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

There are a few different types of Medical assistants but the two most common are registered Medical Assistants (RMAs) and certified medical assistants (CMAs). So, what’s the difference between the two?

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Job duties

The main difference between a registered medical assistant (RMA) and a certified medical assistant (CMA) is the credential each earns after completing an accredited training program and passing a credentialing exam. An RMA credential is granted by the American Medical Technologists (AMT), while a CMA credential is granted by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

While both RMAs and CMAs perform similar administrative and clinical tasks in doctors’ offices, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings, CMAs may have more responsibilities, including patient education, than RMAs.

Both RMAs and CMAs must complete accredited training programs that generally last about a year. During their training, students learn how to take medical histories, measure patients’ vital signs, prepare patients for examinations, assist with procedures, collect laboratory specimens, perform basic laboratory tests, schedule appointments, handle billing and insurance paperwork, code medical documents according to insurance company requirements, and perform other administrative tasks.

Education and training

The main difference between a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) and a certified medical assistant (CMA) is their education and training. RMAs have completed formal education and training through an accredited institution, while CMAs have gone through a certification process that includes passing an exam administered by a professional organization. Both RMAs and CMAs perform similar duties, but RMAs may have more responsibilities and be able to perform more complex tasks due to their formal education.

Certification

To work as a medical assistant, you do not need to be certified. However, many employers prefer or require certification, and some states have laws regarding certification. There are two main types of certification for medical assistants: the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential and the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential. Here’s a look at the differences between these two credentials.

The RMA credential is offered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT). To qualify for the RMA exam, you must have completed an accredited medical assistant program or have at least five years of work experience as a medical assistant. The CMA credential is offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To qualify for the CMA exam, you must have completed an accredited medical assistant program.

Both exams cover topics such as Medical Terminology anatomy and physiology, patient care, administrative duties, and clinical procedures. The RMA exam is longer (three hours) and has more questions (200) than the CMA exam (two hours, 150 questions). The passing score for the RMA exam is 70%, while the passing score for the CMA exam is 75%.

If you pass either exam, you’ll need to renew your credential every few years. To do so, you’ll need to complete continuing education credits and pay a Renewal Fee.

Salary

A certified medical assistant (CMA) is a medical assistant who has been certified by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). A registered medical assistant (RMA) is a medical assistant who has been registered with the American Medical Technologists (AMT).

The main difference between the two is that CMAs must complete an accredited medical assisting program and pass a certification exam, while RMAs only need to complete a medical assisting program. Both CMAs and RMAs are required to complete continuing education credits (CECs) to maintain their certifications.

In terms of salary, both CMAs and RMAs earn about the same. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for medical assistants was $33,580 in 2018. However, those with certification or registration may earn slightly more.

Job outlook

The job outlook for medical assistants is very good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of medical assistants will grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2016 to 2026. The growth of the aging baby-boom generation will continue to spur demand for preventive medical services, which are often provided by physician assistants. As practices look to increase efficiency and provide more services in less time, they will turn to medical assistants to perform routine administrative and clinical duties so that physicians can see more patients.

Registered medical assistants vs. certified medical assistants

There are two credentials that medical assistants can earn to show employers and patients that they have the skills and knowledge to perform their jobs: certification and registration. In some states, medical assistants must be registered with the state in order to work in a medical office; in others, certification is optional but may be preferred or required by employers.

Certification for medical assistants is offered by several organizations, including the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), the American Medical Technologists (AMT), and the National Healthcare Association (NHA). To be eligible for certification, candidates must graduate from an accredited medical assisting program and pass a written exam. Once they have earned their certification, medical assistants can use the credential “CMA” (Certified Medical Assistant), “RMA” (Registered Medical Assistant), or “NCMA” (National Certified Medical Assistant) after their name.

In contrast, registration is a process through which medical assistantsapply to a state agency in order to be listed in a registry of MAs who are authorized to work in that state. Some states have their own MA registration programs, while others use other agencies, such as the AAMA, to maintain their registries. In order to be registered, candidates must usually submit an application and fee, as well as proof that they have graduated from an accredited MA program. Once they have been registered, medical assistants can use the credential “RMA” (Registered Medical Assistant) after their name.

Key takeaways

Medical assistants can work in various medical settings, including doctors’ offices, clinics and hospitals. They perform administrative and clinical tasks, such as taking vital signs, administering injections and scheduling appointments.

There are two types of medical assistants: registered medical assistants (RMAs) and certified medical assistants (CMAs). RMAs are certified by the American Medical Technologists (AMT), while CMAs are certified by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

Both RMAs and CMAs must graduate from an accredited medical assisting program and pass a national certification exam. The main difference between the two is that RMAs need to have completed a formal education, while CMAs do not necessarily need to have completed a formal education. In addition, RMAs need to complete continuing education credits every year to maintain their certification, while CMAs only need to recertify every five years.