CMA vs. RMA: Which Medical Assistant Certification Should You Choose Online?
If you are browsing through online classes for a medical assistant, you have likely run into two sets of letters that seem to dominate every job board: CMA and RMA. At first glance, they look nearly identical. Both require an exam, both lead to a career in a doctor's office, and both promise a boost in your paycheck.
However, choosing the wrong path can lead to frustration if your state or preferred employer has specific standards. Understanding the nuance between a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) is the key to ensuring your digital education pays off the moment you graduate. Let's break down the differences so you can make an informed choice for your future.
The Gold Standard: Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
The CMA is the "heritage" credential in the industry, offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). It is often viewed as the most prestigious because its eligibility requirements are the strictest.
Eligibility: To sit for the CMA exam, you must graduate from a medical assistant program accredited by either CAAHEP or ABHES. If your online school does not carry one of these specific stamps of approval, you cannot take this test.
The Exam: This test is known for being rigorous. It consists of 200 multiple-choice questions divided into four segments. It leans heavily into clinical knowledge but covers administrative law and ethics extensively.
Best For: Those aiming for positions in large metropolitan hospitals, academic medical centers, or highly competitive specialty clinics. Many top-tier employers explicitly ask for "CMA (AAMA)" in their job descriptions.
The Flexible Alternative: Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
The RMA is issued by American Medical Technologists (AMT) and has grown significantly in popularity. It is highly respected and carries a reputation for being a more "real-world" focused credential.
Eligibility: The RMA offers more pathways to success. While you can qualify by graduating from an accredited program (similar to the CMA), the RMA also allows for work-experience pathways. If you have worked as a medical assistant for several years or have military medic training, you may be eligible to sit for the exam without going back to school.
The Exam: The test includes 210 questions. While it covers the same general topics as the CMA, many professionals feel the RMA places a slightly higher emphasis on the practical, administrative side of running a medical office.
Best For: Students who want a broad range of job opportunities in private practices, urgent care centers, and community clinics. It is also the ideal choice for those who are already working in the field and want to "level up" their credentials.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | CMA (AAMA) | RMA (AMT) |
| Industry Standing | Often viewed as the "Gold Standard" | Highly respected & widely accepted |
| Education Requirement | Accredited program strictly required | Accredited program or work experience |
| Exam Cost | ~$125 (members) to $250 | ~$120 |
| Recertification | Every 5 years (60 points) | Every 3 years (30 points) |
| Average Pay | Often commands a 10-15% premium | Competitive, slightly below CMA in some regions |
Does Your Choice Affect Your Salary?
While the online medical assistant certification you choose will help you secure a job, the salary difference between a CMA and an RMA is often minimal. In most states, both credentials will qualify you for the same "Certified/Registered" pay scale.
However, recent data suggests that CMAs might have a slight edge in high-pressure environments like surgical centers, where the starting hourly rate can be $1.00 to $2.00 higher due to the perceived rigor of the AAMA requirements. Conversely, RMAs often find it easier to transition into administrative lead roles or office management, where their diverse skill set is highly valued.
The "Third Option": CCMA
As you research virtual medical assistant training, you will also see the CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
The Difference: The CCMA is often the fastest to obtain, with many online programs lasting only 4 to 9 months.
The Focus: It focuses almost entirely on clinical tasks (like phlebotomy and EKG). If you know you want to be "in the back" with patients all day, this is a strong, budget-friendly contender.
How to Choose the Right Path for You
Before you click "enroll" on any distance learning medical assistant program, take these three steps:
Check Local Job Boards: Search for medical assistant jobs in your city. Do the listings say "CMA required" or "CMA/RMA preferred"? This tells you which credential holds the most weight in your local market.
Verify Accreditation: Ensure your online school is accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES if you have your heart set on the CMA. If they are not, you will be limited to the RMA or CCMA.
Consider Your Timeline: If you need to enter the workforce as quickly as possible, a CCMA or RMA-focused program might get you there months sooner than a traditional associate degree path.
Ultimately, having any national credential is significantly better than having none. Certification proves to doctors that you are a dedicated professional who has mastered the skills necessary to keep patients safe.
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