A medical assistant can earn one of two credentials. She can become a certified medical assistant (CMA) or a registered medical assistant (RMA). These credentials are not legally required for employment as a medical assistant. However, individuals with these credentials are highly sought after by employers who understand that such individuals have demonstrated a specific level of competence
in educational knowledge as well as clinical and administrative skills in order to have earned the
credential. The CMA and RMA credentials are sometimes confused with certificates of attendance awarded for completion of individual classes or workshops. However, they are not the same thing. They represent a much more comprehensive level of education and skill than what might be provided by any single class or workshop. Only individuals who have earned the CMA and RMA certification credential are entitled to use the letters CMA or RMA (in capitals) after their names to designate their level of educational achievement.
Whether a medical assistant elects to earn the CMA or RMA credential is a matter of personal preference. There is very little difference between the two as far as knowledge, skills, or scope of practice. Students interested in becoming credentialed should visit the websites listed at the end of this chapter, gather information about each, and make an informed choice.
RMA examinations are offered at testing center locations throughout the country every week. Upon successful completion of the examination, medical assistants earn the privilege of using the RMA credential after their name on their name badge and on all official documents.
in educational knowledge as well as clinical and administrative skills in order to have earned the
credential. The CMA and RMA credentials are sometimes confused with certificates of attendance awarded for completion of individual classes or workshops. However, they are not the same thing. They represent a much more comprehensive level of education and skill than what might be provided by any single class or workshop. Only individuals who have earned the CMA and RMA certification credential are entitled to use the letters CMA or RMA (in capitals) after their names to designate their level of educational achievement.
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| Teaching Patients About Medical Assistant's Role |
Whether a medical assistant elects to earn the CMA or RMA credential is a matter of personal preference. There is very little difference between the two as far as knowledge, skills, or scope of practice. Students interested in becoming credentialed should visit the websites listed at the end of this chapter, gather information about each, and make an informed choice.
Certified Medical Assistant
Medical assistants earn the CMA credential by passing an examination offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants.To be eligible to take the examination, a person must have graduated from a program of medical assisting that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or by the Accreditation Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Students wishing to sit for the certification examination offered by the AAMA can take their exam within a 3-month period after applying for the examination. Upon successful completion of the examination, medical assistants earn the privilege of using the CMA (AAMA) title after their name on their name badge and on all official documents. Recertification occurs every 5 years by continuing education or by reexamination.
Registered Medical Assistant
Medical assistants earn the RMA credential by passing an examination offered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT), a national certifying organization for laboratory professionals. There are three ways that individuals may qualify for the examination. They must have:
1. Graduated from a medical assisting program accredited by the ABHES or an organization approved by the U.S. Department of Education
2. Graduated from a formal medical services program of the U.S. Armed Forces
3. Been employed in the profession of medical assisting for at least 5 years.
RMA examinations are offered at testing center locations throughout the country every week. Upon successful completion of the examination, medical assistants earn the privilege of using the RMA credential after their name on their name badge and on all official documents.