Becoming a certified medical assistant in Arizona is a valuable step for those looking to advance their career in healthcare. While certification is not legally required to work as a medical assistant in Arizona, obtaining certification can enhance job prospects, validate one’s skills, and open the door to more career opportunities. In Arizona, there are two main certification options for medical assistants: the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) through American Medical Technologists (AMT). Each certification has distinct requirements and benefits. This guide outlines the differences and requirements for each option.
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
The CMA credential, provided by the AAMA, is a widely recognized certification in the field of medical assisting. To obtain this credential, candidates must pass the CMA exam, a rigorous test covering clinical, administrative, and general healthcare knowledge.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the CMA exam, candidates must graduate from a medical assisting program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). The Arizona College’s Medical Assistant with Phlebotomy program, which prepares students to sit for the CMA exam, is one such accredited program.
Exam Details
The CMA exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions divided into four 40-minute segments. Administered by PSI Services LLC, the exam is designed to be comprehensive, testing candidates on various aspects of healthcare delivery, including clinical and administrative tasks. To pass, candidates need a score of 430 or higher.
Certification and Renewal
Once certified, CMAs must renew their credential every 60 months. Recertification can be achieved by completing continuing education or retaking the certification exam. Additionally, the AAMA offers digital badges to CMAs, allowing them to easily share their credential with employers and on social media.
Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
The RMA credential is awarded by AMT and offers a flexible pathway to certification, with several eligibility routes designed to accommodate candidates with different educational and professional backgrounds.
Eligibility Requirements
Candidates can qualify for the RMA exam through one of the following routes:
- Education: Graduates of an accredited medical assistant program with at least 720 hours of instruction, including a 160-hour externship, are eligible. Graduates must apply within four years of program completion.
- Workforce Development Program: Candidates who have completed a DOL-registered apprenticeship or an approved workforce development program may also qualify.
- Work Experience: Medical assistants with three years of full-time work experience (at least 5,616 hours) that includes both clinical and administrative duties can apply.
- Military: Recent graduates of a formal U.S. Armed Forces medical services training program are eligible.
- Instructor: Those who have taught in an accredited medical assisting program for at least five years, or three years if they have clinical experience, may qualify.
Exam Details
The RMA exam evaluates a candidate’s knowledge in both clinical and administrative areas. Applicants must pass with a score of at least 70. Once certified, RMAs must renew their certification annually through continued competency activities.
Key Differences Between CMA and RMA Certifications
Both the CMA and RMA certifications validate a candidate’s competency as a medical assistant, but there are key differences between the two:
- Eligibility Flexibility: The RMA certification offers multiple eligibility routes, accommodating a wider range of candidates, including those with extensive work experience or military training. The CMA, on the other hand, requires completion of an accredited program.
- Exam Content: Both exams cover clinical and administrative tasks, but the CMA exam has a reputation for being more challenging and detailed, with a specific scoring requirement.
- Recertification: CMAs must renew their certification every five years, whereas RMAs renew annually through continued competency activities, which may include continuing education.
How Certification Can Boost Your Career
Although not mandatory in Arizona, certification as a medical assistant can significantly enhance job prospects. Certified medical assistants may qualify for higher salaries, better job stability, and greater career advancement opportunities compared to non-certified peers. Certification demonstrates a commitment to the field, indicating to employers that the candidate has met a recognized standard of education and competence.
Whether you choose the CMA or RMA path, Arizona College’s Medical Assistant with Phlebotomy program provides a solid foundation, equipping students with the skills needed to pass either exam and succeed in a healthcare setting. Additionally, career services are available to help graduates with resume building, interview preparation, and job placement, maximizing their chances of securing employment in the medical field.
Choosing between the CMA and RMA certification depends on your educational background, career goals, and preferred credentialing organization. Both certifications have unique benefits, and either can be a valuable asset in starting or advancing a career as a medical assistant in Arizona.