurance is insurance that protects the policyholder from claims arising from their negligence. Professional liability insurance, also known as malpractice insurance, is a type of liability insurance that is purchased by professionals, such as doctors, lawyers, and accountants, to protect themselves from claims arising from their professional services.

Registered medical assistants (RMAs) are required to have liability insurance, but the requirements for certified medical assistants (CMAs) vary by state. In some states, CMAs are not required to have liability insurance, while in others they are only required to have it if they perform certain tasks, such as administering injections or taking X-rays.

The main difference between registered and certified medical assistants is that RMAs are registered with a national organization, while CMAs are certified by a state agency.