When pursuing a career in medical assisting, one of the key decisions is whether to pursue the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential or the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential. Both certifications demonstrate a level of competency and can open doors to employment in healthcare, but they have some distinct differences in terms of certifying organizations, eligibility, exam content, and renewal requirements.
Certifying Organizations
- CMA (Certified Medical Assistant): This certification is offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). AAMA is one of the oldest organizations for medical assistants, and the CMA credential is widely recognized in the field. Learn more about the CMA certification at AAMA’s website.
- RMA (Registered Medical Assistant): The RMA credential is offered by American Medical Technologists (AMT). AMT is a certification body for allied health professionals and provides a more flexible range of eligibility options. You can explore RMA certification details on AMT’s website.
Eligibility Requirements
The eligibility requirements for the CMA and RMA certifications differ, especially in terms of educational background and work experience.
- CMA: To sit for the CMA exam, candidates must complete a medical assisting program accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). This requirement ensures that all CMA candidates have received formal, standardized training in medical assisting.
- RMA: AMT provides more pathways to eligibility, making the RMA credential more accessible. Candidates may qualify by completing an accredited medical assisting program, an apprenticeship, or through work experience. The RMA exam allows those with at least three years of full-time medical assisting work (including both clinical and administrative duties) or military medical training to apply.
Exam Details
The CMA and RMA exams both cover essential medical assisting knowledge but have different formats and structures.
- CMA Exam: This exam is administered by PSI Services LLC and consists of 200 multiple-choice questions divided into four 40-minute sections. It covers general medical knowledge, clinical skills, and administrative duties. The AAMA has a 76% pass rate for first-time test takers, and candidates who pass earn the credential of CMA (AAMA), which is valid for five years. More details can be found in the CMA Exam Content Outline.
- RMA Exam: The RMA exam includes similar content areas: clinical, administrative, and general knowledge. This exam also emphasizes skills in patient interaction, medical law, and office management. AMT provides various testing options, and the certification is recognized across many healthcare settings.
Recertification and Continuing Education
Both certifications require regular renewal, but the intervals and methods vary:
- CMA: CMAs must renew their credential every 60 months. Renewal can be done either by retaking the certification exam or by completing 60 continuing education credits within the certification period.
- RMA: RMAs must renew every three years and are required to complete 30 continuing education credits within each renewal cycle. This requirement ensures that RMAs remain updated on the latest practices and standards in healthcare.
Choosing the Right Certification
Deciding between the CMA and RMA certifications depends on your career goals, educational background, and eligibility for the exams. Here are a few considerations:
- CMA: Known for its strict educational standards, the CMA credential is often preferred by employers who emphasize accredited training. CMAs are typically recognized for their well-rounded, formalized education in medical assisting.
- RMA: With multiple eligibility routes, the RMA credential offers flexibility, particularly for those who have gained experience through on-the-job training or apprenticeships. This makes it accessible to a broader range of medical assistants, including those with military medical experience.
Conclusion
Both CMA and RMA certifications can help advance a career in medical assisting. The CMA credential is ideal for those who have completed a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program and seek a widely recognized credential. The RMA credential provides a more flexible pathway, making it suitable for those with varied backgrounds in healthcare.
Understanding the differences between these two credentials and evaluating your eligibility can help you choose the certification that best aligns with your career path and future goals in medical assisting.